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
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.
(740) 362-7478
ohiolegion.com/programs/buckeye-boys-state
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 climate change mitigation, VISTA alleviating poverty, Foster Grandparents, 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 should apply for AmeriCorps grant opportunities.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 728-2916
National Service Hotline: (800) 942-2677
AmeriCorps: americorps.gov
ServeOhio: serveohio.org
The U.S. Department of State sponsors multiple programs for educational, cultural, and professional exchanges across the world. Full scholarships for youth are available.
High School Study Abroad: exchanges.state.gov/highschool
A high-impact leadership development experience for rising high school juniors and seniors in Central Ohio. The six-day summer experience is free, participants receive a financial award upon program completion, and transportation accommodations are available. Students make friends while developing personal leadership skills, have the opportunity to network with Columbus community leaders, and participate in additional programming as alumni. Go online to apply.
37 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 225-6934
leadershipcolumbus.org/cola
Offers a number of non-degree courses for the Central Ohio community, in addition to offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art and design. Community classes include Saturday art classes for children Grades 1-12 and adults; and weeklong Creative Summer Workshops for children, teens, and adults. 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 free adult education programs including literacy classes (including financial, workplace and technology literacy), citizenship classes, ESL, and GED test preparation. They also provide career coaching and entrepreneurship skill building, life and wellness coaching, supportive services for life transitions or re-entry to the community, and supportive services for immigrants and New Americans. Youth programs include tutoring and homework help, summer camps for children ages 7-13 years old, internships, and AMP career and mentorship program for youth and young adults ages 14-24 in Franklin County. Call for program details.
(614) 282-7661
clcworks.org
Workforce development initiative for youth ages 14-23. Participants gain real-world, paid work experience with City departments and local businesses. Youth development specialists provide linkage to support services and mentorship to ensure participants’ success. Go online for eligibility and application details.
columbusrecparks.com/youth-success/apps
Offers a 6-week paid internship for graduating high school seniors planning to pursue a career in geoscience/Earth sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The program includes lectures, field trips, hands-on activities, two for-credit college courses, housing, meals, travel expenses, and a stipend. Go online for application instructions.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
30665 Student Services Center, Princess Anne, Maryland 21853
(410) 651-7747
cp.umes.edu/geosciences
National organization providing unique leadership training and service-learning experiences for youth, empowering youth from all backgrounds to become leaders with purpose. The flagship State Leadership Seminars accept high school sophomores who have been nominated by their school or a community organization. State Seminars are held at three sites in Ohio: Ohio West, North, and South. HOBY also offers a World Leadership Congress for juniors and seniors, and Community Leadership Workshops for 9th graders at various sites across the country.
National: hoby.org
Ohio West: hobyohiowest.org
Ohio North: hobyohionorth.org
Ohio South: hobyohiosouth.org
Mentorship program for young men of color in middle and high school throughout the school year and summer. The program offers safe and healthy ways to have fun while building career, artistic, academic, professional, and physical strengths. Participants may be placed with internships, hands-on learning experiences, drug, alcohol and violence prevention activities depending on their individual needs. Participants must be ages 9-15 whose families meet income eligibility. Call for enrollment.
788 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 257-6300
cul.org/initiatives/i-am-my-brothers-keeper-iambk
Internship program through the Ohio State University for high-school seniors in Central Ohio to gain hands-on experience in public service. Students spend a semester at a public sector organization such as the Ohio House of Representatives or Franklin County Public Health, or similar organization while earning college credit. Applications open during the winter. Go online for eligibility requirements and application details.
(614) 247-6259
glenn.osu.edu/programs/hsip
Non-profit organization helping high-achieving students from under-resourced backgrounds, especially first generation college students, gain admission to the nation’s most selective colleges. Each year 100 high school juniors are invited to a 7-week summer program at Princeton University, which includes leadership training, standardized test prep, career guidance, and more. Participants have access to support and advising through college and beyond. All services are free. Find application details online.
