A mentoring program for ages 14-18 attending Independence, Walnut Ridge, Whitehall Yearling High Schools or who have had contact with the Juvenile Court system. They offer homework help, life skills training, and paid workforce development programming.
4117 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43227
(614) 745-0007
all-that.org
Federal agency for service and volunteerism. They offer a variety of work programs for adults age 18+ to receive educational scholarships and other benefits in exchange for service. Service opportunities include NCCC environment & disaster response, VISTA alleviating poverty, and much more. Initiatives in Ohio include Teach for America, Ohio State University Extension Public Health, and other programs aimed at improving education, economic prospects, and health in Ohio. Community-based organizations can apply for AmeriCorps grant opportunities.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 728-2916
ServeOhio: serveohio.org
National Service: (800) 942-2677
americorps.gov
A week-long summer program offered to young men entering their senior year of high school who want to develop leadership skills, learn how government works, and the responsibilities of good citizenship. Participants are divided into “political parties” for hands-on experience and participate in activities including debates, journalism, campaigning, music, and field trips. The program is funded by the American Legion and is free for participants. Students must apply and show above average academic standing to be considered. Find application details online.
60 Big Run Rd, P.O. Box 8007, Delaware, OH 43015
(740) 362-7478
ohiolegion.com/programs/buckeye-boys-state
A week-long summer program offered to young women entering their senior year of high school who want to develop leadership skills, learn how government works, and the responsibilities of good citizenship. Participants are divided into “political parties” for hands-on experience and participate in activities including debates, journalism, campaigning, music, and field trips. The program is funded by the American Legion and is free for participants. Students must apply and show above average academic standing to be considered. Find program details online.
PO Box 2760, Zanesville, Ohio 43702
(740) 452-8245
buckeyegirlsstate.org
The U.S. Department of State sponsors multiple programs for educational, cultural, and professional exchanges across the world. Programs allow American high school students to study abroad from two weeks to an academic year. Students live with host families and are immersed in local culture. Students may also participate in short-term exchanges in the U.S. or sign up to host an international exchange student. Full scholarships are available for students.
(800) 448-9944
exchanges.state.gov/highschool
A week-long summer day camp for youth ages 13-17. Campers explore how professionals like doctors, nurses, and epidemiologists protect different populations and promote healthy communities. Participants learn from professionals at Columbus Public Health and Ohio State University College of Public Health. There is a small fee for participation but financial assistance may be available. Interested students should register through the Columbus Recreation and Parks website.
(614) 645-2694
columbusrecparks.com/summer-camps/camp-public-health
A free, high-impact leadership development experience for rising high school juniors and seniors in Central Ohio. Students participate in a 6-day experience and receive a financial award upon program completion. Students make friends while developing personal leadership skills, have the opportunity to network with Columbus community leaders, and participate in additional programming as alumni. Transportation accommodations are available. Students must complete an application with personal essays and a recommendation letter. Go online to apply.
61 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 225-6934
leadershipcolumbus.org/cola
Offers a number of non-degree courses for the Central Ohio community, in addition to undergraduate and graduate art programs. Community classes include Saturday Art Classes for all ages each spring and fall. Creative Summer Workshops are various day camp experiences for adults or artists grades 1-12 in fine arts and STEAM. College Preview is a three-week residential program for students grades 10-12 to learn more about an art and design career, take classes, and receive mentorship from creative professionals. Both talent and need-based scholarships are available for Youth & Community Learning Programs. Learn more and register online.
60 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-9101
ccad.edu/take-class/youth-art-classes
Offers a variety of free education programs for youth and adults. Adult classes include literacy (financial, workplace and technology literacy), citizenship classes, GED test preparation, and language (ESL/ESOL, Spanish, ASL).They also provide career coaching, supportive services for life transitions or re-entry to the community, supportive services for immigrants and New Americans, and help with utilities. Youth programs include MARVEL*US after school program for TANF-eligible youth ages 5-13, AMP for ages 16-18, and Pathways to Promise for youth ages 13-15 at risk of entering the juvenile justice system.
(614) 282-7661
clcworks.org
Workforce development initiative for youth ages 14-23. Participants gain paid work experience with Columbus city departments and local businesses. Youth development specialists provide linkage to support services and mentorship to ensure participants’ success. Applications typically open in February for summer placements. Visit the website to apply and find additional contact information.
columbusrecparks.com/youth-success/apps
A nine-month leadership program for youth entering grades 6-9, who are residents of the City of Columbus. Participants receive mentorship from city leaders and improve teamwork, public speaking, community awareness, and leadership skills. Participants must complete the application with recommendation letters and be available for monthly meet-ups during the school year. Applications typically open in May.
Jerry Hammond Center: 1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 645-0886
columbusrecparks.com/youth-success/city-leaders-academy
Offers programming for youth ages 11-18 focused on leadership training, mentorship, and empowerment. The sessions are comprised of fun, interactive, educational and community service activities. The activities are a 9-month commitment. They also offer college scholarships for graduating high school seniors. Participants must be interested in college or other career options, and demonstrate a need for mentorship and support.
