14 Science Programs for High School Students in Colorado
If you’re a high school student interested in science, structured programs can be a strong option to explore. These programs go beyond classroom theory and focus on experimentation, lab work, field research, and mentorship from university faculty and researchers. These programs also help you build practical skills in data analysis, experimentation, and scientific communication while strengthening college applications and future career readiness.
Why should you attend a Science program in Colorado?
Colorado is home to several leading universities and research-focused institutions that actively run STEM and science enrichment programs for high school students. You will gain access to advanced laboratories, faculty mentorship, and real scientific tools that are rarely available in standard classroom settings. These programs are especially valuable if you are interested in fields such as engineering, environmental science, biotechnology, physics, or computer science, as they combine academic learning with practical application of scientific concepts and research methods.
In this blog, we have compiled a list of 14 science programs for high school students in Colorado.
If you’re looking for free programs in Colorado, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
Several programs are free or provide stipends, including CU Child Health Research Internship ($4,400 stipend), NIST SHIP (stipend in some cases), ENvision at CSU (fully funded), SUMMET at Colorado School of Mines (free), and CU Pre-Health Scholars Program (free), making Colorado a strong state for no-cost science opportunities.
Programs span a wide range of science fields including pediatric and clinical research (CU Child Health Research Internship), AI and machine learning (Veritas AI, Lumiere), biomedical engineering (BOLT Camp), aerospace and drone technology (Aerospace Summer Program, Drone Aviation Program), veterinary and wildlife science (SciVet), astrophysics and biochemistry (Summer Science Program), and general STEM research (CU STEM Research Experience, NIST SHIP).
Several programs are hosted on major Colorado research campuses, including CU Boulder, CU Anschutz, Colorado State University, and Colorado School of Mines, giving students direct access to university faculty, labs, and professional research environments.
Students looking for paid or stipend-bearing programs can apply to the CU Child Health Research Internship ($4,400), NIST SHIP (stipend varies), and the Summer Science Program ($3,000; stipends available for students who need to earn during summer, with full financial aid for families under $75,000).
Most competitive programs have deadlines between January and March, with NIST SHIP closing January 26, Summer Science Program closing in late January and February, and CU STEM Research Experience closing March 18. Students should begin identifying programs in the fall and apply well ahead of the spring semester.
1. University of Colorado’s Child Health Research Internship
Location: Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Stipend: $4,400 stipend
Application Deadline: February 1
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Eligibility: High school seniors (18+) in Colorado
The program hosted by the Department of Pediatrics and the Colorado Child Health Research Institute at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a summer research opportunity for high school, college, graduate, and first-year medical students. You will work alongside faculty at Children’s Hospital Colorado on pediatric research projects, gaining hands-on experience in a clinical research environment. The program also includes weekly lectures on current topics in pediatrics and concludes with participants presenting their research findings at the end of the session.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with 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 get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance 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.
3. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP)
Location: NIST laboratories in Boulder, CO, or Gaithersburg, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will receive a stipend in some cases
Application Deadline: January 26
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Eligibility: US citizens only, in their junior and senior year of high school.
The NIST Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) is an eight-week, full-time research internship at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, where high school students work alongside scientists and engineers on real projects in areas like AI, materials science, and advanced computing. The program includes hands-on lab work, research seminars, technical training, and exposure to professional research tools and methods. You will also present your work at a final poster session, receive a stipend, and gain experience in a real research environment.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program–Science Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Eligibility: Academically strong high school students. Accepted students typically have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. CU Pre-Health Scholars Program (CUPS)
Location: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO; virtual options are also offered
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: November 1
Dates: Summer intensive begins June 8 and lasts 1-4 weeks, depending on grade level | The program includes a once-a-month Saturday Academy during the academic year
Eligibility: Underrepresented students in grades 6-12 in Colorado
The CU Pre-Health Scholars Program (CUPS) is a year-long program for students interested in public health and medical careers. You will attend monthly Saturday workshops during the school year, along with a summer intensive focused on biomedical sciences, healthcare careers, research design, and STEAM fields. The program includes hands-on activities such as blood pressure measurement, wound suturing, and lab-based experiments, alongside exposure to clinical and community health settings. You will also complete research projects, present your findings, and engage in mentorship with faculty and peers.
6. ENvision Summer Program at Colorado State University
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: Fully funded, with all major expenses covered
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: May 31 – June 6
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors in Colorado, particularly those from first-generation and underrepresented backgrounds
The Envision Summer Program at Colorado State University gives you a hands-on introduction to engineering through lab work, team-based projects, and research-focused learning. You will collaborate with faculty and current students, gaining a clear sense of how engineering ideas are applied to solve real-world problems. The program guides you through the research process, from identifying a challenge to testing and refining solutions, while strengthening your technical skills and critical thinking. Completing the program can also open pathways to engineering scholarships at CSU if you decide to study there.
