15 Internships for College Students in Colorado
- Stephen Turban
- 2 days ago
- 10 min read
If you’re a college student looking to gain professional experience before graduation, an internship can be a great option to explore. These programs let you apply what you’ve learned in class to professional challenges, develop practical skills, and build connections. Whether you’re aiming for graduate school, a competitive job, or just want to test out a field, internships give you insight into how your interests play out in professional settings.
Why should you attend an internship in Colorado?
Colorado offers a wide range of internships that bring together the state’s strong academic community, research institutions, and growing industries. Depending on the program, you might assist in a biomedical lab, contribute to environmental research, support nonprofit initiatives, or gain experience in government and business projects. Whether you’re a Colorado resident or an out-of-state student, the state’s collaborative and innovation-focused environment makes it a good place to explore professional opportunities.
To help you find a great fit, we’ve curated a list of 15 internships for college students in Colorado.
If you are looking for paid online internships, check out our blog here.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to undergraduates and gap year students!
Ladder University Internship Program places you in a selective, virtual internship with startups and nonprofits from around the world, making it a great summer internship for college students looking for flexible, meaningful work. You will undertake a project that the organization truly requires — whether in education, technology, marketing, or social impact — and collaborate closely with your manager to ensure its success. By the end of the term, you’ll present your work to stakeholders, gaining practical project management, collaboration, and communication skills.
Location: Multiple locations including Denver, CO; Seattle, WA; Van Horn, TX; Huntsville, AL; and Cape Canaveral, FL
Stipend: Paid ($32/hour); housing and relocation support provided
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not publicly stated
Dates: Summer: May – August (~12 weeks) | Spring: January – April (~15 weeks)
Application Deadline: Summer: December 12 | Spring: Opens June 1, interviews in July
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students with at least one semester remaining; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or individuals with refugee/asylee status
At Blue Origin, you'll join engineering teams working on aerospace systems, manufacturing, propulsion, and software projects that directly support the company’s spaceflight missions. As an intern, you’ll receive mentorship from experienced engineers while participating in technical tasks like design, testing, and data analysis. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and has the potential to contribute to real-time developments in spacecraft and launch technology. You'll also attend events to better understand the organization as a whole. This is a rigorous, immersive opportunity for those passionate about aerospace and committed to advancing space exploration.
Location: Multiple locations, including Westminster, CO; Lake Oswego, OR; Dayton, OH; and remote options
Stipend: Paid internships (exact pay not specified)
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: North America: May – September
Application Deadline: North America: September – December
Eligibility: Current college students enrolled in a degree program
Trimble offers internships across a wide range of disciplines, including software engineering, hardware testing, product management, UX/UI design, and marketing communication. As an intern, you’ll work on real-world projects that contribute to Trimble’s mission of connecting physical and digital systems in industries like construction and geospatial technology. Interns are expected to collaborate with teams, gain hands-on experience with Trimble technologies, and develop both technical and soft skills. The company promotes forward-thinking and appreciates new ideas, fostering an environment where student interns can provide valuable contributions. With offices in Colorado and elsewhere, Trimble internships offer a practical, technology-driven summer experience for students.
Location: Children’s Hospital Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
Stipend: $4,400 stipend (paid in two installments); interns must arrange their own housing
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school seniors (over age 18 and Colorado residents), college students, graduate students, or first-year medical students
In this research internship, you’ll work directly with faculty in the Department of Pediatrics at Children's Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado School of Medicine. The program focuses on child health research and offers both laboratory and clinical science opportunities. You’ll attend a weekly lecture series and present your research at the end of the program through a written summary and an oral or poster presentation. Interns are matched with mentors based on stated preferences, and support is available for those whose research is accepted at scientific meetings. This is a structured, competitive opportunity to gain research experience in a medical setting.
