Top 15 Best High School Internships in Colorado 2026

Introduction

Discovering internships for high school students in Colorado opens doors to exceptional career exploration opportunities in the Centennial State—renowned for aerospace innovation, outdoor recreation leadership, renewable energy development, world-class research institutions, and a thriving tech sector along the Front Range. From groundbreaking aerospace engineering at Lockheed Martin in Littleton, cutting-edge healthcare programs through Denver Health and Children’s Hospital Colorado’s Medical Career Collaborative (MC2), accessible youth employment through Denver’s Youth Employment Program and Governor’s Summer Job Hunt serving thousands of Colorado teens, computer science research at Colorado School of Mines, to environmental conservation work across Colorado’s spectacular mountain landscapes and national parks, Colorado offers diverse paid internships and summer jobs for teens designed specifically for high school students.

Whether you’re passionate about space systems at Ball Aerospace, biomedical research at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, outdoor industry innovation in Boulder, renewable energy development, government service at the state capitol in Denver, wildlife conservation in Rocky Mountain National Park, or technology entrepreneurship in Colorado’s growing startup ecosystem, Colorado delivers comprehensive student opportunities that strengthen college applications and launch professional careers. The state’s combination of major aerospace contractors, research universities (CU Boulder, CSU, Mines), federal research facilities (NIST, NOAA, NCAR), thriving outdoor industry, and strong youth workforce programs creates an unmatched landscape for ambitious teens seeking real-world work experience.

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Top High School Internship Programs in Colorado 2026

Below are 15 verified and current internship opportunities for high school students across Colorado. All information has been confirmed for the 2026 application cycle with updated deadlines and program details.

1. Medical Career Collaborative (MC2)

• Organization: Denver Health & Children’s Hospital Colorado – Denver Metro
• Description: Nine-month comprehensive healthcare career exploration program (August-May). Hands-on hospital rotations, shadowing physicians and healthcare professionals, attending medical lectures, performing clinical skills labs, and receiving college/career counseling. One of Colorado’s premier healthcare programs for high school students.
• Eligibility: Colorado high school juniors, strong academics (3.0+ GPA recommended), demonstrated interest in healthcare careers, underrepresented minorities encouraged
• Duration: 9 months (August-May), typically one afternoon/week plus weekend activities
• Compensation: Scholarship-based program (no cost to students); potential for paid summer positions after completion
• Deadline: Applications open early January; close mid-February 2026
• Apply: Denver Health MC2 and Children’s Colorado MC2

2. Denver Youth Employment Program (DYEP)

• Organization: Denver Public Schools & City of Denver – Workforce Development
• Description: Paid work experience program placing Denver students with employers across city departments, nonprofits, and businesses. Includes mandatory job readiness training, financial literacy education, mentorship from community leaders, and 110-120 hour paid placements.
• Eligibility: Ages 14-24, Denver Public Schools students or Denver residents, available for summer or academic year programs
• Duration: Summer (110-120 hours) or Fall/Spring (75 hours), varies by session
• Compensation: Paid – competitive hourly wage; $500 retention bonus through Mayor’s YouthWorks Initiative for meeting requirements
• Deadline: Applications open Winter/Spring; rolling admissions
• Apply: Denver Youth Employment Program

3. Colorado School of Mines CS@Mines Internship

• Organization: Colorado School of Mines – Computer Science Department, Golden
• Description: Computer science research internship with university faculty and graduate students. Work on real computing research projects, coding for good (C4G) initiatives, or DECtech internships. Gain hands-on programming experience and exposure to higher education computing research.
• Eligibility: High school and community college students, Colorado residents preferred, interest in computer science
• Duration: Summer program, varies (typically 8-10 weeks)
• Compensation: Paid positions available; nominal $100 program fee with scholarships available
• Deadline: Applications open February 2026 for Summer 2026
• Apply: CS@Mines High School Interns

