15 Computer Science Programs for High School Students in Colorado
If you are a high schooler who is passionate about technology, participating in a computer science program can be a solid next step. Structured computer science programs allow you to explore topics in the field beyond your high school syllabus while also letting you practice using tools, languages, and methodologies commonly used by computer science professionals. You will be surrounded by mentors, researchers, and industry professionals, as well as peers who share your interests, helping you build a network early on. These opportunities span a range of areas within computer science, including coding, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, and data science, letting you explore paths in the field before you enter college. In some cases, you will have the opportunity to work on research projects or take college-level classes and earn credits!
Why should you attend a computer science program in Colorado?
Colorado can be a great place for you to study computer science, given its hub of reputable universities, like Colorado School of Mines, the University of Colorado Boulder, and Colorado State University, and organizations that offer high schoolers structured learning opportunities. Through these programs, you may build and program robotic devices, learn about IoT security and data analytics, or explore how information technology shapes the business world. Whether you are from Colorado or open to exploring out-of-state options, Colorado offers a range of computer science-focused options worth considering.
We've done the research for you and narrowed down 15 computer science programs for high school students in Colorado.
If you’re looking for programs in Colorado, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span AI and machine learning, cybersecurity, robotics, software development, data science, human-computer interaction, and research computing, so students with a wide range of computer science interests can find a relevant option in Colorado or online.
Several programs are free or paid, including NIST SHIP (free federal internship), NSA High School Work Study (paid), AFRL Scholars ($506.80 per week), CS@Mines Cyber Camp (free), CSU IT in Business (free), and Kode With Klossy (free), while programs, such as Lumiere and Veritas AI, offer full financial aid for eligible students.
Several programs prioritize Colorado residents or students within commuting distance, including NIST SHIP (within 50 miles of NIST Boulder), CS@Mines programs (Colorado School of Mines campus), and NSA Work Study (close to NSA field sites), so local students should take note of these targeted opportunities.
Programs vary in length and format, from two-day introductory camps, such as CS@Mines Cyber Camp, to year-long paid work placements, such as NSA High School Work Study, so students can choose based on their schedule and depth of interest.
Application deadlines for the most competitive programs fall early, including NIST SHIP (January 26), AFRL Scholars (January 10), and CS@Mines Research Internship (April 10 priority), so students should begin researching options in the fall.
1. CS@Mines Research Internship
Location: Colorado School of Mines (CS@Mines), Golden, CO (hybrid/remote opportunities may be available)
Stipend: Scholarships of $20/hour upon request
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Late May – Early August (typically 10 weeks; exact dates will be determined by you and your faculty advisor)
Application deadline: April 10 (for priority consideration)
Eligibility: High school and community college students who can commute to Colorado School of Mines
The Colorado School of Mines’ computer science department lets high school and community college students assist its research teams over the summer. As an intern, you will work for 10 to 20 hours each week with a faculty member on a research project, gaining exposure to scientific investigations within areas like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Your schedule will be set by faculty members, but you may learn how to use programming, algorithmic thinking, and logical reasoning for research during the internship. The experience can also help you build professional skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12 – 15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment; deadlines vary by cohort: Fall (September), Spring (January), Summer (May), and Winter (November). You can find more details and apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship with Publication and Showcase accepts previous AI Scholars participants or those with some experience working with AI or Python.
Veritas AI, started and run by Harvard graduate students, offers various online programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. If you are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science, you can choose the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, you will learn about the fundamentals of AI and data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another track for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. During this program, you will get a chance to work 1-on-1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A key feature of this program is that it offers you access to the in-house publication team to help you secure publications in high school journals. You can check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. NIST Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Boulder, CO; opportunities also available in Maryland
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate: 4% for the Colorado site
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application deadline: January 26; applications open on November 1.
Eligibility: 11th and 12th graders who are U.S. citizens living within a 50-mile radius of NIST Boulder with an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
SHIP is a seven-week educational internship that gives students the chance to work with scientists and engineers on ongoing STEM research and take on individual projects. You will join one of several NIST laboratories, with computer science placements typically available in the Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL) and the Information Technology Laboratory (ITL). If you join CTL, you will contribute to activities and projects focused on wireless networking, advanced radio frequency technologies, and public safety communications. On the other hand, work within ITL will focus on networking and communications, computer security, software engineering, and human-computer interaction. At the end of SHIP, you will showcase your work as a poster.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Computer Science Track
Location: Remote! You can participate in the program from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, spring, and winter. Options range from 12 weeks to one year.
