9 Business Internships for High School Students in Ohio
If you are a high school student interested in business, an internship can be a worthwhile way to explore the field. Participating in an internship during high school can help you stand out during college admissions by showing experience and a genuine interest in business. Internships offer opportunities to develop skills, understand professional expectations, and explore potential career paths. Business internships offer early exposure to leadership, operations, marketing, finance, and organizational decision-making.
Ohio’s central location places high school students within reach of leading universities, research hubs, and industries across the U.S. Ohio offers a range of paid, structured, and skill-focused internships that help high school students explore business-related fields. To help you get started, we’ve put together 9 business internships for high school students in Ohio. Each option offers meaningful work experience, mentorship, and professional growth.
1. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote (you can work from anywhere in the world)
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort – spring (January), summer (May), fall (September), and winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 8 - 12 weeks, devoting 10 - 20 hours/week
Ladder Internships is a competitive, fully virtual program that places motivated high school students with high-growth start-ups across a wide range of industries, including tech, deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Many host companies have raised over $1 million in funding. Over the 8-week virtual internship, students work on projects alongside a start-up manager and receive structured guidance from a dedicated ladder coach. The program concludes with a formal presentation where you present your work to the company. Apply now!
2. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Internships at various locations; Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Dates: 8-week internship (dates vary); summit: July 21 - 26
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors legally authorized to work in the U.S. | able to attend the summit | permanent residence in eligible locations
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program combines paid nonprofit internships with national-level leadership development. During the eight-week internship, students work with local nonprofit organizations to support community initiatives while gaining professional experience. Participants build skills in teamwork, communication, and organizational operations. The program concludes with a leadership summit in Washington, D.C., where students explore how business, government, and nonprofits collaborate to address social challenges. This experience emphasizes civic engagement, leadership, and career readiness. Students gain a stronger understanding of impact-driven business and public service.
3. Emma Bowen Foundation Internship
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the partner organization.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Program Dates: 8 weeks, late May to early July
Application Deadline: Early January
Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors; students of color with at least a GPA of 3.0
The Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship provides paid professional experiences for high school seniors of color interested in media, technology, and business-related fields. Interns are placed with leading organizations where they explore roles such as management, public relations, journalism, production, and digital development. Alongside work experience, the program offers structured mentorship, career coaching, and professional development sessions. Participants develop industry-specific skills while expanding their professional networks. The program is designed to support long-term career advancement and is especially valuable for students interested in business within the media and tech industries.
4. Cleveland Clinic High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Cleveland Clinic, Northeast Ohio (various locations)
Stipend: Paid internship ($15/hour)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Dates: June 2 - July 29 (orientation: June 2 - 5; internship: June 9 - July 25)
Application Deadline: To be announced (check the Cleveland Clinic website for updates)
Eligibility: Current 9th - 12th grade students | must be at least 15 years old by June 1 | U.S. citizens, nationals, or legal permanent residents
The Cleveland Clinic High School Summer Internship Program provides a seven-week paid experience for students interested in exploring professional pathways within healthcare organizations, including business and nonclinical roles. You will be placed into one of three tracks: science, advanced technology, or nonclinical operations, to gain exposure to areas such as healthcare administration, IT, cybersecurity, and public health. Students work approximately 30 hours per week and are compensated for both orientation and internship hours. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, career exploration, and professional skill development. Interns also participate in networking sessions, workshops, and collaborative activities. The experience concludes with a formal graduation ceremony recognizing student contributions.
5. INTERalliance INTERnship Program
Location: Greater Cincinnati
Stipend: ~$13/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies year to year
Dates: First week of June - second week of August
Application Deadline: February 23
Eligibility: High school students
The INTERalliance INTERnship Program connects high school students with technology-driven businesses across Greater Cincinnati. Through paid internships, students gain hands-on experience working in IT and digital business environments. Intern responsibilities may include coding, data analysis, systems support, and marketing assistance. In addition to day-to-day work, the program offers leadership sessions and professional development workshops led by industry executives. Students learn about career pathways in both technology and business while building practical workplace skills. The program is designed to support both technical competency and workplace readiness.
6. APPS Job Readiness Program (AJRP)
Location: Columbus, OH
Stipend: $15/hour, up to 20 hours/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Dates: Seasonal (spring to summer) with possible fall and winter extensions
Application Deadline: Opens February 1 for youth participants
Eligibility: Columbus residents or taxpayers | aged 14 - 23 years
The APPS Job Readiness Program is a paid workforce development initiative that helps young people in Columbus build essential employability skills. Participants receive structured job placements aligned with their interests, including roles that support community programs, operations, and public services. Interns typically work up to 20 hours/week at an hourly wage. Opportunities may extend beyond the summer based on performance and availability. In addition to paid work experience, students benefit from mentorship, career coaching, and networking opportunities. The program focuses on preparing students for long-term success through hands-on learning and consistent professional engagement.
7. Ohio Hi-Point Work-Based Learning (WBL) Program
Location: Ohio Hi-Point Career Center and partner businesses
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Dates: School year (various placement types and schedules)
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the program and school schedule
Eligibility: High school students interested in career-related work experiences
The Ohio Hi-Point Work-Based Learning Program offers students flexible opportunities to explore careers while still in high school. You will participate in job shadowing, internships, apprenticeships, and specialized placements across industries such as business, healthcare, engineering, and education. The program also emphasizes career readiness skills, including resume building, interview preparation, and workplace professionalism. Some placements are paid, while others focus on experiential learning. Participants can earn the Ohio Means Jobs Readiness Seal, which strengthens future employment and college applications. This program supports a smooth transition from school to postsecondary pathways.
8. Rural Action & Building Bridges to Careers Paid Internships for High School Students
Location: Williamstown, WV, and Appalachian Ohio counties (e.g., Washington, Vinton, Tuscarawas)
Stipend: Paid internships; compensation varies depending on the placement
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies based on the type of internship
Dates: Semester, summer, or year-long internships available
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the partner business program
Eligibility: High school students residing in the eligible counties
This initiative offers paid internship opportunities for high school students across Appalachian Ohio and surrounding regions. Students are matched with local businesses or organizations based on their career interests, ensuring meaningful, community-focused work experiences. Internships may take place during a semester, over the summer, or throughout the academic year. Participants gain hands-on professional skills, receive mentorship, and gain exposure to real workplace environments. Compensation varies depending on placement and partner organization. The program focuses on career exploration, skill development, and resume building.
9. Sandusky High School Global Internship Experience
Location: Sandusky, OH
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Dates: Varies; typically during the school year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the opportunity
Eligibility: High school seniors at Sandusky High School
The Global Internship Experience at Sandusky High School gives seniors internship opportunities at a wide range of local organizations and institutions. Placements span across industries such as business, engineering, healthcare, media, public safety, and the military. The program integrates a STEAM-focused approach, helping students build interdisciplinary skills relevant to a global workforce. Interns gain practical experience aligned with their career interests while developing professionalism and workplace confidence. Partnerships with major employers and research institutions in the region help students prepare for postsecondary education and career pathways.