4. Governor’s Summer Job Hunt (GSJH)

• Organization: Colorado Department of Labor & Employment – Statewide
• Description: Free job referral service connecting Colorado youth ages 16-24 with summer employment opportunities statewide. CDLE matches young adults with participating employers across all industries throughout Colorado. No income requirements; open to all eligible youth.
• Eligibility: Ages 16-24, Colorado residents, proof of age and citizenship required
• Duration: Summer employment varies by employer placement
• Compensation: Paid – varies by employer and position
• Deadline: Registration opens Spring 2026
• Apply: Governor’s Summer Job Hunt

5. Lockheed Martin High School Internship – Colorado

• Organization: Lockheed Martin Space – Littleton/Waterton Campus
• Description: Aerospace engineering and space systems internship at major defense contractor facility. Work on satellite systems, missile defense, space exploration projects with engineering teams. Highly competitive national program with Colorado positions available.
• Eligibility: High school juniors (rising seniors), 3.0+ GPA, U.S. citizenship required, strong STEM background
• Duration: 10 weeks (Summer), full-time
• Compensation: Paid – $18-22/hour
• Deadline: December 2025 (very early deadline)
• Apply: Lockheed Martin High School Programs

6. NIST Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) – Boulder

• Organization: National Institute of Standards and Technology – Boulder Campus
• Description: Scientific research internship at federal research facility. Work with NIST scientists on measurement science, quantum physics, time and frequency standards, materials research. Eight-week program at Boulder’s prestigious federal laboratory.
• Eligibility: High school students, must live in close proximity to NIST Boulder (housing/transportation not provided), strong science background
• Duration: 8 weeks (Summer), full-time
• Compensation: Unpaid educational internship (paid student employment opportunities also available separately)
• Deadline: Check NIST website for 2026 application dates
• Apply: NIST SHIP Boulder

7. Colorado State Legislature Internships

• Organization: Colorado General Assembly – State Capitol, Denver & District Offices
• Description: Government and public policy internship with Colorado state senators and representatives. Work on legislative research, constituent services, bill analysis, committee work, and community outreach during legislative session or interim. Capitol or district office placements.
• Eligibility: High school students & college students, Colorado residents preferred, interest in government/policy
• Duration: Legislative session (January-May) or interim periods; varies by office
• Compensation: Varies by office – some paid positions, many unpaid with academic credit
• Deadline: Rolling admissions; contact legislators directly October-December for Spring session
• Apply: Contact individual Colorado legislators’ offices directly

8. Colorado Division of Local Government – Best and Brightest Program

• Organization: Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Statewide Local Government Placements
• Description: Management internship and fellowship program placing high school students with Colorado local governments (cities, counties, special districts). Work on public administration, community development, and local government operations. Students must be recommended by schools.
• Eligibility: High school students (paid internships), must be school-recommended, maintain good academic standing
• Duration: Summer or academic year, varies by placement
• Compensation: Paid based on work completed
• Deadline: School nominations required; rolling admissions
• Apply: Best and Brightest Program

9. University of Colorado Boulder Summer Programs

• Organization: CU Boulder – Multiple Departments
• Description: Various summer research and academic programs including engineering summer camps, STEM research opportunities, business programs, and departmental internships. Work with university faculty and graduate students on research projects or intensive coursework.
• Eligibility: High school students, varies by program; Colorado residents often prioritized
• Duration: Varies – typically 2-6 week summer programs
• Compensation: Varies – some paid positions, many tuition-based with financial aid available
• Deadline: December-March depending on program
• Apply: Visit CU Boulder Precollege and Summer Programs websites

10. Colorado State University Internship Programs

• Organization: Colorado State University – Fort Collins & Extension Offices Statewide
• Description: Multiple internship opportunities including agricultural research, veterinary science exposure, natural resources management, engineering projects, and CSU Extension programs. Work with faculty researchers and extension agents on real-world projects.
• Eligibility: High school students, Colorado residents preferred, varies by department
• Duration: Summer programs, typically 8-12 weeks
• Compensation: Varies – some paid stipends, some academic programs with fees
• Deadline: Varies by program; typically December-March
• Apply: CSU Internship Listings and department websites

