Key Takeaways
- These 15 internships span aerospace, healthcare, government, finance, and museum research across Colorado, from NIST’s SHIP program to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s Teen Science Scholars.
- Most of these internships are paid, with stipends or hourly wages ranging from around $19 an hour to over $4,000 for a summer, making them strong options if you want compensated experience alongside professional exposure.
- Several programs, including the Medical Career Collaborative (MC²) and Denver Public Schools’ Launch Internship Program, are structured as multi-year or multi-semester pathways rather than single summer placements.
- Many programs restrict eligibility to specific cities or school districts, such as the Denver Youth Employment Program requiring Denver residency and the Air Academy Federal Credit Union internship limited to specific serviced districts, so location matters when comparing options.
- If you’re interested in going beyond competitions and pursuing original research rather than a workplace internship, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a path toward a formal academic paper across a wide range of subjects.
Internships are a valuable option for high school students who want to gain experience beyond the classroom while exploring potential career interests. They provide exposure to professional environments, workplace expectations, and industry-specific skills that can be difficult to develop through coursework alone. Depending on the internship, you may assist with research, data analysis, project development, communications, or other hands-on tasks while working alongside professionals. Internships also help you build transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. In addition, they can lead to valuable mentorship opportunities and professional connections that may benefit you in college and beyond. Internships can also help strengthen your resume, explore career paths, or gain practical experience in a field of interest.
Why should you choose an internship in Colorado?
Colorado offers access to a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, technology, healthcare, environmental science, renewable energy, and engineering. The state is home to major research universities, government laboratories, startups, and established companies that regularly engage students through educational and workforce-development initiatives. Its strong STEM ecosystem, combined with growing business and innovation sectors, creates opportunities for you to gain exposure to both academic research and professional workplaces. Colorado’s emphasis on science, technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship makes it an especially compelling location for high school students seeking meaningful internship experiences.
To help you identify the strongest opportunities, we’ve compiled a list of 15 Internships for high school students in Colorado, selected for their educational value, mentorship, accessibility, and overall quality of experience.
Interested in more internships? Check this blog of ours.
15 Internships for High School Students in Colorado
1. Child Health Research Internship by Children’s Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado School of Medicine
Location: Anschutz Medical Campus (Children’s Hospital Colorado), Aurora, CO
Cost/Stipend: Stipend of $4,400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school senior over the age of 18
This summer research internship allows high school students to work alongside faculty from the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado on research related to child health. You’ll be matched with mentors based on your interests and spend much of the program assisting with research projects in hospital and laboratory settings. Throughout the internship, you’ll attend weekly workshops and research lectures that introduce you to different areas of pediatric and biomedical research. The experience also emphasizes scientific communication, requiring you to prepare written summaries and present your findings through oral presentations or poster sessions. You may also contribute to abstracts submitted to scientific conferences, gaining valuable exposure to the research publication and presentation process.
2. Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: NIST campuses – Boulder, CO | Gaithersburg, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 40-60 students
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: Applications generally open on November 1 and close in the last week of January
Eligibility: High school junior or senior; Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; check more details here
The NIST Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) is an eight-week research internship that introduces high school students to real-world STEM research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). You’ll work alongside scientists and engineers on individual research projects related to measurement science, engineering, and technology development. You may be placed in one of several specialized laboratories, including the Communications Technology Laboratory, Engineering Laboratory, or Physical Measurement Laboratory, depending on project availability and interests. Through hands-on research experience, you’ll gain insight into how scientific discoveries and technological innovations are developed in a professional research environment.
3. Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship Application
Location: Multiple locations, including Colorado
Cost/Stipend: A stipend will be provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 150 fellows
Dates: May – June (minimum 8 continuous weeks)
Application Deadline: Early January
Eligibility: High school senior, planning on attending a four-year university or US college, with a GPA of at least 3.0. Check more details here
The Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship is a paid, career-focused program that gives high school students hands-on experience in the media, entertainment, and technology industries. You’ll work full-time for at least eight weeks with one of the Foundation’s partner companies, taking on professional responsibilities aligned with your career interests. Internship roles span a wide range of fields, including journalism, production, software development, engineering, public relations, sales, and business. Alongside workplace experience, you’ll become part of a long-standing network that provides mentorship, guidance, and professional development throughout your career.
