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 is provided for each.

Summer 2023 program and registration information will continue to be updated throughout the spring, so please check back periodically. The Journalism and Media Jump-Start program is new to our portal in 2023! The free Summer Cybersecurity Camp for students entering grades 10-12 is open for registration. GirlsGetMath@CSU is free and open to students entering grades 9-12, regardless of gender. 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.

We encourage you to also explore summer programs available at CSU Spur in Denver and through the Poudre School District.

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

Colorado State University is actively monitoring the status of COVID-19 and responding with the health and well-being of our community firmly in mind. Please visit the Covid-19 Information and Resources website.

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 6-10, 2023
The application is open and closes on March 31.
Application decisions will be made and sent out on April 7.

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 18-25, 2023
Application is open

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)

Summer 2023 details are not yet available

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

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)

The ELC summer camp lottery was open from January 10-31, 2023

Primarily for ages 7-12.

This summer the ELC offers eight week-long summer day camps. While each camp has a theme, the overall focus is getting children outside, comfortable and connected to the natural world.

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 opened February 1, 2023

The two camps are available for Summer 2023:

  • June 5-10
  • June 11-16

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

Details for Summer 2023 are not yet Available

June 13-17, 2022
Registration deadline: Monday, June 6, 2022

Writing programs for youth in grades 4-12:

  • 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.)

Students will experiment with hands-on writing techniques in various genres of writing with support from experienced creative writing teachers. They will share their work in small writing groups and will participate in a workshop with a visiting published writer.

Snacks will be provided daily, and students will receive a t-shirt at the end of the week!

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 for 2023 is open!
July 10-14, July 17-21, July 24-28,
and/or July 31-August 4, 2023
Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and
Friday 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Early registration discount of 10% by February 1, 2023.

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 2023 camp topics are:

  • Baking Extravaganza
  • Global Tastebuds
A high school student attaches and adjusts a zoom camera lens on a tripod.
Program for high school students

Journalism and Media Jump-Start

June 7-10, 2023

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.

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 early August 2023
Registration should be open by the end of January

Kids Do It All is one of the most innovative theatre programs in the country. Offered for youth who are ages 7-9, 10-11, and 12-13. 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. Six one-week camps are available on the CSU campus.

GirlsGetMath@CSU

Dancer, CSU Dance Lab
Program for high school students

Dance Lab: Summer Intensive

July 30-August 12, 2023
Registration deadline: June 16, 2023

Beginner through pre-preprofessional level dancers ages 14+ are invited to register for our two-week in-person intensive. 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. To ensure individualized attention, registration is limited to 24 dancers admitted on a first-come-first-served basis.

Dance Lab is designed to increase understanding of:

  • Classical and Contemporary Dance Forms
  • Theory and Practice
  • Reflective Writing
  • Repertory
  • Choreography

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 2023.

Industry and Leadership

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 12 – July 21, 2023

The Global Business Academy is a summer business program for current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

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 an overnight stay at CSU’s beautiful Mountain Campus in the Rockies 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.

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

First Generation Business Summit

July 25-29, 2022

A link for the Summer 2023 First Generation Business Summit will be added when available.
In the meantime, please view this SOURCE article about the 2022 Program.

For rising 9th-grade through newly graduated first-generation students
Application (free) is encouraged by March 1, 2022

Whether you’re planning to become the next superstar CEO or still trying to figure out your path after graduation, the free Summit gives you a jump-start on campus life and your career.

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.

Online Venture Validator Summer Camp, July 7-11, 2021 by the Institute for Entrepreneurship
Program for middle and high school students

Venture Validator Youth Summer Camp

June 5-9, 2023
Registration open February 2023
One week of half-day sessions

Hybrid-Online via Zoom and in-person CSU Fort Collins 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 6-10, 2023 on the CSU Campus.
Application opens February 1.
Priority application deadline is March 15.
Students who submit their application after the deadline may be accepted on a space-available basis.

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!

Interdisciplinary Programs

Instructor and students collaborating in a mountain stream
Program for high school students

Honors Summer Institute

Registration is open for both 2023 sessions:

  • Session 1: June 4-10
  • Session 2: June 18-24

The Honors Summer Institute is a one-week camp for high school students with exceptional academic achievements. The program is an extension of the CSU Honors Program and engages students with sample classes from five different disciplines. Program includes time at the CSU Mountain Campus with two overnight stays.

Scholarships are available; no qualified student will be turned away from participating in the camp.

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 2023

June 9-16, 2023
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Applications due by April 30, 2023

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.

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

NO PRIOR PROGRAMMING EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY

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

ENvision Summer Program

June 4-8, 2023

ENvision is a four-week virtual learning program offered by the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors around the state of Colorado.

Students must attend all weekly sessions to complete the program.

Students will receive materials to better engage in virtual sessions. Additionally, students will benefit from connecting with assigned mentors who are current engineering students.

Questions? Please contact Claudia Hernandez.

Multi-sided colorful cubes represent GirlsGetMath@CSU summer program
Program for high school students

GirlsGetMath@CSU

June 5-9, 2023
Approximately 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Application deadline is April 21, 2023

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 2023, regardless of gender. The program encourages active exploration of topics such as cryptography, the mathematics of voting, image processing, prime numbers and factoring, and fractals.

Student and CSU instructors collaborate in design during Fashion Fundamentals youth summer program at Colorado State University.
Program for middle school students

Fashion FUNdamentals

June 12-23, 2023
2023 applications will be available in February

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 19-23, 2023
Applications open March 1-May 1, 2023

This 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 13-14
  • June 12-16, 2023, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Designing Your World:

  • Ages 14-16
  • June 19-23, 2023, 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Join CSU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) for two highly interactive summer programs for middle school and high school students interested in exploring the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

These exciting and educational programs achieve a balance between hands-on learning and socializing, with lunch provided and time to connect with peers, CSU faculty, and current college students. Core science and engineering ideas will provide students with essential information to build upon and integrate throughout their lives.

Students doing a science investigation during Sci-Trek for Future Scientists
Program for high school students

SciVet Summer Program

June 19-23, 2023
The 2023 SciVet Summer Program application opend in early January, 2023 and is closed.
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 & 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 chemistry of electronic devices, key role of native bees, the secrets of the marmots, glaciers, and permafrost!

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

June 5-9, 2023
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Application Window: April 1 – April 20, 2023

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 cost of the SWiFT 2023 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.

Students at CSU summer Anatomy Camp
Program for high school students

Anatomy Camp

Will return in Summer 2024

High school juniors and seniors interested in going into pre-med majors in college have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a one-week academic summer camp led by award-winning faculty in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. Dissect real anatomical specimens, learn anatomy on human cadavers, and look at case studies to diagnose medical problems and study technology-based, cross-sectional anatomy.

An activity at the CSU summer Applied Physiology Camp
Program for high school students

Applied Physiology Camp

Details for Summer 2023 are not yet available

Applied Physiology Camp is a hands-on academic day camp for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have a strong interest in science and are considering pursuing a career in a health-related field.

Sport Programs

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

Youth Sport Camps

May 30-August 11, 2023
Summer 2023 registration is open!

Explore active summer fun for kids ages 5-13!  Offered by CSU’s Department of Health and Exercise Science, the camps run Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. except for the two-hour tennis and golf programs.

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

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 5-8, 2023

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.

Logo: National Writing Project Conference

National Writing Project Rocky Mountain Regional Conference

​Details are for the National Writing Project Rocky Mountain Regional Conference are not yet available for Summer 2023.