Location: U.S. Senator Michael Bennet’s Colorado offices (seven statewide locations)
Stipend: Paid internships available; unpaid internships may be used for academic credit or outside funding
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Spring: January 12 – May 8 | Summer: May 19 – August 29 | Fall: September 1 – December 19
Application Deadline: Spring: November 7 | Summer: March 21 | Fall: July 20
Eligibility: College students, graduate students, or recent graduates; preference for those with a Colorado connection
As an intern in Senator Michael Bennet’s Colorado offices, you’ll assist with public service tasks, including helping constituents navigate federal agencies, drafting correspondence, and taking meeting notes. You'll also conduct research and contribute to outreach and community engagement projects. Interns gain insight into the operations of a Senate office and the intersection of the federal government with local communities. The program requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week. Whether you’re interested in policy, public service, or communications, this internship offers a solid introduction to legislative work at the local level.
Location: Various History Colorado sites, including the Center for Colorado Women’s History, El Pueblo History Museum, and others across the state
Stipend: $1,500 – $3,000 stipend per internship (issued upon completion); academic credit may be available
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: January – May (timing and weekly hours vary by internship)
Application Deadline: December 22, December 31, or January 5/9, depending on the internship
Eligibility: College students eligible for academic credit; check with your school’s internship coordinator
History Colorado offers multiple spring internship placements designed to give you experience in museum education, exhibition development, archaeological communication, and digital content creation. Depending on the role, you might work on historical research, support museum programming, create social media campaigns, or help manage collections. Each internship has a specific focus, with hours and stipends varying accordingly. These opportunities provide hands-on exposure to the museum field and enable you to help preserve and interpret Colorado’s history. If you’re interested in cultural institutions or public history, this program provides a strong foundation.
Location: CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
Stipend: $7,000 stipend (paid bi-monthly); housing not provided
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: May 26 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in a U.S. college or university (including international students with an F1 visa and CPT approval)
Through GSIP, you’ll work full-time in a research lab focused on regenerative medicine and biomedical science, with guidance from Gates Institute faculty. The program includes weekly seminars, social events, and community service, and culminates in a research poster presentation. Interns can anticipate intensive, practical exposure to advanced work in cell and gene therapy. This program is a strong option for those exploring careers in biomedical research or medicine who seek a comprehensive, lab-focused internship. While preference is given to students with a proven interest in science, applicants from various backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.
Location: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO
Stipend: Paid; compensation based on education level and experience
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Typically 10–12 weeks during summer; some year-round positions available
Application Deadline: Varies by position; check NREL’s internship listings for specific dates
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in an accredited college or university
At NREL, you’ll engage in research projects focused on advancing renewable energy and sustainable technology. Internship areas include solar energy, wind systems, bioenergy, smart grid integration, and clean transportation. You'll gain experience working alongside scientists and engineers, contributing to experimental design, data analysis, and technical reports. Interns may also present their work to NREL staff and stakeholders, giving you a chance to build communication skills and professional connections. This is a solid option if you’re pursuing a future in sustainability, energy policy, or green tech research.
Location: Colorado State Capitol, Denver, CO
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; academic credit may be available through your institution
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Varies; part-time opportunities during the legislative session
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students (typically upperclassmen), college students, or graduate students; interest in public policy and government preferred
As a legislative intern with the Colorado House Majority Office, you’ll assist state legislators with day-to-day functions, including research, communication, scheduling, and constituent services. Internships can be customized around social media, policy research, or general operations, depending on your skills and interests. You’ll work directly with legislators or aides, gaining exposure to the legislative process and public policy development. While unpaid, the internship provides hands-on political experience and the potential to earn academic credit.
Location: Make-A-Wish Colorado, Greenwood Village, CO
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; academic credit may be available
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Spring: January – May | Summer: June – August | Fall: September – December
Application Deadline: Spring: First Friday of November | Summer: First Friday of April | Fall: First Friday of May
Eligibility: College students or recent graduates (18+); background check and orientation required
Make-A-Wish Colorado provides internships in various departments such as wish-granting, development, communications, volunteer coordination, and medical outreach. As an intern, you’ll contribute to the organization’s mission by supporting logistics, communication, planning, and research related to fulfilling children’s wishes. Each role provides hands-on nonprofit experience and allows you to engage with staff, volunteers, and families. Interns typically work 15–40 hours per week with flexibility depending on the student's availability and academic calendar.
