Banner: Students in CSU K-12 programs working, hiking, with animals and making friends

CSU summer experiences for kindergarten through high school students include credit-bearing, academic, and sport programs. Teachers may explore sustainable teaching and the benefits of movement in the classroom. These programs are offered by many CSU departments and organizations hosting events on the Fort Collins campus. Contact information for each program is provided below.

Several programs offer scholarships or reduced or no-cost opportunities, including these programs: IT in Business, Summer Cybersecurity Camp, ENvision Engineering Summer Program, Mechanical Engineering STEM Summer ProgramsCSU Writing Project: Young Writers Workshop, Kids Do It All: Summer Musical Theatre Camp, and GirlsGetMath. CSU Youth Sport Camp’s Virtual Summer Camps resource has no-cost health and fitness activities for children and families to stay entertained at home.

Program and registration information will continue to be updated throughout Spring 2024. Registration deadlines for most camps vary from January through May.

We encourage you to also explore summer programs available at CSU Spur in Denver. Poudre School District’s Summer Learning Opportunities is live, and STEM-X information should be available in March. Additionally, the CSU STEM Center Events and Activities search tool can connect you with opportunities throughout the year by target population, subject area, delivery method, location, and/or college within Colorado State University.

Please contact the department or organization offering the program for questions about joining email listservs, registration, cost, housing, transportation, and more.

Flyers for downloading and sharing: English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

Legend for K-12 icons for elementary, middle, and high school

Credit-Bearing Programs

These summer programs are opportunities for high school students entering junior and/or senior year to earn college credit while developing their research, leadership, and additional skills in an inclusive and stimulating learning environment.

Students at CSU Black Issues Forum (BIF)
Program for high school students

Black Issues Forum (BIF)

June 11-15, 2024

The Black Issues Forum (BIF) is a five-day intensive summer program for rising high school seniors. This unique program is designed for thoughtful and committed students who want to enhance their leadership potential while discussing relevant issues facing today’s Black community. Students who participate in the Black Issues Forum earn one free CSU credit hour and may be eligible to receive the Partnership Award to attend Colorado State University.

Group of students at summer Lorenzo de Zevala Legistlative Session
Program for high school students

Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ)

June 16-23, 2024

Hosted on the Colorado State University campus, the “LDZ” program is designed to give youth leaders the edge on successfully navigating, managing, and creating organizations.

The program is open to high-achieving students finishing their sophomore or junior years in high school (class of 2023 or 2024).

Native American student and instructor viewing a laptop screen
Program for high school students

Native Education Forum (NEF)

June 3-7, 2024

The Native Education Forum is a five-day summer program for rising high school seniors and incoming CSU freshmen. Students gain university classroom experience, research issues critical to Native American/Indigenous communities, and get valuable assistance from professionals in the university application process.

During the program, students will have the chance to interact with university faculty, staff, and current students as they discuss and evaluate important issues that affect Indigenous communities.

Academic Programs

These programs are presented by departments at Colorado State, as well as organizations providing summer camps through CSU Conference Services.

Many programs fall into more than one category and include common elements such as leadership and creativity. Programs are placed in the category that best describes the primary focus.

Age groups vary by program; please contact the unit presenting the camp for additional information. 

Animals and Environment

Two boys with sticks at CSU's Environmental Learning Center (ELC)
Program for elementary and middle school

Environmental Learning Center (ELC)

Summer 2024
The lottery for Summer 2024 programs closed January 31

Primarily for ages 7-12.

These camps focus on immersing participants in nature. Though each camp has a theme, all camps will include walking our trails, exploring our ecosystems off trail, playing near and in the river, building forts, and playing games.

The ELC is an extension of the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University.

Young rider hugging the horse Frenchie
Program for elementary, middle, and highschool

Youth Summer Horsemanship Camps

Registration opens February 15, 2024

The two camps are available for Summer 2024:

  • June 3-8
  • June 9-14

Offered annually, the Youth Summer Horsemanship Camps are geared toward equine enthusiasts who are 10-15 years of age. Campers stay in the residence halls on main campus, eat in the dining halls and receive classroom/riding instruction from both equine faculty and current students.

Students who are 16-17 can join us as day campers!

Campers have the option to bring their own horse or lease a school horse, ride english, western, or both and spend the duration of camp as an overnight camper or a day camper.

Arts and Human Sciences

Laptop with "Writers Rule" on the screen
Program for elementary, middle, and highschool

CSU Writing Project: Young Writers Workshop

June 24-28, 2024 (20th Annual!)
Writing programs for youth in grades 4-12
Early-bird registration open through February 5, 2024. Registration is open through June 3, 2024.

