15 Math Programs for High School Students in Colorado

Key Takeaways

• These 15 programs cover a wide range of mathematical applications, from federal research at NIST to competition prep at the Colorado Math Circle and applied engineering math at Colorado State University, alongside Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, a virtual trimester-long research track for students who want a fully remote option in quantitative or qualitative research.
• Program formats vary considerably, from short four- or five-day workshops like GoGetMath@CSU and GirlsDoMath to longer six- or seven-week research experiences like NIST SHIP and the Frontiers of Science Institute, so you can choose based on how much time you want to commit.
• Costs range widely, with several programs like NIST SHIP, the Colorado Math Circle, and Stroud Scholars completely free, while others, like the Frontiers of Science Institute and CU Boulder’s STEM Research Experience, charge several thousand dollars, often with scholarships available.
• Many programs restrict eligibility based on residency, income, or first-generation status, such as the CU Denver Scholars Program and UCCS’s Pre-Collegiate Program, while Horizon and a handful of others are open more broadly regardless of location.
• Eligibility, cost, and time commitment vary enough across this list that it’s worth shortlisting a few options based on what matters most to you, whether that’s competition prep, applied research, or flexibility in timing and location.

15 Math Programs for High School Students in Colorado

If you are the kind of student who gets excited about a hard math problem, a math program is probably a much better use of your summer than most of the other things competing for your time!

Math programs introduce high school students to advanced concepts like number theory, calculus, statistics, and proof-based reasoning, along with the kind of sustained problem-solving that a regular math class rarely has time for. Many also connect you with mentors and faculty, giving a real look at how math is actually studied at a higher level.

Why should you choose a program in Colorado?

Colorado has a wide range of universities and STEM organizations that take math seriously, which makes it a good place to actually push yourself in the subject. You might spend your time in competition prep, working through proofs, exploring statistics, or sitting in on a lecture from someone who does math for a living.

The real value here isn’t the certificate at the end. It’s figuring out, hands-on, whether math is worth building a future around, whether that’s a math degree, computer science, or engineering. That’s not something a grade can really tell you.

To make your search easier, we’ve narrowed down our list to 15 math programs for high school students in Colorado! If you’re looking to explore math more deeply from home, take a look at our blog on online math research programs.

1. NIST Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)

The Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a seven-week research program that includes opportunities for high school students to work on projects involving mathematics, statistics, data analysis, and computational research. Depending on your research placement, you may apply mathematical modeling, statistical methods, algorithm development, data visualization, and quantitative analysis to research questions in fields such as computer science, physics, engineering, and information technology. Research projects can involve analyzing large datasets, developing computational tools, evaluating mathematical models, and interpreting quantitative results. You will work closely with NIST scientists and researchers while learning how mathematical and statistical methods are used in federal research laboratories. The program also includes seminars, laboratory tours, and professional development activities that examine the role of mathematics and computation in scientific research and technological innovation.

2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)

Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in subjects such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback you can use to improve future projects. Apply here!

3. University of Colorado Denver Scholars Program – Math Focus 

The Scholars Program at the University of Colorado Denver is an early college enrollment program that allows high-achieving, first-generation high school seniors to take university courses while completing their final year of high school. Available mathematics courses include subjects such as college algebra, precalculus, calculus, statistics, and quantitative reasoning taught on the CU Denver campus. Coursework covers topics such as functions, mathematical modeling, data analysis, probability, and problem-solving methods used in college-level study. You can complete assignments, examinations, and projects that follow the same academic standards as undergraduate mathematics courses. The program also includes academic support workshops and college preparation sessions that will help you navigate university coursework and postsecondary planning.

4. Colorado State University Mechanical Engineering (ME) STEM Summer Programs

The Mechanical Engineering STEM Summer Programs at Colorado State University give high school students the opportunity to apply mathematical and computational problem-solving to engineering design challenges. In the high school track, Designing Your World, you will identify a practical problem and develop a solution using concepts from mechanics, measurement, modeling, and quantitative analysis. Projects will involve calculating forces, analyzing data, testing prototypes, and using mathematical reasoning to evaluate and refine design decisions. You can also work with technologies such as Arduino-controlled systems while exploring the relationship between mathematics, engineering, and technology development.

