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Academic Camps

Makerspace Central

Provides STEM/STEAM experiences to underserved and under-represented K-12 youth in Columbus. They serve students across the region through pop-up makerspaces and hands-on workshops to teach students foundational STEAM principles. Their workshops are free for students and can be found at various libraries, community centers, and community organizations. Visit their website or social media to find an upcoming workshop.
(408) 713-0568
makerspacecentral.org

B-WISER and B-WISEST STEM Camps at the College of Wooster

The College of Wooster offers two residential summer camp options for young women interested in STEM. Students take a full daily curriculum with classes in advanced science topics including physics, robotics, chemistry, and biology. Students use campus science labs, stay in college dorms, and learn from professional women in science. B-WISER is for girls in 7th and 8th grade. B-WISEST is for girls in 9th and 10th grade, and incorporates college readiness, leadership, and advanced laboratory experiences. Financial aid scholarships are available for income-eligible families. Visit the website for applications details.
308 East University Street, Wooster, Ohio 44691
(330) 263-2105
bwiser.spaces.wooster.edu

Acton Academy Columbus

A private K-8 school using Montessori and Socratic methods, play, mixed age groups, STEAM, and hands-on projects. Programs open to non-Acton students ages 5-13 include half-day and full-day STEAM Summer Camp, Spring Nature Groups, and an annual Children’s Business Fair for young entrepreneurs to present their products and services to real customers. Find program details and fees online.
5762 Wilcox Road, Dublin, Ohio 43016
(614) 603-7227
actonacademycolumbus.com

Denison University Reynolds Young Writers Workshop

A 8-day residential writing program for rising high school juniors and seniors who love to write. Students stay on-campus and participate in small-group workshops, individual writing, and one-on-one conferences with faculty to explore different writing styles. Financial assistance is available on an as-needed basis and does not cover transportation costs. Interested students must complete an application with a creative writing sample and letter of recommendation.
100 West College Street, Granville, Ohio 43023
(740) 587-6207
reynolds.denison.edu

Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop

Offers a supportive literary community for young writers at Kenyon College. They offer summer residential workshops, and online workshops in summer and winter. Workshops are for high-school students ages 16-18 who are eager to become better writers and insightful thinkers. Interested students must apply with a personal statement, transcript, and letter of recommendation. Financial aid is available.
102 West Wiggin Street, Gambier, Ohio 43022
(740) 427-5208
kenyonreview.org/high-school-workshops

Medical Academy Camp at Ohio University Dublin

A free, 4-day summer camp for high school juniors and seniors in Central Ohio to explore careers in healthcare at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in Dublin, Ohio. Selected students engage in hands-on, experiential learning activities, build confidence, and work directly with health professionals. Go online for application details.
6775 Bobcat Way, Dublin, Ohio 43016
(614) 793-5556
ohio.edu/medicine/about/campuses/dublin/reach

OSU Manufacturing & Materials Joining Innovation Center (Ma2JIC) Summer Internship Program

A paid summer internship program for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in exploring welding engineering. High-school students are matched with graduate students and assist with an ongoing research project in an engineering laboratory, and give a capstone presentation at the end of the program. Interns are expect to work up to 24 hours per week with a flexible schedule. Applications are generally available in winter and due in February.
1248 Arthur E. Adams Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43221
(614) 292-1182
ma2jic.osu.edu/resources/osu-summer-internship-program

Ohio State University Beyond the Classroom – Math Day Camp

A summer day program for students Grades 6-9 at The Ohio State University Department of Mathematics. Students experience recreational mathematics, movies, puzzles, and problem-solving with OSU students and faculty. The program is free of charge. Interested students must complete the online application.
The Ohio State University, Department of Mathematics: 231 West Eighteenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
u.osu.edu/mathoutreach/btc/btc-2025

Summer Law & Trial Institute at Ohio University

A two-week program for rising high school juniors from Southeast Ohio to develop core critical legal skills, gain experience interacting with legal professionals, and learn about transitioning to college. Selected students have daily interactions with lawyers, judges, and Ohio University faculty, and develop knowledge and skills that will prepare them for collegiate study. The program is free of charge. Go online for full program details and application instructions.
1 Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701
(740) 593-0835
ohio.edu/cas/law-center/about/summer-institute

Explorations in Neuroscience Summer Camp at Ohio State University

A one-week camp for rising high school juniors and seniors who are interested in learning about Neuroscience, brain health and disease. Students learn through a variety of approaches including lecture, discussion, debate, games, laboratory visits, and hands-on experiments. Interested students must apply for admission. Applications are typically due in March. Financial need scholarships are available upon request.
Department of Neuroscience: 460 West Twelfth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 688-5501
medicine.osu.edu/departments/neuroscience/outreach-and-events/summer-camp