11. Denver Museum of Nature & Science Teen Programs

• Organization: Denver Museum of Nature & Science – City Park, Denver
• Description: Museum education, science communication, and exhibit operations internship. Work with education staff on programming, planetarium shows, space science exhibits, natural history collections, and visitor engagement at premier regional science museum.
• Eligibility: High school students, Denver metro area, interest in science education
• Duration: Academic year or summer, 10-15 hrs/week
• Compensation: Paid – hourly rate
• Deadline: Fall/Winter for academic year; Spring for summer positions
• Apply: Contact Museum Education Department

12. Denver Botanic Gardens Youth Programs

• Organization: Denver Botanic Gardens – Multiple Locations
• Description: Horticulture, conservation, and environmental education internship. Work on plant collections, garden maintenance, educational programming, and special events at gardens in Denver, Chatfield Farms, and Mount Goliath alpine garden.
• Eligibility: High school students, Denver metro area, passion for plants and environment
• Duration: Summer or academic year, flexible hours
• Compensation: Paid – hourly rate
• Deadline: Winter/Spring for summer programs
• Apply: Visit Denver Botanic Gardens website

13. Colorado Springs Youth Employment Programs

• Organization: City of Colorado Springs – Workforce Development & El Paso County
• Description: Summer youth employment and career exploration programs placing Colorado Springs area teens with local employers, city departments, and nonprofits. Job readiness training and mentorship included.
• Eligibility: Ages 14-24, Colorado Springs/El Paso County residents
• Duration: Summer program, typically 6-8 weeks
• Compensation: Paid – varies by placement
• Deadline: Applications open Spring 2026
• Apply: Contact City of Colorado Springs Youth Services

14. Rocky Mountain National Park & Federal Lands Programs

• Organization: National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service – Rocky Mountain Region
• Description: Conservation, interpretation, and visitor services opportunities at national parks, forests, and federal lands across Colorado. Work on trail maintenance, environmental education, wilderness preservation, and visitor engagement.
• Eligibility: Ages 16+, varies by position; some programs require U.S. citizenship
• Duration: Summer seasonal positions, typically 10-12 weeks
• Compensation: Paid positions available – federal wage scales
• Deadline: October-January for summer positions (USAJobs applications)
• Apply: USAJobs.gov and NPS Seasonal Employment

15. Ball Aerospace Summer Internship

• Organization: Ball Aerospace – Broomfield/Boulder Area
• Description: Aerospace engineering and space systems internship at leading spacecraft manufacturer. Work on satellite design, space instruments, mission operations, and aerospace technology development. Highly technical program.
• Eligibility: High school seniors & college students, U.S. citizenship required, strong STEM background
• Duration: Summer internship, typically 10-12 weeks
• Compensation: Paid – competitive hourly rate
• Deadline: Fall/Winter for summer positions
• Apply: Ball Aerospace Careers

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How to Apply for Internships in Colorado

Successfully securing internships for high school students in Colorado requires strategic planning and thorough preparation. Here’s your complete guide to navigating the application process in the Centennial State.

Application Methods

Online Application Portals (Most Common)

Most Colorado internship programs use digital application systems where you’ll:

• Create secure account with email and password
• Complete forms with personal, academic, and contact information
• Upload resume and cover letter as PDF files
• Answer essay questions about interests, goals, and qualifications
• Provide 2-3 references (teachers, counselors, employers)
• Submit transcripts showing current GPA and coursework
• Track application status through dashboard

Programs using online portals: MC2 (Denver Health & Children’s Colorado), Colorado School of Mines CS@Mines, Governor’s Summer Job Hunt, Lockheed Martin, NIST SHIP, CU Boulder programs, CSU programs, federal lands positions (USAJobs)

Through School Counselors and Career Centers

Many Colorado programs coordinate through schools:

• Meet with school counselor or career advisor in early fall to discuss internship goals
• Request teacher recommendations 3-4 weeks before deadlines
• Have counselors submit official transcripts or nominations
• Coordinate through school-based Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs
• Obtain work permits through school (required for Colorado workers under 18)

Programs coordinating through schools: Denver Youth Employment Program (through DPS), Best and Brightest Program (school recommendations required), some local government internships