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 science education. Students’ housing, meals and activity costs covered by the program. 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. Find applications details online.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
oeop.mit.edu/programs/mites
Experiential learning program through the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Central Ohio for high school juniors and seniors from public schools in Franklin County. Students attend the program for a half-day for one or two years, and explore the humanities through hands-on projects, field trips, and working directly with local organizations. Go online for application details.
escco.org/MosaicHumanities-BasedEducationExperience.aspx
Summer workshop for high school students interested in athletic training, emergency medicine, nursing, physical therapy or other allied health and medical professions. Participants will 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
Provides rising high school juniors and seniors with an opportunity to get an inside look at working in Ohio law and government. Selected students serve a one-year term to advise the Attorney General on issues related to teens, collaborate with others to develop solutions, attend meetings, professional presentations, and community events. Applications generally open in late spring and are due in summer, go online for details.
ohioattorneygeneral.gov/State-and-Local-Government/Schools/Teen-Ambassador-Board
Free program serving vulnerable youth through sports-based positive youth development at various school and community center locations in Columbus. They offer after school programs, summer camps, and sports clinics for youth ages 5-14. The Youth Leadership Academy is a 4 year program for high schoolers to experience professional development, mentoring, career visits, and college prep. Free meals and transportation are provided. Go online or call for registration details.
2400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43210
(614) 514-5942
osulifesports.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
An intensive, multi-week, residential program for high school juniors from limited-income backgrounds with an interest in journalism. The cost is free, including housing, meals, and travel to and from Princeton. Go online for eligibility and application information.
36 University Place, Princeton, NJ 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
my.rotary.org/en/club-search
High school juniors ages 16-17 can apply to serve the United States Senate as a Page for a year. Pages live away from home and assist their State Senator in day to day operations, with room and board automatically deducted from the Pages’ salary. Pages maintain a rigorous schedule with schoolwork, working on the Senate floor, field trips, and recreation with other Pages. Not all State Senators can accept Pages and application requirements may vary between Senators. Go online to find your State Senator and apply.
Page Program Website: pageprogram.senate.gov
Ohio Senate Page Program, Office of Rep. Sherrod Brown: brown.senate.gov/services/students/pages
Offers a directory of locally-owned and sustainable businesses and a variety of courses on environmental sustainability, nonviolent communication, healthy living, personal finance, and civic engagement. They host regular free and low-cost community events including yoga, bird-watching, mindfulness, and Empathy Calls weekly support group. They also offer opportunities for internship or volunteering.
659 High Street, Worthington, OH 43085
(614) 447-0296
simplyliving.org
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. The program is open to incoming high school students grades 9-12 who meet eligibility requirements.
The Ohio State University College of Nursing
1577 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
nursing.osu.edu/offices-and-initiatives/office-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/summer-institute-future-nurses
Free 2-week program for high school students 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 (OU) 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 high school students grades 9-12 organized by 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 financial aid is available, and a student’s inability to pay should not prohibit them from attending the program. Go online to apply.
1712 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 688-3109
linguistics.osu.edu/undergrad/sliys
A two-week early college experience for high-achieving, rising high school juniors and seniors at Miami University. Students will join an engaged community of learners and participate in challenging, immersive academic modules and attend workshops on topics such as the college admission process and financial aid. Need-based financial scholarships are available for students to attend this program. 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.
301 South Campus Avenue, Oxford, Ohio 45056
(513) 529-2531
miamioh.edu/admission/high-school/summer-scholars
A 8-week summer internship for 15-18 year old teens in the Columbus City School District to gain hands-on experience in urban farming. Participants receive a stipend for working in the Franklin Park Conservatory Community Garden, and sell the produce they grow at the Conservatory’s Farmer’s Market. Students learn about horticulture, the environment, entrepreneurship, and communication. Students must apply online and be selected to participate. Transportation is not provided.
Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
1777 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 715-8034
fpconservatory.org/education-programs/outreach-programs/teen-corps
Offers skilled trades programs to empower youth in Columbus, Ohio. The Project Genesis Program is a paid, 4-week summer internship 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 youth 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. Go online for program details and 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 and meet and hear from senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense, directors of other federal agencies and more in Washington, DC. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundations. In addition, each delegate will also be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship. In Ohio, the United States Senate Youth Program makes its student selections from among participants who attend Buckeye Boys State, Buckeye Girls State or the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) program.
(614) 387-3200
ussenateyouth.org
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Scholarships/US-Senate-Youth-Program
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.
Provides year-long entrepreneurship programs for students in grades 6-12. Students learn to generate business ideas, conduct market research, write business plans, pitch to real investors, and launch their very own companies. Students can participate in their local chapter for the chance to compete for cash prizes and scholarship funds at the annual Saunders Scholar competition. Ohio has two chapters.
Pre-collegiate and collegiate student success program at The Ohio State University (OSU) for academically-talented, first-generation students in Ohio with high financial need. Student scholars receive college advising, academic coaching, mentoring, college planning tools, and more. They also 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 OSU. Applications are generally available in winter and due in spring. Go online for details.
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.
engage.youth.gov