14 STEM Programs for High School Students in Ohio
Attending a STEM program as a high school student can be your chance to move beyond textbooks and actually work with the tools, techniques, and methods that scientists and researchers use every day. Structured programs in STEM help you learn and apply scientific concepts, whether that’s while running lab experiments, analyzing data, or presenting your findings like a professional. These programs often place you alongside graduate students, faculty, and industry professionals, allowing you to build an early network. Many programs teach practical skills such as scientific communication, literature review, and data presentation, giving you a head start once you actually get to college.
Why should you attend a program in Ohio?
Ohio offers a range of STEM programs hosted by major universities and research centers, giving you the opportunity to work with faculty, use advanced facilities, and experience college-level learning. Some programs focus on projects and lab work, while others introduce emerging fields like high-performance computing and clinical research. Whether you live in Ohio or are planning to visit the region, programs here offer accessible, structured ways to build STEM skills and experience.
To help you find the right option, here is a list of 14 STEM programs for high school students in Ohio.
If you’re looking for free online programs, check out our blog here.
1. Cleveland Clinic CYCE High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH + other sites in Northeast Ohio
Cost/Stipend: Free; $15/hour stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 8 – July 28
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 12, ages 15 and up, who live and attend school in eligible Northeast Ohio counties and are U.S. citizens/permanent residents; a GPA of 2.5 or higher is preferred.
The CYCE High School Summer Internship Program offers local students a paid opportunity to gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings through clinical, non-clinical, and advanced technology tracks. You will work alongside professionals in areas such as nursing, laboratory medicine, healthcare administration, marketing, and technology fields, including artificial intelligence, coding, and data science. The program emphasizes real-world workplace learning, professional development, and exposure to healthcare careers through a structured full-time internship. You will begin with orientation, and then move on to supervised work placements and professional learning activities over seven weeks. Tasks vary by placement. This program offers practical work experience and early exposure to healthcare or health tech careers.
2. Veritas AI: AI Scholars & AI Fellowship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 – 15-week cohorts run several times each year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship with Publication and Showcase accepts previous AI Scholar participants or those with some experience working with AI or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. CREATES High School Summer Research Program @ The Ohio State University
Location: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend of $3,900 available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specifiedDates: June 1 – July 24Application deadline: February 8
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors, ages 16 and up, living in the Columbus area
The CREATES (Cancer Research Experience for the Advancement and Training of Emerging Scientists) High School Summer Program is an eight-week funded research experience designed for students interested in biomedical science and cancer research. You will join active research laboratories where you will work alongside scientists, physicians, and student researchers on ongoing cancer-related projects. The program focuses on laboratory-based cancer research and introduces students to scientific methods, experimental design, and research collaboration. In addition to lab work, you will participate in professional development sessions and scientific discussions throughout the summer. The experience concludes with a formal research poster presentation, giving you a structured introduction to the full academic research process.
4. Lumiere Scholars Program: STEM Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial assistance offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions, including summer, spring, fall, and winter cohorts, are scheduled each year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students; accepted students typically have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. University of Cincinnati’s Biology Meets Engineering Summer Program (Animals + Robots)
Location: University of Cincinnati’s Uptown West Campus, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – 18
Application deadline: April 18
Eligibility: High school students
The Biology Meets Engineering Summer Program at the University of Cincinnati introduces high school students to the intersection of biology and engineering through a hands-on exploration of animal behavior and robotics. Over three weeks on campus, you will examine how animals use sensory systems to navigate their environments and apply these ideas to the design of robotic systems. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, combining concepts from biology, engineering, and technology through practical activities and guided instruction. You will also gain exposure to research-oriented thinking while working on projects that connect natural systems with engineered solutions. Activities focused on college and career readiness are also part of the experience.
6. Explorations in Neuroscience Research Internship Program @ Ohio State University
Location: Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipends available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; dates TBA in January.
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents
This is an eight-week, full-time paid research internship conducted at Ohio State University's Department of Neuroscience. You will join a host laboratory based on your interests to engage in bench research on a project related to neuroscience or neurological disease under the guidance of a mentor. You will also attend professional development workshops and journal clubs, learning how to read and discuss scientific papers. Site visits to labs are also part of the experience. At the end of eight weeks, you will present your research findings at a poster session.
7. Hyland STEM Institute @ Cleveland State University
Location: Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots
Dates: June 23 – 27
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
This is a free, five-day program at Cleveland State University's Washkewicz College of Engineering, offered in partnership with Hyland Software. Each day, you will explore a different engineering field, focusing on real-world math problems to see how mathematics applies to science and engineering. You will work through problem-based learning activities designed to make math more relevant and engaging rather than solely classroom-based. This is also an opportunity to explore advanced STEM on a university campus while connecting with professors and peers.
