# couragion.com > AI-optimized mirror of couragion.com containing 51 pages totalling 51 words of clean markdown content, structured data, and semantic HTML. Original source: https://couragion.com/. Last updated: 2026-06-15T05:09:21.119Z. Each page is available as HTML (with JSON-LD structured data) and Markdown (text-only, ideal for LLMs and RAG). ## Homepage - [Inclusive Work-Based Learning Experiences | Couragion](/content/site-root.html): Couragion helps people learn about potential career options with real role models, develop a better understanding of how STEM careers align to their skills, values and interests, and map the recommended STEM education and career paths in order to get there., Couragion helps people learn about potential career options with real role models, develop a better understanding of how STEM careers align to their skills, values and interests, and map the recommended STEM education and career paths in order to get there. (1 words) ## Articles & Blog Posts - [National STEM Day Highlight Reel — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2019/11/7/national-stem-day-highlight-reel/index.html): As we celebrate National STEM Day today, I wanted to take the opportunity to share some Couragion insights through our 5 year journey of determined focus on boosting both the number and diversity of individuals seeking STEM-related career pathways. Instead of compiling a list of lessons learned, w, (1 words) - [Resolve To Be A Mentor During National Mentoring Month — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/1/8/resolve-to-be-a-mentor-during-national-mentoring-month.html): Happy New Year! With it being not only a new year but also a new decade, I’m feeling a bit of extra pressure on making resolutions. Do you feel that way too? If one of your resolutions is to increase your volunteering activities, consider being a mentor! January is National Mentoring Month . Led , (1 words) - [11 Ideas for Effective Remote Externships This Summer — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/4/26/11-ideas-for-effective-remote-externships-this-summer.html): Work-based learning experiences, such as externships and internships, can be transformative for professional development and training effectiveness. STEMpath, our professional learning program for educators developed in partnership with mindSpark Learning and Metropolitan State University of Denver,, (1 words) - [Couragion Finds Forever Home with MindSpark Learning — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2021/6/14/couragion-finds-forever-home-with-mindspark-learning.html): We have exciting news to share - the Couragion family is growing by 22 employees, one fantastic building, and a shared vision for inclusive change through workforce development experiences. Today, we become part of MindSpark Learning in a much-anticipated acquisition. I will join the MindSpark team , (1 words) - [Bridging The Tech Career Confidence Gap With Couragion Challenges — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2019/9/30/bridging-the-tech-career-confidence-gap-with-couragion-challenges.html): Over 70% of individuals cite confidence as a factor that discourages them from pursuing a technology career – this is according to a 2018 research study conducted by CompTIA with 1,000 18- to 34-year-olds. The research study also found that the number one reason cited for lack of confidence in the, (1 words) - [Support Workforce Development With Couragion’s Mechanical Engineering Challenge — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2019/9/17/support-workforce-development-with-couragions-mechanical-engineering-challenge.html): With September being Workforce Development Month , it is the perfect time to share another blog post in my series that has revealed details about Couragion’s new Engineering Challenges. Workforce Development Month brings attention to the need for funding and training to address the growing skills g, (1 words) - [STEMpath Externships Provide Transformative, Real World Experiences for Teachers — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/7/31/stempath-externships-provide-transformative-real-world-experiences-for-teachers.html): Work-based learning experiences, such as externships and internships, can be transformative for professional development and training effectiveness. STEMpath, our professional learning program for educators developed in partnership with mindSpark Learning and Metropolitan State University of Denver,, (1 words) - [Middle Grades Career and Technical Education — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/9/29/middle-grades-career-and-technical-education/index.html): In March 2020, Advance CTE and the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) released a report entitled Broadening the Path: Design Principles for Middle Grades CTE. While March was a tough time to release a new report, many factors make this information important to hear about and act, (1 words) - [Community School Boosts Students’ STEM Confidence with Couragion — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/8/31/community-school-boosts-students-stem-confidence-with-couragion.html): It