15 Programs for High School Students in Ohio
As a high school student, participating in an academic program can help you gain experience in your field of interest. From research opportunities and internships to university-led courses, these programs help you build practical skills, work on projects, and connect with mentors. You also build your profile to and are better prepared for future academic or professional opportunities.
Ohio is home to major institutions like the Cleveland Clinic, NASA’s Glenn Research Center, and The Ohio State University, which host competitive, well-structured programs. Both local and out-of-state students can find programs that are suited to their needs and interests. Whether you’re interested in medicine, engineering, or the arts, there are opportunities across the state to learn from professionals and gain early exposure to advanced fields.
Below, you’ll find 15 programs for high school students in Ohio, selected for their academic depth, mentorship opportunities, and focus on practical experience.
1. NASA’s SCaN Internship Project (SIP)
Location: NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Fall, spring & summer cohorts available
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: High school students (16+)
This NASA internship places students in the Space Communication and Navigation (SCaN) division at the Glenn Research Center. Interns contribute to real mission support tasks and use NASA-developed software to simulate and analyze space communication systems. The experience concludes with a formal presentation to NASA staff, offering an authentic introduction to aerospace research and professional communication.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students
Veritas AI offers several comprehensive programs for high school students with an interest in AI or data science, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced student. The AI Scholars program is a ten-session bootcamp that introduces you to the fundamentals of AI and data science. It also offers the opportunity to work on hands-on projects in a real-world setting. The AI Fellowship program, on the other hand, is only open to students who have either already finished the AI Scholars program or have a background in Python. During this program, you will get to work on an individual project with the support and mentorship of a PhD scholar or professional. You’ll also get access to the in-house publication team, which will help you publish your work in high school journals.
3. CYCE High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Dates: June 2 – July 29
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders (15+) with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or more; U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, or legal permanent residents; specific requirements vary by program
The CYCE High School Summer Internship Program offers you the chance to gain real-world work experience in various clinical, nonclinical, and advanced technology positions. As a participant, you will work alongside the experienced staff members of the Cleveland Clinic. As a high school student, you can join one of three tracks: Advanced Technology Summer Internship, Cleveland Clinic Louis Stokes Summer Internship, and Science Summer Internship. As part of the Advanced Technology Summer Internship program, you will explore fields like biomedical engineering, AI, robotics, coding, cybersecurity, and so on. On the other hand, the Cleveland Clinic Louis Stokes Summer Internship program will expose you to the more business-focused areas of healthcare, like healthcare administration, marketing, communications, and more. Finally, during the Science Summer Internship program, you will explore the more clinical side of healthcare, such as nursing, pharmacy, laboratory medicine, physical therapy, and more.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of at least 3.3
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective research program for high school students. As a participant, you will be paired with a PhD scholar, who will offer guidance and support as you work on an independent research project. You can choose a topic from a variety of fields, including data science, international relations, humanities, STEM, and more. By the end of the program, you will have the chance to present your work at the Lumiere Research Symposium.
5. OSU: Explorations in Neuroscience Research Internship Program
Location: Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Stipend: Paid; amount not specified, but students were paid $13/hour in the past
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors interested in biomedical research careers; U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents
This competitive, research-focused internship places students in OSU neuroscience labs for seven weeks. Interns work directly with faculty and graduate mentors on projects related to brain injury, neurodegeneration, or neural development. Aside from this, you’ll also join the Explorations in Neuroscience journal club, where you will learn how to read and present relevant scientific literature. The program includes weekly lab meetings and encourages students to explore neuroscience as a potential college major or research pathway.
6. Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center: High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
Stipend: $13/hour
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: 8 weeks
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Cincinnati metropolitan area graduating high school seniors
This selective internship offers graduating high school seniors direct exposure to pediatric research and clinical practice. For around eight weeks, you will spend time in the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, where you will work alongside experienced mentors in the specialty of your choosing. As a participant, you will shadow your primary mentor and actively participate in clinical or research projects. If interested, you’ll also be able to request the option of observing professionals in other specialties. Aside from this, you will be expected to attend weekly group luncheons where you will interact and network with peers and other specialists.
7. Franklin County Summer Programs: Ready 2 Earn
Location: Various organizations in Franklin County, OH
Stipend: Paid (amount varies by age group)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Summer (program length varies)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Applicants must be between the ages of 14-21
Franklin County provides a variety of summer programs, including day camps for elementary and middle school students and paid work opportunities for high school and college students. As part of this initiative, the Ready 2 Earn connects students with paid summer work placements across government, nonprofit, and private-sector employers in Franklin County. Students aged 14–15 focus on career exploration and work-based learning in areas like STEM, the arts, and project coordination. Older students (16–21) take on more intensive work roles, including pre-apprenticeships in automotive, healthcare, or public services.
