14 College Programs for High School Students in Colorado
If you're a high school student looking to explore college-level academics before committing to a field, a structured program can be a good option to explore. These programs often combine coursework, research, or project-based work with mentor guidance, helping you build skills, gain exposure to new material, and develop connections. Whether your interests lie in business, engineering, medicine, or the arts, these programs can help you test out a field before deciding to pursue it further.
Why should you attend a college program in Colorado?
Colorado offers college programs at institutions such as the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, and the Colorado School of Mines. Depending on the program you choose, you could take part in a business case competition, a biomedical research bootcamp, or an engineering design project. Whether you live in Colorado or are coming from out of state, you can find a program suited to your interests and experience level.
To help you compare your options, we've narrowed down our list to 14 college programs for high school students in Colorado.
If you’re looking for programs in Colorado, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span biomedical research, engineering, veterinary science, business, mathematics, dance, arts and media, and college access, so students with a wide range of academic interests can find a relevant college program in Colorado.
Several programs are free, including CU Boulder's Business Leadership Program, GoGetMath at CSU, CSU First Generation Business Summit, Colorado School of Mines SUMMET, University of Denver Access DU, and CU Denver PCDP, while others, such as CU Child Health Research Internship, offer a $4,400 stipend.
Several programs specifically prioritize first-generation and underrepresented students, including CU Boulder's Business Leadership Program, SUMMET at Colorado School of Mines, CSU First Generation Business Summit, and CU Denver PCDP, which requires school counselor nomination.
Application deadlines range from February (CU Child Health Research Internship, CSU SciVet) to June (CSU Dance Lab, CSU Global Business Academy), with several programs, such as CSU Mechanical Engineering and Veritas AI, accepting rolling applications.
1. University of Colorado’s Child Health Research Internship
Location: CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a $4,400 stipend is provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school seniors (18+) in Colorado
The Child Health Research Internship at the University of Colorado School of Medicine is a summer research program for high school seniors. During the internship, you work in a research lab alongside faculty and researchers from the Department of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Colorado. You’ll contribute to projects related to child health while gaining experience with the research process in a medical and academic setting. You are matched with a mentor whose work aligns with your interests and receive guidance as you develop your research skills. At the end of the program, you prepare a written summary of your work and present your findings through an oral presentation, poster, or PowerPoint presentation.
2. University of Colorado: Business Leadership Program (BLP)
Location: University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Cost: Free; includes meals, instruction, and materials
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 21 – 27
Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Colorado high school juniors (rising seniors); priority for first-gen and underrepresented students
The Business Leadership Program (BLP) is a week-long residential program at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business. During the program, you will work in teams to tackle a real-world business challenge through a case competition. You’ll develop and pitch a marketing campaign for a corporate partner while learning how businesses approach problem-solving, strategy, and communication. You learn from Leeds faculty, staff, and business professionals who share insights into their careers and the business world. You also spend the week living on campus, meeting students from different schools, and experiencing college life at CU Boulder.
3. Colorado State University: SciVet Summer Program
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: $1,800 Residential, $1,200 Commuter
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 21 students
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 15 years old by June 1
The Summer Camp for Young Scientists/Veterinarians is a hands-on program for students interested in science, animal health, and veterinary medicine. During the camp, you’ll investigate veterinary topics through laboratory activities, fieldwork, presentations, and demonstrations. You’ll use scientific tools, collect and analyze data, and explore how veterinarians approach real-world problems. Topics may include wildlife research, native bee ecology, water quality, dendrochronology, equine-assisted therapy, and integrative veterinary medicine. You also learn about pathways to college and veterinary school. The program has a small cohort, giving you opportunities to interact closely with instructors, staff, and guest experts throughout the experience.
4. Colorado School of Mines: Summer Mines Engineering and Training (SUMMET) Program
Location: Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
Cost: Free ($50 for confirmation)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: May 31 – June 5; Session 2: June 7 – June 12; Session 3: June 21 – June 26
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (current juniors); priority for first-gen and underrepresented students in STEM
The Summer Mines Engineering and Training (SUMMET) Program is a one-week residential program at the Colorado School of Mines for rising high school seniors interested in STEM. Here, you will work with peers on a group design project and participate in workshops led by departments such as mechanical engineering, computer science, and chemistry. You’ll be introduced to different STEM fields and problem-solving approaches through classroom sessions and project work. You’ll also visit the Mines Edgar Experimental Mine in Idaho Springs to learn more about mining and engineering in practice.