8. American Chemical Society Project SEED Program
Location: Various sites across the U.S., including in OH
Stipend: $4,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 8 – 10 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: April 2
Eligibility: High school students (preferably sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recent graduates) with one completed high school chemistry course; applicants’ family income must not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Project SEED is a chemistry-focused research program that places high schoolers in academic or industrial labs for 8 to 10 weeks. Under a scientist's guidance, you will work on chemistry projects, gaining exposure to lab practices, scientific inquiry, and professional collaboration. You will gain familiarity with laboratory techniques while handling equipment and assisting with experiments. The program will also introduce you to lab safety, scientific careers, and college preparation. You will conclude the program with documented lab experience that can support future academic and job applications.
9. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Opportunities throughout the U.S., including in Ohio; placements available within a 45-minute distance from your home.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $3,000 stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; dates are flexible
Application deadline: January 25
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors + recent graduates who are at least 16 years old and live in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada
Sponsored by the American Fisheries Society, this paid internship for high school students introduces you to fisheries and aquatic science. As a Hutton Scholar, you will explore aquatic science under the mentorship of fisheries professionals and engage in projects focusing on habitat restoration, protection, and management. The program offers insights into the daily work of a fisheries biologist and exposure to other career paths in the animal and aquatic sciences. Additionally, you will engage in lab and fieldwork, including tasks such as examining aquatic specimens, conducting fish population surveys, electrofishing, and data processing. You will present your project at the end of the internship.
10. Manufacturing & Materials Joining Innovation Center (Mₐ²JIC) High School Internship @ The Ohio State University
Location: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: Free + stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application deadline: February 13
Eligibility: High school students (typically rising juniors and seniors) who live in the Columbus area and are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or students authorized to work in the U.S.
Ohio State’s Mₐ²JIC High School Internship, offered in collaboration with the AWS Foundation, is a paid summer research experience focused on welding engineering and materials science. You will work alongside faculty and graduate researchers on industry-supported projects related to manufacturing processes, materials joining, and engineering design. You will gain hands-on laboratory experience that may involve creating and testing welded materials, analyzing results, and contributing to ongoing research projects. The program also introduces you to the collaborative nature of engineering research through mentorship, lab tours, and technical discussions. The internship concludes with a research poster and presentation, offering you a structured introduction to engineering research and potential STEM career pathways.
11. Ohio State University’s STEM Summer Camps—Horizons of Science: From Microbes to Megastructures
Location: Ohio State University, Marion, OH
Cost: $185
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9 – 12 enrolled in U.S. schools
Horizons of Science: From Microbes to Megastructures is another week-long STEM camp by Ohio State. It introduces high school students to a mix of biochemistry, engineering, and environmental science through hands-on exploration. You will participate in lab-based activities such as molecular gastronomy experiments, blood-typing simulations, and forensic-style biochemistry challenges while also building and programming a take-home robot. The program combines scientific investigation with applied engineering, including ecosystem studies at the Larry R. Yoder Prairie Learning Laboratory and a field-based stream exploration experience. You will also work collaboratively on design challenges such as building survival structures and racing cardboard boats, encouraging teamwork alongside technical learning.
12. Ohio State University’s STEM Summer Camps—Science Adventurers: Elements of Discovery
Location: Ohio State University, Marion, OH
Cost: $185
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9 – 12 enrolled in U.S. schools
This week-long STEM camp introduces high school students to core scientific concepts through hands-on experiments in biology, chemistry, and environmental science. You will explore topics such as DNA analysis, molecular gastronomy, and water quality testing using tools like 3D-printed colorimeters, while also learning how artificial intelligence can support scientific research. The program includes field-based learning at the Larry R. Yoder Prairie Learning Laboratory and may feature visits to local research sites and museums. You will also complete collaborative projects and practical challenges, such as designing and racing cardboard boats and connecting scientific ideas to real-world environmental systems.
13. STEM Institute @ Ohio Supercomputer Center
Location: Ohio Supercomputer Center, Columbus, OH + The Ohio State University's Columbus campus, Columbus, OH
Cost: $600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 31 – June 12
Application deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Ohio residents in grades 9 – 11
The STEM Institute at the Ohio Supercomputer Center is a residential summer program designed to help high school students explore advanced computing through project-based learning. You will work in small teams using high-performance computing resources to investigate real-world problems in science and engineering. The program combines lectures, lab visits, and collaborative research projects with structured residential activities on The Ohio State University's campus. Projects may include topics such as cybersecurity, epidemiology modeling, data analysis, and game design. You will also receive foundational instruction in tools like Unix and Python.
14. B-WISER High School Science Camp @ The College of Wooster
Location: The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH
Cost: $660 (subsidized minimum fee) | $1,100 (original fee to be paid by those who can afford it); need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – 20
Application deadline: April 30, or earlier if full
Eligibility: Girls currently in 9th or 10th grade (rising 10th or 11th graders during the summer)
B-WISER is a week-long residential science camp for high school girls held on the College of Wooster campus. You will attend sessions covering topics such as microbiology, neuropsychology, computer programming, radiation, forensic chemistry, astronomy, and botany, and you will collect, analyze, and interpret your own data during the week. Alongside the lab courses, you will take part in college-readiness seminars to plan your next steps after high school. In the evenings, you can attend additional hands-on STEM programs covering a variety of topics.
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