Updated October 2026
TL;DR
This guide covers STEM internships for Ohio high school students, spanning university labs, hospitals, Air Force research sites, employers, and a museum. The programs represented include lab research, technology jobs, healthcare placements, and science education roles. Most are in-person placements in cities such as Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton, and Toledo. Ladder Internships offers fully online, 8-week startup internships where high school students build real-world projects, with financial aid for those who need it.
STEM fields are growing quickly and pay well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects STEM employment to grow 7.4% from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.2% for non-STEM occupations. The work itself can mean running lab experiments, writing code, building hardware, or analyzing data. Trying that work as a high school student shows you what a STEM career really involves before you commit to a major.
We picked these programs for their STEM focus, accessibility to Ohio high school students, and emphasis on hands-on work.
If a particular corner of STEM has already caught your eye, you might enjoy our lists of technology internships for high school students in Ohio and medical internships for high school students in Ohio. And if you're planning around your break, these summer internships for Ohio high school students are worth a look too.
Why should you do a STEM internship?
A STEM internship lets you test an interest in science, engineering, or technology through real tasks instead of textbook problems. Working alongside researchers, engineers, or technical teams shows you how STEM knowledge gets applied and whether the field suits you. For a remote option, Ladder Internships connects high school students with startups for 8-week online internships built around real-world projects.
What skills can you pick up in STEM internships?
STEM internships can build technical skills such as data analysis, coding, lab technique, and working with specialized equipment. Just as important is learning to approach problems methodically: forming a question, testing it, and interpreting results honestly. You also practice explaining technical ideas to mentors and teammates, a skill every collaborative STEM field depends on.
How do you choose the right option?
Consider several factors before applying, including your grade level, location, academic background, schedule, and budget. Also check requirements related to citizenship, residency, coursework, or GPA, as these can vary significantly!
|
Program type |
Top programs |
Cost / Stipend |
Best For |
|
Virtual Programs |
Cost |
Students who want flexible, remote startup experience they can fit around school from anywhere |
|
|
University Research Programs |
Central State University – Intel-Sponsored Summer Internship Program in Semiconductors and Microelectronics, AWS Foundation & Mₐ²JIC High School Internship Program, Explorations in Neuroscience Research Internship, OSU Research Internship Program (ORIP), University of Toledo – Research in Science and Engineering (RISE) Program, Advanced Telerobotics Research Laboratory, Kent State University – ATR Lab Summer Internship Program |
Cost |
Students curious about academic research who want mentored lab or project work in fields from neuroscience to semiconductors and robotics |
|
Air Force Research Programs |
AFRL Scholars Program, Wright Scholar Research Assistant Program |
Cost |
Students interested in Air Force science and engineering who want experience in a professional federal research setting |
|
Hospital and Tech Workplace Internships |
Cleveland Clinic – CYCE High School Summer Internship Program, Youth & Young Adult Employment Program, High School Tech Internship Program, Youth Opportunities Unlimited – High School Tech Internship Program |
Cost |
Students who want paid, real-world work experience in healthcare or technology and a feel for professional workplaces |
|
Science Education and Outreach |
Science for Success Teen Internship, Leadership Intern Program – Camp Invention |
Cost |
Students who enjoy sharing science with others and want to build leadership and communication skills alongside their STEM interests |
1. Central State University – Intel-Sponsored Summer Internship Program in Semiconductors and Microelectronics
Location: Seven U.S. university sites across six states
Stipend: $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 8.8% reported — Highly competitive; 49 selected
Dates: June 1 –July 24
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school or undergraduate students; STEM interest; basic high school mathematics; no prior microelectronics experience required
You move from daily morning lectures into afternoon labs covering microelectronics design, security, PCB fabrication, microfabrication, and additive electronics. The eight-week program gives you practical experience in semiconductor hardware design and fabrication through an intensive laboratory-based curriculum.
Who is it best for: Students who want intensive hands-on exposure to semiconductor and microelectronics design, fabrication, and hardware security.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~70 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered in spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort – spring: January; summer: May; fall: September; winter: November
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to commit 8 weeks, devoting 5-10 hours/week
Interns are matched with companies that are typically well-funded and in rapid growth, offering exposure to fast-paced professional environments. You will receive structured mentorship from both a startup manager and a dedicated ladder coach throughout the internship. The program emphasizes independent work, collaboration, and professional accountability. Each internship concludes with a formal presentation of project deliverables to the host company. Apply now!
Who is it best for: Students who want flexible, remote experience at a startup and the chance to complete and present a real project for a host company.
