Eagle County School District continues focus on STEM through ongoing partnership with Vail Health
Funds are directed to hands-on Project Lead The Way curriculum across several schools
Eagle County School District/Courtesy photo
Since 2012, principals and teachers throughout Eagle County School District have worked with Vail Health to promote curricula in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), arts and music. Vail Health provided $55,000 in STEM funding support in the 2024-25 school year and has committed to provide the same funding for the 2025-26 school year.
Vail Health’s continued support demonstrates its ongoing commitment to collaboration with the school district as the educational funding gap has faced numerous challenges over the years at both the state and federal levels. The funding has empowered local educators as they work to provide an innovative curriculum for every student, regardless of socio-economic background.
Across schools in the district, the funds are being directed toward Project Lead the Way (PLTW), an organization that creates hands-on classroom environments that empower students from Pre-K through 12th grade.
Edwards Elementary School and Eagle Valley High School both been recognized as Distinguished Schools in the Project Lead The Way program.
“PLTW provides hands-on learning that is available for our students in both Spanish and English,” said Matt Abramowitz, Edwards Elementary School principal. “With our diverse demographic, that type of programming is truly immeasurable.”
Support Local Journalism
Under the leadership of teachers Devin Dupree and Kelly Kienzle, Eagle Valley High School’s biomedical science program has become a model of innovation and student achievement. The school offers a four-year advanced science pathway in the field of biomedical science, which gives students hands-on experience with real-world applications in medicine, research, and technology.
Juniors and seniors in the program also have the opportunity to earn college credit, setting them on an accelerated path toward careers in health care and science. The senior class is currently working in teams to develop a biomedical innovation that they will soon present to judges in a “Shark Tank” setting.
At Avon Elementary School, Yuriria Schaffino teaches hands-on engineering and science concepts through creative challenges. Students explore topics like the properties of matter by building their own coolers and learning how things stay cold, and the flow of matter by building terrariums and designing shoes that are adapted to different ecosystems.
To learn more, visit VailHealth.org.