Location: Various across Colorado, including Alamosa, Fort Collins, and Durango
Stipend: $18/hour; includes up to $1,500 housing stipend and additional professional development support
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: May 18 – August 14 (varies slightly by position)
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled at a Colorado college or university; open to all majors
Each summer, the Colorado State Forest Service offers several field- and outreach-based internships focused on forestry, conservation education, and natural resource management. Roles include the Alamosa Field Office Intern, Communications and Communities Intern (based in Fort Collins), and Durango Field Office Intern. Depending on your placement, you might conduct wildfire risk mapping, assist in educational outreach at public events, or participate in forest inventory and habitat restoration. Interns also attend a required orientation, complete professional writing assignments, and receive one-on-one mentoring throughout the experience.
Location: CU Anschutz Medical Campus & Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
Stipend: Modest compensation provided (exact amount not specified)
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June – August (10 weeks, 40 hours per week)
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility: Undergraduate students or recent graduates; interest in orthopedics, clinical research, or engineering preferred
Hosted by the Musculoskeletal Research Center and the Center for Gait and Movement Analysis, this internship offers two tracks: clinical research and engineering. You’ll work on real-world projects with teams of clinicians, statisticians, and engineers, exploring topics like biomechanics, motion capture, and surgical evaluation. The program includes weekly lectures and a journal club, culminating in a formal research presentation. Alongside data work and manuscript prep, you'll have opportunities to shadow professionals and gain exposure to clinical environments. Whether you’re headed for med school or engineering grad programs, this internship provides in-depth experience in applied orthopedic research.
Location: City of Colorado Springs, CO
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; academic credit may be available depending on your institution
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Varies by term – Fall, Spring, or Summer (10–20 hrs/week during the school year, up to 40 hrs/week in summer)
Application Deadline: Varies by department and term (view current openings via online portal)
Eligibility: Juniors, seniors, or graduate students enrolled full-time at an accredited college/university
As an intern with the City of Colorado Springs, you'll gain direct insight into how local government functions while building real-world experience in public service. You could work across various departments such as Public Works, Planning, or Parks & Recreation, depending on your interests and career goals. This program offers an opportunity to work closely with city staff, contribute to community-focused projects, and expand your professional network within the municipal sector. Although unpaid, the program emphasizes mentorship, skill-building, and opportunities to explore future public-sector careers.
Location: Gaithersburg, MD or Boulder, CO
Stipend: $7,810 for 11-week program; potential travel and housing support available
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 11-week program: May 27 – August 7 | 9-week option: June 8 – August 7 | Offset 11-week option: June 8 – August 21
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduates at U.S. colleges/universities who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents (including first-years and graduating seniors)
The SURF program offers a premier opportunity for students to conduct cutting-edge STEM research alongside leading scientists at one of NIST's labs. Interns work full-time on real-world projects ranging from cybersecurity and biomedical engineering to nanotechnology and materials science. The program also includes mentorship, professional development, and presentations. Applicants apply through USAJobs and must submit a resume, academic transcript, personal statement, and references. This highly competitive, paid internship is ideal for students seriously considering a career or graduate study in STEM fields.
Location: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
Stipend: $3,800 stipend; housing and transportation not provided
Acceptance Rate or Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 2 – July 31 (minimum 8-week full-time commitment; flexibility possible)
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate, or medical students; exceptional high school juniors and seniors considered
This internship offers hands-on clinical research experience focused on sex chromosome aneuploidies, rare genetic conditions that affect neurodevelopment and endocrine health. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you’ll contribute to a mentored scholarly project, assist with patient visits, and participate in educational seminars. The program culminates in a professional presentation at the eXtraOrdinarY Kids Research eXpo. You’ll gain exposure to a variety of research methods and clinical care processes in a supportive academic environment.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - Ladder Internships logo