P.O. Box 163304, Columbus, Ohio 43216
(614) 470-1913
columbusohdeltas.org/youthapplications
Youth mentoring and empowerment organization. They offer Eryn PiNK and Boys of ICE programs for boys and girls at participating schools. Mentorship programs are available through referral from Franklin County Job and Family Services. The EPIC High School program is a year-long immersive experience for boys and girls in leadership, academics, and social growth for a small fee. Applications for EPIC High School open in August. The organization also offers summits, events, and conferences for youth and adults in the community.
460 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 706-4215
erynpink.com
Helps immigrants and refugees from all countries establish roots and gain self-sufficiency in Central Ohio. They offer job training, resettlement support, mentoring, English language classes (ESL), case management for victims of domestic violence and more. Youth programs include after school tutoring, Pathways 2 Success paid work training program for ages 16-18, wraparound coaching and support services for ages 14-18, scholarship opportunities, and summer camp.
4300 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43123
(614) 252-5362
ethiotss.org
Helps high-achieving students from under-resourced backgrounds (especially first generation college students) gain admission to the nation’s most selective colleges. The Aspects of Leadership Summer Institute invites high school juniors to an intensive 5-week summer program at Princeton University for leadership training, standardized test prep, career guidance, and more. Year-round support includes academic success planning college guidance meetings, feedback on essays and applications and coverage of fees for applications and standardized tests. All services are free. Visit the website and complete and application to get started. Applications typically open in September.
121 West 36th Street, New York, New York 10018
(646) 582-3608
ledascholars.org
Operates sustainable gardens and an urban farm at several sites in downtown Columbus. They also offer school and community visits with mobile labs. The Urban Garden operates as an Applied STEM Learning Lab for youth, families, and community members to learn about composting, bioengineering, biodiversity, sustainability and renewable energy. Families can take a stroll through their gardens or sign up for educational workshops. They offer several hands-on STEM Summer Camps through partnerships with The PAST Foundation and Columbus Recreation and Parks each year. The Environmental and Climate Justice Academy is a free, year-round program for middle and high school students to learn about environmental crime scene investigation, climate change, and complete hands-on STEM projects. They also offer several volunteer and internship opportunities. Visit the website to register for a program or to contact the organization.
33 North 20th Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
mezzacello.org
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
Experiential learning program through the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Central Ohio. Participants must be high school juniors and seniors from a participating school district in Franklin County. Interested students from non-participating school districts should contact the organization directly to explore independent funding options. Accepted students attend the program for a half-day for one or two years, and explore the humanities through hands-on projects, field trips, cultural events, and working directly with local organizations. Students must complete an online application and submit two recommendation the year before they plan to attend the program. Visit the website for details.
escco.org/MosaicHumanities-BasedEducationExperience.aspx
Summer workshop for high school students interested in athletic training, emergency medicine, nursing, physical therapy or other medical professions. Participants also have the option of becoming certified in CPR. The 3-day workshop is held in Westerville, Ohio at the Nationwide Children’s Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center, and at Otterbein University. There is a fee. Go online to register.
nationwidechildrens.org/athletic-training-workshop
Job shadowing opportunities allow students to spend time with a healthcare professional, see the work duties performed, and observe interactions between staff and patient families. High school students cannot participate in hands-on care. All shadow and internships for high school students must be coordinated by the school. NCH also provides paid work opportunities for youth and young adults ages 16-24 during the summer season.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-0678
Paid Summer Work Experience: nationwidechildrens.org/about-us/population-health-and-wellness/healthy-neighborhoods-healthy-families/workforce-development/youth-employment-program
Shadowing Information: nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/courses-for-parents-and-kids/student-education-opportunities/job-shadowing-and-internships
A week-long summer day program for Columbus middle and high school students (rising 7-12th graders, ages 11-18) to experience academic enrichment in STEAM topics. Participants engage in intensive academic courses and hands-on learning with Ohio State faculty, staff, and graduate students. Interested students must apply online. Program fees include course materials, lunch, and snacks. Limited need-based financial aid is available.
230 North Oval Mall, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-8208
artsandsciences.osu.edu/future-students/arts-and-sciences-summer-exploration-program
Summer programming through Ohio University’s College of Fine Arts includes pre-college programs for students ages 14-18, Arts for Youth in elementary and middle school, Summer Music Academy for high school musicians and vocalists, and Summer Dance Institute residential experience. Scholarships and financial aid are available. Find program and registration details online.
54 East Union Street, Athens, Ohio 45701
(740) 593-1808
ohio.edu/fine-arts/summer-arts-programs
Offers educational and community programming in addition to the animal services offered at the Ohio Wildlife Hospital. They offer summer day camps for ages 3-16 with programs that include outdoor adventuring, arts and crafts, helping with animal care, and more. Limited, need-based financial aid for camp fees is available. They also offer summer internships for ages 18+ in animal sciences and non-profit administration. Anyone can visit the center in-person to learn about wildlife, enjoy free events, or rent the facility for birthday parties.