Direct Contact Methods

Government offices and local organizations may prefer direct contact:

• Email professional inquiry: “Summer 2026 Internship Application – [Your Name]”
• Attach labeled resume and cover letter PDFs
• Include 3-4 sentence introduction in email body
• Follow up after one week if no response
• Be prepared for quick interviews

Programs accepting direct contact: Colorado State Legislature offices, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado Springs Youth Programs, local government departments

Required Documents Checklist

Prepare these materials before starting applications:

□ Resume – One page highlighting academics, activities, volunteer work, leadership, and prior employment. Students exploring Mountain West opportunities should review internships for high school students in Denver for metro-specific programs.

□ Cover Letter – Customized 250-400 word letter explaining specific interest in each program and relevant qualifications

□ Transcripts – Unofficial copies showing current courses and GPA (official may be required later)

□ References – Contact information for 2-3 adults who can speak to your abilities and character

□ Personal ID – Birth certificate, Colorado ID, or driver’s license proving age and residency

□ Proof of Colorado Residency – Document showing Colorado residency (many programs prioritize state residents)

□ Work Permit – Colorado requires work permits for workers under 18; obtain from school with parent signature

□ Background Check – Healthcare and federal positions require background screening

□ Essays/Personal Statements – Competitive programs (MC2, Lockheed Martin, university research) require substantial essays

□ School Recommendation – Some programs (Best and Brightest) require official school nomination

Application Timeline

September – October: Research programs across Colorado and begin preparation. Students considering other Mountain West states should explore internships for high school students in Utah or internships for high school students in New Mexico.

November – December: Very early deadline: Lockheed Martin (December). Finalize materials and request recommendations before winter break. For students interested in other aerospace hubs, consider internships for high school students in Seattle or internships for high school students in Houston.

January – February: Major deadlines: MC2 applications open early January, close mid-February. CS@Mines opens February. Governor’s Summer Job Hunt registration opens. Peak application season for competitive programs. Students exploring West Coast opportunities should consider internships for high school students in California or internships for high school students in San Francisco.

March – April: CU Boulder and CSU programs, Denver Youth Employment Program, Denver museums and gardens, Colorado Springs programs. Federal lands positions (October-January on USAJobs but some rolling). For Midwest opportunities, explore internships for high school students in Chicago or internships for high school students in Minneapolis.

May – June: Most competitive positions filled; focus on rolling admission programs including Governor’s Summer Job Hunt, some local government positions. For Southwest opportunities, explore internships for high school students in Phoenix or internships for high school students in Austin.

Year-Round: Governor’s Summer Job Hunt (seasonal), federal lands positions, some local government internships accept applications throughout the year.

Tips for Stronger Applications

Emphasize Colorado Connection: Many programs prioritize Colorado residents. Highlight your ties to Colorado—region (Front Range, Western Slope, mountains, plains), years in state, outdoor experiences, community involvement, knowledge of Colorado’s innovation economy and environmental values. Reference specific Colorado characteristics (aerospace leadership, outdoor recreation, renewable energy, quality of life) to demonstrate authentic connection.

Demonstrate Field-Specific Interest: Research organizations thoroughly. For aerospace programs (Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace), showcase physics, engineering coursework and STEM competitions. For healthcare (MC2), highlight biology, volunteer experiences, and genuine patient care interest. For computer science (CS@Mines), demonstrate coding projects and technical skills. For environmental programs (National Parks, Botanic Gardens), share outdoor experiences and conservation passion.

Highlight Colorado Values: Colorado employers value innovation, environmental stewardship, outdoor ethic, collaborative spirit, and work-life balance. Emphasize problem-solving abilities, sustainability consciousness, outdoor pursuits, teamwork, and entrepreneurial thinking.

Address Colorado’s Outdoor Culture: Colorado’s identity is deeply connected to mountains, outdoor recreation, and environmental leadership. Programs value applicants who understand and embrace this culture. Share hiking, skiing, camping, conservation experiences or environmental advocacy work.

