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Aquetza Summer 2017
the Aquetza Story classroom lecture
AQUETZA Class of 2014'
AQUETZA scholars circle at CU Boulder
AQUETZA classroom at CU Boulder
AQUETZA high school men
three AQUETZA Scholars
AQUETZA high school women girls
Aquetza Scholars 2016
Aquetza Origins
Aquetza's Chicano Colorado flag
AQUETZA Scholars on CU Campus
AQUETZA Program logo

Bienvenidos!

Welcome to the home of the Aquetza: Youth, Leadership, Education and Community Empowerment Program at CU Boulder hosted by UMAS y MEXA de CU Boulder, a summer enrichment experience for Colorado youth.
 
Aquetza is a free, residential and community-based summer program that provides high school students from across Colorado with an interactive academic enrichment experience. The program engages students in interdisciplinary study across history, literature, health science, and social and civic topics through rigorous coursework in writing, reading, and science. Participants develop critical thinking skills, strengthen academic confidence, and explore how scholarship can contribute to their schools and communities.

Applications for 2026 are now open until May 5th, 2026!

2026: All participants of the Aquetza program are required to attend the entire duration of the program from Thursday, June 18th through Sunday, June 29th, 2026.

  • The program will take place June 18-28th 2026 in-person and on-campus at CU-Boulder. Students will remain on campus all week, and housing and food will be provided.

We accept applications from Colorado high school students currently in grades 9, 10 and 11 to attend our program over the summer. There is no GPA requirement and no cost for the program. Students from a wide range of academic and life experiences are encouraged to apply. 

Applicants will be contacted regarding your acceptance status into the Aquetza Program by May 12th 2026. 

For further information or questions, please contact:

Brenda Vargas / Co-Director
(720) 341-1053 (English, Spanish)    
Aquetza@colorado.edu