4. CLA High School Internship Program
Location: Various locations, including Colorado
Cost/Stipend: Paid opportunities
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: June 15 – July 16
Application Deadline: Typically closes in March
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 years or older
The CLA High School Internship Program is a paid summer internship that introduces high school students to careers in accounting, finance, and professional services. Over four weeks, you’ll work on real projects, participate in interactive case studies, and collaborate on team-based assignments that reflect day-to-day work at CLA. You’ll also shadow professionals across different career levels, gaining insight into various roles within the firm and the broader business industry. The internship takes place in person at select CLA offices across the United States, providing a professional workplace experience. Through hands-on learning and mentorship, you’ll build workplace skills while exploring potential careers in business and accounting.
5. Careers on the Radar – Denver International Airport (DEN) Internship Program
Location: Denver International Airport (DEN), Colorado
Cost/Stipend: Stipend starts at $19.29
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school students
The Careers on the Radar Internship Program at Denver International Airport gives high school students paid, hands-on experience across a wide range of aviation-related careers. Depending on your placement, you may work in areas such as airport operations, engineering, public safety, or customer service while learning alongside industry professionals. The program also includes professional development workshops, airport facility tours, and a capstone project that allows you to apply what you have learned. Internship lengths vary by role, ranging from 10 weeks to up to one year, with some positions offering pathways to longer-term opportunities. Through practical work experience and career exploration, you’ll gain valuable insight into one of the world’s busiest airport environments.
6. Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship
Location: Various locations, including Denver, CO
Cost/Stipend: No information provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June – August (9+ weeks)
Application Deadline: October – January
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 years or older who live near a participating Lockheed Martin Space site
The Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship is a nine-week summer program that gives students hands-on experience in aerospace engineering and defense technology. As an intern, you’ll work alongside engineers and scientists on real-world projects related to space exploration and national security while gaining exposure to professional STEM careers. The program includes on-the-job training, mentorship, leader shadowing, professional development workshops, and networking events. You’ll also tour Lockheed Martin facilities, engage in community service activities, and learn about the technologies driving the aerospace industry.
7. Teen Science Scholar – Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Location: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver, CO
Cost/Stipend: $1,803 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Session 1: June 2 – 26, Session 2: July 7 – 31
Application Deadline: Typically opens early spring
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors, ages 14–17
The Teen Science Scholars program offers high school students immersive summer internships where you work alongside museum scientists on authentic research projects. Depending on your placement, you may participate in paleontology field expeditions, manage zoological or archival collections, or study insect ecology using DNA analysis and other scientific techniques. Alongside research, the program includes professional development in public speaking, college preparation, career exploration, and workplace readiness. Throughout the internship, you receive mentorship from museum staff while building scientific, communication, and collaboration skills. The experience concludes with a public showcase where you present your research and reflect on your summer work.
8. Denver Public Schools – Launch Internship Program
Location: In person at Denver Public Schools, hybrid, or virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by host (often unpaid for school credit)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Dates: Various opportunities in fall, spring, and summer
Application Deadline: Varies by school and semester
Eligibility: DPS high-school students
The Denver Public Schools Launch Internship Program places high school students with companies in finance-related fields, allowing you to gain professional experience while earning high school elective credit and, in some cases, college credit. Over 75–110 hours during the semester or summer, you work on tasks such as budgeting, bookkeeping, financial reporting, and office operations while receiving coaching and professional training. Depending on the employer, internships may be in person, hybrid, or virtual, giving you exposure to different workplace environments. The program concludes with a final presentation where you demonstrate the skills and knowledge you developed throughout your internship.