Ohio Wildlife Center: 9000 Dublin Road, Powell, Ohio 43065
Ohio Wildlife Hospital: 2661 Billingsley Road, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 734-9453
ohiowildlifecenter.org
Serves underrepresented students and professionals in the aerospace professions. They offer several programs for youth to help remove barriers to aerospace careers, including career exploration, mentorship, and scholarships for flight training programs. Aerospace Career Education (ACE) Academy is a week-long summer program for students ages 12-18 to experience hands-on flight experiences. Interested students must complete the online application. Program fees are meant to be affordable, and financial aid may be available for income-eligible families. Visit the website for additional program details and to contact the organization. Meetings are held at National Veterans Memorial in Columbus.
300 W Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 362-2800
ACE Academy Columbus: obap.org/ace/columbus
Main Website: obap.org
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
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
Program sponsored by Rotary Clubs for youth ages 15-19 to experience living as an international exchange student. Students attend local schools and live with host families while learning a new language, culture, and leadership skills. Rotary Club covers room and board costs and school fees. Application details vary depending on your local Rotary Club guidelines. Visit the website to find your local Rotary Club and contact them for more information.
rotary.org/en/our-programs/youth-exchanges
Provides learning opportunities and resources to promote community wellness, environmental sustainability, and conscious consumer culture. Use their directory to find locally-owned and sustainable restaurants, retailers, refilleries, wellness services, and more. They host regular free and low-cost community events including yoga, bird-watching, and mindfulness. They also offer opportunities for internship or volunteering.
659 High Street, Worthington, OH 43085
(614) 447-0296
Business Directory: directory.simplyliving.org
Main Website: simplyliving.org
An educational farm and nature preserve offering workshops and classes for children, farm tours, and family programs. Visitors may explore the trails, gardens, greenhouses, and livestock for free. Programs include Farm School, which offers hands-on farm experiences and qualifies as an Alternative Learning Experience credit in Ohio. Farm Camp offers week-long summer camp experiences for grades Prek-8, and Counselors in Training leadership experience for grades 8-12. Internships are available for ages 18+ with opportunities ranging from Environmental Education to Communication & Marketing to Farming & Sustainable Agriculture. Visit the website to find upcoming community events.
3083 Liberty Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 363-2548
stratfordecologicalcenter.org
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
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
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
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
A two-week early college experience for high-achieving, rising high school juniors and seniors at Miami University. Students participate in challenging academics and attend workshops on the college admission process. Need-based financial scholarships are available. Fees and scholarships do not include transportation to the Miami University campus. Summer Scholars alumnus receive priority consideration for admission to Miami University’s undergraduate programs. Students must apply with a letter of recommendation and college aptitude test scores to be considered.
301 South Campus Avenue, Oxford, Ohio 45056
(513) 529-2531
miamioh.edu/admission/high-school/summer-scholars
A paid summer work experience for 15-18 year-olds to gain hands-on experience in urban farming. Participants receive a stipend for working in the Franklin Park Conservatory Community Garden for 8 weeks, and sell the produce they grow at the Conservatory’s Farmer’s Market. Students learn about gardening, cooking, customer service, and more. Participants must have a Columbus address or attend at Columbus City School to qualify, and complete an application and interview process.
Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: 1777 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 715-8000
fpconservatory.org/education-programs/outreach-programs/teen-corps
Offers skilled trades programs to empower youth in Columbus, Ohio. After school programs include a 5-week financial literacy course, and Working Class for 11th and 12th graders to learn concrete labor and earn weekly stipends. Project Genesis is a paid summer employment program for youth ages 14-18. Youth are matched with a worksite based on their area of interest and location, and gain hands-on experience working alongside industry professionals. The Gen II Gen is a 12-week program for ages 18-24 to receive job training, worksite experience, and a certification of completion to use for job placement. All programs are free for participants, and include a shirt, water bottle, and all tools needed for the worksite. Visit the website to register.
(614) 623-0561
tradesoffaith.org
A week-long experience for two high school juniors or seniors from each state to see national government in action each spring. Students meet with senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense, directors of other federal agencies and more in Washington, D.C.. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses are provided for. In addition, each delegate will also be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship. Students must apply with a letter of recommendation and demonstrated leadership experience.
Ohio Website: education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Scholarships/US-Senate-Youth-Program
National Website: ussenateyouth.org
Upward Bound is a free program for income-eligible high school students to prepare for college applications and academics. Students can access year-round homework help and tutoring, cultural field trips, college tours, test prep and career guidance. The Summer program is a free, 6-week experience offering college prep, internship opportunities and more. Students receive money for full participation. Those typically underrepresented in postsecondary education (first generation, homeless, disabled, foster youth, or other barriers) are strongly encouraged to apply. Many colleges and universities across the state host Summer Upward Bound. Below are the organizations based in Columbus, Ohio. Requirements may vary between programs.
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
Website for youth to find resources, opportunities, and inspiring stories that empower them to make a difference in their lives and in the world around them. The website has a searchable directory with opportunities across the country for internships, scholarships, professional development, and volunteering. The Topics section of the website has helpful toolkits, blog posts written by teens, and important information on topics like mental health, relationships, disabilities, foster care, finances, and more.
instagram.com/youthengaged4change