Vision: Building Colorado Science/STEM Education Leadership pK-16 To Support Implementation of the Colorado Science Standards.

Mission: Bring stakeholders together through professional learning, collegial networks, advocacy, equity, ongoing communication, access to research and resources, and national science education issues.

CSEN is a National Science Education Leadership Association affiliate. NSELA is the premier association for science education leaders in the U.S.

CSEN History:

• Founded 1997 after CONNECT (CO Statewide Systemic Initiative for Mathematics and Science with funding from NSF and support from Governor Romer

• Free membership that continues with about 500 members

• Active list serve hosted through CU Boulder that continues

• Original focus to support CDE’s work on science standards implementation and assessment through building statewide K-16 leadership

• Stakeholders: K-12 district, school and BOCES leaders; higher education science education faculty; informal science educators; government science laboratories; and community members

• Steering Committee with a chair but no elected board or treasurer

• No nonprofit status

• Held four - six half or full day professional meetings during academic year hosted by school districts, informal education sites, and national laboratories

• Start of pandemic developed six projects to support science/STEM educators and families/guardians

• Current: new affiliate member of the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA); NSELA website:nsela.org