can be challenging to integrate real-world context and relevance into student coursework in the midst of a pandemic. We thought we'd share a case study from one of our partner schools who has worked with Couragion on career exploration and virtual work-based learning experiences over the past 4 y, (1 words) - [New Teacher Institutes Boost Engineering Teacher Capacity — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/2/12/new-education-preparation-program-boosts-engineering-teacher-capacity.html): Developing engineering onramps for K-12 students is mission critical to address the U.S. engineering worker shortage. According to a report by Burning Glass and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the amount of available engineering jobs is 15% higher than the number of engineering workers. Thi, (1 words) - [Upskilling as a Tool for Attracting and Retaining Your Human Capital — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2021/10/31/upskilling-as-a-tool-for-attracting-and-retaining-your-human-capital.html): I recently read a new report entitled The American Upskilling Study: Empowering Workers for the Jobs of Tomorrow. To fuel the research, Gallup surveyed over 15K workers in the U.S. labor force about their opinions on upskilling. Upskilling is the act of providing an individual with more advanced s, (1 words) - [Girls’ Interest In Engineering Is Incongruent With Skill Levels — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/2/24/girls-interest-in-engineering-is-incongruent-with-test-performance.html): With Engineers Week just wrapping up, it seems like the perfect time to share Couragion’s latest research on students’ engineering interest and skill levels. Our latest NSF-backed research involves students who completed Engineering Challenges and answered self-reflection questions within Couragi, (1 words) - [30% of Potential Career Changers Want More Purpose — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/6/30/30-of-potential-career-changers-want-more-purpose/index.html): COVID-19 is causing us to reconsider many things in our lives as we shift to virtual working, learning, and living. With Couragion’s focus on career and workforce development, we’ve been thinking a lot about the future of education and work. I’ve always appreciated Strada’s research in the space, so, (1 words) - [Student Aspirations Far Exceed Educational Attainment Levels Of The Current Workforce — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/6/17/student-aspirations-far-exceed-educational-attainment-levels-of-the-current-workforce.html): At Couragion, we work to inspire and encourage students to pursue post-secondary training and education. Our goal is to show students an array of education opportunities so that they can select options that best fit their interests and values. As such, our app features role models and careers that r, (1 words) - [Help Students See How Internships Boost Employability & Salary Potential — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/7/16/help-students-see-how-internships-boost-employability-amp-salary-potential.html): Established in 1956, The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) is an association that partners with colleges, businesses and students to study job market trends. One area of focus for NACE is internships and the impact they have on students’ employability. In its recently published, (1 words) - [Teachers Rock – Here’s Why According To Students — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/5/4/teachers-rock-heres-why-according-to-students/index.html): Today, more than ever, Teacher Appreciation Day is an important time for us to honor our educators. I’ve personally witnessed (and read about) the herculean efforts of educators who have pivoted quickly to remote learning while also looking out for their students’ emotional wellbeing. So, in honor, (1 words) - [Are You Teaching The Right Programming Languages? — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/10/11/are-you-teaching-the-right-programming-languages/index.html): For the past several years, we have used our blog to share recommendations about which programming languages K-12 educators should teach to their students. We feel this is an important topic as such knowledge helps educators to best tie their curriculum to workforce needs. With the start of CS Ed W, (1 words) - [Who Belongs in Computer Science? Supporting All Students in Developing CS Skills — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2022/4/19/who-belongs-in-computer-science-supporting-all-students-in-developing-cs-skills.html): There’s much more to Computer Science than white guys in khakis hunching over a computer in the basement level of an office building (or perhaps, more recently, from home). Computer Science is a vital area of study for students, yet in many states not only is it not a requirement, but there is also , (1 words) - [Evaluating Careers - Are You As Smart As A Middle Schooler? — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2021/2/16/evaluating-careers-are-you-as-smart-as-a-middle-schooler.html): One of my favorite features of the Couragion app is how it helps