15 Engineering Programs for High School Students in Colorado
If you're a high school student looking to explore engineering before committing to it in college, a structured program can be a good option to explore. These programs often combine coursework, projects, or research with mentor guidance, helping you build skills, gain exposure to new material, and develop connections. Whether your interests lie in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or biomedical engineering, these programs can help you test out a specialization before deciding to pursue it further.
Why should you attend an engineering program in Colorado?
Colorado offers engineering programs at institutions such as the Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University, and the University of Colorado. Depending on the program you choose, you could work on a design and prototyping project, explore aerospace or bioengineering applications, or build foundational coding and electronics skills. 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 with your search, here are 15 engineering 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 aerospace, bioengineering, electrochemistry, autonomous systems, drone aviation, construction management, 3D design and modeling, accessible design, and AI, so students with a wide range of engineering interests can find a relevant option in Colorado or online.
Several programs are free or low-cost, including NLR-SLAC Pathway Summer School ($500 per week stipend), Junior Space Entrepreneur Program (free), SUMMET at Colorado School of Mines ($50 confirmation fee), CSU Construction Management Summer Institute ($25), and CSU SPUR camps (scholarships available), while CU Science Discovery and BOLT Camp offer need-based scholarships.
Several programs specifically target underrepresented students, including SUMMET (first-generation college students) and CSU SPUR Bring Your Ideas To Life (scholarships for students in the 80216 zip code), so local and underrepresented students should take note of these targeted opportunities.
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from five-day design camps, such as CSU Designing Your World and Engineering Pathfinders, to multi-week research placements, such as CU Science Discovery STEM Research Experience (June through July), so students can choose based on their availability and depth of interest.
Application deadlines for competitive programs fall early, including SUMMET (February 15), CU Science Discovery STEM Research Experience (March 18), and CSU Construction Management Summer Institute (March 15), while programs, such as BOLT Camp and Engineering Pathfinders, accept rolling applications.
1. NLR–SLAC Pathway Summer School
Location: National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), Golden, CO; SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA, for eligible students
Stipend: $500/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 22 – July 17; July 20 – July 31 (at CA location)
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school students and recent graduates (16+) from the Denver area; students who are 18+ will travel to the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in the final two weeks
This engineering and science program for high school students in Colorado combines laboratory learning with exposure to energy-related research. You study core concepts in electrochemistry, including how technologies such as batteries, fuel cells, and solar photochemistry work. Through guided projects, you gain experience with basic lab techniques and methods for analyzing scientific data. The program also introduces technical topics such as coding, artificial intelligence, and data analysis through workshops. By the end, you’ll develop skills in communicating technical findings, including presenting research through posters and discussions.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students. The AI Fellowship requires completion of the AI Scholars program or prior experience with Python
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Junior Space Entrepreneur Program
Location: Space Foundation Discovery Center, Colorado Springs, CO
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Varies by cohort
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
In this program, you work through the structure of a simulated Mars mission while exploring how engineering and space commerce intersect. You develop mission objectives, analyze potential solutions, and apply engineering design processes to address challenges related to space travel. You practice collaboration, project management, and public speaking as you refine and present your ideas. Research and data collection play a key role in shaping your decisions throughout the process. The program incorporates entrepreneurship, asking you to translate technical ideas into viable business concepts connected to the space industry.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program connects you with a mentor to conduct an independent research project in a field of your choice, including engineering-related topics. Over several weeks, you define a research question, review academic literature, and develop a structured approach to investigating your topic. You receive one-on-one guidance from a PhD mentor, which helps you refine your methodology and interpret findings. The program emphasizes analytical thinking, structured writing, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. Overall, you’ll complete a final research paper that reflects your work and understanding of the subject.
5. Build a Better Book Teen Internship Program
Location: University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
This internship for high school students focuses on designing accessible materials for individuals with visual impairments. You apply principles of universal and empathy-driven design to create solutions tailored to specific user needs. The program introduces you to maker technologies, including 3D modeling, printing, laser cutting, and basic programming. Alongside technical skills, you explore concepts related to accessibility, tactile learning, and inclusive design practices. Projects are structured around real client needs, requiring you to balance functionality, usability, and design constraints.