5. Colorado Springs High School Programs

The Pre-Collegiate Program at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs includes academic enrichment and dual-enrollment opportunities that support high school students interested in strengthening their quantitative and mathematical skills. Through the program’s Summer Academic Institute and year-round workshops, you can engage with topics such as mathematical reasoning, problem-solving strategies, quantitative analysis, and college-level mathematics preparation. Rising juniors and seniors may enroll in accelerated university courses taught by UCCS faculty, with additional academic support provided through teaching assistants and structured study sessions. The curriculum also incorporates instruction in analytical thinking, data interpretation, and study strategies that are essential for success in advanced mathematics coursework.

6. GoGetMath@CSU Summer Program 

The GoGetMath@CSU program at Colorado State University is a five-day summer program that explores mathematical topics such as mathematics, statistics, cryptography, data science, image processing, fractals, geometry, and graph theory through problem-solving activities and computer-based projects. You will solve mathematical puzzles, analyze patterns, use computational tools, and apply mathematical concepts to scientific and practical problems. The program also examines how mathematics is used in fields such as computer science, engineering, and data science. Faculty members, graduate students, and STEM professionals lead workshops and discussions on mathematical concepts and their applications.

7. Lockheed Martin High School Programs

The High School Internship Program at Lockheed Martin provides students with opportunities to apply mathematical and computational concepts to engineering, aerospace, and technology projects. Depending on your placement, you may work with data analysis, statistics, mathematical modeling, computer programming, algorithmic problem-solving, and quantitative methods used in scientific and engineering research. Projects often involve applying mathematical concepts to areas such as aerospace systems, software development, cybersecurity, and engineering design. You will work alongside engineers, scientists, and technical professionals while learning how mathematics supports decision-making, simulation, and technological innovation in industry settings.

8. University of Colorado Boulder STEM Research Experience 

The STEM Research Experience at the University of Colorado Boulder is a seven-week summer research program that provides high school students with opportunities to apply mathematics, statistics, and computational methods to scientific research. Research projects span fields such as computational biology, engineering, physics, and data science, where quantitative analysis plays an essential role in investigating complex problems. As a participant, you may analyze datasets, develop and evaluate mathematical models, create data visualizations, and use computational tools to explore research questions. The program also includes seminars and workshops focused on research methods, statistical techniques, scientific communication, and data analysis.

9.University of Colorado Colorado Springs Math Online

The MathOnline program at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs allows high school students to enroll in university-level mathematics courses and earn college credit through online instruction. Course offerings include subjects such as Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III, Discrete Mathematics, and Probability and Statistics. You can complete the same assignments, exams, and coursework as undergraduate students while studying topics such as limits, derivatives, integrals, mathematical proofs, combinatorics, probability models, and statistical analysis. Classes are taught by UCCS mathematics faculty and follow the same academic standards as on-campus courses. 

10. Colorado Math Circle

The Colorado Math Circle is an enrichment program for middle and high school students that focuses on advanced problem-solving, competition mathematics, and mathematical reasoning. Weekly sessions cover topics and strategies used in competitions such as AMC 10/12, AIME, and MathCounts, while encouraging students to explore multiple approaches to challenging problems. You will work on problems drawn from areas such as algebra, geometry, combinatorics, number theory, and mathematical logic. Sessions are led by mathematicians, educators, and experienced competition coaches who guide problem-solving techniques and proof-based thinking. The Colorado Math Circle also supports students interested in participating in competitions such as the American Regions Mathematics League (ARML).

11. Colorado Math Camp

The Colorado Math Camp is a summer enrichment program that focuses on competitive mathematics, problem-solving strategies, and advanced mathematical reasoning. The program covers techniques commonly used in mathematics competitions, including the AMC, AIME, and regional math contests. You will work on challenging problems drawn from subjects such as algebra, geometry, number theory, combinatorics, and logic, with an emphasis on solving unfamiliar problems creatively and efficiently. You can also analyze multiple solution methods, present solutions to peers, and participate in group discussions about mathematical strategies and proof techniques. Instructors guide students through advanced problem sets while encouraging collaboration and mathematical communication. 

12. Frontiers of Science Institute (University of Northern Colorado)

The Frontiers of Science Institute (FSI) at the University of Northern Colorado is a six-week residential research program that combines mathematical analysis, data science, and computational methods with scientific investigation. Depending on your research area, you may work with statistical analysis, mathematical modeling, data visualization, coding, and quantitative problem-solving while investigating questions in fields such as environmental science, biology, physics, and engineering. You will work on collecting and analyzing datasets, identifying patterns, developing predictive models, and interpreting quantitative results. The program also includes seminars on research methods, data analysis, and scientific communication.