9. Growing Grads Summer Internship Program
Location: Various sites across Brighton, CO
Cost/Stipend: Paid opportunities
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Various sites across Brighton, CO
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Students aged 14 – 21 years
The Growing Grads Summer Internship Program offers paid summer internships for students ages 14–21 across various departments within the City of Brighton. Over eight weeks, you can work up to 150 hours alongside a worksite supervisor while gaining practical experience in areas such as local government and public service. In addition to your internship, you attend weekly professional development sessions covering topics like personal finance, conflict resolution, communication, and workplace readiness. You also create an individual professional development plan with your supervisor to build skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, work ethic, and teamwork.
10. McDivitt Law Firm Annual High School Internship Program
Location: McDivitt Law Firm, Colorado Springs, CO
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; only 1 student
Dates: Not specified. Check the official website for updates
Application Deadline: Typically in May
Eligibility: High school or college students
McDivitt Law Firm’s Annual High School Internship Program is a highly selective summer opportunity that accepts just one high school student each year. You’ll begin with training on the firm’s operations before working alongside paralegals, case managers, and attorneys to support day-to-day legal work and learn how a law office functions. A unique part of the internship is participating in the Colorado Springs Teen Court, where you’ll observe and contribute to juvenile court proceedings. Throughout the program, you’ll gain practical exposure to legal research, document preparation, client services, and courtroom procedures under professional guidance. The internship concludes with a presentation on your experience and a letter of recommendation from the firm.
11. Medical Career Collaborative (MC²)
Location: Children’s Hospital Colorado (multiple locations) & Denver Health, Denver metro, and Colorado Springs, CO
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; includes a paid internship component
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Two-year program during junior and senior years (internship: 100–120 hours, timing varies)
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores attending school in the Denver metro or Colorado Springs area
The Medical Career Collaborative (MC²) is a multi-year healthcare pathway program that introduces high school students to a wide range of medical careers through hands-on experiences and mentorship. Starting in junior year, you’ll attend monthly workshops, field trips, certification training, and complete a 100–120-hour paid internship at Children’s Hospital Colorado or Denver Health. During the internship, you’ll work alongside healthcare professionals in areas such as nursing, therapy, emergency medicine, and other clinical specialties while attending weekly seminars on medical terminology and career development. As seniors, participants receive support with college applications, scholarships, and career planning, and they continue to have access to coaching and networking opportunities after graduation.
12. Denver Health Job Shadowing Program
Location: Denver Health, Denver, CO
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Dates: Flexible; maximum of 40 hours per year (must be completed within a 2-month window)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students ages 14+ enrolled in a high school, GED program, or undergraduate college program
The Denver Health Job Shadowing Program allows high school students to observe healthcare professionals and gain firsthand insight into medical careers. You can shadow physicians, nurses, and other medical staff to understand their daily responsibilities, workplace environment, and the skills required in different healthcare roles. Shadowing placements are coordinated with a Denver Health staff member and require proof of immunizations as well as a signed confidentiality agreement. You may complete up to 40 hours of shadowing within two months, with certain hospital units requiring participants to meet minimum age requirements.
13. CS@Mines Internship
Location: Virtual and in-person at Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
Cost/Stipend: $200 fee, no stipend; scholarships may be available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Dates: June 22 – July 28
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: High school and community college students
The CS@Mines Internship Program offers multiple pathways for high school students to gain experience in computer science, research, and STEM outreach during the summer. Depending on the track, you can develop a team programming project through the Computing for Good (C4G) program, assist faculty with research in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, or cybersecurity, or support K–8 STEM outreach as a DECTech Intern. C4G participants collaborate virtually for five weeks while learning from weekly guest speakers from industry and academia. Research interns work alongside CS@Mines faculty on active research projects, gaining exposure to university-level computer science research and advanced technologies. Across all tracks, the program helps you strengthen technical skills, teamwork, and professional experience while exploring different career paths in computing.