  • Elementary Workshop (for students entering 4th-5th grades):
    • ready.set.write (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)
  • Middle School Workshop (for students entering 6th-8th grades):
    • WriteOn! (12:30-3:30 p.m.)
  • High School Workshop (for students entering 9th-12th grades):
    • VOICES (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)

​In these immersive workshops, students will experiment with writing techniques in various genres, work in writing groups, learn from published writers, and more! Snacks will be provided daily, and students will receive a free t-shirt at the end of the workshop.

A limited number of scholarships are available based on financial need.

Student using a biscuit cutter to make circles from dough
Program for elementary and middle school

Food Science and Human Nutrition Summer Cooking Camps

Registration opens January 3, 2024
June 3-7, June 10-14, June 17-21, and June 24-28

Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and
Friday 9 a.m. – Noon

These camps feature fun cooking activities for children ages 8-12. Select a camp and then choose which week your camper would like to attend.  Register for one, two or all four weeks! Each camp runs every week!

Summer 2024 camp topics are:

  • Baking Extravaganza
  • Edible Science

Summer Music, Theatre, and Dance: Camps and Programs

Visit the home page for Summer Camps, Institutes and Seminars or the sections below.

Clarinetists at CSU Lyft Academy
Program for elementary, middle, and highschool

Summer Music Camps, Institutes, and Master Classes

Experience a variety of music events designed for youth, middle/high school students, and adults. Camps and institutes offer students and adults specialized training, while master classes feature the world’s finest performers providing hands-on instruction in an open, informal setting.

Children acting with backdrop they created
Program for elementary and middle school

Kids Do It All: Summer Musical Theatre Camp

Five-day workshops from June through July 2024

Kids Do It All is one of the most innovative theatre programs in the country. Offered for youth who are entering grades 2nd-3rd, 4th-5th, and 6th-8th. Camp participants write, design, and compose musical plays entirely of their own, experiencing a practical application of all aspects of theatre from acting, movement, voice, props and scene design, and songwriting. Camp ends with a free performance for friends and family Friday afternoon. Seven one-week camps are available on the CSU campus.

Dancer, CSU Dance Lab
Program for high school students

Dance Lab: Summer Intensive

July 28-August 10, 2024
Registration Deadline: June 14, 2024

Beginner through pre-preprofessional level dancers ages 14+ are invited to register for our two-week in-person intensive. CSU Dance Lab is a college preparatory summer program offering immersive study in classical and contemporary dance forms, repertory, theory, and composition. In addition to dance classes and rehearsals, students will attend lectures, develop artist statements, choreograph solos, and present a public performance. Mentored by CSU Dance faculty, renowned guest artists, and current dance majors, attendees expand skills and knowledge while contributing to a collaborative creative process.

Dance Lab is designed to increase understanding of:

  • Classical and Contemporary Dance Forms
  • Choreography
  • Writing
  • Lectures
  • Repertory and Performance
  • Individualized mentorship by CSU Dance faculty, current majors, and renowned guest artists

This program offers up to 2 performing arts credits for Poudre School District students.

Please see Dance Lab website for additional registration packages, housing information and details for students entering CSU in Fall 2024.

Industry and Leadership

Students collaborate for a CSU College of Business presentation
Program for high school students

First Generation Business Summit

Monday, July 22 through Saturday, July 27, 2024

This FREE program is open to students who have successfully completed 9th through 12th grades, from those starting their sophomore year to recent high school graduates.

If you’re the first in your family to go to college and interested in business, this summit is for you! Whether you want to be a CEO, own a business or are still figuring out your path, this week long experience will help you learn about what business means, connect with our CSU community, and make a few friends along the way.

Stay overnight in an air-conditioned CSU residence hall on campus and eat in our dining centers as you learn the skills that will transform how business is done. Work alongside other first-generation students and College of Business faculty as you get valuable experience.

Attendees sharpen business knowledge in the classroom and at area businesses, develop the skills to successfully present to large groups, learn about career paths possible within the College of Business, and how to capitalize on the resources available for first-generation students to succeed at CSU.

Graduates of CSU's summer Global Business Academy gather on the steps of the College of Business
Program for high school students

Global Business Academy

July 14- July 24, 2024

The Global Business Academy is a summer business program for high school students (15-18 years old) who are enrolled in high school for Fall 2024.

