Frontiers of Science Institute

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!

The Mathematics and Science Teaching Institute

How does FSI work?

Over six intensive weeks, you’ll take part in a hands-on, immersive program that includes:

  • Field trips to connect what you learn with the real world

  • Overnight trips (including camping) — these are required and part of the full experience

  • Seminars led by experts from both academia and industry

  • Mentored research projects where you’ll explore real scientific questions

  • Classroom and lab work to build your academic foundation

  • The STEM Entrepreneurship Challenge — work in small teams to create a startup concept, develop a business model around your STEM interests, and pitch your idea to a panel of judges

You’ll also get a true taste of college life by:

  • Living in a campus dorm

  • Eating in university dining halls

  • Attending college-level classes

  • And having the option to earn transferrable college credit

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.

Applications open October 1, 2025.

Help Support our FSI Program

Frontiers of Science is made possible through foundations and individual donors.

Click here to support Frontiers of Science

Contact

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 communities are strongly encouraged to apply! 

Students running a O2 test by looking at statistics on another student running on treadmill

What does FSI cost?

All students that participate in FSI are eligible to receive partial or full scholarships*, thanks to our generous sponsor support! In the 2025 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. 

Group photo of the 2025 FSI Students

Frequently Asked Questions and Expectations

Applications