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The Gordon Family Giving Foundation is empowering the next generation of STEM leaders.
October 20, 2025
Two dozen 9th-11th graders pose for a picture in front of a wall-sized screen projecting an image of a satellite floating above Earth, surrounded by pinpricks of light coming from stars trillions of miles away.
They are there for CodeDenver, an immersive summer camp for local rising high school students interested in STEM fields. In collaboration with Metropolitan State University of Denver, Colorado School of Mines and industry leaders across Denver, this four-week-long “technological odyssey” engages students in a transformative exploration of science, technology, engineering and math, introducing them to future career options.
“My son, Ali M., loved getting to visit innovative companies, meet professors and be around kids who are just like him,” said a parent. “Out of all the engineering fields, aerospace stood out the most for him.”
The experience is possible because of the generosity of the Gordon Family Giving Foundation (GF2), the brainchild of foundation CEO Shelly Davis and her son, foundation President and NBA Denver Nuggets player, Aaron Gordon. Established in 2019, GF2 is “on a mission to open doors of opportunity for underserved and underrepresented young students in STEM fields.”
“Aaron and I wanted to find a vehicle to help kids out of generational poverty – working in STEM is that vehicle,” said Davis. “The jobs are well-paying, interesting and accessible, but oftentimes kids don’t know about it because it’s not something talked about at home.”
Each summer since 2022, CodeDenver participants have spent four nights living in the dorms at Minds, getting a taste of college life; learning coding, 3D printing and structural engineering concepts through hands-on lessons; visiting aerospace, medical and environmental organizations to see real-world STEM applications; talking with university faculty and industry mentors about career pathways; and collaborating on projects for a showcase at Ball Arena.
These activities expand students’ understanding of the role technology plays across all aspects of modern society, from entertainment and medicine to education and infrastructure. As Davis explains, the goal is to spark interest in STEM fields by giving students firsthand exposure to a wide range of prospects, including those they never considered.
“A lot of today’s STEM education in schools isn’t experiential,” said Davis. “We wanted to introduce these kids to people who are like them and successful in these areas.”
At MSU Denver, that means visiting the College of Aerospace, Computing, Engineering, and Design to explore its programs and labs. Davis praises the University for its commitment to accessibility, its mission to serve first-generation students, its robust STEM offerings and its enthusiastic partnership. “Everybody’s all in!” she said.
In addition to spending time at MSU Denver and Mines, CodeDenver students visit local organizations like Denver Water, NOAA, Safari Smiles (dentistry) and Edgar Mine.
One of Davis’ favorite parts of the program is when former students stay in touch to share academic, professional and personal updates. Another is when current students tell her that they’ve discovered a job that speaks to them.
“I love it when we’re someplace, and one of the kids will come up to me and quietly tell me, ‘This is what I want to do,’” said Davis. “It’s that moment where they can see what they can be. It’s heartwarming.”
For MSU Denver, CodeDenver is a powerful collaboration directly impacting future STEM talent, allowing students to apply critical thinking, build new skills and develop confidence in pursuing STEM pathways. For students like Ali M., it’s an opportunity to connect with experiences they may not otherwise have access to.
“The whole CodeDenver program was truly exceptional,” said Ali M.’s parent. “It’s well run, in-depth and unlike anything else out there.
“This kind of exposure is eye-opening and inspiring – it’s everything. We’re both very grateful.”
For more information about supporting CodeDenver, contact Abe Sanchez, associate director of Development, MSU Denver University Advancement. Learn more about the Gordon Family Giving Foundation at www.gordonfamilygiving.org.