You’ll create great summer memories in this 10-day, action-packed experience and meet students from around the globe while learning how to use business to create a better world. The program includes a visit to CSU’s beautiful Mountain Campus in the Rockies, whitewater rafting down the Poudre River, fireside chats with knowledgeable local leaders, and will give you a taste of college life, staying in the University dorms in Fort Collins.

You’ll gain lifelong skills in international business and leadership, greater confidence, new passions and interests to explore, global friendships, and discover new ways to apply your business knowledge to what you care about most. No matter where your future career path leads, it’s invaluable to have an understanding of what makes the business world turn.

Two student and a teach collaborate to solve a problem during the Venture Validator summer program at Colorado State University.
Program for middle and high school students

Venture Validator Summer Camp

June 10-14, 2024
One week of half-day sessions, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m
.
Online via Zoom OR in-person at the Fort Collins CSU Campus or SPUR Denver Campus

The Venture Validator Youth Summer Camp is hosted by the CSU College of Business Institute for Entrepreneurship designed for incoming 7th-12th grade students to explore what it takes to become an entrepreneur in a safe, engaging, and fun space.

Students will combine problems they want to solve with their ideas to fix them and then start the journey of launching a business to do just that.

Students will also learn basic business principles and gain an understanding of different career opportunities in a wide range of fields from marketing to supply chain management, international business, organization and innovation management, and more.

Student in welding gear at Women in Construction Management Summer Institute.
Program for high school students

Women In Construction Management Summer Institute

June 4-8, 2024 on the CSU Campus.
Check back February 1 for the 2024 Women in CM Summer Institute Application link.

High School Summer Institute

Construction Managers work in dynamic teams to take the designer’s vision and make it a reality.

With one of the highest job placement rates and starting salaries of any major, a degree in Construction Management is a great choice for those who enjoy teamwork, solving tangible problems, critical thinking, and creating the world around them.

This five-day four-night on-campus program is for up to 25 high school students age 15-18 who are interested in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC). Each day participants will engage with professional women representing AEC industries as well as college mentors to work on building their confidence and developing an understanding of construction management and related careers while having fun exploring construction related topics and activities!

A high school student attaches and adjusts a zoom camera lens on a tripod.
Program for high school students

Journalism and Media Jump-Start

Not offered in Summer 2024

Between blogs, vlogs, videos and infographics, there are more ways to communicate than ever before. The Journalism and Media Jump-Start experience offers students entering grades 10, 11, or 12 in Fall 2023 a glimpse into Colorado State University’s Department of Journalism and Media Communication. You will interview, create podcasts, take photos, learn social media strategies and more, all while interacting with college student mentors and faculty. Expect to learn about storytelling and visit CSU’s award-winning Rocky Mountain Student Media newsrooms. You will also get to sample life as a college student while you stay in a residence hall, dine at CSU’s delicious dining halls, and enjoy Fort Collins in the summer.

CSU summer students in Social Justice thru the Arts at Colorado State University gather in front of their mural made with artist Rose Jaffe.
Program for high school students

Social Justice Thru the Arts

Not offered in Summer 2024

This Summer 2023 institute will teach basic social justice concepts through arts-based practices. Participants will integrate all they have learned by working with the featured artist to create an art piece from a social justice framework.

Students collaborate alongside CSU faculty, students, and community educators through team building, intercultural dialogue, and collaboration across differences, nurturing individual and collective voices, and fostering community dialog by emphasizing skills that promote social justice advocacy. In the process they not only learn what a career in the arts through a social justice lens looks and feels like but also how the art fits into their lives and communities by addressing issues of equity, belonging, access, justice, and how the creative process is a part of all of our stories.

The experience will also include expert advice on applying to college, admission requirements, financial aid, housing, and careers.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

Please note: STEM-X programs offered by Poudre School District (PSD) are available for Summer 2022. CSU faculty or staff may be involved as collaborators in specific programs.

woman superimposed with cyber text
Program for high school students

Summer Cybersecurity Camp

June 3-7, 2024
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

This is a FREE cybersecurity summer camp students entering grades 10-12.

Have you ever wanted to learn about modern technologies and topics such as Network Security, Data Encryption and Protection, and Careers in Cybersecurity from CSU professors, students, and industry experts? Join our free camp for a week of fun activities as we show you how to use cybersecurity for fun and protection. You will work with and learn from CSU professors, students, and industry representatives who are experts in these areas.

Students will learn about various cyber security concepts such as symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, trap door functions, digital certificates, blockchains and distributed trust and also staying safe online. They will have opportunities of engaging in hand-on activities on blockchains such as NaiveCoin. There will also be Capture the Flag/Treasure Hunt Sessions.