5. Colorado State University: CSU Dance Lab
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: Week 1 only: $850 (informal showcase), Both weeks: $1,700 (informal and public showcases), check full details here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: August 2 – 15
Application Deadline: June 15 (first-come, first-served; limited to 24 dancers)
Eligibility: Intermediate-advanced level dancers ages 14+
The CSU Dance Lab is a two-week program for high school students with intermediate to advanced dance training. You will take technique classes, engage in repertory rehearsals, and study both classical and contemporary dance forms. Throughout the program, you work with Colorado State University dance faculty, guest artists, and current dance majors while developing your performance and choreography skills. Rehearsals and creative work are a major part of the experience, giving you opportunities to contribute to collaborative performances. The program concludes with performance showcases where you present work developed during the intensive.
6. Colorado State University: GoGetMath@CSU Summer
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 8 – 12
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12 in Fall
The GoGetMath@CSU program is a free, five-day summer program for high school students held at Colorado State University. During the week, you explore mathematical topics such as cryptography, data science, image processing, fractals, and geometry through hands-on activities and computer lab sessions. You’ll work with mentors and instructors from the university community, including undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and STEM professionals. The program concludes with a closing reception where students and families come together to celebrate the week's work.
7. Colorado State University’s Mechanical Engineering Summer Programs: Designing Your World
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – 26Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students aged 14-17, rising 10th – 12th graders
The Mechanical Engineering Summer Program: Designing Your World at Colorado State University is a program for high school students interested in engineering. During the program, you work through the engineering design process by identifying a problem and developing a solution from start to finish. You design, build, test, and refine a project, which may include creating and programming an Arduino-controlled robot. You will use facilities such as CSU's 3D fabrication lab, mechatronics lab, and machine shop to support your work. You will also tour mechanical engineering laboratories to get a closer look at the tools and technologies used by engineers.
8. Global Business Academy
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: $3,750 per student, limited scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 12 – 22
Application Deadline: June 26
Eligibility: Open to current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors
The Global Business Academy is a ten-day residential program at Colorado State University for high school students interested in business, leadership, and entrepreneurship. You attend lectures and presentations led by Colorado State University faculty and meet business leaders working in fields such as healthcare, finance, media, retail, and technology. Through activities like the Rec Tech Challenge, you work with peers to explore startup development. The program also includes college and career coaching sessions with faculty, advisors, and business professionals. Outside the classroom, you visit local businesses and take part in excursions such as whitewater rafting.
9. University of Colorado Boulder: STEM Research Experience
Location: CU Anschutz Medical campus & CU Boulder campus
Cost: $2,400; Scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 3 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 18
Eligibility: Applicants must be 16 by June 3; Overseas applicants need a valid visa before registration
The STEM Research Experience at the University of Colorado Boulder is a seven-week research program for high school students interested in STEM. During the program, you work closely with a faculty member, graduate student, or researcher while contributing to an ongoing research project. You’ll review scientific literature, assist with experiments, collect and analyze data, and learn the methods researchers use. The program also includes a weekly Research Methods seminar that introduces key concepts in scientific research and communication. By the end of the summer, you will create a scientific poster and present your findings at the STEM Research Expo alongside other participants.
10. Colorado State University: First Generation Business Summit
Location: CSU College of Business – Fort Collins campus, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 20 – 25
Application Deadline: April 21
Eligibility: First-generation students who are entering their tenth-grade year of high school, through students who have just graduated high school
The First-Generation Business Summit at Colorado State University is a week-long residential program designed to introduce students to business and college life. You’ll explore different areas of business and earn one college credit in financial literacy. You’ll visit local companies, learn about their operations, and hear from business leaders about their careers and industries. Throughout the week, you work with a team to develop a business idea focused on addressing a real-world problem and present your proposal in a case study competition. You also connect with current Colorado State University students, including first-generation college students who share their experiences with college applications and campus life.
11. University of Denver: Access DU
Location: University of Denver, Denver, CO
Cost: Free; $65 application fee waived if you choose to apply for college at DU
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 15–18
Application Deadline: May 16 (based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; all backgrounds welcome
The Access DU program at the University of Denver is a three-day summer experience for rising juniors and seniors from across the United States. You learn about different leadership styles and practice applying them through interactive activities and group exercises. The program also includes guidance on college applications, essay writing, and evaluating college options, with support from the University of Denver admissions staff. Throughout the experience, you engage with faculty, current students, and professionals while exploring topics related to identity, community, and higher education. You may receive continued support through a Pathways Scholarship worth up to $7,500 per year, renewable for four years at the University of Denver.
