Teen Science Café

Monthly events in Thornton and Aurora!
Now recruiting for the Teen Science Café Leadership Council. Scroll down to learn more.Ìý

Are you a high school student interested in meeting cool CU scientists and exploring exciting topics in STEM through engaging activities? Do you like free food? If the answers to those questions are yes and yes, consider joining one of Science Discovery's upcoming Teen Science Cafés in Thornton or Aurora!

teen science café logo

Teen Science Cafés are free, youth-led programs that connect CU scientists with local teens in fun, informal settings. Youth leaders are charged with organizing monthly events, including inviting and training scientists to share their stories through hands-on activities and engaging discussion. To maintain a youth-centered space, the events are restricted to students currently in high school.Ìý

This work is supported by a grant from the .

The Science Discovery Teen Science Café is a founding member of theÌý.

If you're interested in presenting at a Teen Science Café or have general questions about the program, contact Steven Denham via email.Ìý

Upcoming Events

MARCH 2026

AURORA:
Date: March 19, 2026
Time: 5-6:30pm
Location:Moorhead Recreation Center

Scientist: Clara Ursic and Rachel Gelfand
Topic:All Lit Up! Interactions Between Light, Matter and Energy

ÌýÌýDigital Flyer to Share with Friends

APRIL 2026

THORNTON:
Date: April 2, 2026
Time: 5:30-7pm

Scientist: Nicole Xu
Topic:Bio-Inspired Robots for Ocean Exploration: How Nature Can Help Us Design Next-Generation Technologies

RSVP and digital flyer links coming soon!Ìý

TSC Leadership Council

Apply to have a hand in planning monthly Teen Science Café events

CU Science Discovery's Ìýprogram (TSC) connects professional CU scientists with high school students through fun, informal, and interactive experiences (with free food!). Cafés are a great way for students to explore pathways in STEM, connect with role models, and be in the company of like-minded peers. Those interested in having a hand in Café planning are encouraged to apply to become part of the TSC Leadership Council (TSCLC).Ìý

Members of the Leadership Council develop valuable skills, network with local scientists, positively impact their community, and earn an official community engagement certification from the University of Colorado Boulder. The TSCLC will be responsible for:

  • Helping brainstorm Café topics
  • Meeting and providing feedback to scientists regarding their hands-on activities
  • Organizing and running monthly Café events (January-April 2027)
  • Managing the TSC budget
  • Working as a team to market and advertise TSC events to prospective attendeesÌý

The Leadership Council will start meeting in September 2026 to begin planning monthly Cafés.Ìý

Teen Science Cafés events occur monthly from January to April on Thursdays (after school) at the following locations:

Thornton Cafés: Meetings and monthly events held at the Thornton Community Center (2211 Eppinger Blvd, Thornton, CO 80229).

Aurora Cafés: Meetings at Lost Coffee (2100 N Ursula St #30, Aurora, CO 80045). Monthly events held at the Moorhead Recreation Center (2390 Havana St, Aurora, CO 80010).

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants are encouraged to apply prior to August 28, 2026.ÌýApplicants who apply before August 28, 2026 should expect to hear back by September 1, 2026. Approximately 5-10 youth leaders will be recruited for each site.

If you have questions regarding the Teen Science Café Leadership Council, please reach out to Steven Denham via email.Ìý