CABPES’ Programs Counter Declining Test Scores

America's students continue to struggle with basic math and science skills.

The National Assessment of Education (NAEP) recently released its first update since the pandemic ended—and the results are alarming.

As the publication, The Hill, reported in its analysis, NAEP’s data show that “[i]n 12th grade math, 45 percent scored below ‘basic,’ the lowest since 2005.  Eighth graders did not fare much better for science, with 38 percent scoring below ‘basic,’ meaning they likely can’t remember basic facts such as that plants need sun to grow and reproduce.”  

When assessing students’ performance on the science test, Chalkbeat, a nonprofit news outlet covering education, noted: “Average scores declined for all students, but the decrease was particularly pronounced for low-performing students…The gap between high and low performers was the largest it has been in the history of the test.”

Even before NAEP’s announcement, however, Colorado parents were actively exploring ways to help their children succeed—and that search led many to CABPES. As a result, the September 3 orientation meeting for CABPES’ fall 2025 Math Enrichment Program and SAT/ACT College Prep drew record attendance. The orientation session provided valuable insights into how the Math Enrichment Program strengthens foundational skills and how the SAT/ACT College Prep equips students with the strategies and confidence they need to excel on college entrance exams.

“This turnout shows how much our families value the resources CABPES provides,” said CABPES Executive Director, Dr. Dewey Brigham. “We are excited to partner with parents and students throughout the season to build academic excellence and open doors to future opportunities in the STEM fields.”

The fall programs began the week of September 8 with 90 students enrolled—a record number of participants for the organization and another indication that parents recognize and appreciate the positive impact CABPES programs will have on students' academic progress.

CABPES' after school programs help students achieve their highest possible scores on exams.

Dr. Brigham encourages interested parents and students to email CABPES at info@CABPES.org or bookmark the CABPES Calendar to learn when registration opens for the Spring 2026 Math Enrichment Program and  the Spring 2026 ACT/SAT College Prep Class.

The CABPES Calendar also provides details about upcoming events such as the HBCU Fair on October 7, 2025.

FAQs

Q: What after-school programs does CABPES offer?

A: CABPES offers three programs for students in grades 5-12 and one program exclusively for high schoolers.

• Junior Engineers, Tomorrow’s Scientists (JETS) exposes students to real-world engineering concepts. The project-based learning curriculum is designed to engage students in practical, problem-solving activities that mirror real engineering challenges.

• The Math Enrichment Program (MEP) uses a dynamic curriculum that goes beyond classroom experiences to give students with the skills and confidence to excel.

• The Summer Math Bootcamp gives students entering grades 5-12 an opportunity to hone their math skills without the pressure of school-based quizzes, tests and exams.

CABPES’ SAT/ACT College Prep is meticulously designed to help high schoolers achieve their best potential scores on critical college entrance exams. The curriculum incorporates teaching materials, test-taking tips, and practice tests from the College Board and Princeton Review, the organizations responsible for the SAT and ACT tests.

Q: How are you able to offer these programs for free?

A: “CABPES’ sponsors and donors support our mission to bridge the gap in STEM fields and foster diversity, innovation, and opportunity for all,” Dr. Brigham said. “Through contributions large and small, they enable us to provide year-round programming without cost to families and students. In addition to the Foundation and Corporate Sponsors listed on our website’s home page, we’re grateful to the family and individual contributors who give what they can, when they can. Additionally, we’re hugely appreciative of the many volunteers who share their expertise with students or donate administrative and other services to our organization.”

Please take a moment to learn more about becoming a sponsor, donor or volunteer.

"In addition to the Foundation and Corporate Sponsors listed on our website's homepage, we're grateful to the family and individual contributors who give what they can, when they can." ― Dr. Dewey Brigham, CABPES Executive Director