If you’re a high school student in Colorado looking to explore new ideas and gain hands-on experience, research programs are a great way to get started. These programs offer the chance to explore real-world projects, work with experts, and develop skills that will help you in any field. Whether it’s STEM, social sciences, or another area, you’ll learn how to conduct experiments, analyze data, and present your findings.
These programs also help you figure out what you might want to study in college or pursue as a career. With access to mentorship and resources, you’ll gain insights into various fields and make connections with other students who share your passion.
If this interests you, here are 10 research programs for high school students in Colorado that you can join!
10 Research Programs for High School Students in Colorado
1. Summer Science Program (Astrophysics) at the University of Colorado
The Summer Science Program (SSP) gives you the chance to work in small teams on hands-on science projects. You can pick from four tracks: astrophysics, biochemistry, genomics, or synthetic chemistry.
You’ll work on real research projects like determining asteroid orbits, studying fungal crop pathogens, exploring antibiotic resistance, or developing macrocyclic drugs. The program involves lab work and data analysis, helping you build practical skills.
Subject areas: Astrophysics (specifically for the Colorado location), although biochemistry, genomics, and synthetic chemistry are also offered at other locations.
Location: Multiple options including the University of Colorado
Cost: Fees are based on family income, capped at $9,800, and include room, board, tuition, supplies, and local transportation. Full or partial discounts are available for families earning under $140,000. A $3,000 stipend for lost wages is also available upon request.
Application deadline: January 24, 2025 (international applications) | February 21, 2025 (domestic applications)
Program dates: Mid-June to July (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and a few sophomores, who are at least 15 years old and have completed the required courses
2. STEM Research Experience at the University of Colorado, Boulder
The STEM Research Experience at the University of Colorado, Boulder, is a six-week program offering hands-on lab work for high school students. You will be paired with a mentor, work on a research project, and develop skills like data analysis, reading scientific literature, and evaluating research.
The program includes independent studies and practical lab experience. It ends with a Research Expo, where you present your findings through a poster presentation, preparing you for future academic research.
Note: This is a commuter program with no residential options.
Subject areas: Aerospace engineering sciences, bioengineering, biology, biophysics and biochemistry, chemistry, computational biology, electrical, computer and energy engineering, geological sciences, and more.l
Location: University of Colorado, Boulder
Cost: TBD
Application Deadline: Unspecified, however, applications open mid-winter.
Program Dates: June 6 – July 25, 2025
Eligibility: Applicants must be 16 years old by the program’s start date on June 6, 2025, and overseas applicants must provide proof of a Visa before registration.
3. Colorado College Summer Pre-College Program – Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Colorado College offers summer pre-college programs allowing high school students to earn transferable credits while exploring specialized courses. One course, “Climate Change and Sustainable Development,” focuses on environmental research. You will study the history of sustainable development, key global actors, and institutions promoting sustainability.
The course also examines the socioeconomic, political, cultural, and philosophical factors influencing current environmental challenges. It also explores responses to climate change and the debates surrounding these solutions.
Subject areas: Climate change, environmental ethics
Location: Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO
Cost: $6,919 – $9,609. See the full-cost breakup here!
Application Deadline: TBA. Additional information about Summer 2025 will be available shortly. If you have any questions, contact [email protected]
Program Dates: July 8–24, 2024. TBA for 2025.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors can apply.
4. ENvision Summer Program at Colorado State University
The Envision Summer Program gives high school students the chance to explore engineering through research-based lessons, hands-on activities, and lab visits. During the program, you will experience college life while working alongside current students and faculty on real-world projects.
The program focuses on the research process, exposing you to advanced engineering topics and practical scientific inquiry. You will also learn how to apply engineering principles in a research setting. Participants are eligible for a scholarship toward an engineering degree at Colorado State University.
Subject area: Engineering
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins
Cost: Fully funded
Application deadline: TBA. Registration is not yet available for the 2025 camp.
Program dates: May 31 — June 6, 2025
Eligibility: Rising Colorado high school juniors and seniors can apply.
5. The University of Colorado Biomedical Research Bootcamp
The biomedical research program is a class open to K-12 students at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus offering a one-week immersive experience in advanced laboratory techniques. You will tour the university’s facilities, engage with professional scientists, and explore the ethics and impact of biomedical research.
The program includes opportunities to develop a scientific research proposal and gain insight into various research career paths. While prior knowledge of cells, DNA, RNA, and proteins is helpful, it is not mandatory. This hands-on program provides practical experience in a research setting and a deeper understanding of biomedical science.
Subject area: Biomedical sciences, biotechnology, molecular biology
Location: CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
Cost: $1,150
Application Deadline: May 31, 2024. TBA for 2025.
Program Dates: June 10–21, 2024. TBA for 2025.
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12 can apply.
6. First Generation Business Summit at Colorado State University
This summer program is for first-generation students interested in business. You will gain foundational knowledge in business while participating in a case study competition that requires you to analyze a real-world problem and develop a research-driven business solution. The program focuses on key business areas like marketing, design, management, and finance, helping you develop analytical and problem-solving skills.
Throughout the process, you will learn how to apply key research methods to develop a business pitch, with prizes for the best solutions. In addition to academic learning, you will experience living on campus and collaborating with peers in a research-driven environment.
