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2025:ÌýThis coming summer, the Aquetza program will be continuingÌýourÌý2 week programÌýfromÌýFridayÌýJuly 11th throughÌýFriday, July 25th. Youth who are acceptedÌýare required to participate inÌýboth weeksÌýof Aquetza programming.

  • The first week of the program, July 11-19thÌýwill take place in-person and on-campus in the dorms at CU-Boulder.Ìý Housing and food will be provided all week.
  • The second week, July 21-25thÌýwill consist of daily in-person sessions in each ofÌýthe different regions throughout Colorado. FoodÌýwill be provided at meetings.Ìý
  • On Saturday July 26th, we will share a video highlighting andÌýcelebrating the work done by students over the previous two weeks.
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.
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AquetzaÌýis a free, residential and community-based summer programÌýthat provides high school students with strong ties to Chicano/Latino communities from across Colorado with an interactive, academic enrichment experience focused on engaging Chican@/Latin@ youth in examining the history, literature, health science, and relevant social and political issues surrounding their cultural communities, through rigorous academic work in ethnic studies, writing, reading, and science. Through our programming, attendees will have opportunities to see themselves as scholars – as holders and producers of new and valuable knowledge – as well as a chance to develop the skills to become leaders in their communities.
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ApplicationsÌýfor 2025Ìýare NOW OPEN! Applicants willÌýbe notified whether they are Accepted orÌýWaitlisted before May 31st.

2025:ÌýAll participants of the Aquetza program are required to attend both weeksÌýof theÌýprogramÌýfromÌýFridayÌýJuly 11th throughÌýFriday, July 26th.

  • The first week of the program, July 11-19thÌýwill take place in-person and on-campus at CU-Boulder. Â鶹ÒùÔº will remain on campus all week,Ìýhousing and food will be provided.
  • The second week, July 21-25thÌýwill consist of daily in-person sessions in each ofÌýthe different regions throughout Colorado. Â鶹ÒùÔº will attend sessions in their community during the day, foodÌýwill be provided at meetings.Ìý
  • On Saturday July 26th, we will be sharing a video highlighting and celebrating the work done by student participants over the past two weeks.

We accepts 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.Ìý Â鶹ÒùÔº with nontraditional academic and social backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants will be contacted regarding your acceptance status into the Aquetza Program by May 31st.

For further information or questions, please contact:

Jessica Valadez-Fraire
(720) 361-7541 (English, Spanish)ÌýÌýÌýÌý
jessica.ValadezFraire@colorado.eduÌý

Jason Romero Jr.
(719) 821-0762 (English)
jason.romerojr@colorado.eduÌý