Teaches and inspires kids to engage in service, social action, and community-building. They partner with local non-profits to provide free or low-cost monthly service projects, learning opportunities, and family events. They host in-person events as well as Anywhere Projects for families to complete at home. Kindness Corps is an in-school program for grades 2-4, interested educators can sign up for an educator training session. Visit their website to register for an upcoming project, event, or training.
355 East Campus View Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 219-9467
seedsofcaring.org/columbus
Acton Academy is a private, learner-driven K-8 school. The curriculum emphasizes deep learning through Montessori and Socratic methods, play, mixed age groups, STEAM, and hands-on projects. Programs open to non-Acton students 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
A STEM camp designed to develop excitement, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence in middle school girls through real-life, hands-on experiences in STEM. 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 with proof of financial need. Visit the website for contact information.
bewisecamp.org
A day summer program for students grades 6-9 to experience recreational mathematics, movies, puzzles, and problem-solving with OSU Mathematics students and faculty. The program is free of charge.
The Ohio State University, Department of Mathematics
231 West Eighteenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
u.osu.edu/mathoutreach/btc
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 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. Find program details and contact information online.
The Ohio State University, Pomerene Hall
tdai.osu.edu/education/data-science-women-summer-camp
Provides programs and services for gifted and talented young people. It also provides opportunities for gifted students to develop their talents. They also offer resources for educators, parents and students. Visit their website for contact information.
davidsongifted.org
Bexley
Big Walnut
Buckeye Valley
Canal Winchester
Columbus
Delaware City
Dublin
Gahanna
Grandview Heights
Groveport Madison
Hamilton
Hilliard
Johnstown-Monroe
Jonathan Alder
Licking Heights
Marysville
New Albany-Plain
Northridge
Olentangy
Pickerington
South-Western
Reynoldsburg
Southwest Licking
Teays Valley
Upper Arlington
Westerville
Westfall
Whitehall
Worthington
This is a comprehensive website about giftedness, with links to articles, resources, and major national programs for gifted children.
hoagiesgifted.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
Supports gifted and talented children through education, advocacy, community building and research. They provide resources and information for parents and families, K-12 education professionals, and members of the research and higher education community.
1300 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
nagc.org
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
nationwidechildrens.org/mechanisms-of-human-health-and-disease
Current high school students whose home school district is Columbus City Schools Linden-McKinley STEM Academy, South or Marion-Franklin High can access homework help, cultural field trips, college tours, test prep, and career exposure year-round. The summer experience is a six-week program offering college preparation, internship opportunities, and more. This program is free for eligible students. Visit the website for more information and how to apply.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
nationwidechildrens.org/upwardbound
Promotes and supports the development of gifted students through giving out information and supporting gifted children in the school system.
Physical Address: 104 Mill Street, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
Mailing Address: PO Box 30801, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
(614) 337-0386
oagc.com
Provides information on gifted education for professionals and parents of gifted children. Topics that are covered include: teaching, screening and identification; rules, regulations and policies for gifted education and resources for parents on giftedness.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 644-6338
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Gifted-Education
The Ohio History Connection oversees 58 historic sites and museums across the state. The Ohio History Center and Ohio Village are located in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to the museum exhibits, families can take advantage of their many family-friendly events and activities. They also offer immersive experiences for homeschool families. Their website also has lesson plans and educational resources for parents and teachers.
Ohio History Center: 800 East Seventeenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
(614) 297-2300 or (800) 686-6124
ohiohistory.org
Museum & Historic Site Locator: ohiohistory.org/sites
Free program for income-eligible Columbus City high school students. Accepted students can access year-round tutoring, test prep, career development services, and more. The Summer Institute is a 6-week program that includes coursework, career day, college visits, and the opportunity to take actual college courses at OSU for college credit. First-generation and/or eligible 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students who attend or live in the service areas of Briggs, East, South, or Walnut Ridge High Schools are highly encouraged to apply.
(614) 292-1896
odi.osu.edu/upward-bound
Offers several summer programs for students and educators to gain hands-on experience in computer science and STEM. The Summer Institute is a two-week residential program for academically-gifted high school freshman, sophomores, and juniors. The Youth Watershed Summer Institute is a week-long residential program for Ohio students in 6th or 7th grade. They also have a Summer Institute for K-12 teachers. Participants experience project-based learning, explore topics and problems in science, and enjoy recreation at The Ohio State university campus. No scholarships are available for these programs. Go online for program and registration details.
1224 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 292-9248
osc.edu/education/summer_programs
A residential summer camp program for academically-gifted students in 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. They also offer a day camp for grades 4-6. Scholarships are available.
(740) 368-3939
61 South Sandusky Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015
owu.edu/about/offices-services/owjl-camp
A week-long summer program for high school students with an interest in biomedical sciences who have completed a high-school level Biology or Chemistry course. 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. Financial assistance is available, contact the program for details.
Ohio State University 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
A nonprofit organization that supports high-achieving, low-income students to achieve success in college through their programs that offer an academic mentoring program for juniors and full four-year scholarships to colleges.
445 Sherman Ave, Palo Alto, California 94306
(888) 275-2054 Toll-free
questbridge.org
An intensive six-week summer course 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. Program fees are significant but financial aid is available. Go online for program details and contact information.
rossprogram.org
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
This project through the National Science Foundation provides a database of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programs and opportunities near you. Search by name, location, or activity type to find after school programs, community events, citizen science projects, and more.
sciencenearme.org
A 6-week immersive, residential program for students from communities underrepresented in STEM to receive STEM education and mentorship at Carnegie Mellon University. Students must be a junior in high school to apply. Selected students participate in the program for free, including housing and dining. Visit the website for full eligibility and application details.
5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
(412) 268-5914
cmu.edu/pre-college/academic-programs/sams.html
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/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
Provides scholarships for summer enrichment programs for gifted and talented Central Ohio students currently in grades 3-11 whose families can not otherwise afford the costs. Visit the website for application information.
2200 Lane Woods Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43221
(614) 370-1912
supportfortalentedstudents.org
Interdisciplinary research institute at The Ohio State University committed to educating the public, building the capacity of allied social justice organizations, and investing in efforts that support equity and inclusion. Go online to learn about their research, opportunities for community engagement, and free speaker series events.
33 West Eleventh Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 247-1633
kirwaninstitute.osu.edu
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