15 Programs for High School Students in Colorado
If you are a high school student looking to explore your academic interests, structured programs can provide opportunities to learn beyond the classroom while developing new skills. Depending on the program, you may conduct research, take college-level courses, explore engineering or business, study the arts, or participate in leadership and community engagement activities. These experiences can help you better understand different fields of study as you prepare for college and future academic opportunities.
Why should you attend a program in Colorado?
Colorado is home to institutions such as the University of Denver and the University of Colorado Boulder that offer programs for high school students across a range of disciplines. Through these programs, you may conduct research, work on engineering or business projects, explore biomedical science, develop creative portfolios, or experience college life on campus under the guidance of faculty and professionals. Whether you are interested in STEM, business, the arts, or leadership, Colorado offers programs that support a variety of academic interests.
To make the search easier, we have curated a list of 15 programs for high school students in Colorado.
If you’re looking for science programs in Colorado, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span STEM research (NIST SHIP, Teen Science Scholars, Children's Hospital Colorado), business and leadership (CU Boulder BLP, CSU Global Business Academy), biomedical engineering (BOLT Camp), veterinary science (CSU SciVet), and arts and media (LYNX Camps), giving Colorado students options across nearly every academic interest.
Several programs are free or include stipends, including Access DU, NIST SHIP, Teen Science Scholars ($1,803 stipend), CU Boulder's Business Leadership Program, Black Issues Forum, and Children's Hospital Colorado's internship ($4,400 stipend).
Many programs are geographically restricted to Colorado residents or students attending Colorado schools, including NIST SHIP (within 50 miles of the Boulder campus), CU Boulder BLP, ODU Health Sciences Academy-equivalent local programs, and Children's Hospital Colorado.
Program lengths range from short four to five day immersive experiences (BOLT Camp, VCOM-equivalent camps, CSU SciVet) to multi-week residential programs (Colorado College Pre-College Block, CSU Global Business Academy, Children's Hospital Colorado internship).
Most application deadlines fall between January and May, with the earliest being Children's Hospital Colorado (February 1) and NIST SHIP (January 26), so students should begin researching programs in the fall.
1. Access DU @ University of Denver
Location: University of Denver, Denver, CO
Cost: Free (travel support available based on need)
Dates: July 15 – 18
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, undocumented students, or DACA recipients
Access DU is a short, fully funded residential experience at the University of Denver that brings together high-achieving students from across the U.S. for an introduction to college life, leadership, and community engagement. Over three days on campus, you will engage in discussions around cultural awareness, service, and leadership while also gaining practical insight into the college admissions process through interactions with counselors, faculty, and current students. The program places a strong emphasis on access and inclusion, supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds while also offering ongoing mentorship throughout the college application process. Beyond the experience itself, you may receive application fee waivers and be considered for merit-based scholarships at DU, making it both a learning opportunity and a potential pathway into higher education.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple 12 – 15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Rolling enrollment; deadlines vary by cohort: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can check 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, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers a range of online programs for high school students 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 data science and AI fundamentals and 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 get your work published in high school research journals. You can check out examples of a few past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. NIST Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: NIST, Boulder, CO; placements also available at the Maryland campus
Cost: Free
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application deadline: January 26
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are current high school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and living within 50 miles of the NIST campus
SHIP places high school students in labs to work with scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a federal agency that conducts measurement science research. You will work on a research project under the mentorship of a NIST scientist, applying techniques relevant to the assigned laboratory’s work. Placements span areas such as chemistry, engineering, environmental science, materials science, physics, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. You will learn how to work with real data and use specialized instruments within professional laboratory environments. At the end of NIST, you will present your research work in the form of a poster.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote! You can participate in the program from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available.
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, spring, fall, and winter. Options range from 12 weeks to a year.
Application deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: Students enrolled in high school who demonstrate strong academic performanceThe Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas 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 chemistry, engineering, data science, computer science, psychology, physics, 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. Teen Science Scholars (TSS) @ Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Location: Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver, CO
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,803 stipend
Dates: Session 1: June 2 – 26 | Session 2: July 7 – 31
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors, ages 14 – 17; students from underserved or underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply.
TSS offers a structured, hands-on summer research experience where you will work alongside museum scientists on real projects in disciplines like paleontology, wildlife biology, anthropology, space science, and data science. Over the course of a month-long session, you will join and work within a specific research track, with options ranging from fossil excavation and genomics lab work to coding for planetarium software. You will also find opportunities to develop skills in research, communication, collaboration, and scientific thinking. The program combines research with professional development, including public speaking and college readiness. At the end of the experience, you will present your work at a formal showcase, reflecting both your scientific contributions and your growth over the program.
6. Colorado School of Mines SUMMET at MINES
Location: Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
Cost: $50 confirmation fee upon acceptance
Dates: May 31 – June 5 | June 7 – 12 | June 21 – 26
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors; prospective first-generation college students are encouraged to apply.
