12 Camps for High School Students in Ohio
Camps can give you a chance to explore a subject in depth over a short period, whether you're drawn to engineering, business, earth science, or computing. You can find options that range from lab-based experiments and design challenges to team projects and campus-based residential experiences. Many are hosted by universities, giving you exposure to faculty, current students, and specialized facilities you might not otherwise have access to.
Why should you attend a camp in Ohio?
Ohio offers camps through institutions like the University of Cincinnati, Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University, and Xavier University. Depending on the camp you choose, you could work on an engineering design project, conduct a lab-based experiment, or take part in a business or entrepreneurship challenge. Whether you live in Ohio or are coming from out of state, you can find a camp suited to your interests and level of experience.
To help you compare your options, we’ve narrowed down 12 camps for high school students in Ohio.
If you’re looking for research programs in Ohio, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 12 camps span biology and engineering, AI, earth and climate science, business and entrepreneurship, computing, robotics, and environmental science, so high school students with a wide range of interests can find a relevant option in Ohio or online.
Several camps are low-cost or free, including UC Biology Meets Engineering (free with lunch and transport), Ohio State Marion camps ($185 each, including lunch and lab costs), and Veritas AI and Lumiere (full financial aid available), making structured summer experiences accessible without significant financial commitment.
Most Ohio camps are hosted at university campuses, including Ohio State, Case Western Reserve, University of Cincinnati, and Xavier University, giving students direct access to research labs, faculty mentors, and campus facilities before they attend college.
Programs vary in length from four-day business intensives, such as Lindner Summer Institute, to two-week residential computing programs, such as Ohio Supercomputer Center STEM Institute, so students can choose based on their schedule and depth of interest.
Several camps have rolling or flexible deadlines, including thinkSTEM, Xavier STEAM@XU, and Ohio Business Week, while others, such as Ohio Supercomputer Center STEM Institute (April 1) and UC Lindner Summer Institute (April 17), close earlier in the spring.
1. University of Cincinnati’s Biology Meets Engineering
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: Free, transport within the Cincinnati metro area, and lunch provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: April 18
Dates: June 1 - June 18
Eligibility: High school students
The Biology Meets Engineering Summer Program is a three-week program at the University of Cincinnati, designed for high school students interested in biology, engineering, and robotics. During the program, you study how animals use sensory systems and behavior, then connect those ideas to robotics and engineering design. The curriculum combines concepts from multiple fields rather than a single subject area. You will work through hands-on activities and discussions tied to animal behavior and robotic systems.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type | full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple 12- to 15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis – spring (January), summer (May), fall (September), and winter (November) | apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students | AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts 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, you 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, you have the opportunity to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is access to the in-house publication team, which helps 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. Horizons of Science: From Microbes to Megastructures
Location: Ohio State Marion, Science and Engineering Building, Marion, OH
Cost: $185 (lunch and lab costs are included in the registration fee)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 - June 26
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th-grade students in any United States school
The Horizons of Science: From Microbes to Megastructures is a week-long camp at Ohio State Marion for rising high school students interested in biochemistry, engineering, and environmental science. You participate in hands-on activities that range from molecular gastronomy experiments and blood-typing simulations to crime-scene biochemistry challenges. The program also includes engineering projects, where you build and program a robot and design cardboard boats for the YMCA regatta. Outside the lab, you’ll explore ecosystem science at the Larry R. Yoder Prairie Learning Laboratory and participate in stream studies and survival-structure challenges during a field trip to Recreation Unlimited.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students
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. thinkSTEM Summer Day Camp
Location: Richey Mixon Building, Cleveland, OH
Cost: $400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Orientation: July 9, Camp Dates: July 13 – 24
Application Deadline: Rolling for Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and East Cleveland City School District (ECCSD) applicants
Eligibility: Entering grades 7-9 in the fall; Live and attend school in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, or Summit Counties
The thinkSTEM Summer Day Camp is a two-week engineering program at Case Western Reserve University, designed for incoming 9th graders. During the camp, students explore major branches of engineering, including aerospace, biomedical, civil, environmental, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and computer engineering. Daily sessions combine engineering concepts with hands-on projects that demonstrate the science and mathematics behind real-world systems and devices. You also use software, tools, and equipment at Think[box], interact with Case Western Reserve University faculty and students, visit engineering labs, and participate in field trips connected to different engineering fields.
6. University of Cincinnati’s Lindner Summer Institute
Location: Carl H. Lindner College of Business, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $400; Scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 7 - June 10
Application Deadline: April 17
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
The Lindner Summer Institute (LSI) is a four-day overnight program at the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business for high school students interested in business. During the program, students live in UC residence halls and experience daily campus life. Sessions introduce different areas of business and include interactions with Lindner faculty and staff. You also work on communication skills such as telling your personal story and developing an elevator pitch. You will go on campus tours, a scavenger hunt, and recreation center visits, and engage in group sessions on time management and mental health.
7. Ohio State University’s The Earth Lab: Careers in Earth, Climate, and Ocean Sciences
Location: Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost: $550 for a one-week course. Limited need-based financial assistance may be available
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Application Deadline: May 3
Dates: June 1 - June 5
Eligibility: Students entering 10th - 12th grade in the fall
The Earth Lab: Careers in Earth, Climate, and Ocean Sciences is a one-week program at The Ohio State University for high school students interested in earth science and related STEM careers. Each day, you explore a different earth science career and learn what professionals in the field actually do. You’ll participate in lab activities, analyze samples, and collect data using industry-standard tools and methods. You’ll visit campus facilities like the Orton Geological Museum and the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center to see how research happens in practice. Through problem-solving activities, you’ll learn to connect classroom concepts to real work focused on clean water, climate systems, and sustainable resources.