3. AWS Foundation & Mₐ²JIC High School Internship Program
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 7% acceptance; 13 students
Dates: June 2–August 4
Application Deadline: February 12
Eligibility: Typically rising juniors/seniors; STEM coursework, lab science, or STEM activities; Columbus-area residence; U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or valid work authorization; strong materials-science or welding interest
You work under Ohio State faculty and graduate-student mentors on an industry-funded materials, welding, or manufacturing research project and finish with a research poster and capstone presentation. Depending on your project, you may create, test, and analyze materials and use data analysis, coding, or modeling.
Who is it best for: Students who want hands-on university research experience in materials science, welding, manufacturing, and related engineering technologies.
4. Explorations in Neuroscience Research Internship
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 4.4% estimated acceptance; 12 interns
Dates: Eight-week summer internship
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising juniors/seniors; biomedical research interest; U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, or permanent residents
You spend most of your internship in a host neuroscience laboratory contributing to a pre-designed research project and finish with a scientific poster presentation. Your work can involve microscopy, cell cultures, model organisms, data analysis, journal clubs, workshops, and research related to neurological injury or neurodegeneration.
Who is it best for: Students who want an intensive introduction to laboratory neuroscience and biomedical research without needing previous research experience.
5. Science for Success Teen Internship
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Stipend: $14/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not stated
Dates: Year-round; school year and summer placements
Application Deadline: Applications open in fall; deadline not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen at application
You work with the Museum’s Education and Community Engagement teams to help plan and deliver science programs serving the community. The year-round format can help you build science communication, teamwork, workplace, and program-delivery skills through project-based work and mentorship.
Who is it best for: Students who want sustained museum-based experience combining science, community engagement, and public-facing educational work.
6. AFRL Scholars Program
Location: Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio
Stipend: $506.80/week for high school students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 8–10%; cohort size not stated
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: January 11
Eligibility: Age 16+ by application deadline; U.S. citizens; enrolled or accepted at least half-time in an academic program before the internship; good academic standing
At Wright-Patterson AFB, you work on research-based projects alongside AFRL scientists and engineers in science and engineering fields connected to Air Force research. The experience gives you exposure to professional federal laboratories while developing technical research, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
Who is it best for: Students who want STEM research experience alongside scientists and engineers in an Air Force laboratory environment.
7. Wright Scholar Research Assistant Program
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 26%; cohort size not stated
Dates: June 8–July 31
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: High school juniors/seniors; age 16+ by June 1; GPA 3.5+; U.S. citizens
You are matched with an AFRL mentor and work on a defined science or engineering research project. The experience places you in a professional research setting where you can develop technical, analytical, and workplace skills while contributing to mentor-led work.
Who is it best for: Students who want an intensive research-assistant role with an AFRL scientist or engineer and are comfortable working on a defined STEM project.
8. Cleveland Clinic – CYCE High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ≤10% estimated acceptance; approximately 100 students
Dates: June 8–July 28
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Grades 9–12; age 15+ by June 1; live and attend school in specified Northeast Ohio counties, including Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, or Summit; 2.5 GPA preferred; specified U.S. citizenship/residency statuses
You can be placed in clinical, non-clinical, or advanced-technology tracks spanning healthcare roles from laboratory medicine to AI, coding, data science, and IT. The structured summer experience combines department-based work with career exploration and exposure to the range of occupations that support a major healthcare system.
Who is it best for: Students who want paid healthcare exposure while exploring either clinical work or STEM-focused areas such as laboratory science, data, AI, coding, and IT.
If you live outside Cleveland or just don’t want to commute every day, consider Ladder Internships that pair you with startups to work on real projects in a fully virtual format.
9. High School Tech Internship Program
Location: Central Ohio
Stipend: At least $12/hour; minimum 120 paid hours
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not stated
Dates: January 2–September 30
Application Deadline: June 12
Eligibility: Ohio high school students age 19 or younger at internship start; graduating seniors eligible
You work in an entry-level technology role such as AI, software development, data, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, broadband/5G, or advanced mobility with an Ohio employer. The employer-based format gives you paid workplace experience applying technology skills to practical assignments.
Who is it best for: Students who want paid, employer-based experience applying technology skills in a professional Central Ohio workplace.
10. Youth & Young Adult Employment Program
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 108 participants
Dates: Eight-week: June 8–July 30; four-week: June 8–July 2 or July 6–30
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: Students aged 16–21
You work in a Nationwide Children’s department, with assignments that can include technologies such as 3D printing, clinical simulation, or research quality-improvement work. The program combines paid workplace experience with exposure to healthcare careers and professional skills in a hospital environment.