students learn to critically evaluate potential careers and assess how a given career fits their interests, values, and desired work characteristics. Our app enables students to prioritize what is important to them in a career so that , (1 words) - [Tips for Remote Leadership — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/melissacouragioncom/index.html): We are each dealing with our personal versions of fear and disappointment. One of my personal disappointments was not having the opportunity to share our latest Couragion research at SXSW EDU. In fact, that was to be the topic of my March blog. (More to come on that later). Instead I reflected about, (1 words) - [Internships Negatively Impacted By COVID-19 According To SWE — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/8/21/internships-negatively-impacted-by-covid-19-according-to-swe.html): As an undergrad, I benefited from being a member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) . The organization afforded me great networking and leadership opportunities. In my role at Couragion, I was honored when several members from the SWE Rocky Mountain chapter volunteered to serve as role model, (1 words) - [How do Scientific and Technical Role Models Effect STEM Career Motivation? — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2023/2/27/how-do-scientific-and-technical-role-models-effect-stem-career-motivation.html): What is a STEM career? Primary and secondary students can find out with Couragion. Our recently published study with Anschutz Medical Campus shows how diverse STEM role models motivates students to pursue STEM careers., What is a STEM career? Primary and secondary students can find out with Couragion. Our recently published study with Anschutz Medical Campus shows how diverse STEM role models motivates students to pursue STEM careers. (1 words) - [Unpacking the Opportunity Gap: Incorporating High-Demand Workforce Skills into Education — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/10/29/unpacking-the-opportunity-gap-incorporating-high-demand-workforce-skills-into-education.html): I recently read a report by Burning Glass Technologies and American Student Assistance "The View from the Schoolhouse: How Middle and High School Educators See the Skills Shaping the Modern Economy". The report examines the attitudes of K-12 teachers on incorporating high-demand workforce , (1 words) - [State of Computer Science — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2021/12/6/state-of-computer-science/index.html): At the beginning of November, I attended the global Computer Science (CS) Education Conference in Los Angeles, California. Hundreds of leaders in education gathered in-person and virtually to learn about the current state of computer science education. I had the pleasure of hearing from industry lea, (1 words) - [ STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/index.html): STEM Crossings Buy Now, STEM Crossings Buy Now (1 words) - [Who Belongs in Computer Science? Supporting All Students in Developing CS Skills — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2024/4/30/who-belongs-in-computer-science-supporting-all-students-in-developing-cs-skills.html): There’s much more to Computer Science than white guys in khakis hunching over a computer in the basement level of an office building (or perhaps, more recently, from home). Computer Science is a vital area of study for students, yet in many states not only is it not a requirement, but there is also , There’s much more to Computer Science than white guys in khakis hunching over a computer in the basement level of an office building (or perhaps, more recently, from home). Computer Science is a vital area of study for students, yet in many states not only is it not a requirement, but there is also no Computer Science program to speak of. This is harmful from both an equity and economic standpoint.  (1 words) - [The Growing Demand for Tech Skills in Non-Tech Industries — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2019/10/29/the-growing-demand-for-tech-skills-in-non-tech-industries.html): Burning Glass and Oracle Academy recently released a research report entitled “Beyond Tech: The Rising Demand for IT Skills in Non-Tech Industries” .  The research evaluated nearly 7 million online tech job openings in 2018 (accounting for 24% of all online job openings) and created a land, (1 words) - [Advice For Online Learning From My 9 And 11-Year-Old Daughters — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/4/13/advice-for-online-teaching-from-my-9-and-11-year-old-daughters.html): With three weeks under their belts, my 9 and 11-year-old daughters are becoming well versed in the life of online schooling. I’ve been impressed with their school’s ability to pivot so quickly. I’m appreciative of the massive effort being put in by teachers, administrators, and staff to make online , (1 words) - [Put Some Positivity In Your News Stream With These 10 Quotes From Middle Schoolers — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2021/1/11/put-some-positivity-in-your-news-stream-with-these-10-quotes-from-middle-schoolers.html): Over the last week, I have