15 Research Opportunities for High School Students in Colorado
If you’re a high school student planning your college major and future career, a research program can be a great place to start. Research programs and internships can help boost your college applications while allowing you to explore a subject you’re interested in, receive mentorship from experts, and gain insights into potential career options.
Whether it’s a virtual internship at a global startup or a mentored research program at a university lab, these programs give you the chance to hone critical thinking and problem-solving skills, build a professional network, and collaborate with peers. Additionally, many of these programs are fully funded and may even offer a stipend—making them more accessible and affordable than most other summer programs for high school students. And, if you’re a high school student in Colorado looking for opportunities to dive into research, this list is for you!
To help you get started, we’ve curated this list of research opportunities for high school students in Colorado. This list includes both in-person and virtual options, with programs offered by top colleges and leading organizations across a wide range of industries and fields. From research in STEM and museology to medicine and veterinary science, this blog has something for everyone. Let’s dive in.
Note: While some of the programs in this list may not be traditional internships, we’ve included them because of the solid practical experience they offer.
1. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP)
Location: NIST laboratories in Boulder, Colorado, or Gaithersburg, Maryland
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will receive a stipend
Dates: 8 weeks starting the second or third week of June
Application deadline: February 6
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are U.S. citizens.
NIST’s Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) is an eight-week, full-time internship where you get to work alongside professional researchers on actual scientific and technical projects. You’ll be paired with a scientist or engineer at one of NIST’s federal laboratories and take part in research in fields like advanced computing, materials science, and artificial intelligence. Your summer will include practical lab work, research seminars, technical training, and the chance to present your findings in a final poster session. During the program, you’ll learn how research labs operate, gain experience with professional tools, and build confidence working in a team of experts. You’ll also receive a stipend and follow a full-time schedule, preparing you for academic research.
2. Ladder Internships Mentored Research Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies with the program type
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school, gap-year, or undergrad students
Ladder Internships places you in a high-growth startup where you’ll work on research-driven projects in industries like AI/ML, engineering, health tech, deep tech, sustainability, and more. You’ll collaborate closely with a startup mentor and receive guidance from a Ladder Coach while working on and presenting your research work that contributes to the company’s ongoing projects. This program allows you to choose the area you want to conduct research in, with partner companies across a range of industries. As a Ladder intern, you’ll have deliverables like market research reports, competitor analyses, or product feature insights. You’ll also build presentation and project management skills. The program also includes professional skills and group training sessions.
3. 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, Colorado
Cost/Stipend: $4,400 to help with housing and travel
Dates: June 3 - August 2 (9 weeks)
Application Deadline: Applications open in December
Eligibility: High school seniors at least 18 years old by the start of the internship can apply. Undergraduates and graduates are also eligible
The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and the Child Health Research Enterprise at Children’s Hospital Colorado give students the chance to spend the summer working on research that focuses on children’s health. You’ll be matched with a mentor from the program faculty, giving you personalized guidance as you assist in lab work and contribute to ongoing projects. Every week, you’ll attend lectures and workshops designed to broaden your knowledge of pediatric research and career pathways. By the end of the program, you’ll present your work through a written report and an oral, poster, or PowerPoint presentation. You’ll also be encouraged to submit abstracts to local, regional, and national conferences, with expenses covered if accepted.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies with the program type
Dates: Multiple cohorts year-round; Summer (June–August), Fall (September–December), Winter (December–February), Spring (March–June)
Application Deadline: Varies with cohort. Spring (January), Summer(May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA ≥3.3; no prior research experience required
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program connects you with a PhD mentor to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. Over 12 weeks, you’ll explore a topic you’re interested in in a subject of your choosing, such as economics, neuroscience, or machine learning, and complete an original research paper. This will include proposal development, literature review, data analysis, and formal writing. You’ll receive personalized feedback at each step, culminating in a paper you can submit to academic journals or competitions. The program is designed to replicate the rigor of university-level research.
5. NASA Office of STEM Engagements (OSTEM) Internships
Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities. Students may select roles in the cities they are in
Cost/Stipend: Interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session length.
Dates: Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) | Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August)
Application Deadline: January (Fall session) | August (Spring session) | October (Summer session)
Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers high school students internships at locations across the country in areas like space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, and communications. You’ll have the chance to contribute to ongoing NASA projects, such as robotics, 3D modeling, civil engineering, or aerospace technology, under the guidance of experienced NASA mentors. During your internship, you may design experiments, analyze data from space missions, or develop new technologies, gaining practical experience and insight into how NASA operates. The program also provides training, career development, and mentoring, giving you exposure to expert scientists, engineers, and business professionals.
