15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Cincinnati, Ohio
If you are a high school student in Cincinnati, joining a local summer program can be a great way to explore career options and get early experience in specialized fields. Choosing a program close to home means better access, lower costs, and a chance to build connections with people and institutions in your community.
Cincinnati is home to strong industries in finance, healthcare, consumer goods, and technology. That means many programs explore themes tied to these sectors. You might learn how research labs work, try out performance training, explore design, or build something in an engineering studio. These experiences will also help you when applying to colleges, scholarships, or internships.
To help you begin, here are 15 summer programs for high school students in Cincinnati, Ohio!
15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Cincinnati, Ohio
1. University of Cincinnati’s Biology Meets Engineering Program (BME)
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: Free
Dates: June 2 - June 18
Application Deadline: Varies by session. April 1 for Summer
Eligibility: Open to high school students living in the Cincinnati metropolitan area.
The Biology Meets Engineering (BME) program at the University of Cincinnati is a three-week academic experience for high school students and STEM educators. You explore how animal sensory systems can inspire new ideas in robotics by studying biology and engineering together. You take part in hands-on projects and interdisciplinary classes on campus. If you choose, you can earn college credit. At the end of the program, you’re eligible to apply for a competitive internship.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. You can apply here.
Dates: Multiple 12-15-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)
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI offers programs for high school students who want to learn about artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars Program is a 10-session boot camp that introduces you to basic ideas in AI, machine learning, and data science. You work on real projects to see how these tools are used.
If you already know the basics, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase lets you do a deeper research project with support from a mentor. You get help from Veritas AI’s team to publish your work or share it at a showcase. Check past student projects here.
3. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital’s High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: None. Stipend of $13/hour
Dates: 8 weeks long
Application Deadline: Typically in February
Eligibility: High school seniors
The High School Summer Internship Program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center is an eight-week part-time experience for graduating seniors. You work about 20 hours a week with mentors in pediatric fields like Endocrinology, Human Genetics, or Critical Care, gaining clinical and research exposure. You also join weekly networking lunches, take part in interactive sessions with simulation patients, and participate in community service. At the end, you give a capstone presentation to share what you’ve learned and how you contributed.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Open to current high school students with a minimum 3.3 GPA; no prior experience needed.
Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week research program where you work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to explore a topic you’re passionate about. You can choose your research focus from a wide range of subjects including computer science, biology, psychology, economics, political science, and more.
With your mentor’s support, you’ll learn how to conduct a literature review, build a strong research question, collect and analyze data, and write a full-length research paper. You’ll also get feedback on your writing and presentation skills as you prepare your final project. Apply here.
5. University of Cincinnati Summer Engineering Camps
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: Varies; some free, others $125-$250 for day camps, additional costs for overnight
Dates: Various weeks in June and July
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Students entering 9th to 12th grade
The University of Cincinnati offers week-long summer camps for high school students who want to learn about engineering. You can choose from options like General, Electrical, Aerospace, or Biomedical Engineering. Each camp focuses on basic concepts through hands-on design challenges and group projects. At the end of the week, you present your work to peers and mentors in a Capstone showcase. You also tour the campus and join career development sessions to help you think about college and jobs in engineering.
6. Lindner Summer Institute at UC
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $100 (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 30 students
Dates: June 8- June 11
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Open to students entering 11th or 12th grade.
The Lindner Summer Institute is a week-long residential program at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business for high school students who are aspiring leaders of color and women interested in business. You learn about business topics and career paths through classroom sessions, talks with faculty, and alumni presentations. The program also includes workshops on college admissions and résumé writing. You live in university housing, explore campus life, and take part in activities like visiting the recreation center.
