15 College Programs for High School Students in Ohio
If you are a high school student looking to explore a potential academic or career interest, college programs can be a valuable way to gain experience beyond the classroom. College-led programs allow you to develop subject-specific skills while learning from faculty members, researchers, graduate students, and other experienced mentors. These programs span diverse fields including medicine, biomedical research, neuroscience, engineering, environmental science, business, law, journalism, creative writing, filmmaking, forensic science, and the performing arts. Many programs also provide opportunities to interact with professionals in the field, helping you better understand different college majors and career pathways.
Why should you attend a college program in Ohio?
Ohio offers a wide range of academic and pre-college programs through institutions such as The Ohio State University, Ohio University, the University of Cincinnati, Cleveland State University, Xavier University, the University of Akron, and Kenyon College. Depending on your interests, you may conduct research in a university laboratory, investigate a mock crime scene, create a short film, participate in a mock trial, develop business strategies through simulations, or produce original creative work alongside peers and instructors. These opportunities can be a practical option for students who live or study in Ohio and want access to local universities and organizations, while also being worthwhile experiences for out-of-state students interested in exploring specialized programs in the region.
To help you make an informed choice, we have curated a list of 15 college programs for high school students in Ohio.
If you’re looking for free programs in Ohio, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span cancer research, neuroscience, engineering, law, journalism, medicine, business, creative writing, forensic science, filmmaking, and the performing arts, so students with a wide range of academic interests can find a relevant college program in Ohio.
Several programs are free, including OSU CREATES (with a $2,500 stipend), OSU Neuroscience Research Internship, OSU Mₐ²JIC High School Internship, and Ohio University's Summer Law and Trial Institute, while others, such as OSU MD Camp and UC Lindner Summer Institute, offer financial aid or scholarships.
Programs range from one-week intensives (UC MSSI, OSU Arts and Sciences Exploration, University of Akron ASPIRE Camp) to eight-week research internships (OSU CREATES, OSU Neuroscience, OSU Mₐ²JIC), so students can choose based on their availability and depth of interest.
Application deadlines vary widely, with early deadlines including OSU CREATES (February 8), OSU Mₐ²JIC (February 13), and OSU MD Camp (March 17), while several programs, such as Cleveland State Odyssey, Xavier Forensic Science Camp, and University of Akron ASPIRE Camp, accept rolling applications.
1. The Ohio State University’s CREATES High School Summer Program
Location: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,500 stipend
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – July 24
Application deadline: February 8
Eligibility: Columbus-area high school students, ages 16 and up, entering their senior year
The Ohio State University’s CREATES offers high schoolers an eight-week research experience in a laboratory focused on cancer research. During the program, you will work alongside principal investigators, physicians, graduate students, and other researchers while learning how laboratory-based cancer studies are conducted. Your role may involve assisting with experiments, participating in weekly meetings and presentations, and observing how research teams collaborate in a professional scientific setting. Throughout the summer, you will also take part in professional development activities designed to introduce you to research practices and scientific communication. At the end of the program, you will complete and present a scientific research poster based on your work during the summer.
2. Explorations in Neuroscience Research Internship Program at The Ohio State University
Location: Ohio State University campus, Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipends available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer
Application deadline: Typically, spring deadline; details TBA in January
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who are U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents
The Explorations in Neuroscience Research Internship Program at The Ohio State University is an eight-week research experience where you will work in neuroscience labs alongside faculty members and graduate student mentors. During the program, you will contribute to projects related to topics such as neurological injury, neurodegeneration, and neural development while gaining exposure to laboratory research methods and scientific collaboration. You’ll also participate in the Explorations in Neuroscience journal club, where you will learn how to read, analyze, and present scientific literature related to neuroscience research. In addition, the program will include weekly lab meetings that introduce you to how research teams discuss experiments, share findings, and plan future studies. The internship is designed for students interested in exploring neuroscience as a potential college major or a long-term research path.
3. The Ohio State University’s Manufacturing & Materials Joining Innovation Center (Mₐ²JIC) High School Internship Program
Location: Ohio State University campus, Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipends available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application deadline: February 13; applications open on September 1
Eligibility: Students who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those with valid U.S. work authorization; applicants must live in the areas surrounding Columbus, Ohio. Accepted students are typically rising juniors or seniors who have taken some STEM coursework, successfully completed laboratory science courses, and/or participated in STEM extracurricular activities.
