By Martin Harris, CTU Statewide Trout in the Classroom Coordinator
Early in 2025, Colorado Trout in the Classroom (TIC) was invited by Donny Roush of the Colorado Water Center to participate in a review for inclusion in the Colorado Water Education Exemplars program. Developed in partnership with the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Water Education Colorado, and the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education, this first-of-its-kind recognition highlights outstanding water education programs across the state.
This distinction honors TIC as a program that builds water literacy for young Coloradans and demonstrates educational excellence based on the Guidelines for Excellence in Environmental Education. It also reflects TIC’s strong alignment with the Colorado Water Plan and its success in connecting students to their local waterways through hands-on learning.
During the 2024-2025 school year, Colorado TIC reached 59 schools with 67 tanks, engaging more than 20,000 students, parents, and community members. The 2025-2026 program has now expanded to over 80 tanks at schools and community sites statewide, with a goal of reaching 100 in the near future.
As part of the review, the Colorado Water Center evaluated TIC’s curriculum, instructional materials, staff and volunteer support, and program impact to determine whether it met the stringent criteria required for an Exemplar designation.
Reviewers noted TIC’s maturity, depth, and educational value:
“Thanks to the maturity of the program, with plentiful curricular and technical resources, staff and expert volunteer support, and detailed instructional design, clear evidence of environmental literacy development is strongly indicated.”
“Academically, TIC documents strong alignment to the Colorado Academic Standards, with clear and detailed crosswalks for grades PK-2, 3-5, middle school, and high school.”
“TIC delivers a rich and deep educational experience over the length of the school year.”
“A valuable aspect of TIC, which may not be obvious at first glance, is how participation in the program makes visible water and wildlife management agencies and non-governmental organizations, as well as regulations, data, and consequences of adaptive management.”
This recognition affirms Colorado Trout Unlimited’s commitment to empowering future stewards of our rivers. By bringing the life cycle of trout into classrooms, TIC helps students build a lasting connection to water, wildlife, and conservation.
Learn more about Colorado Trout in the Classroom or find ways to support this program at coloradotu.org/trout-in-the-classroom or by contacting Natalie Flowers, Colorado TU Education Director, at youth@coloradotu.org.
