14 Internships for High School Students in Columbus, Ohio

High school internships can be a useful way to explore your interests, build new skills, and gain experience outside of the classroom. Whether you're considering a specific career path or still figuring things out, internships give you the chance to observe professionals at work, contribute to projects, and learn in a hands-on setting. These early experiences can also help you make more informed decisions about what to study in college.

If you're based in Columbus, Ohio, you have access to opportunities through local universities, nonprofits, and businesses, as well as national virtual programs. Whether you're drawn to healthcare, public policy, technology, or the arts, these internships can offer a meaningful starting point. We’ve selected 14 programs—both in-person and remote—that are open to high school students in Columbus.

1. NASA’s SCaN Internship Project (SIP)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; housing not provided
Dates: 10 weeks between early June and August
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 16+ with a minimum GPA of 3.0

This internship gives high school students the chance to work with NASA professionals on projects related to space communications and networking technologies. You will collaborate across departments, contributing to the development of tools and systems used in missions. Each student is guided by a mentor and encouraged to take on increasingly complex responsibilities in subsequent years. The program ends with a formal presentation to NASA staff and selected industry leaders. One intern is also selected annually to attend an international space conference, fully sponsored by the program.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; varies by cohort
Location: Remote (virtual internship)
Cost: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available)
Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort - January, May, September, November
Eligibility: Open to high school, gap year, and undergraduate students who can commit 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks

Ladder Internships connects high school students with remote roles at fast-growing start-ups in fields like technology, health, AI/ML, marketing, and journalism. Interns work directly with startup managers and receive guidance from a dedicated Ladder Coach. The program is designed to be part-time and flexible, making it manageable during the school year or summer. Each intern completes a final presentation summarizing their project work and outcomes, shared with their host startup. Financial aid is available based on merit and need.

3. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital High School Summer Internship Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
Stipend: $13/hour
Dates: 8 weeks starting June 4
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors living in the Cincinnati metro area

This paid summer program is designed for recent high school graduates interested in biomedical careers. Interns work in hospital departments like Critical Care, Endocrinology, and Human Genetics, where you will observe professionals and participate in department-specific tasks. Weekly networking lunches and skill-building workshops offer exposure to different specialties. You will also contribute to community service and patient simulation labs. Each student receives mentorship and a structured learning plan over the 7-week paid internship. The program ends with a graduation ceremony that includes project presentations.

4. INTERalliance INTERnships

Location: Greater Cincinnati area, Cincinnati, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: Interns are paid $13/hour
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 23
Eligibility: Current high school students 

Students in this program are matched with major companies like Kroger, Fifth Third Bank, and GE for full-time internships in IT, cybersecurity, or project operations. You will work 37–40 hours a week and be involved in deliverables such as system testing, data tracking, or software evaluations. The program includes weekly professional development and tech-focused leadership seminars. Interns are paid and supported by both company mentors and INTERalliance staff, which may be a great fit for students serious about technology careers.

5. Mₐ²JIC Summer Internship at Ohio State University

Location: Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend is provided but not specified
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 10
Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens and live in the Columbus area

Offered by OSU’s Manufacturing and Materials Joining Innovation Center, this internship gives you exposure to welding engineering and materials science research. Interns assist graduate students with lab experiments, material testing, and data modelling. The program focuses on practical learning and professional mentorship, giving you a sense of what research in applied science looks like. Interns are encouraged to present their work at a capstone event, and top participants may also submit research to the American Welding Society’s student competition. It’s a valuable opportunity for students with an interest in STEM, especially mechanical or materials engineering. No prior lab experience is required.

6. Byrd Center High School Intern Program

Location: Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Stipend:$3,200 
Program Dates: To be announced
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: Current high school students 

This internship, hosted by OSU’s Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center, is designed to introduce high school students from underserved communities to research, outreach, and university-level work environments. You will be placed in technical, library, or public education departments depending on your interests. You’ll work under a supervisor and also receive mentorship from a graduate student or staff member. Weekly seminars and department meetings will help you reflect on your work and build professional communication skills. 

