NURTURING THE INNOVATIVE S.T.E.M. MINDS OF TOMORROW

Our Mission

The Colorado Association of Black Professional Engineers and Scientists (CABPES) is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging African-Americans and other underrepresented youth to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.

Vision

We envision a community whereby the number of minority STEM professionals will increase to the level that better represents the minority population while assisting the industry in meeting the growing demand for STEM professionals.

Programs

We believe that diversity and inclusion are fundamental to innovation and progress. By fostering a passion for STEM in our young people, we aim to build a brighter, more equitable future for all. Our commitment is to provide the resources, mentorship, and opportunities necessary for these talented individuals to succeed. We work tirelessly to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create pathways to success.

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Get Involved

Your involvement can be the catalyst that propels a young person toward a rewarding career in STEM. Join us in our mission to create a brighter, more inclusive future. Together, we can make a lasting impact. Volunteering with us not only benefits the youth we serve but also enriches your own life. You’ll have the opportunity to develop new skills, meet like-minded individuals, and contribute to a cause that is vital for creating a more diverse and inclusive STEM community.

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Our Goals

Build STEM awareness, interest and identity.

“It kind of exposed me to different career paths. I don't think I would have like learned about all of this stuff without [JETS].”

~ 10th grade JETS student

Increase students' math skills, math grades and math confidence.

“My grade skyrocketed from like a C because I was just getting through school, like, ‘cool. I don't care.’ But ever since I came here, I got more motivated to do my work.”

~ 9th grade MEP student

Build college confidence and test-taking skills.

“CABPES supports my child to build his self-esteem and have
knowledge that helps him understand his future opportunities and go into higher education.”

~ CABPES Parent

2026 Programs & Events

CABPES' Future City Team Wins First Place in Regional Competition for Second Year in a Row!

CABPES earned first place at the Regional Future City Competition for the second year in a row, with an award-winning future city design centered on a “Farm to Table” food system.

The team, aptly named the "Nile High Ten," was made up of middle school students who impressed judges with a comprehensive city model that eliminated food waste while ensuring residents remained healthy, nourished, and safe. The winning design integrated sustainable agriculture, zero-waste infrastructure, equitable food distribution, transportation systems, and public health considerations. The team will now go to compete in the international competition in Washington, D.C. next month.

The 2025 Future City theme challenged teams to reimagine the food system from production to consumption. CABPES students responded with a forward-thinking solution grounded in real-world application.

This year's team was supported with mentorship from many CABPES supporters who served as advisors, coaches, teachers, field trip hosts, etc. They Included:

CABPES’s Future City program emphasizes hands-on STEM learning, requiring students to apply engineering design principles, collaborate in teams, build scale models from recycled materials, and present technical research to professional judges.

The back-to-back regional victory reinforces CABPES’s commitment to preparing students for future careers in engineering, science, and technology while encouraging solutions that strengthen communities.

For additional details about the competition, scores and team supporters, please visit https://www.cabpes.org/blog.

A Few Slots Left for the 2026 Junior Engineers, Tomorrow's Scientists (JETS) Program

Registration is now open for the Spring 2026 Junior Engineers Tomorrow's Scientists Program (JETS) —where future engineers take flight.

Designed for students in grades 5–12, JETS is a 15-week, hands-on engineering experience that brings real-world STEM concepts to life. Guided by professional engineers and industry experts, students explore, design, and solve authentic engineering challenges—then showcase their work at the CABPES Student Awards Banquet on May 3, 2026.

What Students Will Gain:

Over fifteen weeks, participants will:

• Design and build innovative engineering projects

• Strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Develop and present real-world engineering solutions

• Build confidence through collaboration, mentorship, and public presentation

Students may enroll in one of the following classes:

• Survey of STEM (5th grade)

• Construction Management (6th–7th grade)

• Aerospace Engineering (7th–8th grade)

• Architecture (7th–9th grade)

• Civil Engineering: Transportation (7th–9th grade)