15 STEM Programs for High School Students in Colorado
STEM programs give high school students a structured way to explore science, technology, engineering, and math beyond the classroom. With research projects, lab work, and mentorship from professionals, you'll build practical skills while discovering how different industries actually function. Along the way, you'll strengthen your academic profile and get a clearer sense of the career paths that might suit you the best. Many of these opportunities are offered by well-established universities and organizations, making them a reliable way to deepen your learning.
Why should you attend a program in Colorado?
Colorado is home to universities, research centers, and organizations that offer STEM programs across diverse fields, including environmental science, engineering, and data analysis. You might find yourself engaging in activities such as laboratory experiments, field research, coding projects, and collaborative problem-solving exercises. Whether you're a local student or looking to experience a new academic environment, these programs expose you to industry practices and connect you with experienced mentors.
To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 STEM programs for high school students in Colorado.
If you’re looking for free programs in Colorado, check out our blog here.
1. Summer Child Health Research Internship
Location: Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
Stipend: $4,400
Application Deadline: February 1
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Eligibility: High school seniors over the age of 18 who are Colorado residents
The Summer Child Health Research Internship introduces you to pediatric health research within a clinical and academic setting. During the program, you'll work in labs alongside faculty from the Department of Pediatrics and affiliated research institutes on the Anschutz Medical Campus. You'll also take part in a structured weekly seminar series where researchers present ongoing work and share the methodologies behind their studies, helping you understand not just what they research, but how it is done. As part of the application process, you'll be matched with a mentor whose work aligns with your interests, so you can dive deeper into topics that interest you. By the end of the program, you'll bring your learning together by writing a research summary and presenting your work through a talk or poster. In some cases, you may even have the opportunity to submit an abstract or present your work at a conference.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Application Deadline: Rolling. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Eligibility: High school students. 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 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. GoGetMath@CSU
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: June 8 - 12
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10-12 in the fall
GoGetMath@CSU introduces high school students to applied mathematics through hands-on learning and lab-based sessions. In this program, you'll explore topics such as data science, cryptography, geometry, and fractals. The program is conducted in a university setting, giving you a sense of what studying mathematics at a higher level is like. You'll also interact with mentors from undergraduate, graduate, and professional backgrounds. Activities emphasize applying mathematical concepts to real-world problems, making the learning experience engaging. Overall, the program highlights how mathematical skills connect to various career opportunities in STEM fields.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - STEM Track
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
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 Science University Biomedical Research Bootcamp
Location: CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
Cost: $1,200
Application Deadline: May 22 (online registration)
Dates: June 1 - 12
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12
The CU Science University Biomedical Research Bootcamp introduces you to the fundamentals of biomedical research through lab-focused learning and structured activities. In this program, you'll practice essential laboratory techniques while following safety protocols and documenting observations in lab notebooks. The program includes visits to research facilities and interactions with working scientists, giving you a closer look at how research takes place in professional settings. Along the way, sessions explore the ethical considerations involved in biomedical research. You'll develop your own research proposal as part of the coursework, applying what you have learned to a health-related question. The experience is designed to give you a clear understanding of how scientific methods are used to study and address real-world issues in healthcare and medicine.
6. Medical Student Experience at CU Science
Location: CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
Cost: $650
Application Deadline: June 5 (online registration)
Dates: June 15 - 19
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12
This program provides an introduction to medical practice through interactive labs and clinical skill demonstrations. You'll participate in activities including anatomy work, suturing, injections, casting, and ultrasound use, giving you a practical sense of how medical procedures are performed. The curriculum focuses on connecting scientific knowledge with hands-on application. Throughout the program, you'll interact with medical trainees and professionals to learn about various healthcare roles. Sessions are structured to simulate aspects of clinical environments, allowing you to experience how medical teams operate. Overall, the experience helps you build familiarity with medical procedures and explore career options in medicine.
7. STEM Pathfinders: Engineering
Location: CU Boulder Campus, Boulder, CO
Cost: $1,300
Application Deadline: July 3 (online registration)
Dates: July 13 - 24
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12
This program gives you an opportunity to explore different engineering majors by engaging with multiple departments on a university campus. It begins with orientation sessions on campus life, resources, and the admissions process. As the program progresses, you'll rotate through various engineering fields. In each department, you'll take part in lab tours, hands-on activities, and discussions with faculty and students. These sessions provide insights into academics, research, and career opportunities. The experience is designed to support informed decision-making about engineering pathways.
8. STEM Pathfinders: Biosciences
Location: CU Boulder Campus, Boulder, CO
Cost: $1,300
Application Deadline: May 22 (online registration)
Dates: June 1 - 12
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12
This program introduces you to biosciences by combining campus orientation with departmental exploration. You'll begin with sessions on student life, campus resources, and the admissions process, and then rotate through multiple bioscience departments. In each department, you'll participate in hands-on exercises, lab tours, and discussions with faculty and current students. These sessions cover key topics such as academic programs, research work, and career pathways. Overall, the program helps you build an understanding of bioscience fields through guided experiences.