7. High School Internship Program (HSIP) at Glenn College

Location: Franklin area, OH
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend amount not specified
Program Dates: Varies based on internship
Application Deadline: Varies based on internship
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors

HSIP offers rising seniors in Central Ohio the chance to explore public service and policy careers. You will be placed in local government or non-profit organizations, including Franklin County Public Health and the League of Women Voters Ohio. Alongside the internship, you will take two OSU courses: Public Affairs 1191 and 2110, which cover U.S. policy and professional development. The program blends professional experience with academic learning, giving you both resume credentials and college credit. You will gain insight into how public systems function and how policy is implemented. It’s suitable for students interested in government, law, or social change.

8. The Ohio State University’s Explorations in Neuroscience Internship

Location: Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend amount not specified
Program Dates: June 8 – August 5
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: Current high school students

Funded by the NIH, this program gives high school students the chance to work alongside OSU neuroscience researchers on topics like neurodegeneration and brain injury recovery. You will be paired with OSU researchers and join a structured lab team working on ongoing studies. Throughout the program, you will practice scientific writing and communication and share your findings at a final research symposium. The program is academically rigorous and great for students aiming for careers in neuroscience, medicine, or biomedical engineering. Prior lab experience is not required, but a strong interest in science is expected.

9. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: None
Program Dates: June – July
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: 10th or 11th graders with strong mathematics background

SUMaC is an advanced academic program that introduces you to proof-based mathematics through topics like number theory, algebra, and combinatorics. Daily lectures and collaborative problem sets encourage you to think abstractly and communicate mathematical ideas clearly. The program is fully online, making it accessible to students across the globe. You will gain experience with mathematical reasoning and logic, which can support independent research or university-level coursework. It’s best suited for students seeking depth beyond AP-level mathematics. 

10. NASA OSTEM Internship

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Paid (varies by role)
Program Dates: September – December
Application Deadline: May 16
Cost: Free
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 16+ with GPA 3.0+

The OSTEM program allows high school students to work on NASA projects in fields like aerospace systems, data science, and robotics. As an intern, you may assist with simulations, contribute to research papers, or help build tools in programming languages like Python and MATLAB. Some roles are virtual, offering remote access to NASA teams and labs. You will be guided by NASA mentors and engineers, gaining technical and communication experience. 

11. U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program

Location: Online
Stipend: None
Program Dates: September – December
Application Deadline: June
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in/accredited institutions

This internship places students at the heart of U.S. economic and financial policy. Interns assist with research, data analysis, policy briefings, and report writing across divisions such as Domestic Finance and International Affairs. Projects might include tracking legislation or monitoring global economic indicators. You will also attend meetings and work alongside Treasury professionals. It’s great for students interested in economics, law, or public policy. The position is highly regarded in public service and academic circles.

12. UT Southwestern Medical Center – High School Student Virtual Internship (Mental Health)

Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June–July
Application Deadline: September
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade students

This 14-day virtual internship gives you an inside look at careers in mental health care. Led by professionals from psychiatry, psychology, and social work, the sessions introduce topics such as neuropsychological testing, psychotherapy, and community psychiatry. You will be required to complete assigned readings before the course begins from both media and academic journals. The program encourages discussion and reflection around mental health treatment and public awareness. It’s especially valuable for students exploring psychology, neuroscience, or healthcare. The format is fully virtual, allowing nationwide participation.

13. Dartmouth Precollege Online Program

Location: Online
Cost: $1,795 per course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Rolling, including Fall
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Ages 13+ globally; no academic prerequisites

Dartmouth’s online pre-college program offers flexible, self-paced courses in subjects like finance, psychology, biology, and regenerative medicine. Each course includes video lectures, interactive simulations, and mentorship, allowing you to explore college-level content independently. The program combines liberal arts thinking with practical skills, where you will complete a capstone project that applies core concepts in a research or creative format. Upon completion, you’ll receive a Dartmouth certificate, which can add weight to future college applications. 

14. BETA Camp – Virtual Startup Accelerator for Teens

Location: Online
Stipend: None
Cost: $3,950 (financial aid available)
Program Dates: June–August (multiple 4-week cohorts)
Application Deadline: Closed
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 or gap year; US, UK, or Canada based

BETA Camp is a live, online program where students build a startup from scratch in four weeks. With guidance from instructors and 1:1 mentors, you will learn to validate an idea, create a minimum viable product (MVP), and pitch to investors. You’ll also explore topics like customer research, marketing, and financial modelling. At the end of the cohort, you will present at Demo Day, where up to $10,000 in non-dilutive funding is awarded.