7. Summer Mines Engineering and Training (SUMMET) Program
Location: Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
Cost: Free ($50 for confirmation, if accepted)
Application Deadline: February 15
Dates: Session 1: May 31 – June 5 | Session 2: June 7 – 12 | Session 3: June 21 – 26
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (current juniors); priority for first-gen and underrepresented students in STEM
The Summer Mines Engineering and Training Program at Colorado School of Mines is a one-week residential program designed for rising high school seniors. During your time on campus, you explore foundational concepts in science, engineering, and technology while working closely with peers. A central part of the experience is a team-based design project in which you apply engineering principles to solve practical challenges. The program also includes short workshops in areas like mechanical engineering, computer science, and chemistry, along with a visit to the Edgar Experimental Mine to see how these fields connect to real-world applications.
8. SciVet Summer Program
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: $1800 (residential) | $1,200 (commuter)
Application Deadline: June 1
Dates: June 22 – 26
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 15 years old
The SciVet Summer Program at Colorado State University is a one-week immersive experience for high school students entering grades 10–12 who are at least 15 years old. Through a combination of lab-based learning and field excursions, you gain exposure to veterinary science in real-world contexts. Collaborating with CSU faculty, guest speakers, and mentors, you delve into various fields, including wildlife research, water quality, equine-assisted therapy, scientific illustration, dendrochronology, integrative veterinary practices, veterinary business, native bee populations, and wolf ecology.
9. Drone Aviation Summer Program
Location: Fort Collins, CO (Christman Field and CSU Drone Center)
Cost: $199
Application Deadline: first-come, first-served
Dates: June 22 – 26 | July 6 – 10 | July 20 – 24
Eligibility: High school students ages 14–18
The Drone Aviation Pathways Summer Program at Colorado State University is a short, immersive experience for Colorado high school students interested in aviation and drone technology. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on flight training using unmanned aircraft systems. You practice drone operations, take part in simulated mission planning and data collection exercises, and learn about airspace rules, flight safety, and real-world applications of UAV technology across different industries. The week also focuses on preparing students for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, which participants can take upon completing the program.
10. Summer Science Program (Astrophysics) at the University of Colorado
Location: Offered at multiple campuses, including the University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Cost: Program fee is $11,800; financial aid covers 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students; families earning under $75,000 typically attend for free, including travel; $3,000 stipends available for students who would otherwise need to work during the summer; no application fee
Application Deadline: January 29 (international applicants) | February 19 (U.S. applicants)
Dates: Runs from mid-June through late July
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and a limited number of sophomores, at least 15 years old, who have completed the prerequisite coursework
The Summer Science Program (SSP) gives you the opportunity to work in small, collaborative teams on intensive, hands-on science research. You can choose from four tracks: astrophysics, biochemistry, genomics, or synthetic chemistry. Depending on your track, you’ll dive into real-world projects such as determining asteroid orbits, analyzing fungal crop pathogens, investigating antibiotic resistance, or designing macrocyclic drug candidates. The program combines lab work, coding, and data analysis with daily lectures by scientists, providing both theoretical grounding and practical experience. You’ll also develop skills in scientific writing, teamwork, and presenting research, culminating in a final report and presentation.
11. STEM Research Experience at the University of Colorado, Boulder
Location: University of Colorado, Boulder, CO and CU Anschutz, Aurora, CO
Cost: $2,400
Application Deadline: March 18
Dates: June 3 – July 31
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
In this program, you will work on both guided and independent projects in biology, chemistry, and environmental science, spending 15–20 hours per week in a lab setting. It helps you build core research skills, including experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, and literature review, supported by a dedicated research methods course. You also get to participate in lab meetings, collaborate with peers and mentors, and gain exposure to real scientific workflows. The experience concludes with a Research Expo where you present your findings in a poster session.
12. Medical Student Experience
Location: CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
Cost: $650
Application Deadline: May 1
Dates: June 15 – 19
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12
This week-long course exposes high school students to medicine through a range of hands-on experiences. You explore core medical concepts through interactive labs and demonstrations, including anatomy activities, physical exams, suturing, casting, and ultrasound practice. The program also includes exposure to real clinical environments and opportunities to interact with healthcare professionals and medical trainees. Alongside the practical work, you gain insight into different medical career paths and how healthcare teams function, making it a realistic introduction to medical school-style learning and clinical practice.