The Ohio State University’s Mₐ²JIC High School Internship Program is an eight-week paid research experience focused on welding engineering, materials science, and manufacturing processes. During the internship, you will work in an engineering laboratory on industry-funded research projects under the supervision of faculty members, graduate researchers, and university mentors. Your responsibilities may include creating, testing, and analyzing welding materials, as well as participating in data analysis, coding, and modeling, depending on your assigned project. The internship will also include lab tours, opportunities to meet with undergraduate advisors, and exposure to how engineering research teams operate in a university setting. At the end of the program, you will deliver a capstone presentation and showcase a research poster summarizing your work. You can also choose to submit your poster to the American Welding Society research poster competition.
4. Ohio University’s Summer Law & Trial Institute
Location: Hybrid, with in-person sessions at Ohio University, Athens, OH
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective with limited spots
Dates: June 28 – July 10
Application deadline: May 25
Eligibility: High school students; preference will be given to rising high school juniors and seniors from Appalachian Ohio with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Ohio University’s Summer Law & Trial Institute is a two-week program for rising high school juniors and seniors from Appalachian Ohio who are interested in learning about law, justice, and the criminal justice system. You will explore the world of law through activities such as litigating a mock trial with a real judge, visiting the Athens County Court of Common Pleas, and observing a Supreme Court of Ohio oral argument. You will also meet attorneys, judges, law students, and organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and Legal Aid of Southeastern and Central Ohio to learn about different legal careers and issues related to access to justice. Throughout the program, you will develop skills in analytical reasoning, case analysis, negotiation, public speaking, and professionalism through group activities and discussions. The institute will combine virtual sessions with an on-campus residential experience in Athens, Ohio, where you will collaborate with peers while exploring legal education and career pathways.
5. University of Cincinnati’s Lindner Summer Institute (LSI)
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $400 (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 7 – 10
Application deadline: April 17; applications open on March 13.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors
The University of Cincinnati’s LSI is an overnight program that gives high school students an introduction to business education and college life. Through lectures, workshops, and interactive activities with faculty and staff, you will explore topics such as Possibilities in Business and Telling Your Story/Elevator Pitch. The program will also include sessions focused on the college experience, covering areas such as time management, campus involvement, mental health, and navigating available support resources. Outside the classroom, you will participate in activities such as a campus tour, a scavenger hunt, and visits to the campus recreation center while staying in residence halls. This combination of academic programming and residential experiences is designed to offer a preview of college-level business studies and student life at the University of Cincinnati.
6. The Ohio State University’s Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration Program for High School Students
Location: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost: $550/one-week course; discounts and limited need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – 5 (The Earth Lab: Careers in Earth, Climate, and Ocean Sciences) | June 8 – 12 (Leadership: What It Is and How to Get It)
Application deadline: May 3
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Ohio State University’s Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration Program is a one-week academic enrichment experience designed for high school students interested in exploring new subjects or deepening existing interests. The program will feature intensive courses taught by Ohio State faculty, staff, and graduate students, with an emphasis on active, hands-on learning. Course topics vary each year and can include areas such as earth, climate, and ocean sciences or leadership studies. Depending on the course you choose, you may participate in laboratory activities, data collection exercises, problem-solving challenges, discussions, and presentations from professionals in the field. The program is structured to provide you with direct exposure to university-level learning while helping you explore potential academic and career interests through practical activities and interactions with instructors and peers.
7. The High School Journalism Workshop at Ohio University
Location: Ohio University, Athens, OH
Cost: $450 (scholarships may be available)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 12 – 16
Application deadline: June 19
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors, or recent high school graduates
The High School Journalism Workshop at Ohio University is a summer program designed for students interested in reporting, media production, and communications. The program offers specialized tracks in areas such as magazine writing, news reporting, broadcast journalism, public relations, visual storytelling, sports writing, podcasting, and sports broadcasting. You will participate in hands-on activities, including covering news stories, conducting interviews, writing and editing stories, producing podcasts, or creating visual media projects, depending on the track. The workshops emphasize practical skill development through writing exercises, production work, critiques, and feedback sessions. Faculty members from Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and professional journalists will provide instruction and guidance throughout the program, exposing you to both traditional journalism practices and emerging forms of media storytelling.
8. MD Camp @ Ohio State
Location: The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
Cost: $325 (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 8 – 26
Application deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from Ohio; recommended cumulative GPA is 3.0 or higher, and recommended math and science GPA is 3.3 or higher.
