Research Experience Programs

Explore the opportunities CEEE offers to students of all backgrounds to engage in scientific inquiry and exploration through research experience programs.

The Research Experience for Community College Students (RECCS) provides paid summer research opportunities in environmental and geosciences for Colorado community college students; Girls on Rock is a free wilderness science program for high school students aged 16-17 that combines art, rock climbing, and scientific field studies; and the NNA Navigating the New Arctic (NNA) Research Experience for Undergraduate Students (REU) focuses on Arctic science and climate change for Alaska community college and university students.

Together, these programs aim to provide a variety of opportunities in STEM for students who might not otherwise have access to such experiences.

Audience

Students

Contact

ceee@colorado.edu

The Research Experience for Community College Students (RECCS) is a paid summer program that offers Colorado community college students a hands-on opportunity to conduct independent research in environmental or geosciences at CU Boulder. Over nine weeks, students work with scientists in field or lab settings, gaining research and communication skills. Participants receive a $650 weekly stipend and present their findings at a local science symposium, all while building confidence to pursue four-year STEM degrees.

Application Information

Students from rural areas are particularly encouraged to apply. We seek applicants from a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds.

Applicant Requirements:

Be a US Citizen or a Permanent Resident
Attending a Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, or Wyoming Community College (can graduate in the spring semester and plan to attend a 4-year college)
Have completed at least two science classes. College algebra is also recommended.
Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or provide a reasonable explanation for a lower GPA
Not have a BA or BS even in a completely unrelated discipline
Be willing to make a full-time commitment for 9 weeks (40 hours per week)

Applications for the summer 2025 program are currently open until February 9, 2025. If interested, please fill out the interest form or apply!

Contact RECCS

Check out the RECCS website!

Email us at reccs@colorado.edu.

Girls on Rock is a free wilderness science program for high school students aged 16-17, offering 12 days of exploration in the Rocky Mountains. Participants engage in activities like rock climbing, scientific field studies, and art, guided by female scientists, artists, and mountain guides. The program fosters critical thinking, encourages scientific inquiry, and builds self-confidence through hands-on experiments and physical challenges. The program aims to inspire lifelong advocates for Earth science, regardless of future career paths, and provides a unique experience to those who may not have access to such opportunities.

Application Information

Are you curious to know what forces shape our mountains? Do you want to understand how tiny plants can thrive under the harsh conditions found at high elevations? Have you always wanted to climb a real summit in the Rocky Mountains? Girls on Rock will take you into Colorado’s breathtaking mountains to explore towering rock walls, deep-blue lakes, and lush alpine meadows in the heart of the Rockies!

Girls on Rock is looking for residents of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico who are 16 to 17 years old on June 1 of the expedition year and are interested in being a part of a supportive community. Please review our Essential Eligibility, which details the minimum requirements to participate in our programs.

The Girls on Rock 2025 applications are open until February 29, 2025! Fill out this form to apply!

Contact Girls on Rock

Check out the Girls on Rock website!

Email us at gor@colorado.edu to learn about volunteer opportunities and other ways to support Girls On Rock.

The NNA Research Experience for Undergraduate Students (REU) is a paid hybrid research experience program. Students receive a $1200 stipend and learn about research in the Arctic, are mentored while attending an Arctic-themed conference that brings together knowledge holders with Indigenous and Western backgrounds, connect with experts who conduct research in the Arctic at the conference, and complete a small research project that includes analysis of co-produced data and presentation of initial findings.

Application Information

The NNA Research Experience for Undergraduate Students (REU) is a paid virtual research experience program open to all Alaska community college and university students.

Important requirements to join this program: