Participant Eligibility and Application

Application

Any student in Colorado entering grades 6-12 interested in healthcare, research, and STEAM may apply to the CUPS program. Our program prioritizes admissions to first-generation college students and students with financial need in Aurora Public Schools (APS) and Denver Public Schools (DPS) designated Title 1.

Our application is open from August 1 to December 1 annually. Students accepted into our program are notified each year by the end of January and onboarded by the end of February. Accepted students are inducted and become scholars in May, and the program starts in June.

Scholars who remain active in the program will automatically matriculate the following year. Those who do not will need to reapply.

For CUPS questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with CUPS Staff.

Cohort Scope

See the table below for the learning goals and curriculum content by grade.

Career and community exploration program introduces students to a variety of professions and community roles, encouraging them to discover potential career paths and understand how different jobs contribute to society. Through interactive activities and real-world examples, students gain insights into the connection between education, personal interests, and future career opportunities.

Technology-based healthcare curriculum offers students immersive learning experiences in medical technologies, introducing them to innovations in healthcare, such as digital tools and devices. Paired with an introduction to makerspace, students engage in hands-on activities like designing prototypes and exploring the intersection of technology, health, and problem-solving.

Aims to instill high school freshmen with a comprehensive understanding of essential biomedical concepts, underscoring their significance in everyday life. This cohort explores topics like cancer biology and the central dogma of molecular biology. By offering hands-on experiences and interactive sessions, we nurture students' passion for biomedical science, fostering curiosity and expanding their knowledge base across various sub-disciplines. Guest lectures and collaborative activities enrich their learning, connecting theory to real-world application.

Aims to provide sophomores with an immersive experience in biotechnology and coding, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge, hands-on activities, and exposure to real-world applications. This cohort year fosters a deeper understanding of biotechnology concepts, introduces fundamental coding skills, and inspires ethical considerations in STEM fields.

Aims to immerse junior participants in an experience centered on health science research, financial literacy, and post-secondary preparation to empower young minds with essential skills and awareness. This comprehensive initiative integrates multidisciplinary learning experiences, offering students a dynamic curriculum encompassing a college credit-bearing course, research methodologies, SAT prep, and fundamental financial literacy concepts. This cohort year equips students with practical knowledge and cultivates critical thinking and research skills, fostering a sense of responsibility toward building healthier, equitable communities. By bridging these crucial domains, the junior year programming aspires to inspire young learners and instill the confidence to make informed decisions about their health, finances, and broader societal issues.

Aims to prepare high school seniors for a successful transition to post-secondary education by providing a comprehensive curriculum focused on academic success, healthcare & STEAM career exploration, financial planning, and health equity research and awareness. Students will develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in college and beyond through experiential learning opportunities, credit-bearing courses, certifications, and hands-on activities.

Additional Opportunities for K-12 Students

The Community Engagement Office offers additional opportunities for K-12 students to explore careers and learn about science. If you are interested in opportunities outside of CUPS, please visit the Career Exploration and Science Exposure webpage.

Tools & Resources

CU Campuses

CU Anschutz Medical Campus

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Engagement

PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION

Request an Activity

Office for Educational Outreach and Pathway Initiatives

Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement

PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION

Sixth Grade Cohort

Seventh Grade

Eight Grade

Freshmen Cohort

Sophomore Cohort

Junior Cohort

Senior Cohort

Request an Activity

Office for Educational Outreach and Pathway Initiatives

Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement