Non-Credit Opportunities for High School Students

Summer in Boulder offers high school students the opportunity to get involved in a number of exciting Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder programs that go beyond Summer Session courses.

Science Discovery Summer Classes at Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder and Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØAnschutz

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 Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØgraduate students and subject matter experts, allowing them to make connections and explore labs and facilities throughout the Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder and Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØAnschutz 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 Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder and Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØAnschutz 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 Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder. 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 Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØ College of Music presents exciting opportunities for high school and middle school musicians from Colorado and around the country to receive world-class instruction.