6. Summer Mines Engineering and Training (SUMMET) Program
Location: Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
Cost: $50 confirmation fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: May 31 – June 5; Session 2: June 7 – 12; Session 3: June 21 – 26
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are prospective first-generation college students
This engineering program for high school students in Colorado combines academic instruction with collaborative design projects in a residential setting. You participate in daily workshops that introduce concepts from multiple STEM disciplines, including mechanical engineering, computer science, and chemistry. A central group project runs throughout the program, requiring you to apply design thinking and teamwork to develop a solution. Additional mini-projects provide exposure to different technical areas and problem-solving approaches. The program also includes activities that simulate aspects of college life, helping you understand how engineering is studied in an academic environment.
7. Designing Your World
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: $500Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders ages 14-17
This engineering program for high school students in Colorado centers on solving open-ended, real-world problems through structured design processes. You begin by identifying a problem, then move through the stages of design, build, test, and refine a solution. Many projects incorporate hardware components such as Arduino-controlled systems, introducing you to basic electronics and programming. Access to mechanical engineering labs enables you to work with tools such as 3D printers, machine shop equipment, and mechatronics systems. These resources support hands-on prototyping and iterative development of your ideas.
8. Engineering Design Summer Camps
Location: Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
Cost: $650
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 students
Dates: July 6 – 10; July 13 – 17; July 30 – 24; July 27 – 31
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders
This engineering program for high school students in Colorado focuses on developing 3D design and modeling skills using industry-standard software. You learn to create parametric models and assemblies through SolidWorks, a tool commonly used in engineering design and manufacturing. The curriculum guides you through translating conceptual ideas into digital prototypes, reinforcing spatial reasoning and technical visualization. The program also introduces core engineering design practices, including iterative improvement and problem-solving through modeling. By the end, you’ll have experience working with professional-grade tools and get the opportunity to become a Certified SolidWorks™ Associate (CSWA).
9. CU Science Discovery: STEM Research Experience
Location: University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Cost: $2,400 (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 3 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 18
Eligibility: Students who are 16+
This STEM research program for high school students in Colorado places you in a mentored lab environment to explore a specific scientific or technical topic. You participate in the full research process, including reviewing literature, assisting with experiments, and collecting and analyzing data. Weekly seminars introduce research methods, while small-group mentorship guides technical skills and project development. You also learn how to visualize and communicate findings by creating a scientific poster. The program concludes with a formal presentation where you share your research outcomes.
10. Engineering Pathfinders Summer Academy
Location: Challenger Learning Center, Colorado Springs, CO
Cost: $260 (half day), $375 (full day)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Weekly camps in June
Application Deadline: Regular registration begins May 1 (March 1 for early bird)
Eligibility: Rising 8th to 10th graders
This engineering program for high school students emphasizes sustained, hands-on engagement with multiple technical disciplines, including fabrication, coding, electrical engineering, and structural design. You work through structured modules where you interpret schematics, build physical systems, and program microcontrollers to control hardware. Activities introduce tools such as CAD software and 3D printers, linking digital design with physical prototyping. As you progress, you apply iterative design processes, adapting your work based on testing and constraints. The program culminates in a capstone project where you integrate skills across disciplines to develop a complete engineering solution.
11. Bioengineering Opportunities and Leadership Training (BOLT) Camp
Location: University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, CO
Cost: $1,075 (scholarships)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 8 – 11; June 15 – 18; June 22 – 25
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders
This engineering program for high school students in Colorado focuses on the intersection of engineering and medicine through hands-on design and experimentation. You work in teams to design, build, and test prototype devices, applying core engineering principles to biomedical problems. Activities such as 3D printing, lab tours, and device development introduce you to both clinical and technical aspects of bioengineering. You also interact with researchers, doctors, and industry professionals to understand how engineering solutions are used in healthcare contexts. The program incorporates elements of empathy-driven design, especially when addressing challenges related to disabilities.
12. CU Science Discovery: Aerospace
Location: University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Cost: $650 (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 5-day camps across June and July
Application Deadline: 10 days before the start of camp
Eligibility: High school students
This engineering program for high school students in Colorado introduces you to aerospace concepts through a mix of site visits, expert interactions, and applied learning. You explore how engineers approach challenges in space exploration, including system reliability, temperature regulation, and human survival in extreme environments. Visits to facilities like the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics expose you to mission operations and satellite research in practice. You also engage with topics such as orbit determination, triangulation, and the rocket equation, connecting mathematical concepts to practical applications. You also engage in sessions with scientists and engineers who provide context on current research and career pathways in aerospace.