Application deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: Students enrolled in high school who demonstrate strong academic performance
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. It offers extensive one-on-one research opportunities across a broad range of subjects that you can explore as a high schooler. The program will pair you with Ph.D. mentors to work one-on-one on a research project. At the end, you will have developed an independent research paper! You can choose from areas such as computer science, data science, engineering, physics, chemistry, psychology, international relations, economics, and more. You can learn more about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. National Security Agency (NSA) High School Work Study Program
Location: NSA’s field site in Colorado (placements also available at other NSA offices)
Stipend: Paid; wages are consistent with a GGD 01/01 job classification
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: September – August (in the senior year)
Application deadline: Not specified; applications open during Fall (October of junior year)
Eligibility: 11th graders who plan to participate in a school-sponsored work experience program during their senior year and live close to NSA headquarters, located in Maryland, or to its field sites (Colorado, Georgia, Texas, Hawaii, Utah, or Alaska); should be a US citizen; have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5; must be 16 years of age by December 31st of their junior year; and have reliable transportation for getting to and from work.
The NSA offers paid work-study opportunities for rising high school seniors attending technical computer, business, or Chinese language classes. You will spend your senior year working within an NSA office, helping the staff with tasks related to computer/engineering tech, printing/graphic arts, model shop, office administration, facilities/logistics, and Chinese language and intelligence analysis. The program’s Computer Aide position lets you work with the NSA’s data processing equipment. The experience can offer you skill-building opportunities through on-the-job training provided by the NSA for your specific role.
6. CS@Mines Cyber Camp
Location: Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
Cost: Free (lunch included + dinner provided on Day 1)
Cohort size: 20 high school students
Dates: May 25 and 26
Application deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students and teachers
This free two-day camp hosted by the Colorado School of Mines is designed to help you explore concepts in cybersecurity through hands-on analysis projects. The camp focuses on a specific cybersecurity theme each year. For this year’s camp, on the first day, you will dive into topics in IoT security, privacy, data analytics, and networking and use what you learn to collect and analyze traffic data. On the second day, you will learn how to prevent cyberattacks using AI and gain experience working with AI defense models. The program also gives you the opportunity to learn from university professors and Ph.D. students.
7. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Various locations, including AFRL Catalyst Campus, Colorado Springs, CO
Stipend: $506.80/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer, spring, and fall internships; exact dates vary by project and location
Application deadline: January 10; applications open on October 10
Eligibility: Upper-level high school students who are U.S. citizens (check the detailed eligibility requirements and preferred qualifications here)
The AFRL Scholars Program offered by the Air Force Research Laboratory is an in-person program that offers high school students the opportunity to work in professional labs. You will contribute to AFRL’s ongoing projects while gaining experience with cutting-edge methodologies and technologies in STEM areas. Placements span various research areas, including 3D reconstruction and relative localization of a tumbling RSO, a study of point defects in 2D materials, accelerated aging of spacecraft materials, and adaptive optics for space domain awareness. Most projects involve working with computers, computational tools and methods, and data analysis.
8. CU Science Discovery: Computer Science and Robotics
Location: ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
Cost: $1,170 + $100 robot materials fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 8 – 18; July 13 – 23
Application deadline: 10 days before the program, but you can call to register if you missed the deadline.
Eligibility: 9th to 12th graders
This CU Science Discovery program allows you to explore the link between computer science and robotics. You will learn about aspects like robot motion, sensors, and control while experimenting with programming, robot design and development, and platforms such as Dot and Dash, Cubelets, Sphero, and Redbot. You will assemble an XRP robot and complete a set of experiments, ranging from maneuvering the robot to using its sensors. You will also program the robot to respond to its environment and carry out simple tasks. You will leave with your own SparkFun XRP, which consists of a robot platform and a Raspberry Pi Pico W microcontroller.
9. Colorado State University (CSU) IT in Business
Location: CSU College of Business, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Five days in the summer; dates TBA
Application deadline: Typically in May
Eligibility: Colorado high school students
This IT in Business program focuses on the role of information technology in business. Over the course of five days, you will explore how different aspects of technology, including AI, virtual reality, cybersecurity, and software development, influence businesses and their future direction. You will engage in various activities, including creating an app, building a robot, playing cybersecurity games, and creating data visualizations, to understand the impact of tech on businesses. Additionally, you will explore the tech resources and tools at CSU College of Business’ Fort Collins campus.
10. CS@Mines SUMMET at MINES
Location: Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
Cost: $50 confirmation fee upon acceptance
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: May 31 – June 5 | June 7 – 12 | June 21 – 26
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors; future first-generation college students are encouraged to apply.
CS@Mines’ SUMMET (Summer Mines Engineering and Training Program) is a one-week residential experience that blends introductory science, engineering, and tech coursework with hands-on projects. You will spend the week on campus, working on challenges and mini-projects in computer science, and engaging in sessions that mirror the academic and social aspects of college life. The schedule also includes lab work and team-based problem-solving, along with a visit to the Mines Edgar Experimental Mine in Idaho Springs. Team-building activities and social events are part of the experience to help you connect with peers.