SUMMET (Summer Mines Engineering and Training Program) at the Colorado School of Mines offers a focused, one-week residential experience that blends introductory coursework with hands-on engineering and science projects. You will spend the week living on campus, working on collaborative challenges, and participating in sessions that mirror the academic and social rhythm of college life. Alongside lab work and team-based problem-solving, you will engage in activities that build confidence, communication skills, and familiarity with STEM pathways. The program is structured to ease the transition from high school to higher STEM education.
7. CU Boulder Leeds School of Business’s Business Leadership Program (BLP)
Location: University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business, Boulder, CO
Cost: Free
Dates: June 21 – 27
Application deadline: March 13
Eligibility: High school juniors and incoming Leeds freshmen who are Colorado residents or attend schools in Colorado
Hosted at the University of Colorado Boulder, BLP is a short, intensive experience that lets you take on a real-world business challenge. Over the course of one week, you will work in teams to develop and present a marketing solution for real corporate partners, simulating the kind of collaborative, high-pressure environment common in business settings. The program is structured around a case competition, offering you exposure to problem-solving, strategy, and communication, along with opportunities to interact with faculty, industry professionals, and peers. Through this experience, you will gain insight into business careers and build practical skills that extend beyond the classroom. The program offers the added incentive of a $1,000 scholarship award for the winning team.
8. Colorado College’s Pre-College Block
Location: Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO
Cost: $7,250 (domestic students) | $11,050 (international students); financial aid available
Dates: July 13 – 29
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising 11th–12th graders
Colorado College’s Pre-College Block offers a focused, immersive academic experience that mirrors the college’s distinctive Block Plan, where you will study one subject intensively rather than juggling multiple classes. Over two and a half weeks, you will engage deeply with a single course, with options ranging from environmental studies to human biology, while earning transferable college credit and getting a realistic sense of academic rigor. Beyond the classroom, the program integrates residential life, letting you live on campus, participate in community activities, and explore the surrounding Rocky Mountains. The structure is designed for students who want to test their ability to handle fast-paced, concentrated learning while also experiencing independence in a college setting.
9. STEM Pathfinder Programs @ University of Colorado Boulder
Location: University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
Cost: $1,300; limited need-based scholarships available
Dates: June 1 – 12 (Bioscience) | July 13 – 24 (Engineering)
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th-grade students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specifiedCU Boulder’s STEM Pathfinder Programs are designed for students who want structured exposure to multiple STEM disciplines before choosing a specific path. Instead of focusing on a single subject, the program rotates you through four STEM departments over the course of two weeks, combining hands-on activities, lab tours, and conversations with faculty and current students. The bioscience track explores areas such as molecular biology, ecology, and computational biology, while the engineering track covers fields such as aerospace, chemical engineering, and design-focused innovation. The structure helps you compare fields side by side and understand how they differ in terms of coursework, research, and career outcomes. Through this experience, you will also gain insight into college life, admissions, and academic pathways at CU Boulder.
10. LYNX National Arts & Media Camps @ University of Colorado Denver
Location: CU Boulder, Denver, CO
Cost: $650 – $2,600 (varies by program format)
Dates: June 8 – 12 | June 14 – 26 | July 12 – 24
Application deadline: March 15 (priority); May 15 (final)
Eligibility: High school students, ages 14 – 18, who have completed at least the 8th grade
Hosted by the College of Arts & Media at the University of Colorado Denver, the LYNX National Arts & Media Camps bring together high school students for immersive, hands-on exploration across creative and technical disciplines. Over one- or two-week sessions, you will join focused tracks like animation, filmmaking, music production, photography, or visual arts, working with industry-standard tools while building projects that reflect your interests. You can choose from commuter and residential formats running for one or two weeks, with longer programs offering a more in-depth experience that includes evening and weekend activities. Alongside technical skill-building, the program gives you a sense of what studying arts and media at the college level looks like, with exposure to faculty, facilities, and collaborative workflows. It can be a strong option if you are interested in the intersection of creativity and technology and want to develop a portfolio while connecting with peers who share similar interests.
11. Black Issues Forum (BIF) @ Colorado State University
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: Free (travel not included)
Dates: June 9 – 13
Application deadline: April 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (current juniors)
BIF at Colorado State University is a five-day residential program that blends leadership development with academic exploration, offering a space to engage with topics related to Black heritage and contemporary issues affecting African Diasporic communities. Through a mix of discussions, research activities, and personal development workshops, you will work alongside faculty, student mentors, and peers to deepen your understanding of social issues while building confidence in expressing your ideas. The program also introduces you to campus life, letting you experience living on campus and access university resources. In addition to the intellectual engagement, you will earn one transferable college credit and may become eligible for scholarship opportunities at CSU.