NO PRIOR PROGRAMMING EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY.

Have fun this summer, making new connections, and learning! There will be prizes, free lunch, and fun activities!

Drone flies over the CSU campus with Long's Peak in the background.
Program for high school students

CSU Drone Aviation Summer Program

May be offered at CSU in Summer 2024
Is offered at CSU Spur in Denver

Colorado State University and the CSU Drone Center, in collaboration with the Poudre School District Futures Lab, is proud to announce the 2023 Drone Aviation Pathways Summer Program for Colorado high school students and instructors! Choose one session and spend a week on CSU’s main campus near the base of the Colorado foothills, and attend the immersive CSU Drone Flight School, where you’ll learn to fly many types of unmanned aircraft and gain the knowledge and experience necessary to pass your FAA Part 107 exam and become certified as a Remote Pilot! Curriculum includes classroom instruction, actual hands-on flight time, engaging lectures and breakout sessions, and real-world mission-planning scenarios with our UAV aircraft!

Girls celebrating collaboration on a project at CSU Mechanical Engineering event
Program for high school students

ENvision Engineering Summer Program

Sunday, June 2 through Thursday, June 6, 2024
Registration opens January 15, 2024 and closes May 3, 2024
A five-day overnight residential program for rising high school juniors and seniors across the country.

The ENvision Engineering Summer Program is a collaboration with Campos Engineering, Procurement, and Construction, LLC (Campos EPC, LLC) and hosted in-person at Colorado State University (CSU). Participants partake in hands-on engineering learning sessions led by current students and faculty of the Walter Scott Jr. College of Engineering while also exploring life as an engineering student at Colorado State University. There is no cost for attending this program. Students must complete all sessions to finish the program. Priority is given to applicants from historically excluded populations. Students who participate in the EPC ENvision Program become eligible for a scholarship toward an engineering degree at CSU.

Questions? Please contact outreach@engr.colostate.edu or the Program Coordinator, Sara Pharazyn

Multi-sided colorful cubes represent GirlsGetMath@CSU summer program

GirlsGetMath@CSU

Program for high school students

June 10-14, 2024

GirlsGetMath@CSU is a free five-day non-residential mathematics camp at Colorado State University that is open to students entering grades 9-12 in Fall 2024, regardless of gender. Students will explore a variety of topics in mathematics (such as cryptography, data science, image processing, geometry, fractals, and graph theory) in a collaborative and inclusive learning environment where they engage with hands-on activities and computer labs.

During the camp, students will also take a campus tour, eat lunch in dining halls, and hear from successful women in STEM careers. New this year, GirlsGetMath@CSU will devote time at the end of each day for fun, social activities (such as visiting the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery) to build community and develop students’ confidence by focusing on team-building abilities and leadership skills.

There is no cost to attend the summer camp and all materials, daily snacks, lunch, and a camp t-shirt will be provided.

Student using sewing machines at CSU Fashion Fundamentals summer program.
Program for middle school students

Fashion FUNdamentals

June 10-21, 2024
No classes June 19 for Juneteenth and University holiday

Our STEM program is open to middle school students entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grades in the fall following the summer program.

Fashion FUNdamentals is a two-week summer program designed to enhance young people’s interests and self-esteem in science, technology, engineering, and math by leveraging their interest in and passion for fashion.

Social programming focus areas include media literacy, body image, internet safety and anti-bullying, and highlights the importance of balanced nutrition and physical activity.

IT in Business summer program at CSU
Program for high school students

IT in Business

June 17-21, 2024

This free summer program is for high school students ages.  This five-day program is offered by the Computer Information Systems (CIS) department at CSU.

Information Technology (IT) not only touches every aspect of everyday life but is also the primary driver of business today.

In this program high school students explore how tech supports and shapes business through fun and educational hands-on projects.

CSU student mentors a high school student over circuit boards
Program for middle and high school students

Mechanical Engineering STEM Summer Programs

Engineering Your World:

  • Ages 12-14
  • June 17-21, 2024, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Creating Your World:

  • Ages 12-14
  • June 24-28, 2024, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Designing Your World:

  • Ages 14-16
  • July 8-12, 2024, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Students doing a science investigation during Sci-Trek for Future Scientists
Program for high school students

SciVet Summer Program

June 17-21, 2024
The 2024 SciVet Summer Program application is open
Open to high school students who are at least 15 years of age.