7. Medical Sciences Summer Institute at UC
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $1,000
Dates: Four sessions, June 2- June 6, June 9 - June 13, June 16 - June 20, June 23 - June 27
Application Deadline: Typically in spring
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors interested in medicine/healthcare; must be 16+
The Medical Sciences Summer Institute at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine is a one-week lab-based program for high school students who want to learn about biomedical research. You choose between tracks in molecular or cellular biology and get hands-on experience with lab techniques like recombinant DNA analysis and cell-based assays. All work takes place in active research labs, giving you a close look at how scientists study biology at the molecular level.
8. High School Musical Theatre Workshop at CCM, UC
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: 1-week: $1,000; 2-week: $1,800
Dates: 1-week sessions in June and July; 2-week sessions in June and July
Application Deadline: Priority: March 15; Hard deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders
The musical theatre workshop at the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is a one- or two-week program for high school students who want to train in acting, singing, and dance. You work with CCM faculty and guest artists to improve your performance skills. You take part in master classes and focused workshops, and the program ends with a showcase where you perform what you’ve learned in a professional setting.
9. DAAPcamps at UC
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $550
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 9 - June 13
Application Deadline: Typically in spring
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders
DAAPcamps at the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) are week-long programs for high school students who want to explore creative fields. You choose from areas like Digital Moviemaking, Drawing, or the Business of Fashion. You work in studios, go on field trips, and meet professionals in design and the arts. Each camp ends with an exhibition where you showcase your work and see what others created.
10. D’Artagnan Summer Academy at Xavier University
Location: Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: Approximately $1,000-$2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Typically in June or July
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The D’Artagnan Summer Academy is a residential program at Xavier University for high school students interested in business and leadership. You take part in discussions with local leaders, attend sessions led by faculty, and work on projects that ask you to solve real-world problems. You live on campus, eat in the dining hall, and get a preview of college life. The program also offers a streamlined path to apply to Xavier and a chance to earn credits that could count toward a degree.
11. CSI & Forensics Camp at Xavier University
Location: Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: Early Bird: $150, Regular: $175
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 16 - June 19; 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Grades 9-12, advanced 8th graders
This half-day camp gives high school students a chance to explore criminal justice and forensic science by acting as crime scene investigators. You take part in hands-on activities like collecting and analyzing evidence while learning what education and skills are needed for these careers. The program helps you build basic skills and see how your interests could connect to careers in the justice system.
12. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati High School Summer Intensive
Location: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $325
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 28 - August 1
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Ages 14-19
This one-week acting intensive is for high school students who want to improve their performance skills. You train in improvisation, audition prep, character work, and script analysis with experienced theatre professionals. The week ends with a showcase where you perform on stage. The program is open to all experience levels and helps you build confidence, sharpen skills, and work creatively with others.
13. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Two weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Typically spring
Eligibility: High school students identifying as girls or non-binary
This free virtual two-week program teaches high school students how to code and shows how tech can be used to solve real problems in their communities. With help from industry professionals, you design websites, apps, or games that address real-world issues. The program builds a global support network and encourages teamwork and confidence through a strong sense of sisterhood. You don’t need any coding experience to join, and all skill levels are welcome.
14. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,000 - $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 16 - June 27 or July 7 - July 18
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Grades 8-11
Stanford’s Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes offer online courses for high school students who want to explore subjects like business, science, or the humanities. You work with classmates around the world on projects, discussions, and interactive sessions that feel like college-level learning. The courses aren’t graded, but they focus on thinking deeply and staying engaged. You attend every day with your camera and mic on to be part of a live, active classroom.
15. Congress of Future Medical Leaders Virtual Event
Location: Virtual
Cost: $985 (as per the previous year data)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open to eligible students
Dates: June 25 to 27
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school students with 3.5+ GPA
This three-day virtual program connects high school students with top medical professionals, including Nobel Prize winners. You attend lectures, watch live surgeries, and take part in talks about new healthcare advancements. It’s designed to challenge you and give insight into medical careers. When you finish, you earn an Award of Excellence, which can help with college and scholarship applications.
Image source - Veritas AI Logo