13. Construction Management Summer Institute
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: $25
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 26 students
Dates: June 2 – 6
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Students ages 15-18
This program introduces high school students to the fundamentals of construction management within the broader architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) field. You examine how projects move from design concepts to completed structures, focusing on coordination, materials, and workflow. Activities involve working with industry professionals and mentors to understand how teams manage timelines, resources, and on-site challenges. You’ll also get exposure to basic construction concepts, tools, and equipment through guided, hands-on experiences. Alongside technical knowledge, you gain insight into how construction projects are planned and executed in professional settings.
14. CSU SPUR Bring Your Ideas To Life Summer Camp
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: $100 (scholarships available for students in the 80216 zip code)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 8 – 12
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 7th to 12th graders ages 12-18
This engineering-related summer program for high school students in Colorado centers on design thinking and hands-on prototyping. You explore how to move from identifying a problem to developing a functional solution using structured design processes. Throughout the program, you work in collaborative settings to test ideas and refine them based on feedback. You’ll spend time in the Makerspace learning tools and technologies used for building and iterating physical prototypes. The program also connects engineering concepts with entrepreneurship, encouraging you to consider how designs can translate into real-world applications.
15. CSU SPUR Drone Aviation Summer Program
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: $199 (can be refunded based on need)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – 26; July 6 – 10; July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students ages 14-18
This engineering program for high school students in Colorado introduces you to uncrewed aircraft systems through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on flight training. You learn how to operate different types of drones while building an understanding of aviation regulations and airspace management. The curriculum includes mission planning exercises that simulate real-world drone applications, requiring you to think through logistics, safety, and execution. You also engage in lectures and breakout sessions that cover technical and operational aspects of UAV systems. By the end of the program, you’ll develop the foundational knowledge aligned with the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification.
Frequently asked questions
1. What engineering programs are available for high school students in Colorado?
Options include aerospace programs, such as CU Science Discovery Aerospace and Junior Space Entrepreneur Program, bioengineering programs, such as BOLT Camp at CU Anschutz, electrochemistry and energy research programs, such as NLR-SLAC Pathway Summer School, drone and UAV programs, such as CSU SPUR Drone Aviation, 3D design and modeling programs, such as Colorado School of Mines Engineering Design Camps, accessible design programs, such as Build a Better Book, and AI and research programs, such as Veritas AI and Lumiere.
2. Are there free or low-cost engineering programs for high school students in Colorado?
Yes, NLR-SLAC Pathway Summer School provides $500 per week and is free to attend; Junior Space Entrepreneur Program is free; SUMMET charges only a $50 confirmation fee, and CSU Construction Management Summer Institute costs $25. CSU SPUR Bring Your Ideas To Life offers scholarships, and CU Science Discovery and BOLT Camp provide need-based financial aid for eligible students.
3. Which Colorado programs are best for students interested in aerospace or space engineering?
Students interested in aerospace might consider CU Science Discovery Aerospace for site visits to university labs and satellite research facilities, Junior Space Entrepreneur Program for simulated Mars mission design and space commerce, and NLR-SLAC Pathway Summer School for energy research with potential travel to SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory for eligible students.
4. Which programs are open to students outside Colorado?
Veritas AI and Lumiere Research Scholar Program are fully virtual and open to students anywhere. CU Science Discovery STEM Research Experience and several Colorado School of Mines and CSU programs also accept out-of-state applicants, though some programs, such as NLR-SLAC, prioritize students from the Denver area.
5. When should I apply to engineering programs for high school students in Colorado?
SUMMET closes February 15, CSU Construction Management closes March 15, and CU Science Discovery STEM Research Experience closes March 18. CSU SPUR Drone Aviation closes May 1, and NLR-SLAC closes April 30. Programs, such as BOLT Camp, CSU Designing Your World, and Veritas AI, accept rolling applications, so students should monitor program websites from early spring and apply as soon as registration opens.