HOPE Institute

The HOPE Institute is a week-long free camp held during the month of July, At the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs (UCCS) and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU Anschutz) in Aurora.

We are excited to announce that the 2025 COAHEC HOPE Institute application is officially OPEN!

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must be under 18 years old by August 1, 2025.
Applicants must be high school students.
Students who have completed 3 or more COAHEC HOPE Program sessions have a higher chance of being accepted into the 2025 COAHEC HOPE Institute.

Important dates:

Application Deadline: Applications will close on May 31, 2025.
Acceptance Dates: Acceptance letters will be sent by June 6, 2025.

Don't miss this opportunity to broaden your skills and knowledge!

Students invited to this camp will receive a variety of experiences, helping them take their first steps in discovering a career in the health professionals industry. This includes but is not limited to:

The Anatomy in Clay® learning system.

Hands-on workshops involving suturing labs, personal statement building, and Neuroanatomy.

Healthcare simulations with live actors, SimMan® 3G and Gaumard Manikins.

Anatomy lab experience.

Laboratory experiences with the CU Anschutz School of Pharmacy.

Presentations from UCCS and CU Anschutz faculty, staff, and students on their professions, their healthcare career journeys, and what it takes to get there. And more!

Students must be under 18 in August to be eligible to participate in the COAHEC HOPE Institute.

Watch the Students' experience from our 2024 HOPE Institute Camp in the Video!

Student FAQ

- Engaging workshops led by healthcare professionals.

- Hands-on activities exploring various aspects of healthcare.

- Interactive sessions on anatomy and science technology.

- Team-building exercises and outdoor activities.

- Opportunities to network with peers and healthcare professionals who share your passion.

- Gain valuable knowledge and skills that can inspire and develop your future career path.

- Learn from experts in the field and explore different healthcare careers and opportunities.

- Make new friends and create lasting memories in a supportive environment.

- Experience the thrill of discovery and personal growth.

Counselors FAQ

The Colorado AHEC HOPE Institute is a weeklong healthcare career exploration camp for rural and underrepresented high school students across Colorado. The camp takes place at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS), and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus from Sunday, July 13, 2025, until Saturday, July 19, 2025. Counselors will stay in the dorms with campers at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

The Camp extends over seven days, with each counselor receiving one day off (Tuesday or Thursday as scheduled). Most shifts are 8-10 hours, and shifts are staggered throughout the day to ensure full coverage (e.g., 7:30 – 3:00, 2:00—lights out). There will be one extended shift of 14 hours during the week.

We seek enthusiastic, responsible individuals with a strong interest in education, healthcare, and mentorship. Ideal candidates will demonstrate professionalism, initiative, and the ability to follow directions while also thinking on their feet. Prior experience working with youth is preferred, along with strong communication skills and a willingness to engage in hands-on activities. Counselors must be dependable, punctual, and capable of managing a group of high school students safely, respectfully, and in an organized manner.

Instructors FAQ

The Colorado AHEC HOPE Institute is a weeklong healthcare career exploration camp for rural and underrepresented high school students across Colorado. The camp takes place at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS), and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus from Sunday, July 13, 2025, until Saturday, July 19, 2025. Instructors will attend a mandatory training date and time TBD and will work at the UCCS all day Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

The ideal candidate for the Anatomy Instructor position will have some advanced training in human anatomy through upper-division coursework, graduate studies, or clinical education in a health sciences field. Candidates should have experience teaching or tutoring, particularly with high school or early college students, and be able to communicate complex anatomical concepts in an engaging, age-appropriate, and hands-on manner. A background in science, healthcare, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline is highly preferred. The instructor must be professional, reliable, and enthusiastic about inspiring students interested in health careers. Additionally, leading small group activities, adapting to a fast-paced educational setting, and collaborating effectively with camp staff is essential.

Tools & Resources

CU Campuses

CU Anschutz Medical Campus

Colorado Area Health Education Center

HOPE Institute

HOPE Institute

Watch the Students' experience from our 2024 HOPE Institute Camp in the Video!

Student FAQ

Counselors FAQ

Instructors FAQ

Colorado AHEC Program Office

HOPE Institute

HOPE Institute

Watch the Students' experience from our 2024 HOPE Institute Camp in the Video!

Student FAQ

What to Expect at the COAHEC HOPE Institute Summer Camp

Why Attend the COHEC HOPE Institute Summer Camp

Counselors FAQ

How much will I be paid?

What will my schedule look like?

What locations will I be working at?

What are the qualifications for this position?

What are my specific responsibilities/job description?

When will I hear back about my application?

When is the last date I can apply?

Will this require training?

Instructors FAQ

How much will I be paid?

How many hours will I be working?

When will I be working?

Where will I be working at?

What are the qualifications for this position?

When will I hear back about my application?

When is the last date I can apply?

Will this require training?

Colorado AHEC Program Office