Students work on a science experiment at DSST: Cole High School in Denver. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, DSST students who maintain the designated GPA of 3.8, complete advanced math and science coursework, and graduate with a STEM certificate from any DSST high school will be eligible for guaranteed admission into any four‑year bachelor of science degree program at Mines. (Photo courtesy of DSST Public Schools)
Colorado School of Mines and DSST Public Schools announced a guaranteed admission pathway that will provide qualifying DSST graduates with a direct route to one of the nation’s top STEM universities. This new agreement strengthens the long‑standing connection between the two institutions and creates a clear, high‑achievement pathway into Mines’ nationally recognized engineering and applied science programs.
Under the agreement, DSST students who maintain the designated GPA of 3.8, complete advanced math and science coursework, and graduate with a STEM certificate from any DSST high school will be eligible for guaranteed admission into any four‑year bachelor of science degree program at Mines. The pathway reflects the shared academic rigor of both institutions and the strong preparation DSST students receive in STEM disciplines.
“Guaranteed admission to Mines affirms the exceptional level of preparation our students achieve through DSST’s STEM‑focused curriculum,” DSST CEO Nella García Urban said. “This pathway recognizes the depth of their academic work and provides a clear, ambitious next step for those pursuing engineering, computer science, and other technical fields.”
In addition to guaranteed admission, the partnership expands opportunities for DSST students to engage with Mines faculty, labs and hands‑on learning experiences; participate in specialized workshops and summer programs; and receive targeted advising to support their transition from high school to college. Mines will also collaborate with DSST educators to align coursework and enrichment opportunities with the expectations of rigorous STEM majors.
“This pathway is a testament to the shared values of Mines and DSST - academic rigor, a passion for discovery, and a commitment to excellence,” said Lori Kester, associate provost of enrollment management at Colorado School of Mines. “We’re proud to provide a seamless transition for these high-achieving students so they can continue to push the boundaries of science and engineering right here in Colorado, ultimately fueling the workforce and technical solutions our state and industry partners depend on.”
The guaranteed admission pathway builds on a strong existing pipeline of DSST graduates who already attend Mines each year. This pathway is not the only way DSST students are able to earn admission to Mines, but the agreement formalizes that connection by offering earlier clarity, deeper academic alignment and a more intentional bridge from DSST’s STEM certificate program to Mines’ demanding undergraduate degrees.
“Moving from DSST to Colorado School of Mines was a big step in my life, both difficult and exciting,” DSST alumni and current Mines student Atziry Ricalday shared. “DSST provided strong STEM resources and support during the college and scholarship application process. Even though Mines has been challenging, the foundation I built at DSST helped me adjust to a new environment. Partnerships like this are very important because they help students who are interested in STEM find a clearer path. As a Hispanic woman pursuing engineering, access to opportunities and support systems like this can be life-changing, helping more students feel like they belong in STEM and giving them the confidence to pursue these careers.”
Current DSST students also expressed enthusiasm about the pathway and the opportunity it creates.
“As a DSST: Cedar Falcon interested in the STEM field, and who is also still uncertain about his future, this partnership with Mines is an exciting opportunity that creates a path for students interested in pursuing engineering careers after high school,” DSST: Cedar senior Samuel Abril shared. “It makes the goal of attending Mines feel more attainable.”
The guaranteed admission pathway will launch in the 2026–27 school year.
About DSST Public Schools
DSST Public Schools (DSST) operates a network of STEM middle and high schools in Denver and Aurora, Colorado. DSST serves over 7,600 students at 16 schools across eight campuses on behalf of Denver Public Schools and Aurora Public Schools. All DSST students enroll via an open lottery--there are no other admissions criteria. DSST believes students are best served by integrated public schools that reflect the diversity of their community--nearly 90% of DSST students are students of color and more than 70% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. In 2018, DSST was awarded the Broad Prize and recognized as the top charter school network in the country.
About Colorado School of Mines
Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and solutions to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future. Learn more at mines.edu.
About Mines
Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future.