This three-week summer day program will introduce you to medicine, healthcare, and biomedical research through a combination of lectures, clinical experiences, and hands-on learning activities. You will study topics such as human anatomy, disease processes, medical ethics, health disparities, and clinical decision-making through sessions led by faculty, physicians, and medical students from The Ohio State University College of Medicine. The program will also feature clinical workshops where you will practice skills such as suturing, phlebotomy, patient assessment, and the use of common medical tools. In addition, you will participate in problem-based learning exercises, explore medical research methods, and shadow physicians in hospital settings at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Guest speakers, community service activities, and a final clinical skills assessment test will help reinforce the concepts covered throughout the program while providing insight into different aspects of a medical career.
9. Cleveland State University School of Film & Media Arts Odyssey Program
Location: Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH
Cost: $50 – $1,600, depending on the track
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Varies by program; multiple tracks are available.
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students, ages 13–18
The Odyssey Program at Cleveland State University’s School of Film & Media Arts is designed to introduce high school students to the filmmaking process through a variety of specialized camps and workshops. You will learn from Cleveland State faculty and explore areas such as screenwriting, directing, cinematography, lighting, editing, sound design, acting, or animation, depending on the track you choose. Throughout the program, you will work on creative projects individually and with peers, with opportunities to write, film, edit, perform in, or help produce original films and media content. Depending on the camp, you may create a short film from concept to completion, participate in a filmmaking challenge, or develop acting and directing skills through sessions on camera technique, improvisation, monologues, and scene work. The program will also offer access to professional film facilities and equipment, along with guest lectures and site visits that provide insight into media production and related careers.
10. The Ohio State University’s STEM Summer Camps for High School Students
Location: Ohio State University at Marion, Marion, OH
Cost: $185/camp
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors from any U.S. school
The Ohio State University offers two STEM camps, which are week-long programs that introduce high school students to topics in biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, and technology through hands-on laboratory and field-based activities. Depending on the camp, you may conduct DNA and water-quality investigations, explore molecular gastronomy, participate in blood-typing or forensic biochemistry simulations, build and program a robot, or apply engineering concepts through design challenges. Both camps will include outdoor learning experiences, such as ecosystem studies in the Larry R. Yoder Prairie Learning Laboratory, as well as field trips to locations such as the Orton Geological Museum or the Byrd Polar & Climate Research Center. You will also take part in collaborative projects, including designing and racing cardboard boats in the YMCA Cardboard Boat Regatta.
11. Ohio University’s Summer Arts Programs for High School
Location: Ohio University, Athens, OH
Cost: $395 – $1,670, depending on the program type and format (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 15 – 27 (multiple camps within this window)
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students (exact eligibility requirements vary by program track)
Ohio University’s Summer Arts Programs for High School are one- or two-week-long intensive programs that allow you to focus on a specific area of the fine arts, including art and design, dance, film, music, or theater. You will explore a creative field of choice through studio work, rehearsals, performances, productions, and other discipline-specific creative activities led by university faculty and visiting artists. You will spend most of your time developing technical skills, refining creative techniques, and working on individual or collaborative projects in your chosen field. The schedule will also include artist presentations and opportunities to interact with instructors and peers who share similar interests. Residential and commuter options are available, allowing you to participate in artistic coursework while choosing the campus experience that best fits your needs.
12. The University Of Akron’s ASPIRE Camp
Location: The University of Akron College of Business, Akron, OH
Cost: $250 (or $200 with early bird registration)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – 5
Application deadline: Rolling; early bird registration ends after March 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9 – 12
The University of Akron’s ASPIRE Camp is a week-long summer business program for students entering grades 9 through 12. Through business simulations, team projects, and interactive activities, you will explore topics related to financial decision-making, marketing, leadership, and business strategy. A central component of the program is a team-based competition in which you will work with peers to solve business challenges and make real-world decisions. The camp will also include daily opportunities to network with business leaders and mentors while developing communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. At the end of the program, you will receive a certificate of completion, and members of the winning team will be eligible for scholarships to The University of Akron.
13. University of Cincinnati’s Medical Sciences Summer Institute (MSSI)
Location: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $1,100 (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – 5 (Session 1) | June 8 – 12 (Session 2 & 3) | June 15 – 19 (Session 4) | June 22 – 26 (Session 5)
Application deadline: March 25
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old
The University of Cincinnati’s MSSI program is a week-long experience for students interested in medicine, healthcare, and biomedical research. Depending on the session you select, the curriculum will focus on molecular science, cellular science, or medical informatics, covering topics such as molecular biology, protein biochemistry, cell-based assays, gene expression, data visualization, or artificial intelligence and machine learning applied to healthcare data. You will participate in laboratory-based learning and gain exposure to the research tools and instrumentation commonly used in biomedical science. By the end of the program, you will have developed a stronger understanding of biomedical research and the different scientific fields that contribute to modern healthcare.
