Apply Now! Space for the 42nd Annual High School Honors Institute is limited, so we recommend applying early. Click here to BEGIN the application  OR     Click here if you have completed STEP 1 of the application Please review all fo the information on this page before applying.

Explore Engineering at the High School Honors Institute

The High School Honors Institute is an intensive and exciting 4-day campus residential program that introduces the creative nature of engineering to students with strong academic records  in math and science and who are interested in cultivating their creativity to solve problems. High school juniors and seniors have an opportunity to experience college life as an engineering student by attending sessions of two engineering majors, participating in curricular and extra-curricular activities, and exploring career opportunities.

The 42nd High School Honors Institute will be held July 25-28, 2010. See below for program and application details.

If you are interested in the 2011 High School Honors Institute, please email your name, mailing address, and phone number to hshi@colorado.edu and we will contact you in January of 2011 with details.

The Program
Each participant will select and rank order four programs of interest from the following list. Participants will be placed into two programs for the Institute.

• Aerospace Engineering
  Explore the concepts of aerodynamic lift and drag and learn the basic principles of space flight. Combined with history of flight and space applications, new concepts in advanced aircraft and aerospace planes will be analyzed.
  
  
• Applied Math
  Applied Mathematics provides the foundation for most disciplines in the sciences, engineering and business – it is used almost everywhere to analyze, model, optimize, and solve real world problems. Mathematics has burst the boundaries that limited what an engineer could design, a scientist could know, or an executive could manage.
  
  
• Architectural Engineering
  Architectural engineering is related to civil engineering but focuses on the building structure. It is concerned with the form, function and appearance of the structure. Arch E’s often work together with architects on buildings. This field includes: structural, illumination, construction, heating-ventilating & air conditioning, and solar heating and cooling engineering. If you’re interested in engineering and architecture, this may be the major for you !
  
  
• Chemical & Biological Engineering
  Chemical engineering explores the chemical transformation of raw materials into products of value to mankind. In this program, you will get hands-on experience in  emerging and exciting areas of chemical engineering: biotechnology, membrane synthesis and analysis, and polymerization. In addition, you will receive an overview of the chemical engineering profession, educational program, and the diverse fields of opportunity open to chemical engineers today and in the future.
  
  
• Civil Engineering
  Civil engineering continues to face the challenges of meeting the needs of society in the 21st century. This field includes: structural, environmental, transportation, water resources, surveying, urban planning and construction engineering. Civil engineers are very much involved in engineering practices in underdeveloped countries. If you’re interested in doing field work and helping others, this is the major for you!
  
  
• Computer Science
  Computer Science is a major that has lots of impact on our daily lives. Computer Scientists develop technologies to keep our cell phones and iPods working. They also design software that powers business and industry. In addition, they build systems that enable people to have conversations with computers. Also, they develop new educational technologies for children and people with disabilities. Several recent grads are working in the computer gaming industry. If you’re interested in computers, programming, networks, graphics, and artificial intelligence, this is a good major for you to explore.
  
  
• Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering
  Electrical and computer engineers deal with a broad range of topics that are changing our world. These include electronics, control systems, communications, computers, signal processing, energy, and biomedical engineering. You will learn why electrical and computer engineers are at the leading edge of the communications and information technology revolution.
  
  
• Engineering Physics
  Engineering Physics focuses on the physical foundations of modern technology. Core subjects include mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermal physics, and quantum mechanics. This program will explore preparation for research and development of careers in many frontier areas of engineering, including ultra fast lasers, liquid crystals and magnetism.
  
  
• Environmental Engineering
  Environmental engineers play an essential role in maintaining the quality of both human and natural environments. They are involved in monitoring and assessing the health of the natural environment, and in designing and operating systems to prevent, control or remediate air, water and soil pollution. Students will investigate environmental engineer's roles in monitoring natural ecosystems, air and watersheds and in preventing and controlling pollution from transportation, industry and household activity.
  
  
• Mechanical Engineering
  Explore technical challenges spanning design, analysis, and manufacturing of state-of-the-art thermal/fluid, mechanical, environmental, and electronic systems. In this program you will see a sampling of such systems and experience the role that mechanical engineers play.

Industry Representation
The High School Honors Institute is a cooperative and joint effort of volunteer faculty and students in the college and participating industries. We would like to thank the following companies for their involvement in the institute.

HSHI in England (Headstart Course)
The Royal Academy of Engineering sponsors engineering programs that are similar to the college's High School Honors Institute at many university sites throughout England and Wales. Students must apply directly to the Headstart Programs and provide their own transportation. For more information on these programs visit http://www.headstartcourses.org.uk/

Click here for comments from past High School Honor's participants

How to Apply
Applicants must be entering their junior or senior year in high school (Fall 2010). The $375 fee, includes all expenses for the institute except transportation to and from Boulder. Limited scholarships are available to students with financial need. Please submit a letter of request with your application defining your financial need.  Space for the 42nd Annual High School Honors Institute is limited. 

Click here to BEGIN the application     OR     Click here if you have completed STEP 1 of the application

Click here for out of state travel information

Sample Schedule
A sample schedule for one day of events can be viewed here.

For information on the program, please contact:
High School Honors Institute
College of Engineering & Applied Science
422 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0422
(303) 735-2440
E-mail: hshi@colorado.edu