15 Internships for College Students in Colorado
Colorado offers an incredible mix of professional opportunities and lifestyle perks that make it an ideal launchpad for undergraduate interns. The state is a hub for diverse industries, including a booming technology sector, advanced aerospace engineering, and leading environmental and renewable energy initiatives, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in forward-thinking fields. Beyond the valuable workplace skills, companies here emphasize a healthy work-life balance. You can spend your weekends exploring the Rocky Mountains, hiking, or enjoying vibrant cities, making the transition into the professional world both career-boosting and genuinely fun.
Why should I do an internship in college?
An internship allows you to apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world work. You may contribute to projects, reports, presentations, digital systems, or public-facing tasks that give you concrete experience to include on your resume. Working with professionals can also help you build connections, improve your confidence in the workplace, and learn more about possible career paths. Many internships also give you a clearer sense of your goals while helping you develop skills that are useful for future jobs and graduate study.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 internships for college students in Colorado.
If you’re interested in other internships in Colorado, check out a list of STEM internships here & find a list of summer hospital internships here.
1. Blue Origin Internships
Location: Denver, CO and Longmont, CO
Stipend: $32 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 200+ interns hired annually across roles
Dates: Spring (January – April, ~15 weeks) and Summer (May–August, ~12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students with at least one semester remaining; completed at least one year of full-time college coursework post-high school (minimum sophomore standing)must meet U.S. work authorization requirements
Blue Origin Internships give you the opportunity to work on real aerospace and engineering projects within one of the leading private space companies. You will collaborate with engineering and business teams on areas such as propulsion systems, manufacturing, software, finance, or strategy, depending on your role. This internship gives you practical experience in aerospace engineering, system design, testing, data analysis, and working on real-world spaceflight projects alongside industry professionals. You will also receive mentorship, participate in team-based projects, and gain exposure to large-scale space technology development in a professional environment.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Costs vary depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25% acceptance; 70–100 students per session
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
In this program, you will shadow and work alongside founders of high-growth, venture-backed startups to gain comprehensive, cross-functional professional experience across various industries. You will actively engage in defining project scopes, presenting deliverables to company leadership, and executing practical business tasks that directly address real-world organizational needs. You will utilize modern digital workflows, collaboration platforms, and industry-specific software tools to analyze market trends, develop go-to-market strategies, or build operational frameworks. The experience provides you with mentorship from a dedicated Ladder Coach, helping you operate efficiently within a fast-paced, remote work environment. Ultimately, you will finish the internship with a portfolio project and a formal reference letter to accelerate your future career trajectory.
3. Trimble Internships
Location: Westminster, CO
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not publicly specified
Dates: May/June to August/September (approximately 10–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduate students pursuing relevant degrees in engineering, business, marketing, design, or related fields
Trimble Internships give you hands-on experience working on real-world technology and business projects across fields like software engineering, product management, marketing, and UX design. You will collaborate with teams on tasks such as product development, testing, data analysis, and user experience improvements in a professional setting. This internship gives you practical experience in technical development, product workflows, teamwork in agile environments, and working on industry-level technology solutions. You may also participate in training sessions, networking events, and team-based projects that help you build both technical and professional skills.
4. Children's Hospital Colorado Child Health Research Internship
Location: Aurora, CO (Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado)
Stipend: Paid | ~$4,400 stipend for the program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 50 students per year Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students who will be at least 18 years old before the internship start date
The Child Health Research Internship at Children’s Hospital Colorado gives you hands-on experience working on pediatric research projects in a clinical and academic setting. You will work in research labs alongside faculty and contribute to ongoing studies related to child health. This internship gives you practical experience in laboratory research, data analysis, scientific communication, and presenting research findings in a professional setting. You will also attend weekly seminars and present your research at the end of the program, building both technical and presentation skills.
5. Michael Bennet U.S. Senate Office Colorado Internship
Location: Multiple locations across Colorado (Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Durango, Grand Junction, Pueblo) + Washington, D.C. option
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited cohort sizes
Dates: Spring Cohort: Mid-January to early May; Summer Cohort: Mid-May to late August; Fall Cohort: Late August / early September to mid-December
Application Deadline: Spring Cohort: Early November; Summer Cohort: Mid-March; Fall Cohort: Mid-July (Applications typically post in mid-May)
Eligibility: College students, recent graduates, and graduate students
The Michael Bennet U.S. Senate Internship gives you hands-on experience working in a congressional office and supporting public service initiatives. In this program, you will assist with constituent communication, draft official correspondence, conduct research, and help community members navigate federal agencies. This internship gives you practical experience in legislative research, constituent services, policy communication, and understanding how a Senate office operates. You may also attend meetings, contribute to outreach efforts, and support day-to-day office operations while working closely with government professionals.
6. History Colorado Internships
Location: Denver, CO (History Colorado Center) + other statewide museum sites | hybrid options available
Stipend: Range from ~$1,500 to $4,000 depending on role and term and is issued upon completion of the internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 1–3 interns are assigned to any specific project or site
Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer terms
Application Deadline: Summer Cohort: Typically mid-May; Fall Cohort: Typically late August to early September; Spring Cohort: Typically December to early January
Eligibility: College students (often juniors/seniors) in history or related fields; successfully pass a criminal background check
History Colorado Internships give you hands-on experience working in museums, archives, and public history programs across the state. You may work in areas such as exhibitions, education programs, collections, archives, or public engagement, depending on your placement. This internship gives you practical experience in museum operations, exhibition development, archival work, public programming, and working with historical collections. You may also assist with research, writing, visitor engagement, and program delivery, helping you understand how museums operate both behind the scenes and in public-facing roles.
7. Gates Summer Internship Program (GSIP)
Location: Aurora, CO (University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus)
Stipend: $7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; ~15–20 interns
Dates: May 26 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in science-related majors enrolled at a U.S. university (international students with an F-1 visa are eligible); completed at least one year of college
The Gates Summer Internship Program (GSIP) gives you hands-on experience in biomedical research, particularly in areas like cell and gene therapy and regenerative medicine. You will work full-time in a research lab at the Gates Institute, contributing to ongoing scientific projects alongside faculty and researchers. This internship gives you practical experience in laboratory research, data analysis, scientific methods, and presenting research through poster sessions in a professional setting. You will also attend seminars, participate in professional development sessions, and collaborate with peers, helping you build both technical and research communication skills.
8. Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) Program — National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Location: Golden, CO (NREL main campus) + Boulder, CO
Stipend: $22.50/hour + up to $500 travel support and local transit pass
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 50–100 students per term
Dates: Summer (~10 weeks), Spring & Fall (~16 weeks)
Application Deadline: Summer: Early January; Fall: Mid-May; Spring: Early October
Eligibility: Undergraduate students and recent graduates in STEM fields at accredited institutions; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; completed at least one full semester/quarter of college; must have completed at least 6 credit hours in STEM disciplines and 12 total institutional credits; 18 years or older by the start of the internship; maximum of 2 completed SULI internships and a maximum of 4 total application attempts across a lifetime
The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) Program at NREL gives you hands-on experience working on real research projects in renewable energy and sustainability. You will work under the guidance of scientists and engineers on projects related to energy systems, technology, and innovation. This internship gives you practical experience in laboratory research, data analysis, technical writing, and presenting research through reports and poster sessions. You will also participate in seminars, workshops, and professional development activities while working in a national laboratory environment.
9. NREL Research Participant Program (RPP)
Location: Golden, CO (NREL main campus) + Boulder, CO
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; no fixed cohorts
Dates: Year-round (Flexible start and end dates with appointments lasting up to 12 months ed
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree program at an accredited institution (minimum 12 credit hours); have successfully completed at least 1 year of academic coursework; plan to continue full-time education the following term; maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
The NREL Research Participant Program (RPP) gives you hands-on experience working on real research and development projects in renewable energy and sustainability. You will work under the guidance of scientists and engineers while contributing to ongoing lab research and innovation efforts. This internship gives you practical experience in research collaboration, technical problem-solving, data analysis, and working in a national laboratory environment. You may also participate in professional development activities and present your work through reports or poster sessions, helping you build both technical and communication skills.
10. Community College Internship Program (CCI) — National Renewable Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR)
Location: Golden, CO (NREL main campus) + Boulder, CO
Stipend: $22.50/hour + travel support up to $500 + local transit pass
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies dynamically each term based on laboratory funding, project demands, and mentor availability
Dates: Summer (~10 weeks), Spring & Fall (~10–16 weeks)
Application Deadline: Summer: Early January; Fall: Mid-May; Spring: Early October
Eligibility: Community college students in STEM or technical programs interested in energy-related careers; 18 years or older by the start of the internship; Completed at least one semester as a matriculated undergraduate; finished 6 credit hours in STEM fields and 12 total undergraduate credit hours;*minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale
The Community College Internship Program (CCI) at NREL gives you hands-on experience working on technical and research projects in renewable energy and related fields. You will work under the guidance of scientists and engineers on projects involving technology, instrumentation, or energy systems. This internship gives you practical experience in applied research, technical problem-solving, working with lab equipment, and presenting your work through reports or poster sessions. You will also participate in professional development activities such as workshops, lab tours, and seminars while gaining exposure to careers in the energy sector.