Who is it best for: Students who want paid workplace experience while exploring the technical, research, operational, or patient-support functions of a major pediatric healthcare system.
11. OSU Research Internship Program (ORIP)
Location: Wooster, Ohio
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not stated
Dates: May 11–July 17
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors or current undergraduates; age 18+ by May 1
You join a CFAES Wooster faculty laboratory or field project for 10 weeks and present your research at a final symposium. Alongside mentor-guided research, you participate in professional-development activities designed to build research communication and scientific workplace skills.
Who is it best for: Students who want sustained faculty-mentored research in agricultural, environmental, biological, or related STEM fields and a formal research-presentation experience.
12. Youth Opportunities Unlimited – High School Tech Internship Program
Location: Northeast Ohio, 18 counties
Stipend: At least $12/hour; minimum 120 paid hours
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 141 interns
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: June 12
Eligibility: Grades 9–12; graduating seniors eligible; age 19 or younger at internship start; Ohio high school students
You perform entry-level technology work in software development, data/cloud/IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, broadband/5G, advanced mobility, or another in-demand technology field. The paid employer placement lets you apply technical skills while building professional workplace experience.
Who is it best for: Students who want paid technology work experience with a Northeast Ohio employer rather than a classroom-based STEM program.
13. University of Toledo – Research in Science and Engineering (RISE) Program
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 15–20 planned places
Dates: June 15–July 31
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students
You join a UToledo science or engineering research group for eight weeks and contribute to an individualized project that supports the team’s ongoing work. Past projects have ranged from solar-cell fabrication and carbon nanotubes to biological research, and you formally present your work at the end of the program.
Who is it best for: Students who want to become part of an active university research team and complete an individualized science or engineering project.
14. Advanced Telerobotics Research Laboratory, Kent State University – ATR Lab Summer Internship Program
Location: Kent, Ohio
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not stated
Dates: June–August 14; schedules vary by project
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students; interest in AI, robotics, physical AI, or intelligent systems
You work with ATR Lab members on assigned projects in medical AI, physical AI, educational robotics, or AI-enabled animal-care systems. The research setting gives you exposure to developing, testing, and investigating intelligent and robotic systems alongside a university laboratory team.
Who is it best for: Students who want university research exposure centered on artificial intelligence, robotics, and intelligent physical systems.
15. Leadership Intern Program – Camp Invention
Location: Ohio locations; nationwide
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-competitive; cohort size varies by location
Dates: Summer; dates and hours vary by Camp Invention location
Application Deadline: No fixed deadline; placement depends on local director need
Eligibility: Grades 10–12 or college; availability for local Camp Invention schedule
You can earn up to 40 volunteer hours while guiding younger campers through hands-on STEM and invention activities alongside educators. You help prepare activities, support participants during challenges, and develop leadership, communication, and mentoring experience in a STEM-focused camp.
Who is it best for: Students who want to combine STEM interests with leadership, mentoring, and hands-on work with younger learners.
Can a STEM internship help with your college applications?
A STEM internship can give you concrete material to discuss, like running experiments, analyzing data, writing code, or presenting a research poster. These experiences can show that your interest in a science or engineering major is grounded in real work, not just coursework. Reflecting on what challenged you or changed your thinking can make essays and interview answers more specific.
How do you apply for a STEM internship?
Start with each program's official instructions, since eligibility, deadlines, and requested materials vary widely. It also helps to prepare examples of your STEM interest, such as a science fair project, coding work, or a club role. Leave yourself time to finish the process, since some programs may request items that depend on others, like recommendations or school-confirmed GPAs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need previous research experience to join these STEM internships?
Prior research experience isn't listed as a requirement for any of these programs. Several ask mainly for a real interest in a field such as microelectronics, materials science, biomedical research, or AI, and a couple say outright that no previous experience is needed.
2. What STEM fields could I end up working in?
The range is wide, from semiconductors, materials science, and welding to neuroscience, agricultural research, and solar-cell work. Technology-focused placements cover AI, robotics, software development, cybersecurity, and data, while the hospital programs add options like clinical simulation and 3D printing.
3. Will I get paid, or are some of these internships unpaid?
Most of these internships are paid, with hourly rates starting at $14 and one semiconductor program offering a $5,000 stipend. A few research and camp-based options are unpaid, though they still offer mentored work or volunteer hours. If cost is a concern, Ladder Internships offers financial aid for its remote startup internships.
4. Will I need to present my work at the end of the internship?
It depends on the program, but several of the research options finish with a research poster, capstone presentation, or symposium talk about your project. That's a great chance to practice sharing your findings, while the workplace and camp-based options center more on everyday contributions to a team.