Programs

  Colorado Mountain College is proud to celebrate Kirsten Brendtro, a science teacher at Steamboat Springs High School and adjunct faculty member in CMC’s Biology Department, who was recently named the Steamboat Springs School District’s 2025-2026 Educator of the Year. Brendtro was recognized for her commitment to student success, innovative programming, and leadership in creating opportunities that prepare students for college and future careers. As Career and Technical Education (CTE) coordinator and a science educator, she has helped connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, giving students meaningful pathways into STEM fields and other professions. For Colorado Mountain College, Brendtro’s impact extends beyond the high school classroom. Through concurrent enrollment courses offered in partnership with CMC, she helps students earn college credit while still in high school, providing an affordable and accessible pathway to higher education. As an adjunct faculty member in the Biology Department, she brings college-level expectations and scientific inquiry into her teaching, helping students build the skills and confidence needed for success after graduation. Among her many accomplishments, Brendtro developed and leads a biotechnology program that gives students hands-on experience with advanced laboratory techniques and scientific research. The program provides students with opportunities to engage in college-level learning while exploring careers in biology, health sciences, and related STEM fields. The Steamboat Springs School District highlighted Brendtro’s efforts to strengthen partnerships between schools, local businesses, and community organizations. Her leadership has helped create internships, career exploration opportunities, and industry connections that benefit students throughout the Yampa Valley. At Colorado Mountain College, we are grateful for educators like Brendtro who help bridge the gap between high school and higher education. Her recognition as Educator of the Year reflects a dedication to student achievement and the power of partnerships that expand educational opportunities for learners across northwest Colorado. Read the full… Read more: Steamboat Springs Educator of the Year Recognized for Expanding Opportunities for Students

This agreement establishes a “Guaranteed Admission” pathway for CMC transfer students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and commitment to STEM through the CMC Pre-Engineering program. It reflects a shared belief that students who meet these standards are prepared to thrive in Mines’ rigorous academic environment and contribute to its innovative STEM community. This agreement outlines the guaranteed admissions requirements and does not replace the Transfer Articulation Agreement between CMC and Mines. Terms of Guaranteed Admissions Eligibility: CMC Transfer students only. Mines defines a transfer student as a student who has enrolled at a college or university and has graduated from high school, or earned a GED equivalent, and has completed 12 or more college credits. Concurrent Enrollment students who do not meet the definition of a transfer student at Mines (e.g. students who do not complete 12+ credits in addition to High School/GED graduation) should apply as a first-year student to Mines through the Mines Undergraduate Admissions process. Required GPA and Coursework: Transfer Pathway Program students with an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher from CMC at the time of application, and who have earned a B or above in each of the five required classes listed below, will be guaranteed admission, provided they meet all other standard admission requirements outlined in the Mines catalog. Students who have not met the overall 3.25 GPA requirement or have earned grades lower than B in any of the required six core classes are invited to apply, but their application will undergo additional review. In this case, the Mines Transfer Admissions Coordinator will meet individually with students to review options for continuing in the guaranteed admissions pathway. Required CMC classes MAT 2410 – Calculus I MAT 2420 – Calculus II CHE 1111 – Gen College Chem I/Lab PHY 2111 – Physics Calc-Based… Read more: Guaranteed Admission Agreement and Transfer Pathway Program for Students from Colorado Mountain College with the Colorado School of Mines