13 Research and Summer Programs in Ohio For High School Students

The top research programs in Ohio for high school students, selected based on prestige, location, and affordability. See research opportunities in other states here.

Institution
Location
Tuition
Event type

Polygence Core is an online research program that connects motivated high school students with expert mentors from top universities. Founded by researchers from Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, Polygence helps you explore any topic you're passionate about through one-on-one mentoring over 3–6 months, ending with a project of your choice—like an academic research paper ready for publication, a prototype, or podcast.

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Cost

Starting at $2695

Application Deadline

Dec 30, 2024

Recommended for you

Categories

Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Sci, Econ, Engineering, Humanities, Medicine, Neuro, Psychology

Explore the program

Polygence Pods Research Program

Summary

Learn Academic Research skills and build a foundational understanding of cutting edge subjects in Polygence Pods. Join a group of 6 students and meet weekly with a PhD-level mentor who is an expert in their respective field. Perfect for beginners, your program will culminate in a short-form research paper.

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Cost

Starting at $495

Application Deadline

Varies by program

Short courses

Categories

Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Other

Explore the program

Other programs

High School Senior Summer Internship Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Cincinnati (OH)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Dec 31, 2022

Categories

Neuroscience, Medicine

Summary

an eight-week program in which graduating high school seniors work 20 hours per week with a mentor in one of multiple pediatric clinical specialties. This internship is a paid, part-time position for Cincinnati-area graduating high school seniors only. The program is very competitive, offering an exciting opportunity for highly motivated students interested in pursuing higher education (MD, PhD, or MD / PhD) to learn more about careers in Medicine and Clinical Research.

Explorations in Neuroscience Summer Camp

See website

Hosting Institution

Ohio State University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Columbus (OH)

Cost

$750

Application Deadline

Mar 8, 2024

Categories

Neuroscience, Quantitative

Summary

Participants will have the opportunity to interact with faculty and students carrying out neuroscience related research. In addition, they will meet with clinicians from various clinical departments such as Neurology and Neurosurgery. Throughout the course, participants will meet with neuroscience faculty as well as graduate students in the Neuroscience Graduate Program who will lead discussions and talk about their exciting research.

Research Intensive Summer Experience (RISE)

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Hosting Institution

Lerner Research Institute on Cleveland Clinic

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Cleveland (OH)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

May 30, 2024

Categories

Biology, Medicine

Summary

This 10-week program offers paid summer internships for rising CSSM seniors to perform cutting-edge biomedical research in a laboratory. The program exposes students to a professional laboratory setting, teaches them basic laboratory skills and scientific methodology, and challenges them to think like a scientist, creating plans to solve real-world biomedical research questions.

Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute: High School Opportunities

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Hosting Institution

Lerner Research Institute on Cleveland Clinic

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Cleveland (OH)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Neuroscience, Biology, Enginee...

Summary

Research opportunities are available in Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute laboratories for high school and undergraduate students. Students can gain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques and to explore careers in biomedical research. Your teacher may have contacts at Lerner Research Institute who they would suggest as a mentor. If not, you can find labs that interest you using the lab search tool or through our Science page.

The Ohio State University’s 2023 Explorations in Neuroscience Internship

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Hosting Institution

The Ohio State University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Columbus (OH)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Apr 1, 2024

Categories

Neuroscience

Summary

Supported by the National Institute of Health, this program provides a comprehensive research experience in the domains of neuroscience and biomedical research. Participants can select from three available tracks: Neuroscience, Neurological Injury, or Neurodegeneration. Throughout the program, students will engage in extensive research within a laboratory setting, benefiting from mentorship provided by leading experts in the field. Additionally, participants will develop skills in scientific writing, culminating in the presentation of their research findings at the program's conclusion. Importantly, participants will receive compensation for their involvement in the program. Noteworthy aspects of this program include hands-on research opportunities and ample networking prospects.

University of Cincinnati’s Biology Meets Engineering Program (BME)

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Hosting Institution

University of Cincinnati - Uptown West Campus

Online/In Person

Online

Location

Cincinnati (OH)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Mar 22, 2024

Categories

Biology

Summary

The BME (Biology and Engineering) program stands out due to its emphasis on interdisciplinary education. This commuter program combines the fields of biology and engineering, offering a distinct opportunity for students. Participants in the program have the chance to study sensory behaviors in animals and apply that knowledge to the field of robotics. Additionally, the program provides the option to earn college credits for the courses taken. Upon completion of the program, students become eligible to apply for the program's internship, which can further enhance their practical experience in the field.

University of Cincinnati’s 2023 Women of Color Summer Engineering Camp

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Hosting Institution

University of Cincinnati’s 2023 Women of Color Summer Engineering Camp

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Cincinnati (OH)

Cost

$7,980

Application Deadline

Oct 1, 2024

Categories

Data Science

Summary

At UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science, this one-week commuter program provides a comprehensive exploration of the engineering and technology fields. Participants will engage in a curriculum that involves hands-on STEM projects, interactions with industry professionals, and exposure to different engineering corporations. It is worth noting that the program itself is free of charge, but additional fees apply if participants choose to stay overnight in the UC Dormitory. Furthermore, the university offers a separate Men of Color Summer Engineering Camp, which provides targeted support and opportunities for male students from underrepresented backgrounds in engineering.