11. Colorado Mountain College Concurrent Enrollment Classes for High School Students
Location: Local high schools, remote, or Colorado Mountain College, Glenwood Springs, CO
Cost: Free (cost covered by your school district)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Flexible; classes are available before, during, or after school or during the summer
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students in grade 9 or higher who are below 21 years of age
Colorado Mountain College lets you take college-level classes and earn credits through its Concurrent Enrollment program. You will enroll in a course, choosing from options available in computer science, such as Intro to Programming and Intro to PC Applications, attend classes, and earn credits at the end. Each course’s syllabus matches the standard that you will encounter in college. You can transfer the credits earned in this program towards your college degree, getting a head start on your post-secondary education. The program allows you to test your interests and prepare for advanced academics in your field of choice.
12. Bluestaq Students and Early Career Programs
Location: Bluestaq, Colorado Springs, CO
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Runs throughout the year; exact dates vary by the program
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school and college students
The Colorado-based software company Bluestaq runs various programs for high school and college students considering careers in software development. For instance, you can check if you are eligible for Junior High and High School Site Visits, which allow you to visit the company for a day and observe the software developers at work. You can consider High School Job Shadow Opportunities at Bluestaq to get a clearer picture of what a career in software development looks like. Both of these initiatives are offered through a partnership with the Pikes Peak Business and Education Alliance. Additionally, if you would like to gain hands-on experience in software development, you can check out internship openings at Bluestaq for high school and college students.
13. CU Science Discovery Creative Technology and Design
Location: ATLAS Institute at CU Boulder, Boulder, CO
Cost: $1,300
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – July 10
Application deadline: June 12
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 12
This program combines technology, engineering, and art to introduce you to the field of human-computer interaction at CU Boulder's ATLAS Institute. You will tour the ATLAS labs and gain hands-on experience with current technologies and techniques used in the field. Throughout the program, you will explore the fundamentals of programming, circuitry, and 3D design and printing in a project-driven setting. Working in a team, you will design and build an original creative project, such as an electronic musical instrument, a kinetic art installation, interactive clothing, or a computerized toy. At the end of the program, you will pitch your creative technology project through a formal presentation and demonstration.
14. Kode With Klossy Summer Camps
Location: Online + in-person options (sites vary by year)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Two weeks during the summer; multiple sessions each year
Application deadline: End of March/early April
Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive teens, ages 13 – 18
Kode With Klossy offers young women and gender-expansive teens the opportunity to learn coding through its free two-week coding camps. At camp, you will explore artificial intelligence, web development, or data science through focused tracks. In the AI track, you will learn about and use concepts like algorithms, data sets, and natural language processing. The web development track will teach you how to build a website using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS while focusing on ensuring user-friendly UI (user interface) and UX (user experience). In the data science track, you will gain experience in conducting data analysis and visualization using SQL, Python, and other visualization tools.
15. CS@Mines Computing for Good Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 22 – July 28
Application deadline: April 10 (for priority consideration)
Eligibility: High school students
This virtual summer program offered by CS@Mines is designed for high school students seeking hands-on exposure to programming under the guidance of experienced instructors. You will work in a team of peers to complete a computer programming project over the course of five weeks. Additionally, each week you will hear from guest speakers from industry and academia who will share their experiences in computer science. You will leave with a completed project that you can add to your portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
1. What computer science programs are available for high school students in Colorado?
Options include federal research internships, such as NIST SHIP and AFRL Scholars, paid work programs, such as NSA High School Work Study and CS@Mines Research Internship, cybersecurity and AI camps, such as CS@Mines Cyber Camp and CSU IT in Business, robotics and creative technology programs, such as CU Science Discovery Computer Science and Robotics and ATLAS Creative Technology and Design, coding programs for underrepresented students, such as Kode With Klossy, and virtual research programs, such as Lumiere and Veritas AI.
2. Are there free computer science programs for high school students in Colorado?
Yes, CS@Mines Cyber Camp, CSU IT in Business, Kode With Klossy, Colorado Mountain College Concurrent Enrollment, and NIST SHIP are all free, while NSA High School Work Study and AFRL Scholars are paid placements. Lumiere and Veritas AI also offer full financial aid for eligible students.
3. Which Colorado computer science programs are best for students interested in cybersecurity and AI?
CS@Mines Cyber Camp focuses specifically on IoT security and AI defense models, NIST SHIP offers placements in computer security and networking, and Veritas AI provides a dedicated AI research track with mentorship and publication support.
4. Do any Colorado computer science programs lead to college credit or research publications?
Colorado Mountain College Concurrent Enrollment awards transferable college credits, CS@Mines Computing for Good produces a portfolio-ready programming project, and Lumiere Research Scholar Program guides students through producing an independent research paper, while Veritas AI supports publication in high school research journals.
5. Which programs are open to students outside Colorado?
Lumiere Research Scholar Program and Veritas AI are fully virtual and open to students anywhere in the world, CS@Mines Computing for Good is also virtual, and Kode With Klossy offers both virtual and in-person options accessible to students nationwide.
6. When should I apply to computer science programs for high school students in Colorado?
AFRL Scholars closes January 10, NIST SHIP closes January 26, CS@Mines Cyber Camp closes May 15, and CS@Mines Research Internship and Computing for Good have a priority deadline of April 10, so students should begin researching options in the fall and preparing applications over winter break.