Subject area: Business
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins
Cost: Fully funded other than a $25 refundable registration fee which will be required on acceptance.
Application deadline: April 7, 2025
Program dates: July 21 – July 26, 2025
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent graduates who are first-generation students can apply.
7. Bioengineering Opportunities and Leadership Training (BOLT) Camp at the University of Colorado Denver
BOLT is a four-day commuter program where you will learn the fundamentals of biomedical engineering while developing 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, helping you learn to think creatively and empathize with individuals who have disabilities. Previous participants have worked on CRISPR Cas-9 tissue engineering experiments, visited a cadaver lab, and learned practical skills like soldering and circuit building.
Subject area: Engineering, medicine
Location: University of Colorado, Denver
Cost: $900. All supplies and meals are included. Scholarships are available.
Application deadline: Unspecified but you can sign up for the waitlist here!
Program dates: June 9–12, 2025
Eligibility: All students entering 9–12 grade in fall 2025.
8. University of Colorado’s Child Health Research Internship
If you’re 18 or older and interested in child health research, the University of Colorado’s Department of Pediatrics and the Colorado Child Health Research Institute have a summer program for you. Open to high school seniors, college students, graduate students, and first-year medical students, this program gives you hands-on research experience.
You’ll work with faculty members at Children’s Hospital Colorado on the Anschutz Medical Campus, focusing on pediatric health research. Along the way, you’ll attend weekly research lectures, gain insights into the field, and present your findings at the program’s conclusion.
Subject area: Medicine
Location: Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Cost: No cost. A stipend of $4,400 is provided to assist students with travel and housing.
Application deadline: February 1
Program dates: June 2–August 1, 2025
Eligibility: Must be 18 or older, a high school senior (Colorado resident), undergraduate, graduate, or first-year medical student, and available for the full nine-week internship.
9. Colorado State University’s SciVet Summer Camp
The Natural Sciences Education & Outreach Center offers a Summer Camp for Young Scientists/Veterinarians, where you can explore science and veterinary practices. Twenty-one students will participate in investigations, use real tools, and collect data in both the lab and outdoors.
The program covers topics like scientific illustrating, wildlife research, equine therapy, veterinary business, and more. You’ll be mentored by experienced educators and guest experts throughout the camp.
Subject Areas: Veterinary sciences
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: $1,770 (Residential), $1,170 (Commuter)
Application Deadline: Currently closed for 2025. TBA for 2026.
Program Dates: June 16–20
Eligibility: Open to high school students who are at least 15 years old.
10. Colorado State University Venture Validator Summer Camp
The Venture Validator Summer Camp, hosted by the CSU College of Business Institute for Entrepreneurship, is for 7th-12th grade students interested in exploring entrepreneurship. The camp is available both online and in person at various locations.
During the camp, you will identify real-world problems, brainstorm solutions, and begin creating a business to address them. You’ll learn how to conduct customer research, build a business model, analyze competition, prototype products, and pitch your ideas. The program also covers basic business concepts and introduces different career paths in marketing, supply chain management, and innovation. You’ll work in small groups to develop a solution throughout the week.
Subject Areas: Business, entrepreneurship
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: $75
Application Deadline: Currently closed for 2025. TBA for 2026.
Program Dates: June 9–13
Eligibility: Open to all rising high school students.
Bonus:
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students ranging from subjects like data science and machine learning to psychology and political theory. You can choose between quantitative or qualitative research, depending on your interests. Once you select a subject track, you will be paired with a professor or PhD scholar who will mentor you throughout the research process.
The program requires you to develop a 20-page research paper, which you can submit to prestigious journals for publication. Additionally, you will receive a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback to help you improve on future projects. Horizon provides a structured research experience, supporting your academic growth and research skills.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadlines: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. The Spring Cohort deadline is February 16, 2025.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
2. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
AI is one of the fastest-growing fields today, and Veritas AI provides high school students with a collaborative environment to explore it. Their programs offer research, project development, hands-on learning, and 1-on-1 mentorship from experts.
The AI Fellowship program allows students to work on independent research projects for 15 weeks, with the option to combine AI with any other field of interest. Personalized mentorship helps refine technical skills while working on your project. You can find examples of previous projects here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. December 16, 2024 onwards for the Winter cohort
Eligibility: High school students passionate about AI; Basic understanding of Python or completion of AI scholars is required for the AI Fellowship program.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous 12-week research program for high school students, offering 1-on-1 mentorship with Ph.D. mentors. You can choose from a broad range of subjects, including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations. Throughout the program, you will work on an independent research project, developing your research skills and gaining hands-on experience.
At the end, you will have a completed research paper that demonstrates your ability to conduct scholarly research. The program provides personalized guidance, allowing you to deepen your knowledge in your chosen field, and a focused, academic environment to advance your research skills. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Remote – you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Individual Research Program ($2,990), Premium Research & Publication Program ($5,900), the Research Fellowship ($8,900), Professor Premium Publication Program ($8,900)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June — August), Fall (September — December), Winter (December — February), and Spring (March — June).
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school, demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4), and no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
Image source – Colorado State University logo