8. University of Cincinnati: Biology Meets Engineering Summer Program
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 2 – June 18
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students
The Biology Meets Engineering Summer Program is a transdisciplinary program that focuses on training students for a career in STEM. It does so by combining the study of biology and engineering, and allowing you to explore the sensory guidance of animal behaviors through robotics. During the program, you will engage in hands-on scientific investigations to understand how biological species perceive and respond to their environments. You will then apply this knowledge by constructing and programming autonomous robots equipped with sensors and behaviors inspired by animals.
9. Ohio State University Summer Programs: STEM Institute
Location: Ohio Supercomputer Center, Columbus, OH
Cost: $600
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: May 31 – June 12
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors residing in Ohio
Hosted by the Ohio Supercomputer Center, this two-week institute introduces students to computational problem-solving through team-based projects. Participants use high-performance computing tools to address scientific challenges, attend seminars on cybersecurity and data visualization, and tour research facilities across Ohio State’s campus. You’ll also go on interactive tours to places like the Museum of Biological Diversity, the State of Ohio Computer Center, the Center for Automotive Research, and more.
10. Ohio University: Summer Arts Programs for High School
Location: Ohio University’s Chaddock + Morrow College, Athens, OH
Cost: Varies by program; scholarships offered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Varies by program
Application Deadline: Opens February 1
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders
Ohio University offers multiple summer intensives across its fine arts departments, including Art + Design Studios, Music Academy, Film Lab, Theater Intensive, and Dance Institute. Each program is led by university faculty and practicing artists and offers full-day instruction in studios, rehearsal spaces, or performance venues. Students refine technique, experiment with new forms, and receive feedback through critiques and masterclasses. These programs provide a focused, immersive environment for students interested in pursuing the arts in college or professionally.
11. OBAP ACE Academy
Location: Columbus, OH and Cleveland, OH
Cost: $150; Limited need-based scholarships offered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; 25 – 30 participants
Dates: Columbus: July 7 – 12 | Cleveland: June 23 – 27
Application Deadline: June 8 (Cleveland) | June 22 (Columbus)
Eligibility: Students ages 13-18
Sponsored by the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals and endorsed by the FAA, the ACE Academy introduces students to aviation and aerospace careers. The one-week program covers topics such as aerodynamics, air traffic control, and flight planning through classroom instruction and hands-on activities. Students may also visit airports, flight simulators, or aviation training centers. Designed to increase representation in the field, the program can be a strong option for students curious about engineering, aviation operations, or piloting.
12. The Center for Architecture and Design: High School Design Studio
Location: Knowlton School of Architecture at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost: $630; Scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 2 – 13
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders
This two-week design studio introduces students to core principles of architecture, urban planning, and visual communication. Participants engage in hands-on design challenges and studio critiques while learning basic drawing, modeling, and spatial thinking techniques. Led by educators and practitioners, the program mimics the workflow of a college-level architecture course.
13. Ohio Business Week
Location: Wright State University, Dayton, OH
Cost: $599; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 21 – 26
Application Deadline: Not specified; Interest form here
Eligibility: High school students with a C or higher GPA
Ohio Business Week is a residential program that introduces students to entrepreneurship and business leadership through team-based projects. Participants develop business plans, practice sales pitching, and receive mentorship from local business professionals. The program also includes workshops in communication, marketing, and financial literacy. Each student contributes to a capstone project focused on launching a fictional startup, simulating the challenges and decisions of real-world business operations.
14. Ross Mathematics Program
Location: Otterbein University, Columbus, OH
Cost: $7,000; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 15%; 60 students
Dates: June 15 – July 25 (as per previous year)
Application Deadline: March 15 (as per previous year)
Eligibility: U.S. & international high school students (15-18)
The Ross Mathematics Program is a rigorous summer experience focused on deep mathematical thinking. Rather than preparing for competitions, the curriculum centers on problem sets that require abstract reasoning, proof-writing, and collaborative exploration. Students spend six weeks engaged in daily lectures and intensive problem sessions, working closely with peers and mentors to build a strong foundation in number theory and mathematical logic.
15. Kenyon Review: Young Writers Workshops
Location: Kenyon College, Gambier, OH (in-person and virtual options)
Cost/Stipend: $2,575 (Summer Residential) | $995 (Summer Online) | $695 (Winter Online); need-based financial aid available
Cohort Size: 12 – 14 students per session
Dates: Summer Residential: June 22 – July 5, July 13 – 26 | Summer Online: June 15 – 20 | Winter Online: January 24 – February 28
Application Deadline: March 1 (Summer Residential) | April 14 (Summer Online)
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors (16-18); Specific requirements vary by cohort
This selective writing program supports students in developing original work across fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Workshops emphasize craft, close reading, and revision over grading or competition. Each day includes structured writing sessions, literary discussions, and peer critiques. Although your work won’t be graded, your instructors will provide feedback and highlight your strengths and areas for improvement. You can attend the Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops in the summer and during the winter.
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