The Pinhead Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and Smithsonian Affiliate (the first in the state) based in Telluride, Colorado, offering after-school programs and summer camps.  Started in 2002 by a local Telluride mother who saw a need for supplemental science education in our community, today they are the only organization to promote and provide STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education throughout rural Southwest Colorado in San Miguel, Ouray, Montrose, and Montezuma Counties.

They began with two programs: "Scholars in the Schools" and the "Pinhead Internship", which today are the cornerstones of their organization. Since their founding, they have expanded our K-12 programming to include technology, engineering, and mathematics in tune with the changing needs of the 21st century. We impact nearly 7,000 students per year through their engaging programs, direct interaction with scientists and other experts, and unique research centered internship experiences.