spent considerable time on two things: 1) reading the news about the horrific Capitol attack and 2) reviewing student progress data from Couragion’s Fall semester. The two things could not be in more contrast - the former is filled with fear, anger, and violence while the , (1 words) - [STEMpath Drives Positive Educator Impacts to Mindsets & Behaviors — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/1/29/stempath-drives-positive-impacts-to-mindsets-amp-behaviors.html): This week Couragion, mindSpark Learning , and Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU) celebrated our inaugural STEMpath graduating class and welcomed our second class to the program. When we designed and developed STEMpath, we defined the desired impacts as shifts in both mindsets and behav, (1 words) - [Couragion Wins Another NSF Award! — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2019/9/5/couragion-celebrates-another-nsf-award/index.html): The first time we ever heard of America's Seed Fund was in the summer of 2015 a few months after we founded Couragion and 10 days before the grant due date. Our team had never written a grant before - and we beat the odds and won the honor and support of the National Science Foundation (NSF) with , (1 words) - [A Vision For Who Can Succeed in Tech Careers #csedweek — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/11/22/a-vision-for-who-can-succeed-in-tech-careers-csedweek.html): As we approach Computer Science Education Week, it's a natural time to discuss the national imperative to increase the access and quality of computing education in order to fulfill current and future job demand. While efforts to broaden participation in STEM and computing have been in process for de, (1 words) - [Are You Teaching The Programming Languages That Will Best Prepare Students For The Workforce? — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2019/11/10/are-you-teaching-the-programming-languages-that-will-best-prepare-students-for-the-workforce.html): Each year, we summarize the most popular programming languages in industry to assist educators with aligning their curriculum to workforce needs. In 2017 and 2018 , the industry data pointed to Java and JavaScript as being critical programming languages to include in CS/technology curriculum. Let, (1 words) - [#MentoringAmplifies change, one relationship at a time — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2022/1/16/mentoring-amplifies-change-one-relationship-at-a-time-mentor.html): National Mentoring Month (NMM) has always held a special place for Couragion. We are so thankful for our Couragion role models who serve as amazing virtual mentors for thousands of underrepresented students. I appreciate how students view our role model mentors as guides. “I really enjoyed this , (1 words) - [Enlisting Grandma & Virtual Book Clubs To Counter Social Isolation — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/3/15/enlisting-grandma-amp-virtual-book-clubs-to-counter-social-isolation.html): Last Friday was “Friday the 13th”, the kick off of social isolation in CO, and my daughters’ first day off of school for at least the next several weeks - a perfect storm! The day gave me a look at our family’s new normal. Lucky for me, my kids love learning and often opt to play ‘school’ in their, (1 words) - [Cool STEM Resources for CS Ed Week — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2019/11/21/cool-stem-resources-for-cs-ed-week/index.html): Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) is an annual program dedicated to inspiring K-12 students to take an interest in computer science (CS). Did you know that CSEdWeek is held in recognition of the birthday of computing pioneer  Admiral Grace Murray Hopper  (December, (1 words) - [Industry Jargon in Work-Based Learning Experiences — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/5/28/industry-jargon-in-work-based-learning-experiences/index.html): I recently came upon a research study in the  Journal of Language and Social Psychology entitled "The Effects of Jargon on Processing Fluency, Self-Perceptions, and Scientific Engagement". Since we do research on self-perception in the context of STEM engagement, it caught my int, (1 words) - [Top Emerging Jobs (And Skills) For 2020 According To LinkedIn — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/10/8/top-emerging-jobs-and-skills-for-2020-according-to-linkedin.html): I highly value LinkedIn’s research and published reports . With over 706 million users, the company has a treasure trove of data about jobs, employability skills, and the future of work. So, I was eager to review LinkedIn’s recently released “ 2020 Emerging Jobs Report ”. In this report, LinkedIn i, (1 words) - [Online Mode Works For Career Exploration – Just Ask Students! — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/9/11/online-mode-works-for-career-exploration-just-ask-students.html): When we started Couragion in 2015, we opted to implement an online app because of our mission to make career exploration available to all regardless of their geographic location, economic status, demographics, or access to industry and role models. Little