Quantify Your Achievements: Use specific numbers. Replace “robotics team member” with “designed autonomous robot as part of 12-person team, placing 2nd at Colorado state championship among 50 schools.” Change “volunteer work” to “led team of 8 volunteers coordinating 200+ hours of community service benefiting 100+ families.”

Apply Strategically Across Selectivity Levels: Competition varies widely. Apply to 10-12 programs spanning highly selective (Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, MC2, NIST), moderately competitive (CS@Mines, CU/CSU programs, state legislature), and accessible (Governor’s Summer Job Hunt, Denver Youth Employment Program, local government, museums/gardens).

Customize Everything: Never submit identical applications. Colorado’s regions are distinct—Front Range urban corridor (Denver to Fort Collins to Colorado Springs), mountain communities, Western Slope, Eastern Plains. Tailor applications to specific Colorado regions and organizational cultures.

Leverage Colorado Geography: Colorado offers urban (Denver metro), university towns (Boulder, Fort Collins), mountain communities (Vail, Aspen, Summit County), and smaller cities (Grand Junction, Durango). Consider opportunities statewide but factor in transportation—mountain drives and distances are significant.

Interview Preparation

Many competitive Colorado programs conduct interviews:

• Research organization’s mission, recent news, and current projects
• Practice common questions: “Tell me about yourself,” “Why this internship?” “What interests you about Colorado’s [aerospace/healthcare/outdoor] leadership?”
• Prepare 2-3 thoughtful questions about responsibilities, mentorship, or skills development
• Dress professionally (Colorado leans business casual with outdoor-influenced style but maintain professionalism)
• For video interviews, test technology, ensure good lighting and clean background
• Arrive 15-20 minutes early for in-person interviews (factor in mountain weather and traffic)
• Send thank-you email within 24 hours
• Be prepared to discuss your outdoor experiences and commitment to Colorado’s environmental values—culturally important

Students considering opportunities in other mountain states should review internships for high school students in Wyoming or internships for high school students in Montana.

External Resources

Colorado Department of Labor & Employment – Youth Programs
Governor’s Summer Job Hunt and workforce resources – cdle.colorado.gov/youth

Denver Workforce Development
Youth employment programs and career services – denvergov.org/youth

Colorado Division of Local Government
Best and Brightest internship program – dlg.colorado.gov

USAJobs – Federal Employment
National Park Service and federal positions – usajobs.gov

U.S. Department of Labor – Youth Rules
Federal guidance on child labor laws and teen employment rights – youthrules.gov

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there paid internships for high school students in Colorado?

Yes, approximately 65-70% of Colorado high school internship programs offer monetary compensation ranging from $15-22/hour. Aerospace companies pay highest (Lockheed Martin $18-22/hour, Ball Aerospace competitive), while government and nonprofit positions typically pay $15-18/hour (Colorado minimum wage $14.42 as of 2025).

When should I apply for summer internships in Colorado?

Apply between December and March depending on competitiveness, with Lockheed Martin’s very early December deadline and MC2 applications opening early January (closing mid-February). Most programs have January-March deadlines, while Governor’s Summer Job Hunt and Denver Youth Employment Program accept rolling applications through spring.

Do I need work experience to get a Colorado internship?

No for accessible programs (Governor’s Summer Job Hunt, Denver Youth Employment Program, local government, museums/gardens), but highly competitive programs (Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, MC2, NIST) expect strong academics, relevant coursework, STEM competitions, or demonstrated passion through projects and extracurriculars.

What parts of Colorado have the most internship opportunities?

Denver metro area (including Boulder, Aurora, Littleton, Broomfield) offers highest concentration with aerospace (Lockheed, Ball), healthcare (Denver Health, Children’s Colorado), universities (CU Boulder, Mines), federal labs (NIST), and government offices. Fort Collins (CSU) and Colorado Springs (military installations, youth programs) also provide opportunities.

Can I do internships during the school year or only summer?

Both exist with 75% operating summers (June-August) and 25% offering academic year options. School-year programs include MC2 (9-month August-May), Colorado State Legislature (January-May session or interim), Denver Youth Employment Program (Fall/Spring 75-hour sessions), and some museum/garden positions year-round.