11. Colorado House of Representatives Legislative Internship
Location: Denver, CO (Colorado State Capitol)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; no fixed cohorts
Dates: Mid-January – Early May
Application Deadline: Typically early October to mid-November of the preceding year Eligibility: College students interested in public policy, government, or political science
The Colorado House of Representatives Legislative Internship gives you hands-on experience working inside a state legislature during an active session. You will assist legislators and staff with tasks such as research, constituent communication, administrative work, and supporting legislative activities. This internship gives you practical experience in policy research, drafting correspondence, understanding the legislative process, and working in a government office environment. You may also attend hearings, help prepare materials, and observe how laws are developed and passed, giving you direct exposure to state-level governance.
12. Make-A-Wish Colorado Internship
Location: Greenwood Village, CO (Denver metro area)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: Spring, Summer, , and Fall cohorts available
Application Deadline: First Friday of November (Spring), April (Summer), May (Fall)
Eligibility: College students or recent graduates (18+) with strong communication and organizational skills
The Make-A-Wish Colorado Internship gives you hands-on experience working in a nonprofit organization that supports children with critical illnesses. You may work in areas such as wish-granting, communications, development (fundraising), volunteer coordination, or medical outreach, depending on your role. This internship gives you practical experience in event planning, nonprofit operations, donor relations, communications, and coordinating real-world service programs. You will also assist with tasks like organizing events, managing databases, communicating with families and volunteers, and supporting wish experiences, helping you build both professional and community-focused skills.
13. Colorado State Forest Service Internships
Location: Multiple locations across Colorado (Fort Collins + 18 field offices statewide)
Stipend: $18 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically ranging between 15–20 students per summer cohort
Dates: Summer cohort running from mid-May through mid-August for a duration of roughly 12–13 weeks
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: Undergraduate students of any year or major (including those graduating in the spring immediately preceding the summer internship) who are enrolled at a Colorado institution of higher education. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA above 2.0
Colorado State Forest Service Internships give you hands-on experience working on forestry, conservation, and environmental management projects across the state. You may work on tasks such as forest monitoring, wildfire mitigation, GIS mapping, tree inventory, watershed protection, and community outreach, depending on your placement. This internship gives you practical experience in fieldwork, forestry techniques, GIS applications, environmental data collection, and working on real conservation projects. You will also collaborate with professionals and partner organizations, gaining exposure to how forestry and natural resource programs are implemented at the state level.
14. Musculoskeletal Research Center Summer Internship
Location: Aurora, CO (University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus)
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; around 8 interns
Dates: Summer (June–August, ~10 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Undergraduate students or recent graduates interested in clinical research or engineering
The Musculoskeletal Research Center Internship gives you hands-on experience working on clinical research and biomechanical engineering projects focused on pediatric orthopedics. You will work alongside clinicians, researchers, and engineers on tasks such as data collection, literature reviews, and supporting ongoing research studies. This internship gives you practical experience in clinical research methods, data analysis, working with medical research teams, and presenting findings in a professional setting. You will also attend lectures on research design, biostatistics, and orthopedic science, helping you build both technical knowledge and research skills.
15. City of Colorado Springs Student Internship Program
Location: Colorado Springs, CO (various city departments)
Stipend: Paid and unpaid options available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies by department
Dates: Year-round (Spring, Summer, Fall)
Application Deadline: Varies by department and term
Eligibility: College juniors, seniors, or graduate students enrolled full-time at an accredited institution; at least 18 years of age and meet the structural clean-background requirements of the city
The City of Colorado Springs Student Internship Program gives you hands-on experience working within local government departments. You may work on projects related to administration, engineering, environmental programs, public services, or community initiatives, depending on your placement. This internship gives you practical experience in municipal operations, project support, professional communication, and working on real-world public sector projects. You will also collaborate with city staff, contribute to ongoing initiatives, and gain insight into how local government functions while building professional skills.
Image source - Blue Origin logo