CO HB1201

Authorizes Colorado local education providers (school boards, BOCES, charter schools) to grant a STEM diploma endorsement to graduating high school students who demonstrate mastery in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Students must meet minimum graduation requirements at high proficiency, complete at least four coherent STEM courses with a 3.5+ GPA (on 4.0 scale), and demonstrate mathematics proficiency through standardized tests (ACT: 28+, SAT: 600+, IB: 5+, AP: 4+, ACCUPLACER: 100+, or ASVAB: 85+).

Requires students to successfully complete a final capstone project demonstrating mastery in seven competencies: inquiry-based learning, creative problem-solving, experimentation, critical thinking, deductive and inductive reasoning, understanding of engineering principles, and effective communication skills.

Mandates each local education provider establish proficiency levels in consultation with STEM business and industrial leaders from surrounding communities and regional higher education institutions.

Requires local education providers to annually inform students in grades 6-12 and their parents about STEM endorsement requirements.