9. Construction Management Summer Institute
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: $25
Application Deadline: March 15
Dates: June 2 - 6
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18
The Construction Management Summer Institute provides high school students with an overview of the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. In this program, you'll interact with industry professionals and mentors as you learn how construction projects move from design to execution. Activities guide you through the basics of construction materials, tools, and processes, helping you understand how different elements come together on real projects. You'll also take part inteam-based exercises focused on coordination and practical problem-solving in project settings. The program also includes discussions around industry accessibility and confidence-building. This experience is structured for students seeking an introduction to construction management and related career pathways.
10. CSU Drone Aviation Summer Program
Location: CSU Spur, Denver, CO
Cost: $199
Application Deadline: May 1
Dates: June 22 - 26 | July 6 - 10 | July 20 - 24
Eligibility: Ages 14-18
The Drone Aviation Summer Program at Colorado State University introduces high school students to the fundamentals of drone flight and aviation systems. In this program, you'll attend classroom sessions that address FAA Part 107 certification topics and regulations. Along the way, you'll gain hands-on flight training that enables you to operate different UAV models in controlled settings. You'll also take part in mission-planning exercises that simulate real-world drone operations. Additional lectures and breakout sessions provide insights into applications and safety protocols. The program is designed for students interested in exploring remote piloting and drone technology.
11. Bioengineering Opportunities and Leadership Training Camp
Location: University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
Cost: $1,075
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: June 8 - 11 | June 15 - 18 | June 22 - 25
Eligibility: Students entering 10th - 12th grade in fall
The Bioengineering Opportunities and Leadership Training Camp introduces high school students to key concepts and applications in biomedical engineering. In this program, you'll work on team-based projects focused on designing, building, and refining prototypes. Hands-on activities include lab tours, 3D printing, and exposure to basic clinical and laboratory skills. The program also features interactions with professionals from healthcare and research fields. The curriculum combines engineering theory with insights into current biomedical innovations. Leadership and collaborative problem-solving are integrated into the learning experience.
12. Designing Your World at Colorado State University
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: $500
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: June 22 - 26
Eligibility: Students ages 14 - 17, or rising 10th - 12th graders
Designing Your World focuses on applying engineering concepts to real-world challenges. You'll work on design tasks involving problem identification and solution development. The program guides you through iterative processes such as building, testing, and refining prototypes, just like engineers do in real projects. Some projects may incorporate Arduino-based robotics into the design. You'll also get access to advanced mechanical engineering labs, including 3D fabrication and machine shop facilities. Along the way, the curriculum helps you develop key skills in critical thinking, time management, and structured problem-solving.
13. STEM Research Experience at the University of Colorado
Location: University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Cost: $2,400
Application Deadline: March 18
Dates: June 3-July 31
Eligibility: All applicants must be 16 years of age by the start date of the program on June 3
The STEM Research Experience at the University of Colorado offers high school students a structured opportunity to engage in scientific research through mentored, project-based work. During the program, you'll be paired in small groups with faculty or graduate student mentors based on shared research interests. You'll attend a weekly seminar focused on research methods, where you'll learn key concepts in scientific inquiry and analysis. Outside of these sessions, you'll spend time in lab environments, supporting experiments and working with data. The program includes activities such as literature review, data visualization, and analysis. The program concludes with you presenting your findings in the form of a scientific poster at a concluding research session.
14. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
Location: Remote
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 1
Dates: July 6 - 24
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-11
The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP), led by the Stanford Physics Department and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, is a free virtual program for high school students interested in physics. In this program, you'll attend online sessions covering topics such as quantum physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. The program features lectures delivered by Stanford faculty, along with mentorship from undergraduate students. You'll also receive Python instructions, with opportunities to apply coding skills to physics-related projects. Small group collaboration is a key part of the experience. The program is designed to encourage participation from first-generation students and those from underrepresented backgrounds.
15. Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X)
Location: Remote/in-person
Cost: $1,72 (virtual)
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: June 8 – 19 | June 22 – July 3
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18 years
Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) is a program designed for high school students in advanced academic years. In this program, you'll take part in structured sessions that introduce you to key topics in neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology. The curriculum features interactive seminars led by Stanford faculty and researchers. You'll also work in small teams to develop a capstone project that addresses social issues related to brain and mental health. The program also provides insight into careers in medicine and science. Each team presents its final project to an audience at the conclusion of the experience.
Tyler Moulton is Head of Academics and Veritas AI Partnerships with 6 years of experience in education consulting, teaching, and astronomy research at Harvard and the University of Cambridge, where they developed a passion for machine learning and artificial intelligence. Tyler holds an A.B. in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University. Tyler is passionate about connecting high-achieving students to advanced AI techniques and helping them build independent, real-world projects in the field of AI!