# Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS)

NOAA- and NSF-sponsored volunteer weather network: observers of all ages measure precipitation with a standard 4-inch rain gauge at home and report online, with data used daily by the National Weather Service.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | CoCoRaHS / Colorado State University |
| Category | stem |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 6–12 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Various |
| Time commitment | ~1 hours/week |
| Apply | https://www.cocorahs.org/Application.aspx |

## About this program

# Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS)

CoCoRaHS is a grassroots volunteer network of backyard weather observers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation - rain, hail, and snow. Headquartered at the Colorado Climate Center at Colorado State University and sponsored by NOAA and the National Science Foundation, the network collects tens of thousands of daily reports that feed the National Weather Service, hydrologists, drought monitors, and researchers.

## What You'll Do

- Register as an observer and set up a station at home with the required high-capacity 4-inch diameter rain gauge
- Read and empty your gauge at the same time each day and submit your report online or via the app
- Complete the free training materials - online videos, slide shows, and locally listed sessions
- Watch your observations appear on the network's public daily maps alongside 11,000+ other reports

## Who Should Apply

Anyone: 'The only requirements to join are an enthusiasm for watching and reporting weather conditions and a desire to learn more about how weather can affect our lives.' The application explicitly accommodates volunteers under 13 with parent or guardian consent, so middle and high school students can run their own official stations. The main cost is the standard gauge, ordered from a vendor.

## Outcomes

Students build a daily scientific observation habit, generate data genuinely used in forecasts and drought monitoring, and gain a long-term citizen-science record - a natural fit for future meteorology, earth science, and environmental students.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS)?

Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) is open to students in grades 6–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) online or in person?

Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection. Expect a time commitment of roughly 1 hours per week.

### How do I apply to Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS)?

Apply directly through CoCoRaHS / Colorado State University's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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