12. University of Colorado: Biomedical Research Bootcamp
Location: CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
Cost: $1,300; Scholarships available on a first-come, first-served basis
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1– 12
Application Deadline: May 22
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12
The Biomedical Research Bootcamp at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a two-week program for students interested in biomedical science and research. During the program, you learn laboratory techniques commonly used in biomedical research while working in a university research environment. You visit research facilities, meet scientists, and explore how biomedical research is used to address health and medical challenges. Throughout the course, you’ll follow laboratory protocols, maintain lab notebooks, and gain experience with the practices used in research settings. By the end of the program, you will develop your own scientific research proposal.
13. University of Colorado Denver: LYNX National Arts & Media Camps
Location: University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO
Cost: One-week camps: $650/Two-week camps: $2,600 (residential); $1,800 (commuter plus); $1,300 (commuter)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple options between June and July
Application Deadline: March 15 (priority) / May 15 (final)
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or graduating seniors taking a gap year (ages 14-18) interested in the arts
The LYNX National Arts & Media Camps at the University of Colorado Denver are summer programs for high school students interested in the arts, music, and creative media. During the camp, you have the opportunity to develop artistic skills through hands-on projects and instruction from university faculty and industry professionals. You also hear from guest artists and professionals who share their experiences working in creative fields. You’ll collaborate with students from different backgrounds who share similar interests, creating opportunities to exchange ideas and build connections. Available camp options include 2D Animation, 3D Animation, Concept Art for Games & Animation, and Stop Motion, among others.
14. The CU Denver Pre-Collegiate Development Program (PCDP)
Location: University of Colorado, Denver, CO
Cost: Free to attend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round program with monthly workshops and summer residential experience
Application Deadline: Students are nominated by school counselors; no public deadline
Eligibility: Ninth-graders through high school juniors; first-generation students with a minimum 2.5 GPA; must attend a partner school
The CU Denver Pre-Collegiate Development Program (PCDP) is a long-term college access and academic enrichment program for first-generation high school students. Beginning in high school, you’ll participate in workshops and activities designed to help you prepare for college and explore future educational and career options. Throughout the school year, you attend Saturday Academies focused on topics such as note-taking, test preparation, financial aid, and the college application process. The program also includes summer academic experiences at CU Denver, including a two-week program before junior year and a five-week program before senior year. During these summer sessions, you take courses in writing, mathematics, and college preparation, with some students earning college credit. You receive ongoing guidance and support as you prepare for the transition from high school to college.
Frequently asked questions
1. What college programs are available for high school students in Colorado?
Options include biomedical and health research programs, such as CU Child Health Research Internship and CU Biomedical Research Bootcamp, engineering programs, such as Colorado School of Mines SUMMET and CSU Mechanical Engineering, business programs, such as CU Boulder BLP, CSU Global Business Academy, and CSU First Generation Business Summit, arts programs, such as CU Denver LYNX Camps and CSU Dance Lab, and mathematics and STEM programs, such as GoGetMath at CSU and CU Boulder STEM Research Experience.
2. Are there free college programs for high school students in Colorado?
Yes, CU Boulder's Business Leadership Program, GoGetMath at CSU, CSU First Generation Business Summit, Colorado School of Mines SUMMET, University of Denver Access DU, and CU Denver PCDP are all free. The CU Child Health Research Internship is also free and provides a $4,400 stipend. Several other programs, such as CU Biomedical Research Bootcamp and CSU SciVet, offer scholarships for eligible students.
3. Which Colorado college programs are best for students interested in research or STEM?
Students interested in research or STEM might consider CU Child Health Research Internship for mentored pediatric research, CU Boulder STEM Research Experience for a seven-week lab placement across disciplines, CU Biomedical Research Bootcamp for an introduction to lab techniques and scientific research design, and CSU SciVet for hands-on investigations in veterinary and environmental science.
4. When should I apply to college programs for high school students in Colorado?
The earliest deadlines are CU Child Health Research Internship (February 1) and CSU SciVet (February 3), followed by Colorado School of Mines SUMMET (February 28) and CU Boulder BLP (March 13). Programs, such as CSU Dance Lab (June 15) and CSU Global Business Academy (June 26), have later deadlines, and several programs, such as CSU Mechanical Engineering and Veritas AI, accept rolling applications year-round.
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