did we know how important online career expl, (1 words) - [From The Aurora Institute - 14 Recommendations For More Equitable Education — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/11/29/from-the-aurora-institute-14-recommendations-for-more-equitable-education.html): In late October, the Aurora Institute released a book entitled A Promise for Equitable Futures: Enabling Systems Change to Scale Educational and Economic Mobility Pathways . The Aurora Institute’s mission is to ‘drive the transformation of education systems and accelerate the advancement of breakth, (1 words) - [Teacher Preparation - A Leading Indicator of Economic, Equity, and Education Outcomes — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2021/2/21/teacher-preparation-a-leading-indicator-of-economic-equity-and-education-outcomes.html): I recently read the new research report by the Carnegie Corporation called "How Do Teacher Preparation Programs Affect a State's Economy?. The fundamental premise of the report is that the quality of a state’s teacher preparation programs directly influence our nation's wellbeing. In such, ther, (1 words) - [Supporting a Diverse, Well-Prepared, and High-Quality Teaching Workforce — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2021/3/17/supporting-a-diverse-well-prepared-and-high-quality-teaching-workforce.html): The last STEM Ecosystems convening I attended was 3 years ago in Washington DC. It was incredible to meet like-minded partners committed to rigorous STEM programming that maximizes local results and creates a shared narrative around the importance of STEM education for everyone. For those of you who, (1 words) - [Women in the Workplace - A Critical Crossroads — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2020/12/6/women-in-the-workplace-a-critical-crossroads/index.html): As many of you know, I've been an advocate for Women in Tech for over 20 years. I was largely inspired to found Couragion (a mash-up of 'courageous champions') to inspire underrepresented individuals to pursue high demand careers in STEM. In 2015 (the same year we launched Couragion), McKinsey &, (1 words) - [AI and Machine Learning: Top Disruptive Tech Skill — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2021/1/22/ai-and-machine-learning-top-disruptive-tech-skill/index.html): Have you checked out the recent Burning Glass research entitled "Skills of Mass Disruption: Pinpointing the 10 Most Disruptive Skills in Tech"? Burning Glass analyzed over 17,000 unique technology skills across their database of over one billion historical job listings. Leveraging a propri, (1 words) - [How to Connect Couragion to Your Classroom with a Fun Science Project — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2024/2/15/how-to-connect-couragion-to-your-classroom-with-a-fun-science-project.html): Couragion is a STEM work-based learning platform designed to ignite curiosity and passion in students. Couragion opens the door to a realm where diverse STEM role models and interactive challenges converge. This platform goes beyond traditional learning methods, seamlessly integrating real-world app, Couragion is a STEM work-based learning platform designed to ignite curiosity and passion in students. Couragion opens the door to a realm where diverse STEM role models and interactive challenges converge. This platform goes beyond traditional learning methods, seamlessly integrating real-world applications into interactive videos and educational activities.   (1 words) - [CS Teacher Landscape Calls for Accessible, Equity-focused Professional Development — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2021/8/4/cs-teacher-landscape-calls-for-accessible-equity-focused-professional-development.html): The Computer Science Teachers Association and the Kapor Center recently published a report entitled "The Computer Science Teacher Landscape:  Results of a Nationwide Teacher Survey". Nearly 3,700 PreK-12 CS teachers were surveyed across the nation in the summer of 2020. , (1 words) - [Jobs on the Rise – COVID-19 Trends — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2021/2/18/jobs-on-the-rise-covid-19-trends/index.html): ‘Insights from LinkedIn’ recently released a report highlighting the seismic shifts that have taken place in the job market due to COVID-19. The report is titled ‘ Jobs on the Rise in 2021 ’ and it details the career categories with the highest year-over-year job growth from April 2020 to October 20, (1 words) - [Girls And Game Development - Couragion Bucking The Trends — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/2021/4/21/jd502wcwexmzkn9abmu79wmmymn16x/index.html): Couragion is happy to report that we are bucking the trend when it comes to girls and game development! I just read research from Google Play which found that women are severely under-represented in the mobile game space - representing less than ¼ of employees in the industry. According to Googl, (1 words) - [Math Isn’t Scary and Science is Fun: Opting into a Dream Career with STEM — STEM Crossings](/content/stem-crossings/math-isnt-scary-science-is-fun/index.html): by Rose B. 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