How competitive are Colorado internship programs?

Competition varies from exceptionally selective Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace (10-15% acceptance, national pools) to highly competitive MC2 and NIST (20-30%) to moderately competitive CS@Mines and university programs (35-45%) to accessible Governor’s Summer Job Hunt and Denver Youth Employment (most qualified applicants placed).

What industries are strongest for Colorado high school internships?

Colorado’s top internship industries include Aerospace/Defense (Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, military installations), Healthcare (Denver Health, Children’s Colorado), Federal Research (NIST, NOAA, NCAR), Technology/Computer Science (startups, Mines), Government (state legislature, local governments), Outdoor Recreation/Conservation (National Parks, ski industry), and Renewable Energy (solar, wind companies).

Can I earn school credit for Colorado internships?

Yes, most Colorado high schools offer academic credit through Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Requirements vary by district but typically include supervisor evaluations, minimum hours, reflection assignments, and counselor pre-approval for both paid and unpaid internships.

How do I manage transportation for Colorado internships?

Denver metro area has RTD light rail and bus service connecting major corridors, useful for downtown Denver, Boulder, and some suburbs. However, most Colorado locations require personal transportation, especially mountain communities, federal facilities (NIST in Boulder), and aerospace campuses (Lockheed in Littleton, Ball in Broomfield).

Do Colorado programs accept out-of-state students?

Most programs prioritize or require Colorado residency (Governor’s Summer Job Hunt, Denver Youth Employment Program, MC2, Best and Brightest, local governments), though some competitive programs accept national applicants (Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, NIST). University programs strongly prioritize Colorado residents.

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Explore More Internship Opportunities

Expand Your Search Beyond Colorado

Looking for additional opportunities or considering programs in other regions? Explore these resources:

• Internships for High School Students in Denver – Colorado capital metro programs
• Internships for High School Students in California – West Coast innovation hub
• Internships for High School Students in Utah – Mountain West neighbor
• Internships for High School Students in New Mexico – Southwest opportunities
• Internships for High School Students in Wyoming – Northern neighbor state
• Internships for High School Students in Phoenix – Southwest aerospace hub
• Internships for High School Students in Austin – Texas tech capital
• Internships for High School Students in Seattle – Pacific Northwest tech
• Internships for High School Students in Houston – Texas energy and aerospace
• Internships for High School Students in Chicago – Midwest headquarters
• Internships for High School Students in San Francisco – Silicon Valley
• Virtual Internships for High School Students – Remote opportunities nationwide
• Browse All High School Internship Locations – Complete national directory

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Final Thoughts

Securing internships for high school students in Colorado provides transformative opportunities in the Mountain West’s innovation leader, combining world-class aerospace experiences at Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace, comprehensive healthcare training through Denver Health and Children’s Colorado’s renowned MC2 program, accessible employment through Denver Youth Employment Program and Governor’s Summer Job Hunt serving thousands of Colorado teens annually, cutting-edge research at federal facilities like NIST and university programs at CU Boulder and CSU, and conservation work across Colorado’s spectacular national parks and public lands. Colorado’s unique blend of aerospace industry leadership, quality of life, outdoor recreation culture, environmental stewardship, and thriving Front Range economy creates pathways for students from Denver metro to mountain communities, Fort Collins to Colorado Springs.

Start your application process early with Lockheed Martin’s December deadline and MC2’s early January opening. Apply to 10-12 opportunities spanning Colorado’s diverse industries and regions while customizing applications to demonstrate understanding of Colorado’s outdoor ethic, innovation culture, and environmental values. Leverage the state’s exceptional resources including major aerospace contractors, research institutions, federal laboratories, and strong youth workforce programs to build professional experience that strengthens college applications and launches careers in the Centennial State’s dynamic economy.

Questions about applications or need guidance? Contact your school’s CTE coordinator, reach out to Colorado Department of Labor & Employment youth programs, visit Denver Workforce Development resources, or connect with program coordinators listed above for support services available to all Colorado students.