12. BOLT Camp @ University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Location: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
Cost: $1,075
Dates: June 8 – 11 | June 15 – 18 | June 22 – 25
Application deadline: Rolling (until spots fill)
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th-grade students
BOLT Camp at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus offers a focused introduction to biomedical engineering through a four-day, hands-on experience that blends engineering concepts with real-world medical applications. Throughout the program, you will work in teams to design, build, and test prototype devices, engaging in an iterative process that mirrors how biomedical solutions are developed in practice. Alongside project work, the camp includes lab tours, exposure to areas like tissue engineering, and conversations with researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals, giving you a clearer sense of how engineering intersects with healthcare. Activities such as 3D printing and design challenges are paired with discussions around empathy and accessibility, encouraging you to think critically about the people your solutions are meant to serve.
13. Children's Hospital Colorado Summer Child Health Research Internship
Location: Children's Hospital Colorado and CU Anschutz, Aurora, CO
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $4,400 stipend
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application deadline: February 1; applications open on December 1.
Eligibility: High school seniors who are at least 18 years old by June 1 and Colorado residents; undergraduate students, graduate students, and first-year medical students can also apply.
This nine-week summer program places you in clinical and medical school settings to conduct research. As an intern, you will work directly in a research lab alongside faculty from the Department of Pediatrics, getting hands-on experience in pediatric health research. Every Friday morning, you will attend a required weekly research seminar led by program faculty. At the end of the program, you will write a summary of your research and give an oral or poster presentation of your work. If your research is accepted for presentation at a scientific conference, the program will cover your travel and registration costs to attend the meeting.
14. Colorado State University’s SciVet Summer Program
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: $1,800 residential fee | $1,200 commuter fee; scholarships available
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students, ages 15 and up
The SciVet Summer Program at Colorado State University is a five-day immersive experience that blends scientific inquiry with hands-on exposure to veterinary medicine. Over the course of the program, you engage in a mix of lab work, field investigations, and sessions covering topics like wildlife research, water quality, dendrochronology, and integrative veterinary practices. The structure is varied, combining demonstrations, data collection, and real-world case discussions, giving you a grounded sense of both scientific methods and the realities of working in veterinary and environmental fields. With a small cohort and direct access to instructors, guest experts, and mentors, the program allows for close guidance and meaningful interaction throughout. Some activities involve outdoor fieldwork, adding a practical layer to the learning experience, while sessions on college and veterinary pathways help connect what you are learning to future academic goals.
15. Colorado State University’s Global Business Academy
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: $3,750; limited scholarships available
Dates: July 12 – 22
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, ages 15 – 18
The Global Business Academy at Colorado State University College of Business is a 10-day residential program that combines business fundamentals with experiential learning and leadership development. During the program, you will work in teams to explore how business can be used to address real-world challenges, while building skills in entrepreneurship, decision-making, and collaboration. The experience extends beyond the classroom with activities such as a ropes course at the CSU Mountain Campus, offering a mix of structured learning and outdoor team-building. Living on campus will also offer a preview of college life, while interactions with peers from diverse backgrounds will add a global perspective to discussions. The program is designed to help you connect business concepts to your own interests, whether you are considering a future in entrepreneurship, social impact, or any field where strategic thinking and leadership matter.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best programs for high school students in Colorado?
Strong options depend on a student's interests. Students drawn to STEM research might consider NIST SHIP or Teen Science Scholars at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, those interested in business might look at CU Boulder's Business Leadership Program or CSU's Global Business Academy, and those interested in biomedical science might consider BOLT Camp or Children's Hospital Colorado's internship.
Are there free programs for high school students in Colorado?
Yes, several programs are free, including Access DU, NIST SHIP, Teen Science Scholars (which also provides a $1,803 stipend), CU Boulder's Business Leadership Program, and Black Issues Forum at CSU. Children's Hospital Colorado's internship is also free and provides a $4,400 stipend.
Which Colorado programs involve hands-on scientific research?
NIST SHIP places students in federal research labs, Teen Science Scholars embeds students in museum research projects, and Children's Hospital Colorado places seniors in pediatric health research labs, all offering substantive research experience alongside faculty mentors.
Are there programs in Colorado specifically for students interested in engineering or biomedical science?
Yes, Colorado School of Mines' SUMMET focuses on engineering fundamentals, CU Boulder's STEM Pathfinder Programs include an engineering track, and BOLT Camp at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus focuses specifically on biomedical engineering through hands-on device design and prototyping.
Which Colorado programs offer college credit?
Colorado College's Pre-College Block offers transferable college credit, Black Issues Forum at CSU offers one transferable college credit, and GMU ASSIP (listed in comparable Virginia programs) offers three undergraduate credits, making these strong options for students seeking early academic advancement.
When should I apply to programs for high school students in Colorado?
Deadlines vary widely. The earliest include NIST SHIP (January 26) and Children's Hospital Colorado (February 1), while others like Colorado College Pre-College Block (May 1) and CSU Global Business Academy (May 1) fall later in the spring.