6. Denver Health High School Internship Medical Career Collaborative (MC2)
Location: Children’s Hospital Colorado or Denver Health, Denver, Colorado
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will be paid
Dates: Year-round, or longer
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: High school juniors
This is a multi-year program that allows you to explore healthcare careers starting in your junior year of high school. You’ll participate in field trips, workshops, and training sessions that introduce you to roles across medicine, from nursing to research, and earn health-related certifications that strengthen your credentials. During your junior year, you’ll complete a 100-120-hour paid internship at Denver Health or Children’s Hospital Colorado, working in a hospital department under the guidance of professionals such as nurses, CNAs, therapists, and physicians. Weekly seminars will help you reflect on your experiences, discuss healthcare topics, and build medical knowledge. As a senior, the program supports your post-secondary plans, guiding you through college applications. After high school, the program provides career coaching, certifications, and networking opportunities.
7. Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship Program
Location: Multiple in-person locations across the country, including several in Colorado. Virtual options are also offered
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students are paid an hourly wage
Dates: 9-10 weeks, June to August
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: Current high school students who are at least 16 years old and live within a commutable distance of a participating Lockheed Martin Facility
This internship gives you the chance to work directly with aerospace scientists and engineers on actual projects that support the company’s mission. You’ll gain practical experience in technical and non-technical areas of the aerospace industry, and contribute to processes, procedures, and systems across Lockheed Martin’s projects, learning how aerospace operations function in practice. The program also includes summer activities such as networking, career development, and executive engagements, giving you exposure to professionals and guidance for your future career. This internship is a great way to explore the aerospace sector, strengthen your resume, and build connections.
8. The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual | In-person (Baltimore, Maryland)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; virtual interns receive a $500 stipend, and in-person interns are paid at an hourly rate
Dates: 5 weeks, July-August (virtual) | 8 weeks, June-August (in-person)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) offers a five-week virtual option that gives you insight into the field of neuroscience, designed to make the field more inclusive and representative. You’ll work virtually with Johns Hopkins researchers on projects that let you explore brain science, analyze data, and build research skills. You’ll also take part in weekly seminars, professional development workshops, and mentoring sessions that help you develop both your academic and professional skills. You’ll collaborate closely with scientists, learn about current research, and gain insight into careers in neuroscience. At the end of the program, you’ll share your research in a poster or oral presentation, giving you the chance to showcase your work and practice your science communication skills.
9. Summer Science Program
Location: Various universities across the country, including the University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado
Cost/Stipend: $8,800 cost (financial aid available)
Dates: Mid-June to July-end
Application Deadline: International applicants: January 24 | Domestic applicants: February 21
Eligibility: High school juniors (and exceptional sophomores) who are at least 15 years old and have completed the required coursework
This program gives high school students the chance to engage in advanced research across four fields: astrophysics, biochemistry, genomics, and synthetic chemistry. You’ll work in teams of three to tackle real-world problems, such as calculating asteroid orbits, studying crop pathogens, investigating antibiotic resistance, or exploring drug development. At the University of Colorado, the Astrophysics track focuses on Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, and Scientific Programming while conducting observational research. Throughout this residential program, you’ll attend lectures, lab sessions, field trips, and guest talks, gaining practical experience working with expert faculty. SSP also emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and scientific communication.
10. CU Pre-Health Scholars Program (CUPS)
Location: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado. Virtual options are also offered
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Summer + once-a-month Saturday Academy during the academic year
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: Underrepresented students in grades 6-12 in Colorado
The CU Pre-Health Scholars Program (CUPS) is a year-long program for students in grades 6-12 who are interested in public health and medical careers. You’ll attend monthly Saturday workshops during the academic year and a summer intensive focused on biomedical sciences, healthcare careers, research design, and STEAM. Through hands-on activities like blood pressure measurement, wound suturing, and lab experiments, you’ll gain practical experience while exploring healthcare settings and community-based learning. You’ll also work on research projects, present your findings, and participate in mentorship sessions with faculty and peers. The program emphasizes understanding health disparities, cultural awareness, and the social determinants of health. By combining academic, social, and career-building experiences, CUPS helps you develop skills, confidence, and exposure to medical and healthcare pathways.