13. GirlsDoMath – Colorado Mesa University

The GirlsDoMath Summer Camp at Colorado Mesa University is a four-day mathematics program that explores topics such as geometry, statistics, mathematical modeling, and data analysis through hands-on investigations and group problem-solving activities. The program includes workshops led by Colorado Mesa University faculty and mathematics students, as well as activities focused on quantitative reasoning and mathematical communication. You can work on mathematical problems that require identifying patterns, testing conjectures, interpreting data, and constructing logical arguments. Activities examine how mathematical concepts are applied in fields such as engineering, computer science, environmental science, and healthcare. 

14. Stroud Scholars Program – Colorado College

The Stroud Scholars Program at Colorado College is a three-year college preparatory program that includes intensive study of quantitative reasoning and mathematical analysis during annual summer sessions. You can examine how numerical information, statistical evidence, and data can be used to evaluate arguments, identify patterns, and solve complex problems. Topics in the quantitative reasoning component include data interpretation, mathematical modeling, probability, and the analysis of graphs and datasets. Coursework involves evaluating quantitative claims, interpreting evidence, and developing methods for communicating mathematical findings clearly and accurately. The summer program also includes writing courses, academic workshops, and residential experiences on the Colorado College campus.

15. Colorado Springs Pre-Collegiate Programs

The Pre-Collegiate Support and Success Center (PCSSC) STEM Programs at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs offer academic-year and summer opportunities that strengthen mathematical reasoning, quantitative analysis, and computational problem-solving skills. Program content includes topics such as algebraic reasoning, data analysis, mathematical modeling, statistics, and algorithmic thinking, explored through coursework and applied projects. In programs such as Code Quest, you use Python programming to investigate computational concepts and examine the role of mathematics in computer science and technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of math programs are available to high school students in Colorado?
You’ll find a mix of formats, including federal research placements like NIST SHIP, university research programs like CU Boulder’s STEM Research Experience and the Frontiers of Science Institute, and competition-focused enrichment like the Colorado Math Circle and Colorado Math Camp. Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a different kind of option, letting you conduct independent, mentored research remotely across subjects like data science and machine learning rather than joining a fixed in-person program.

Do you need prior math experience to apply?
It depends on the program. Some, like the Colorado Math Circle and Colorado Math Camp, are built around competition mathematics and assume some existing interest in problem-solving strategies, while others, like GoGetMath@CSU and GirlsDoMath, are designed as introductory explorations open to students without a specific competition background.

Are there free options available?
Yes, several programs on this list don’t charge a fee. NIST SHIP, the CU Denver Scholars Program, UCCS’s Colorado Springs High School Programs, GoGetMath@CSU, the Colorado Math Circle, and the Stroud Scholars Program are all free to participate in. Horizon’s cost varies depending on the program type you select, but financial aid is available there as well.

Which programs are restricted by residency, income, or first-generation status?
Several of these programs have specific eligibility requirements beyond grade level. NIST SHIP requires living within 50 miles of a host campus, the CU Denver Scholars Program is limited to first-generation college students, and UCCS’s Pre-Collegiate Program prioritizes first-generation, low-income, or military-dependent students. Horizon, by contrast, has no such restrictions, since eligibility is based on academic standing rather than residency or background.

Which programs focus specifically on competition math preparation?
If you’re preparing for competitions like the AMC, AIME, or MathCounts, the Colorado Math Circle and Colorado Math Camp are the most directly relevant options, both built around problem-solving strategies used in national math contests. The Colorado Math Circle also supports students interested in team competitions like the American Regions Mathematics League.

Is there a way to pursue independent research beyond a structured math program?
Yes. If you want to move from coursework or competition prep into an original research project, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs pairs you with a professor or PhD scholar to develop a 20-page research paper you can submit for academic publication. 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. NIST SHIP has one of the earliest deadlines at January 26, followed by the Frontiers of Science Institute (March 1) and GoGetMath@CSU (March 23). CU Boulder’s STEM Research Experience closes March 18, while GirlsDoMath has a later deadline of June 25. Horizon, by contrast, has multiple deadlines throughout the year across its Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts, giving you more flexibility if you miss an earlier cutoff.

Image source: Colorado State University