8. Xavier University’s STEAM@XU
Location: Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: Commuter: $495, Residential Overnight Camp: $1,095
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 19/20 - July 24
Application Deadline: Not mentioned; registrations still open
Eligibility: Incoming 9th-12th graders
The STEAM@XU program is a one-week residential or commuter camp at Xavier University for high school students interested in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. You will choose a research project based on your interests and spend the week working directly with Xavier faculty. You might synthesize DNA and study how proteins respond to environmental changes, analyze literature using word patterns and historical context, or explore local ecosystems through field-based science. You’ll participate in research, design experiments, collect data, and present your findings at the end of the week. There are also workshops on college readiness and academic preparation. If you choose the residential option, you stay on campus in residence halls and experience daily college life.
9. Ohio Supercomputer Center's STEM Institute
Location: Ohio Supercomputer Center, Columbus, OH
Cost: $600 per attendee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: May 31 - June 12
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Ohio residents currently in their freshman, sophomore, or junior years of high school
The STEM Institute is a residential summer program run by the Ohio Supercomputer Center for high school students interested in computing, science, and engineering. You’ll work in small teams to solve real-world problems using Ohio’s supercomputers. Potential projects include cybersecurity challenges, tracking the spread of diseases, building computer models, and designing games. There are scheduled lectures on Unix, Python, teamwork, and cybersecurity. You’ll also visit research and computing facilities at The Ohio State University, including the Byrd Polar Research Center and the Center for Automotive Research.
10. Ohio Business Week
Location: Wright State University, Dayton, OH
Cost: $499; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 21 – June 26
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current high school students with a 3.0 or higher grade point average and endorsement of a high school administrator
Ohio Business Week is a team-based program for high school students interested in entrepreneurship and business leadership. You’ll build a business idea with your team and develop it into a full business plan over the week. You learn to pitch your product or service and present your ideas clearly. You also attend workshops on communication, marketing, and basic financial skills. Local business professionals mentor you as you make decisions about how your startup will function. The program ends with your presentation of your capstone project.
11. The Ohio State University’s Science Adventurers: Elements of Discovery
Location: Ohio State Marion, Science and Engineering Building
Cost: $185 (lunch and lab costs are included in the registration fee)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 - June 26
Application Deadline: May 31, or at the earliest date all available spaces are filled
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th-grade students in any United States school
The Science Adventurers: Elements of Discovery is a one-week program at The Ohio State University for high school students. You’ll explore biology, chemistry, and environmental science through experiments and lab activities. You might decode DNA, create molecular gastronomy experiments, and test water quality using 3D-printed colorimeters. You'll also see how artificial intelligence is used in scientific research and data analysis. The program includes fieldwork at the Larry R. Yoder Prairie Learning Laboratory, along with visits such as the Orton Geological Museum, a stream exploration study, or the Byrd Polar & Climate Research Center. You also design and race cardboard boats in the YMCA Cardboard Boat Regatta before wrapping up the week with a collaborative environmental capstone project.
12. Buckeye Engineering Institute
Location: Ohio State Marion, Science and Engineering Building, Marion, OH
Cost: $185 (lunch and lab costs are included in the registration fee)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 - July 10
Application Deadline: May 31, or at the earliest date all available spaces are filled
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th-grade students in any United States school
The Buckeye Engineering Institute is a one-week program at The Ohio State University for high school students interested in engineering. You’ll work through the engineering design process while focusing on teamwork and problem-solving. You’ll build and program robots, and learn the basics of electrical engineering through practical activities. The program includes a materials science project where you’ll test and evaluate 3D-printed components for strength, flexibility, and performance. The week ends with an engineering challenge and a site visit to Honda Corporation in Marysville, where you can observe live applications in the industry.
Frequently asked questions
1. What camps are available for high school students in Ohio?
Options include engineering and robotics camps, such as thinkSTEM at Case Western, UC Biology Meets Engineering, and Buckeye Engineering Institute, science and earth science camps, such as OSU Earth Lab and Science Adventurers, business camps, such as UC Lindner Summer Institute and Ohio Business Week, AI and computing camps, such as Veritas AI and Ohio Supercomputer Center STEM Institute, and interdisciplinary research programs, such as Lumiere and Xavier STEAM@XU.
2. Are there free or low-cost camps for high school students in Ohio?
Yes, UC Biology Meets Engineering is free with lunch and transport provided, and the OSU Marion camps, including Horizons of Science, Science Adventurers, and Buckeye Engineering Institute, each cost $185 with lunch and lab costs included. Veritas AI and Lumiere both offer full financial aid for eligible students.
3. Which Ohio camps are best for students interested in engineering and robotics?
thinkSTEM at Case Western Reserve, UC Biology Meets Engineering, and Buckeye Engineering Institute all include hands-on engineering and robotics activities, while Xavier STEAM@XU and Ohio Supercomputer Center STEM Institute also incorporate engineering design and computational tools.
4. Are there camps in Ohio for students interested in business and entrepreneurship?
Yes, UC Lindner Summer Institute introduces students to business concepts and communication skills at a college campus, and Ohio Business Week at Wright State University is a team-based entrepreneurship program where students develop and pitch a full business plan.
5. Which camps are open to students outside Ohio?
Lumiere Research Scholar Program and Veritas AI are fully virtual and open to students anywhere in the world, and the OSU Marion camps, including Horizons of Science, Science Adventurers, and Buckeye Engineering Institute, are explicitly open to rising 9th through 12th graders from any United States school.
6. When should I apply to camps for high school students in Ohio?
Ohio Supercomputer Center STEM Institute closes April 1, UC Lindner Summer Institute closes April 17, UC Biology Meets Engineering closes April 18, and OSU Marion camps close May 31, so students should begin researching options in the late winter and submit applications as early as possible, particularly for programs that fill on a rolling basis.