Non-Credit Opportunities for High School Students

Summer in Boulder offers high school students the opportunity to get involved in a number of exciting ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä Boulder programs that go beyond Summer Session courses.

Science Discovery Summer Classes at ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä Boulder and ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä Anschutz

Program Dates: June - July 2026

Science Discovery high school classes prepare high school students for their transition to college and provide insight into possible STEM career paths. These pre-college, non-credit classes combine academics and campus-based activities to give high school students a well-rounded introduction to college life. Participants are given the opportunity to connect with ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä graduate students and subject matter experts, allowing them to make connections and explore labs and facilities throughout the ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä Boulder and ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä Anschutz campuses. Students are immersed in one-week STEM-focused courses in areas such as aerospace, medicine, biomedical research, neuroscience, maker technologies and innovation, robotics, video game design, forensics and more. High school classes are offered in a commuter format for local students.

Science Discovery STEM Research Experience

Program Dates: June 3 - July 31, 2026

A six-week commuter program inviting rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to work on a research interest directly with ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä Boulder and ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä Anschutz Medical Campus faculty and graduate student mentors. Students work 15-20 hours per week, Monday-Friday with hours varying depending on lab needs. A weekly Research Methods course provides participants with support in conducting a literature review, exploring library resources, collecting and analyzing data, and communicating research results.

Science Discovery STEM Pathfinders

Bioscience Program Dates: June 1 - June 12, 2026
Engineering Program Dates: July 13 - July 24, 2026

STEM Pathfinder Programs are immersive experiences for high school students interested in exploring diverse pathways within bioscience or engineering at ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä Boulder. Over two weeks, students will dive into four different fields within engineering or bioscience through hands-on activities, lab tours, and interactions with faculty and students. They will also learn about requirements for different majors, campus resources, and career opportunities.

Sphinx Performance Academy

(SPA)—July 20 - August 1, 2025—is a full-scholarship intensive summer chamber music and solo performance program focused on cultural diversity for string musicians ages 11-17. 

Summer Music Academy

The Summer Music Academy at the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music presents exciting opportunities for high school and middle school musicians from Colorado and around the country to receive world-class instruction.