Boulder's summer programs allow you to explore advanced academic fields, develop specialized skills, and gain hands-on experience in a subject that you’re passionate about! You can explore subjects like astrophysics, engineering, environmental science, and biomedical research, often using industry-grade software and tools to work on your expertise. Whether you're aiming to build a foundation for future studies or simply explore a passion, Boulder’s summer programs offer something for every curious learner.
Here are 7 Boulder summer programs for high school students in 2025:
Subject Areas: Engineering Design, Accessibility, Universal Design, Maker Technologies (3D Printing, Arduino, Laser Cutting).
Location: University of Colorado Boulder campus.
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders (at least 14 years old). Encourages applications from underrepresented and underserved groups in science and engineering.
Application Deadline: Typically in March.
Program Dates: Typically from mid-June to mid-July (no program during the week of July 4th); meets Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 AM - 4 PM.
Cost: Paid internship (stipend provided).
This four-week paid internship offers an opportunity to design and fabricate accessible materials for community clients with disabilities, such as blindness or low vision. Working in teams, you’ll use technologies like 3D printing, laser cutting, and Arduino programming to create tactile books, games, and tools tailored to real-world needs.
You’ll also learn principles of universal design and accessibility while honing workplace skills like teamwork and problem-solving. Through hands-on projects, field trips, and mentorship, this internship gives you an engineering experience while creating a social impact.
Subject Areas: Astrophysics.
Location: University of Colorado Boulder (Astrophysics) and various other universities in the U.S.
Eligibility: High school juniors; must be at least 15 years old and under 19 during the program. Completion of prerequisites required.
Application Deadlines: January 24, 2025 (International), February 21, 2025 (Domestic).
Program Dates: Mid to late June 2025; 39-day duration.
Cost: Up to $8,800, with a sliding scale based on financial need. Families with incomes less than $75,000 annually will receive a full discount.
At SSP’s astrophysics track, you’ll dive into celestial mechanics by collaborating with peers to calculate the orbit of a near-Earth asteroid. You’ll learn to collect and analyze astronomical data using telescopes and programming tools and explore concepts like orbital dynamics and observational techniques.
The experience also challenges you to think critically and work in a team of like-minded science enthusiasts. Whether you’re programming algorithms or interpreting data, this program exposes you to the real-world work of an astrophysicist.
Subject Areas: Aerospace Engineering, Bioengineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Engineering, Neuroscience.
Location: University of Colorado Boulder and CU Anschutz campuses.
Eligibility: You must be 16 years old by June 7, 2024. Open to highly motivated high school students.
Application Deadline: The 2024 application window has closed; 2025 dates will be announced.
Program Dates: June 6–July 25, 2024 (optional work between June 30 and July 4); Poster Session: July 26, 2024.
Cost: TBD
In this six-week program, you’ll join CU Boulder or CU Anschutz research labs, working under the mentorship of faculty or graduate students to conduct hands-on research. Spending 15–20 hours weekly, you’ll learn advanced lab techniques, analyze data, and navigate the scientific research process.
A Research Methods class will teach you to read scientific articles, validate data, and develop strong scientific writing skills. The program culminates in a poster session, where you’ll present your findings to peers and family.
Subject Areas: Chamber Music, Solo Performance (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass).
Location: University of Colorado Boulder – College of Music
Eligibility: Open to young musicians playing violin, viola, cello, or bass; application requirements available through the Acceptd portal.
Application Deadline: February 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.
Program Dates: July 20–August 1, 2025
Cost: Free
At SPA, you’ll experience a chamber music and solo performance program led by faculty from institutions like Juilliard and CU Boulder. You’ll receive private lessons, participate in masterclasses, and perform in recitals, honing your technical skills and artistic expression.
Career enrichment sessions and mentorship are also included to prepare you for the professional music world. With a full scholarship, SPA offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in classical music alongside other musicians.
Location: Virtual
Program Dates:
- Spring 2025 Start Date: March 3, 2025
- Summer 2025 Start Date: June 16, 2025 | July 14, 2024
Application Deadline:
- February 16, 2025 (Spring)
- February 16, 2025 (Summer – early) | March 23, 2025 (Summer – priority)
- April 20, 2025 (Summer – regular I) | May 18, 2025 (Summer – regular II)
- June 22, 2024 (Summer II)
Subject Areas: Data science, biology, chemistry, political theory, psychology
Eligibility: High school students with a 3.67+ GPA. Few tracks require formal prerequisites, more details can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in data science, public health and safety, social psychology, and medicine. You can also choose between quantitative and qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to journals for publication as a high school student.
The program includes a letter of recommendation for every student, plus comprehensive feedback on projects that can assist with future work and college applications. You can apply here.
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, and social sciences
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, offers high school students the opportunity to work one-on-one with PhD mentors to develop an independent research project in their subject area. If selected, you will work with mentors to write a college-level research paper based on your project. You’ll also receive support from writing coaches to refine your work and enhance your skills.
In your application, you can choose your subject track, and focus on a specific area within the topic to tailor your research experience.
Subject Areas: Cybersecurity, Ethical Hacking, Digital Forensics, Networking, Internet of Things (IoT).
Location: Online
Eligibility: Open to all Colorado high school students; you must commit to attending all five days.
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; selected students are typically notified by June
Program Dates: Typically in July; daily from 9 AM–4 PM.
Cost: Free
This immersive online camp introduces you to the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity through hands-on activities and interactive games. You’ll explore topics like ethical hacking, cyber threats, and digital forensics while learning about online safety and the ethical implications of cybersecurity.
With no prior experience required, you’ll gain foundational knowledge of computer systems and networking and learn about career opportunities in cybersecurity. You’ll also receive a Certificate of Completion, educational resources, and college credit for completing the program.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.