Ohio Wesleyan University Junior League (OWjL) Camp

Offers summer programs for academically-gifted students: a day camp for grades 4-6 and a residential camp program for grades 6-8. Campers select four courses from an academic program that includes mathematics, logic, computing, science, humanities and creative development. Students stay on the Ohio Wesleyan University campus and enjoy cultural and recreational activities. Applications are typically due in January. Scholarships are available.
(740) 368-3939
61 South Sandusky Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015
owu.edu/about/offices-services/owjl-camp

Summer Institute for Future Nurses at Ohio State University

A free, three-day program for high school students to explore nursing careers through hands-on activities, tours, and engagement with faculty, staff and students. High school students grades 9-12 who meet GPA requirements are eligible to apply. Visit the website for application details.
The Ohio State University College of Nursing: 1577 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-8900
nursing.osu.edu/offices-and-initiatives/office-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/summer-institute-future-nurses

Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES) at MIT

A free, six-week residential academic enrichment program for high school juniors with a strong academic record and desire for rigorous STEM/science education. Selected participants receive college admissions counseling, high-level coursework, social events and exploration of the Boston area, and a written evaluation to use for college applications. Underrepresented students are encouraged to apply. Housing, meals and activity costs covered by the program but families must cover transportation costs. Students can apply online during the fall semester of their junior year in high school. Find additional application details online.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology: 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
(617) 253-8052
oeop.mit.edu/programs/mites

Girls Who Code

Offers free, online coding clubs from beginner to advanced for girls, women, and non-binary people. Their website also has free, downloadable activities from beginner to advanced for anyone to learn coding at home. Their summer programs for high school students include a 2-week intensive immersion experience with financial assistance available, or a free 6-week self-paced option. Free and in-person clubs are available throughout the country at various schools and community locations, visit the website to find a club near you.
girlswhocode.com

Summer Academy for Mathematics & Science (SAMS) at Carnegie Mellon University

A 6-week residential program for students from communities underrepresented in STEM to receive STEM education and mentorship at Carnegie Mellon University. Selected students participate in the program for free, including housing and dining. Students must be 16 years old and a junior in high school to apply. Application includes essays, two letters of recommendation, and demonstration of financial need. Applications are typically due by February.
5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
(412) 268-5914
cmu.edu/pre-college/academic-programs/sams.html

Ohio University (OU) High School Journalism Workshop

A summer residential program that offers high school students opportunities to learn the latest journalism techniques and a chance to earn college credit. They offer various session tracks, including broadcast, photojournalism, sports, advertising, podcasting and more. Scholarships are available. Visit the website for contact information.
Schoonover Center 200: 1 Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701
(740) 593-2587
ohio.edu/scripps-college/journalism/special-programs/hsjws

Data Science Summer Camp at Ohio State University

A free, week-long summer camp that introduces young women entering grades 7-9 to the field of data science and analytics. Students gain hands-on experience and work with mentors to learn how to analyze data from a wide variety of fields, discuss biases in data, explore career opportunities, learn problem-solving skills, and more. Visit the website to apply.
The Ohio State University, Pomerene Hall: 1760 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
tdai.osu.edu/education/data-science-women-summer-camp

Pills, Potions, & Poisons – College of Pharmacy Summer Day Camp

A week-long summer program for high school students at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy. Students who have completed a high-school level Biology or Chemistry course are eligible to apply. A Teacher Recommendation is also required. Students learn through experiments, field trips, projects, and explore careers in pharmaceuticals. The program cost includes supplies, meals, field trip expenses, and a T-shirt. Applications are typically due in April with decisions announced in May. Financial assistance is available, contact the program for details.
College of Pharmacy: 500 West Twelfth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-2266
pharmacy.osu.edu/practice-teaching-engagement/public-professional-education/pills-potions-and-poisons

Summer Linguistics Institute for Youth Scholars (SLIYS) at Ohio State University

SLIYS (pronounced “SLICE”) is a one- or two-week online summer program for students grades 9-12 at the Department of Linguistics at The Ohio State University. Participants explore linguistic sciences and learn from native-language speakers. There is tuition for the program but need-based financial aid is available. Interested students must complete and application with a teacher recommendation. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis March through May. Visit the website to apply.
Oxley Hall: 1712 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-4052
linguistics.osu.edu/undergrad/sliys

Career & Technical Schools in Central Ohio

Career Technical Schools offer training programs that can prepare students for the workforce or college degree programs. Career-Technical Education (CTE) is available at every public school in the state of Ohio free of tuition. High school students should check with their home school district to see what CTE school they are eligible to attend, and for transportation options. Students may attend CTE schools for half-day or full-day programs to continue extracurriculars or classes at their home school. Program pathways typically include healthcare careers such as nursing, information technology, automotive services, welding, cosmetology, graphic design, and others. Check with each CTE school to see what programs they offer. Many CTEs offer adult education programs such as free diploma and GED programs, career certificates, and personal enrichment classes.
List of Ohio Career Technical Centers: highered.ohio.gov/about/ohios-campuses/career-technical-education/career-technical-education-ohio-technical-centers

Columbus City Schools Career-Technical Education: Serves high school juniors and seniors in the Columbus City Schools district. Adult & Community Education offers programs for health occupations, skilled trades, computer applications, high school equivalency, and free ESL/ESOL classes.