11. STEM Research Experience at the University of Colorado, Boulder
Location: University of Colorado, Boulder, and CU Anschutz, Aurora
Cost/Stipend: $2,400
Dates: June 6 - July 25
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by June 6
This six-week research program at the University of Colorado, Boulder, gives you practical, relevant experience in STEM research. You’ll be paired with a CU Boulder or CU Anschutz mentor and work on both assigned and independent projects across fields like biology, chemistry, or environmental science. Spending 15–20 hours each week in a lab, you’ll learn essential research skills, including experimental design, data analysis, and literature review. You’ll attend lab meetings, collaborate with mentors and peers, and gain insight into scientific processes. A research methods class will guide you in reading scientific articles, validating data, and developing strong scientific writing. The program concludes with a public Research Expo, where you’ll present your findings through a poster.
12. Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) – High School Course
Location: Gothic, Colorado
Cost/Stipend: $2,000 + $25 registration fee (local students: $1,800 if registered by March 1; $2,000 after). A $500 deposit is required upon acceptance (scholarships are available)
Dates: July 21 - August 1
Application Deadline: Students are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and recently graduated high school seniors
In this program, you’ll join actual field research teams in alpine ecosystems, studying topics like pollinators, marmots, stream ecology, and the effects of climate change. Working under the guidance of professional researchers, you’ll collect data, follow field protocols, and engage in active inquiry. You’ll learn essential field methods such as mark‑recapture, plant phenology tracking, and GIS mapping, while gaining practical experience with scientific equipment like GPS units, microscopes, and microbalances. The program includes seminars and journal club sessions with resident researchers. You’ll conduct individual or small-group research projects, keeping daily science journals and culminating in a final research presentation.
This program offers high school credit through the Gunnison Watershed School District and optional college credit through Western State Colorado University.
13. SciVet Summer Program – CSU College of Natural Sciences
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
Cost/Stipend: $1,770 (residential) | $1,170 (commuter)
Dates: June 16-20
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: High school students who will be at least 15 years old by June 1
The Natural Sciences Education & Outreach Center at Colorado State University offers a summer program that allows students to explore both scientific and veterinary practices. You’ll conduct investigations using professional tools, gather data in lab and field settings, and gain solid insight into the world of veterinary medicine. You’ll receive personalized mentorship from experienced educators, staff, and guest experts. The program also includes outdoor fieldwork, which may involve moderate hiking, so be prepared for some active exploration.
14. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internship Program
Location: Remote or in-person (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Cost/Stipend: None (10 paid stipends available for Summer based on financial need)
Dates: Spring: February – May | Summer: June – August | Fall: September – December
Application Deadline: Spring: Typically November | Summer: March 1 | Fall: Typically July
Eligibility: Open to high school students with an interest in international relations or research
The FPRI Internship Program gives you the chance to explore foreign policy and international relations through practical research and mentorship. You’ll be paired with a scholar or professional, working on projects covering diplomacy, security studies, or regional affairs. During the program, you’ll attend weekly virtual seminars led by experts, gaining insights into current policy challenges and career pathways. You’ll also write a research paper and may have the opportunity to contribute to FPRI’s Intern Corner blog. Some roles include supporting communications, events, or operations, allowing you to develop skills in writing, analysis, collaboration, and time management. This internship provides an opportunity for you to participate in a think tank, deepen your understanding of global issues, and gain practical experience in international affairs under the guidance of experienced mentors.
15. NYU Pre-College Programs
Location: Online | In-person (New York University, New York City, New York)
Cost: Varies depending on the number of courses and credits a student registers for. You can check the complete details here
Dates: Spring Term: January 21 - May 6 | Summer Term: July 2 - August 13
Application Deadline: Spring Term: January 1 | Summer Term: June 16
Eligibility: Rising/current 11th and 12th-grade students
NYU’s Precollege Program gives you the chance to take actual college courses for credit while exploring potential majors. Over six weeks in the summer, you can choose from a wide range of subjects, including computer science, biomolecular science, film, literature, journalism, and business. You’ll learn directly from NYU faculty in small, college-level classes and gain access to campus resources like libraries, labs, and peer tutoring. The program also includes College 101 workshops covering admissions, essay writing, research, and financial aid, along with a five-week College Writing Workshop to strengthen your academic writing. This program helps you explore your interests, develop critical skills, and prepare for future college and career opportunities.
Bonus! Here are a few more research programs you can consider:
SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers at Stanford University
Georgetown University's Pre-College course in Medical Research
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