14. The Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops
Location: Online or Kenyon College, Gambier, OH
Cost: $2,575 (Summer Residential) | $995 (Summer Online) | $695 (Winter Online); need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: ~12–14 students/workshop
Dates: Summer Residential: June 21 – July 4 or July 12 – 25 | Summer Online: June 14 – 19 | Winter Online: January 24 – February 28
Application deadline: Early January – March 1 (Summer Residential) | March – April 13 (Summer Online) | November 1 – December 18 (Winter Online)
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors, ages 16 – 18 years
The Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops are creative writing programs offered via residential and online formats for high school students interested in fiction, poetry, essays, and other forms of literary writing. You will spend your time responding to writing prompts, discussing assigned readings, sharing your work with peers, and revising pieces based on feedback from instructors and fellow participants. The program emphasizes the craft of writing and rewriting, helping you develop your own voice while exploring multiple genres. In addition to attending workshop sessions, you will meet individually with an instructor to discuss your writing and areas for growth. Depending on the format, you may also attend author readings, craft talks, genre-focused workshops, and participant readings. Residential participants will live on Kenyon College’s campus, while online options will allow you to participate remotely in small-group workshops with students from different locations.
15. Xavier University’s Forensic Science Camp for High School Students
Location: Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $395; Late registration: $445
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – 19 | July 20 – 24
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Xavier University’s Forensic Science Camp is a week-long program for high school students interested in forensic science, criminal investigations, and law enforcement. Using a mock crime scene as the central case study, you will collect, document, and analyze evidence through hands-on activities conducted in both classroom and laboratory settings. The curriculum will cover topics such as fingerprint analysis, hair analysis, blood typing using synthetic samples, collection of tire-track impressions as evidence, and forensic entomology. You will work with professional forensic kits and laboratory equipment while learning investigative techniques commonly used in forensic examinations. The program will be led by a retired law enforcement professional and current Xavier faculty member, providing direct exposure to real-world investigative methods and crime scene procedures.
Frequently asked questions
1. What college programs are available for high school students in Ohio?
Options include biomedical and research programs, such as OSU CREATES, OSU Neuroscience Research Internship, OSU Mₐ²JIC, and UC MSSI, medical and health programs, such as OSU MD Camp, law and journalism programs, such as Ohio University Summer Law and Trial Institute and High School Journalism Workshop, business programs, such as UC Lindner Summer Institute and University of Akron ASPIRE Camp, creative writing programs, such as Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops, and arts and media programs, such as Cleveland State Odyssey Program and Ohio University Summer Arts Programs.
2. Are there free college programs for high school students in Ohio?
Yes, OSU CREATES (free with a $2,500 stipend), OSU Neuroscience Research Internship (free with stipends available), OSU Mₐ²JIC High School Internship (free with stipends available), and Ohio University's Summer Law and Trial Institute (free) are all free. OSU MD Camp, OSU Arts and Sciences Exploration, UC Lindner Summer Institute, and Kenyon Review offer need-based financial aid or scholarships.
3. Which Ohio college programs are best for students interested in medicine or biomedical research?
Students interested in medicine or biomedical research might consider OSU CREATES for mentored cancer research with a $2,500 stipend, OSU Neuroscience Research Internship for eight weeks in neuroscience labs, UC MSSI for hands-on lab work in molecular biology or medical informatics, and OSU MD Camp for clinical workshops, physician shadowing, and medical ethics across three weeks.
4. When should I apply to college programs for high school students in Ohio?
The earliest deadlines are OSU CREATES (February 8) and OSU Mₐ²JIC (February 13). OSU MD Camp closes March 17, and UC Lindner Summer Institute closes April 17. Programs, such as Cleveland State Odyssey Program, Xavier Forensic Science Camp, and University of Akron ASPIRE Camp, accept rolling applications throughout the year, so students should begin researching options in the fall and apply early for competitive research programs.
If you are looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
With Veritas AI, which was founded by Harvard graduate students, you can work one-on-one with mentors from universities like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, over 1,000 students chose to learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here and check out a past student’s experience in the program here!