A multistate organization that advocates for STEM education programs in public schools has chosen state Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, as a policy fellow for 2018.

Zenzinger, a substitute teacher when she isn’t legislating, is one of six officials selected from among the 21 states that participate in the STEMx network, which aims to “transform education” by supporting study in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

The fellows are supposed to work on methods to make STEM education more effective and will attend at least two conferences, a spokesman for Zenzinger said.

Zenzinger was nominated for the STEMx fellowship by Colorado Succeeds, the Colorado organization involved with STEMx.

“She has especially coordinated with our efforts to increase opportunities for all students to engage with real-world problem solving and the critical skills STEM learning can bring to classrooms,” Colorado Succeeds President Scott Laband said in a statement.

Zen zinger, who sits on the Senate Education Committee, was among the prime sponsors of a bipartisan bill last session to create a special STEM endorsement on high school diplomas for students who complete certain courses, meant to let employers and higher education know they’re proficient.

“I’m thrilled to accept the STEMx Policy Fellowship, and I look forward to working with these great people and with colleagues across the country who are committed to finding ways to promote this important aspect of education,” Zenzinger said in a statement.