Want to feel what it is like to be a scientist? Join the Natural Sciences Education and Outreach Center in exploring scientific practices first hand. We will be carrying out investigations, using real tools, and collecting data both in the lab and the field.

All activities involve current topics from a variety of fields, including tree coring, the wonder of wolves, the key role of native bees, the secrets of hibernators, water quality and quantity, and much more!

STEM students and instructors actively engaged at computers
Program for middle and high school students

SWiFT 2023: Summer Computer Science STEM Camp in Fort Collins

Will be offered in Summer 2024
Additional details will be available soon

SWiFT 2023, Summer Computer Science STEM Camp in Fort Collins, is an activity-based summer intensive STEM program outstanding students currently in their 7th and 8th grade in Fort Collins and Northern Colorado. The  SWiFT 2023 program is free and lunch will be provided. No prior programming experiences are required.

Students will learn Python programming and apply the programming skills to the real-world earth data. The camp involves close, targeted mentoring and we are aiming for a student to instructor ratio of 4:1 or 5:1. All sessions are offered in an interactive computer lab located in the Computer Science Department at Colorado State University.

In addition to the lectures on the Python programming, we host special lectures from the scientists, experts, and industrial leaders on various topics in computer science and earth sciences that leverage computing and programing.

Sport Programs

Youths and instruction at summer Youth Sport Camp
Program for elementary and middle school

Youth Sport Camps

 May 28 – August 9, 2024

Explore active summer fun for kids ages 5-13! Offered by CSU’s Department of Health and Exercise Science, the camps run Monday-Friday in partial- and full-day sessions, depending on the camp.

Coeducational day camps focus on skill development and promote the benefits of physical activity and healthy lifestyles for youth.

One-week sessions are offered in baseball/softball, basketball, field sports, inline hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and volleyball.

Additional programs are:

  • FunLIFE (Learning to Improve Fitness and Eating)
  • Golf
  • Music and Movement
  • Extreme Outdoor Adventure
  • Outdoor Adventure
  • Smart Fit Girls
  • Sport Science
  • Super Sport Camp (two weeks)
  • Tennis

Commitment to Campus offers a discount for children of CSU employees for Youth Sport Camps.

The Virtual Summer Camps resource has no-cost health and fitness activities for children and families to stay entertained at home.

CSU RAMS Sport Camps logo
Program for elementary, middle, and highschool

Rams Sports Camps

Summer 2024 camp information will be posted throughout Spring 2024

Offered through CSU’s Department of Athletics, these camps are designed for a variety of ages from kindergarten through college sophomores depending on the sport.

Please check the Rams Sports Camps website frequently for the most up-to-date information as most programs schedules are announced in stages. Football, soccer, softball, track, and volleyball camps are are usually open for registration by March or April. Registration for basketball and swimming camps typically begins in mid-June.

Camps vary in length from one to three days. Registration is on a space-available basis. See specific camps for additional information.

NCAA guidelines are followed regarding camp offerings.

Programs for P-12 Teachers

Smiling dancers, CSU Education in Motion

EDUCATION IN MOTION: A Professional Development Seminar for preK-12 Teachers

Dates: June 10-13, 2024

Join leading Dance/Movement Educators and Education Specialists to explore strategies and tools for integrating movement at all levels of learning in pK-12 classrooms.

Colorado State University invites Colorado pK-12 teachers and administrators to join us online for presentations, exploration, sharing resources, and expanding our awareness and knowledge of the benefits of movement in the classroom. Guest speakers, university faculty, and education specialists will present the latest research and tools to help you reach more students, offer innovative ways to teach core curriculum and learn about how our state is supporting our efforts.

This seminar is available at no charge, but registration is required.

Summer Institute: Writing Program for Teachers

Summer 2024

Dates are being finalized The Institute for Thinking and Writing. Please check back in early January for precise dates and more information.

This hybrid yearlong professional development experience is designed for a small cohort of K-16 teachers and specialists from all disciplines who are seeking to integrate research-based thinking and literacies into their teaching. It will help you grow your own teaching skills as a thinker, writer, and teacher researcher from the inside out so that you can support your students’ learning in turn.

The mindset and methods associated with the theory of sustainable teaching will also be woven throughout the institute. This theory was developed by and for educators to foster self-compassion, healing, and renewal in order to build their capacity for engaging in equity-based teaching. 

Teachers who complete the institute become lifelong members of the CSU Writing Project and National Writing Project. Applicants should be open to new ideas, willing to share and further develop their expertise, and comfortable with collaboration and leadership.