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66th Annual 
Frontiers of Science Institute
Science in a Changing World

a student speaks with Dean Kamel Hadded in front of a research poster
a student with dark hair and a green shirt stands in front of a research poster
a large crowd gathers around research posters
two students high five in front of a research poster
two people talk with a student in front of a research poster
five students high five in front of a research poster

Join us Sunday, June 8 through July 19th, 2025!

Applications open now for FSI 2025!  

Learn more below!

Calling all high school students!  

Spend your summer engaged in authentic experiences to grow your knowledge and interest in STEM. Make friends, have fun, and experience a collegiate learning environment while learning about cutting-edge STEM topics and engaging in mentored research. 

See FSI featured in the True North! 

What is FSI?

Since 1959, the Frontiers of Science Institute (FSI) at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in Greeley has provided opportunities for high school students with STEM aspirations to come together to explore. When you participate in FSI, you will have authentic, engaging experiences to grow your knowledge and interest in STEM. Additionally, FSI alum have the chance to receive a scholarship to become a Bear and attend the University of Northern Colorado! 

How does FSI work?

During the summer, you will engage in an intensive six-week curriculum via:
    • field trips,
      • Overnight field trips (with camping) may be scheduled and are mandatory
    • seminars by professionals from academia and industry,
    • mentored research,
    • classroom and laboratory work
    • and FSI’s new STEM Entrepreneurship Challenge  - learn about startup companies and explore how your STEM interests can be applied to a business model by creating a business in small groups and presenting to a panel of judges
Get a taste of the college experience through:
    • living in an on-campus dormitory,
    • sharing meals in campus dining halls,
    • attending college-level classes,
    • and the option to earn transferrable college credit

Who can apply to FSI?

Applicants should:
    • have a strong desire to challenge themselves and engage in STEM investigations
    • have a high level of self-discipline, dependability, and social maturity
    • be currently in high school grades 9-11
*Applications from women, differently gendered people, people of color, indigenous people, queer (LGBT+) community members, people with disabilities, and those residing in rural communitiesare strongly encouraged to apply! 
 

What does FSI cost?

All students that participate in FSI are granted partial or full scholarships*, thanks to our generous sponsor support! In the 2024 Cohort, every student in the program received significant scholarship support, with multiple students receiving a full scholarship.  

*You will be notified of scholarship awards when you are notified of acceptance. 

Scholarships are awarded based on several factors, including: 

  • financial need
  • academic accomplishment
  • community involvement 

The total program admission cost of FSI (without scholarships) is $6,000. 

Ready to be part of FSI 2025?

Applying for FSI

Reach out to us with questions at FSI.admin@unco.edu

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Stay on Campus

You’ll stay in UNC dorms, eat in the dining halls and work in classrooms and labs in Ross Hall. Introduce yourself to college life and community living to promote personal and social growth. Through these experiences you’ll build rich insight into today’s science and technology and consider options for future STEM careers.