Ohio University’s The High School Journalism Workshop

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Hosting Institution

Ohio University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Athens (OH)

Cost

$400

Application Deadline

Jun 20, 2024

Categories

Social Science

Summary

Conducted by the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, this program is designed to provide training in the fundamental principles of journalism and facilitate meaningful interactions with experienced journalists. Participants have the opportunity to select one specific track from a range of eight options, focusing on various platforms or areas within journalism such as podcasting, photojournalism, and sports. The program not only emphasizes the technical aspects of journalism but also includes sessions on ethics and diversity, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. Additionally, entertainment sessions are incorporated to provide a broader understanding of the field.

Research Development Summer Internship 2024

See website

Hosting Institution

P&G Careers

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Cincinnati (OH)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Jan 28, 2024

Categories

Data Science

Summary

During a four-day period in the summer, you have the opportunity to work in the Research and Development department at P&G (Procter & Gamble). This program provides a valuable shadowing experience, allowing you to witness firsthand the practical application of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects and gain insights into the process of developing consumer products. Upon completion of the program, there are ongoing mentoring opportunities, and you may even have the chance to return as a summer intern in the future. This program offers a valuable glimpse into the world of research and development at P&G, fostering continued growth and exploration in STEM-related fields.

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital’s High School Senior Summer Internship Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Cincinnati (OH)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Medicine

Summary

In this part-time internship, you will have the opportunity to work closely with a mentor, dedicating 20 hours per week to shadowing them and assisting with their research projects. The mentors in this program represent various clinical specialties, spanning fields such as pediatric surgery, developmental biology, and human genetics. Alongside your mentorship experience, you will also have the chance to network with other interns, observe research activities in different areas, and participate in hands-on training sessions that involve computerized simulated patients. It is important to note that this internship is highly competitive, attracting applicants who are motivated and passionate about pursuing a career in the medical or scientific field.

Kenyon Review Young Writer’s Summer Residential Workshop

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Hosting Institution

The Kenyon Review

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Gambier (OH)

Cost

$2,575

Application Deadline

Mar 1, 2024

Categories

Literature and Languages

Summary

Designed to provide a comprehensive writing experience, this program incorporates a blend of personalized instruction and collaborative learning. Participants benefit from individual conferences with their instructors, enabling one-on-one guidance and feedback. Additionally, peer-led group discussions and exercises foster a supportive environment for shared learning and exploration. Coursework in this program is centered around developing and honing writing skills, rather than focusing on grades or evaluations. The emphasis is on self-awareness and improvement as students recognize and address areas of growth in their writing. Furthermore, participants have the opportunity to enroll in a genre session, where a specific genre or writing element is extensively explored. This specialized session allows for a deeper understanding and engagement within a particular area of interest. It is important to note that this program follows a highly selective admission process, with typically 12-14 students admitted per workshop. This limited class size ensures a focused and intimate learning environment, enabling instructors to provide individualized attention to each participant. By engaging in this program, you will have the chance to refine your writing skills through personalized instruction, collaborative discussions, and focused genre sessions. The emphasis on self-improvement and the supportive community of fellow writers contributes to a rich and immersive writing experience.

The Center for Architecture and Design’s High School Design Studio

See website

Hosting Institution

Knowlton School of Architecture at The Ohio State University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Columbus (OH)

Cost

$590

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Architecture

Summary

The Center for Architecture and Design, a non-profit organization, offers a commuter program focused on design. The primary theme for the upcoming year is "Figure vs. Ground," exploring the application of this concept across various scales, from individual room layouts to city planning. In addition to examining architecture, engineering, and interior design, the coursework delves into these topics in depth. The program emphasizes immersive studio work, providing participants with a collegiate-level experience that encourages hands-on learning and critical thinking. By engaging with the program, students have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in design while exploring the dynamic relationship between figures and their surrounding environments.

Summer Scholars

See website

Hosting Institution

Miami University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Oxford (OH)

Cost

$1,080

Application Deadline

Feb 16, 2024

Categories

Data Science

Summary

Miami University's Summer Scholars Program provides high school students with the opportunity to take college-level courses in diverse subjects. The program offers a range of exciting courses, including Beginning Design: Architecture and Interior Design, Engineering: Design and Build an Interactive Robot, Exploring Game Design, and The Role of Data Science in the Modern World. These courses enable students to delve into their interests and broaden their understanding in fields like design, engineering, technology, and data science.

Are there many Research Opportunities for High School Students in the state of Ohio?

Ohio offers numerous research opportunities for high school students. Universities like The Ohio State University and Case Western Reserve University provide research programs across disciplines. Research centers and institutes in the state actively engage students in hands-on experiences. Thriving industries in Ohio create additional research avenues. Science fairs and competitions provide platforms for students to showcase their projects. High school students in Ohio have access to diverse research opportunities and can contribute to scientific advancements.

What research opportunities are available in other cities?

For a full set of research opportunity listings, see our guide to research opportunities for high school students.

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