14. Air Academy Federal Credit Union High School Internship Program
Location: Various Air Academy offices
Cost/Stipend: No information mentioned
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 7-day training session: June 8 – 16 and July 13 – 21, followed by summer and school-year placements
Application Deadline: Typically in April
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (age 16+), enrolled in one of the 10 AAFCU-serviced school districts
The Air Academy Federal Credit Union High School Internship Program is a paid, year-long opportunity for high school juniors and seniors in Colorado to gain practical experience in the financial services industry. As a Line Service Representative (teller), you will assist members with deposits, withdrawals, loan payments, check processing, and other day-to-day banking services while developing customer service and cash-handling skills. The program begins with a seven-day training session at the corporate headquarters, followed by regular branch assignments where you also receive mentorship, shadow different departments, and participate in quarterly performance reviews. Throughout the internship, you build professional communication skills and gain firsthand exposure to how a modern credit union operates. Students who complete the program may receive a letter of recommendation and can be considered for part-time or full-time employment after graduating from high school.
15. Denver Youth Employment Program (DYEP)
Location: City of Denver placements with local employers
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Available year-round (fall, spring, and summer cohorts)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Students aged 14 – 21; Denver residents
The Denver Youth Employment Program (DYEP) provides paid internships that help high school students gain practical work experience with local businesses and organizations. Before starting your placements, you need to complete job readiness and financial literacy training to build workplace skills and understand personal money management. Depending on the season, you complete either a 75-hour or 110-hour internship while earning Denver’s minimum wage. You’ll be placed in finance-related roles that may assist with budgeting, record-keeping, invoice tracking, and other office operations while receiving mentorship from employers and career coaches.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re interested in going beyond competitions and conducting original research, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of internships are available to high school students in Colorado?
You’ll find a mix of formats, including biomedical and research-focused internships like the Child Health Research Internship and NIST’s SHIP program, aerospace and engineering opportunities like the Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship and Denver International Airport’s Careers on the Radar program, and finance or civic-focused internships like the Denver Youth Employment Program and Growing Grads Summer Internship. Museum and healthcare pathways, like the Teen Science Scholars program and the Medical Career Collaborative, round out the list if your interests lean toward science communication or clinical exposure.
Do you need prior work or research experience to apply?
Most of these internships don’t require prior work or research experience, since many are designed to introduce professional and technical skills from the ground up. That said, some, like the Child Health Research Internship, require you to be over 18, and others, like NIST’s SHIP program, set a minimum GPA of 3.0 rather than requiring specific prior experience.
Are these internships paid?
Yes, most of the internships on this list are paid. The Child Health Research Internship offers a $4,400 stipend, Denver International Airport’s program starts at $19.29 an hour, and the Teen Science Scholars program provides an $1,803 stipend. A few, like NIST’s SHIP program and the McDivitt Law Firm internship, don’t offer compensation but provide other valuable experience like research exposure or mentorship.
Which internships are structured as multi-year programs rather than a single summer?
The Medical Career Collaborative (MC²) is a two-year healthcare pathway program spanning junior and senior year, and the Air Academy Federal Credit Union program combines an initial training session with ongoing summer and school-year placements. These differ from most other internships on this list, which run as single summer commitments.
Which internships are restricted to specific cities or school districts?
Several of these programs have geographic requirements. The Denver Youth Employment Program requires Denver residency, the Denver Public Schools Launch Internship Program is limited to DPS students, and the Air Academy Federal Credit Union internship is limited to students in one of ten AAFCU-serviced school districts. Others, like NIST’s SHIP program and the Emma Bowen Foundation Internship, draw from a broader statewide or national applicant pool.
Is there a way to pursue independent research beyond a workplace internship?
Yes. If you’re interested in going beyond competitions and conducting original research rather than a workplace placement, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs lets you engage in advanced research and develop a 20-page research paper on a subject of your choosing, with guidance from a professor or PhD scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback, and covers over 600 research specializations. You can find the application here.
When should you apply?
Deadlines for these programs are spread throughout the year, so it helps to plan ahead. The Emma Bowen Foundation Internship has one of the earliest deadlines in early January, followed by the Child Health Research Internship (February 1) and Denver International Airport’s program (February 22). Growing Grads and CS@Mines close in March and April respectively, while NIST’s SHIP program runs from November 1 to late January. Horizon, by contrast, doesn’t specify a single fixed deadline, so it’s worth checking directly for current application windows.
Image source: National Institute of Standards and Technology