  • Columbus Downtown High School: 364 South Fourth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (380) 997-4213
  • Fort Hayes Career Center: 546 Jack Gibbs Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (380) 997-6126
  • Adult & Community Education: 2323 Lexington Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
    (614) 365-6000
    ccsoh.us/Page/11802

Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools: Offers programs for high school juniors and seniors in Franklin, Fairfield, and Pickaway counties. Programs for adults include GED, ESL/ESOL, STNA, HVAC, and welding. Employability Prep is a personalized, transitional program for Franklin County students ages 16-21 with learning differences to receive hands-on training at community job sites. They offer free summer day camps for Grades 6-8 to experience hands-on learning.
4300 Amalgamated Place, Groveport, Ohio 43125
High School: (614) 836-4530
Adult Workforce: (614) 836-4541
Summer Camp: (614) 836-4530
eastlandfairfield.com

Delaware Area Career Center (DACC): Offers a variety of career-readiness opportunities for middle school and high school students on their campus and through satellite programs. They offer summer day camps for rising 7-9th grade students in Big Walnut, Buckeye Valley, Delaware City, Olentangy, Worthington, and Westerville school districts. Adult Education includes free adult diploma, GED, ESL/ESOL, and personal enrichment classes.
4565 Columbus Pike, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 548-0708
delawareareacc.org

South-Western City Schools Career Tech: For junior and senior high school students in South-Western City School District. They also offer free adult workforce development courses in the evenings for HVAC, Certified Nursing Assistance (CNA), auto maintenance, and more.
4750 Big Run South Road, Grove City, Ohio 43123
(614) 801-3400
swcsdcareertech.com

Tolles Career & Technical Center: Serves Dublin, Fairbanks, Jonathan Alder, Hilliard, London, Madison-Plains, and Jefferson school districts. Adult educational opportunities include free ESL, GED, STNA EMT, personal enrichment classes, and more.
7877 U.S. Highway 42 South, Plain City, Ohio 43064
(614) 873-4666
tollestech.com

Be WISE Camp at Muskingum University

A camp designed to develop excitement, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence in middle school girls through real-life, hands-on experiences in STEM/STEAM. They host a day camp at Philo Junior High School in Philo, Ohio for girls grades 5-6, and a residential camp at Muskingum University for girls grades 7-8. Scholarships are available, scholarship applications include proof of guardian income and two teacher evaluations. Visit the website for details.
bewisecamp.org

Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC) Summer Institute

Offers several summer programs for Ohio students and educators to gain hands-on experience in computer science and STEM. The STEM Institute is a two-week residential program for academically-gifted students grades 9-11. The Youth STEM Institute is a week-long residential program for grades 6-7. Participants experience project-based learning, explore topics and problems in science, and enjoy recreation at The Ohio State University campus. Interested students must apply for admission in the spring. No scholarships are available for these programs. They also offer educational opportunities for educators.
1224 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 292-9248
osc.edu/education/summer_programs

Ross Mathematics Program at Otterbein University

An intensive six-week residential summer program for high school students to explore higher-level mathematics. Programs are held at Otterbein University in Columbus, Ohio and Rose-Hulman Institute in Indiana.  Students must apply to participate. Applications typically open in January and are due in March. Program fees are significant but financial aid is available. Go online for program details and contact information.
rossprogram.org

Young Scholars Program (YSP) at Ohio State University

Student success program for academically-talented, first-generation students in Ohio grades 8-12 with high financial need. Student scholars receive college advising, academic coaching, mentoring, and college planning tools. Students have the opportunity to engage on-campus for day visits and overnight summer stays. Participants who successfully complete all program requirements receive a financial package at Ohio State University. Applications are generally available in winter and due in spring.
154 West Twelfth Avenue, Columbus Ohio 43210
(614) 292-4884
odi.osu.edu/young-scholars-program

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Mechanisms of Human Health & Disease

This summer program offers college-level experiences in medicine and research to motivated and high-achieving high school students. Students explore career options, attend lectures, and complete projects investigating diseases. The top student from the program is given the opportunity to participate in an internship at Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Students must apply for the program and there is a program fee, find details online.
575 South Eighteenth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-0662
2025 Brochure: nationwidechildrens.cloud-cme.com/assets/nationwidechildrens/data/W1345168%20Comm%20Ed_MHHD%20Brochure_2025_Final.pdf
Registration Website: nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/courses-for-parents-and-kids

Princeton University Summer Journalism Program

A year-long college preparation program for high school juniors from limited-income backgrounds with an interest in journalism. Students participate in online workshops and lectures with journalists, then stay on the Princeton campus in-person for several weeks during the residential intensive portion of the program. Students are also matched to a personal college adviser to help with the college application process. The cost is free and includes housing, meals, and travel to and from Princeton. Applications typically open in December and close in February.
36 University Place, Princeton, New Jersey, 08544
609-258-0219
psjp.princeton.edu

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