13. Aerospace Summer Program
Location: University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
Cost: $650 (standard fee); limited scholarships available
Application Deadline: Registration typically closes in early June (around June 5); scholarship deadline is usually May 1
Dates: June 8 – 12 | July 6 – 10 | July 20 – 24
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 in the fall, with an interest in aerospace, engineering, or space science
The Aerospace Summer Program at CU Boulder Science Discovery is a week-long, hands-on introduction to aerospace engineering where students explore how humans design, study, and explore flight and space. You learn core concepts such as aerodynamics, orbital mechanics, and space exploration through interactive activities, group projects, and field experiences. The program also includes visits to CU Boulder aerospace facilities, such as labs and research centers, where you see how real missions and satellite systems are operated. Alongside classroom learning, you get exposure to aerospace researchers and current CU students, helping you understand both the science and the pathways into engineering careers.
14. Bioengineering Opportunities and Leadership Training (BOLT) Camp at the University of Colorado Denver
Location: University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO
Cost: $1,075
Application Deadline: Not specified (waitlist sign-up available)
Dates: June 8 – 11 | June 15 – 18 | June 22 – 25
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 9–12 in fall 2025
BOLT is a four-day commuter program in which you will learn the fundamentals of biomedical engineering and develop leadership skills. Student teams work together to design, build, and test prototypes in a design competition. You will explore biomedical engineering theory, general engineering principles, and cutting-edge research. The program includes hands-on activities that help you learn to think creatively and empathize with individuals with disabilities. Previous participants have worked on CRISPR-Cas9 tissue-engineering experiments, visited a cadaver lab, and learned practical skills such as soldering and circuit building.
Frequently asked questions
What types of science programs are available for high school students in Colorado?
Options include paid clinical research internships (CU Child Health Research Internship), federal research internships (NIST SHIP), university pre-college science intensives (CU STEM Research Experience, Medical Student Experience, Aerospace Summer Program, BOLT Camp, SciVet), fully funded engineering programs (ENvision at CSU, SUMMET at Colorado Mines), AI and machine learning programs (Veritas AI, Lumiere), and residential astrophysics and biochemistry research programs (Summer Science Program).
Are there free science programs for high school students in Colorado?
Yes, several programs are free or funded. ENvision at CSU is fully funded for eligible students. SUMMET at Colorado School of Mines is free for admitted students. CU Pre-Health Scholars Program is free and open to underrepresented Colorado students. NIST SHIP provides a stipend and has no program cost. CU Child Health Research Internship provides a $4,400 stipend. Programs like Lumiere, Veritas AI, and Summer Science Program charge tuition but offer substantial financial aid.
Which Colorado science programs are best for students interested in medicine or health sciences?
CU Child Health Research Internship pairs high school seniors with faculty at Children's Hospital Colorado for two months of pediatric research. CU Pre-Health Scholars Program provides year-round exposure to clinical environments, hands-on procedures, and health equity topics. Medical Student Experience at CU Anschutz offers a week of clinical skills training, including suturing, casting, and ultrasound. SciVet at CSU introduces veterinary science through field excursions and faculty mentorship.
Which programs are best for students interested in engineering or aerospace?
SUMMET at Colorado School of Mines is a free residential program that includes team-based engineering design and visits to an operational mine. ENvision at CSU introduces engineering research and lab-based problem solving. Aerospace Summer Program at CU Boulder covers aerodynamics, orbital mechanics, and space exploration with visits to campus aerospace facilities. BOLT Camp at CU Denver focuses on biomedical engineering through hands-on prototyping and CRISPR-related experiments.
Are there science programs in Colorado specifically for underrepresented students?
ENvision at CSU specifically prioritizes first-generation and underrepresented students. SUMMET at the Colorado School of Mines prioritizes first-generation and underrepresented students in STEM. The CU Pre-Health Scholars Program is designed for underrepresented students in grades 6 through 12 across Colorado. The Summer Science Program states that financial need has no impact on admissions decisions and provides full financial aid for families earning under $75,000.
When should I apply to science programs for high school students in Colorado?
NIST SHIP closes January 26, and the Summer Science Program closes in late January for international applicants and February 19 for U.S. applicants. The CU Child Health Research Internship closes on February 1, and SUMMET closes on February 15. CU STEM Research Experience closes March 18. CU Pre-Health Scholars Program closes November 1 for its academic-year component, making it the earliest deadline on this list. Students should begin researching in the fall and prioritize October- and January-deadline programs first.