DENVER - Today, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera visited Englewood Middle School to celebrate their 2025 National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Scholarship and highlight some of the students' innovative sustainability projects.
While at Englewood Middle School, Lt. Governor Primavera toured the school's STEM lab where 6th–8th grade students demonstrated their "Sustainability and Upcycling Project." Led by STEM teacher Jackie Weisfield, the initiative encourages students to use the engineering design process to transform discarded mini-blinds into unique pieces of artwork. The scholarship funds are being used to purchase equipment to continue developing more hands-on learning experiences.
"Colorado is at the forefront of innovation, and Englewood Middle School is a great example of the success of environmental education,” said Lt. Governor Primavera. "Encouraging students to explore STEM, and foster creativity, resourcefulness, and environmental awareness—prepares students to be the scientific leaders and innovators of the future."
The NLGA STEM Scholarship Program awards up to $1,000 to 12 schools across 12 different states, territories, and Tribes to advance STEM education. Englewood Middle School is the second Colorado school to have received this competitive scholarship, joining Strasburg High School, which received the award in 2022.
Lt. Governor Primavera was joined at Englewood Middle School by Joanna Polzin, Superintendent of Englewood Schools; Annessa Hart, Principal of Englewood Middle School; Jackie Weisfield, STEM Teacher and Scholarship Project Lead; and members of the Englewood Schools Board of Education.
"This scholarship allows us to provide our students with real-world problem-solving experiences that connect STEM learning to environmental stewardship," said Jackie Weisfield, STEM Teacher. "Our students are learning that they can make a difference—one creative solution at a time."
Colorado educators are encouraged to apply for this year's 2026 NLGA STEM Scholarship. Applications are open until March 6, 2026. The program provides up to $1,000 to support STEM education through curriculum, equipment, software, club or competition fees, and other related expenses. For more information, visit https://nlga.us/stem-scholarship-program/.
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