15 STEM Internships for High School Students in Ohio
If you are a high school student interested in STEM, an internship can be a worthwhile way to explore these fields. Completing an internship allows you to gain practical experience and strengthen your academic and professional profile before college. STEM internships for high school students provide exposure to work environments, help clarify career interests, and demonstrate initiative to college admissions committees. If you are interested in science, technology, engineering, and maths, internships are particularly valuable because they translate classroom learning into applied problem-solving and technical work. As STEM fields continue to drive innovation and shape the modern workforce, participating in structured programs early can improve your employability.
STEM internships for high school students in Ohio span disciplines such as biomedical research, engineering, computer science, and environmental science. Ohio’s programs are offered by research universities, healthcare systems, manufacturing hubs, and technology-driven organizations. You may work alongside faculty, graduate students, and professional researchers. To help you get started, we have put together 15 STEM internships for high school students in Ohio, with an emphasis on programs that offer mentorship, meaningful projects, and skill development.
1. SCaN Internship Project
Location: NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: Paid (stipend provided)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Fall, spring, and summer sessions
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the session
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 years and above; undergraduate and graduate students are also eligible
This internship places students within NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program, which supports all NASA space communications and navigation systems. As an intern, you will work on mission-related projects involving satellite communications, lunar communications infrastructure, optical (laser) communications, or spectrum management. The experience emphasizes applied technical work, including system analysis, modeling, simulation, and the use of professional communications, networking, and software tools. You will collaborate with NASA engineers and researchers while learning how large-scale space communication systems are planned, designed, and implemented. You will also practice professional communication by documenting your work and delivering a final presentation to NASA management.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies depending on the term
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 -12 weeks, devoting 10 - 20 hours/week
Ladder Internships is a selective, fully virtual internship program that connects high school students with high-growth startups across a wide range of industries. During the program, you will work with a startup team on projects in fields such as technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and related areas. Interns are matched with companies that are typically well-funded and operating at a rapid growth stage, 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!
3. AWS Foundation & Mₐ²JIC High School Internship Program
Location: Manufacturing & Materials Joining Innovation Center (Mₐ²JIC), The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (no housing or transportation provided; free parking available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly disclosed
Dates: Early June - early August (approximately 8 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents | must live in the Columbus-area | prior STEM coursework or activities required
This paid, on-campus summer internship immerses high school students in applied engineering research at Ohio State’s Manufacturing & Materials Joining Innovation Center (Mₐ²JIC). As an intern, you will contribute to industry-sponsored research projects in welding engineering, materials joining, manufacturing processes, and engineering design under the mentorship of faculty, graduate researchers, and university students. Depending on the assigned project, your work may include laboratory experimentation, materials testing, data analysis, coding, or modeling. The program emphasizes research teamwork, technical skill development, and exposure to engineering as a career pathway. Interns are expected to create a research poster and deliver a capstone presentation at the end of the program. You may also submit your research posters to the American Welding Society competition, with selected work showcased at Ohio State and the FABTECH industry convention.
4. Explorations in Neuroscience Research Internship
Location: The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly disclosed
Dates: 7-week summer program (exact dates released with application)
Application Deadline: To be announced (program details released in January)
Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest in neuroscience or biomedical research
The Explorations in Neuroscience Research Internship is an NIH-funded summer program that provides high school students with hands-on experience in biomedical research. During the seven-week internship, you will work in a neuroscience laboratory under the guidance of trained faculty mentors, graduate students, and research technicians. Research areas include neuroscience, neurological injury, and neurodegeneration, allowing you to explore both experimental techniques and research-driven problem-solving. The program emphasizes professional development through journal clubs, formal training in reading and presenting primary literature, and participation in lab meetings. You will also gain exposure to neuroscience as an undergraduate major and long-term career pathway. The internship concludes by formally presenting your research findings, strengthening scientific communication and analytical skills.
5. Science for Success Teen Internship
Location: Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: Paid; starting at $11/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly disclosed
Dates: Year-round commitment
Application Deadline: Spring application cycle; exact deadline is released annually
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen or sophomores living within 15 miles of the museum
This paid, year-round internship engages Cleveland-area high school students in project- and mission-based work at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and within the local community. As an intern, you will collaborate with the Museum’s education and community engagement departments to design and deliver science programs that serve underrepresented audiences. The program emphasizes hands-on science learning, youth development, and community impact rather than traditional laboratory research. You will be mentored by museum professionals who guide you in building interpersonal, communication, and practical workplace skills. The internship is designed to prepare students for future pathways in STEM, museum education, and related fields. You will gain sustained paid work experience while contributing to public science engagement and sustainability-focused outreach.
6. AFRL Scholars Program
Location: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: Paid; approximately $501.60 per week for high school students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies
Dates: Summer session (full-time, 40 hours/week)
Application Deadline: October 10 - January 10
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 16 years or above (18+ years for some locations) | high school juniors or seniors enrolled at least half-time
The AFRL Scholars Program offers stipend-paid summer research internships that place high school students alongside full-time Air Force Research Laboratory scientists and engineers. As an intern, you will contribute to active research and technology development projects across a range of STEM disciplines, gaining exposure to applied defense research environments. The program emphasizes technical work, allowing you to develop research, analytical, and problem-solving skills in a professional laboratory setting. You will work full-time and are responsible for daily transportation and temporary relocation near the assigned base. You will also gain insight into federal research careers and large-scale government R&D operations. Participation may require completion of a background check and qualification for a security clearance, reflecting the program’s real-world research responsibilities.
7. Wright Scholar Research Assistant Program
Location: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: Paid (stipend provided; housing and transportation are not included)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size is not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 8 - July 31
Application Deadline: January 10 (application window opens November 1)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 16 years or above | high school juniors or seniors | minimum GPA of 3.5 (or top 20% on a national standardized test for homeschool students)
The Wright Scholar Research Assistant Program is a competitive summer research initiative that places high school juniors and seniors in full-time research roles at the Air Force Research Laboratory. As a Wright Scholar, you will be matched with a mentor and work on a defined engineering or science research project for eight weeks, contributing to AFRL research efforts. The program emphasizes applied problem-solving, technical skill development, and exposure to professional research environments within the defense sector. Selection is conducted through a blind review process to support objective evaluation of applicants. Scholars are hired as temporary employees and are expected to maintain full-time attendance throughout the program. This internship is designed to provide rigorous, early-career research experience for students planning to pursue STEM degrees and careers.
8. LEGACY Project (Junior Apprentice Phase) – Wright-Patterson Air Force Base STEM Outreach
Location: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: None (program is free to participate)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies depending on the cohort and project
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the opportunity
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 years and above with an interest in STEM disciplines
The LEGACY Project is a multi-phase STEM workforce development initiative designed to guide students from early exposure to potential entry into Air Force–related STEM careers. The Junior Apprentice phase guides you through mentored skill-development inside Air Force facilities at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. As a participant, you will work alongside mentors on STEM-focused activities that emphasize applied learning and career exploration rather than classroom-based instruction. The program is structured to build long-term academic and professional readiness, particularly for students interested in STEM majors and government or defense-sector careers. Experiences may vary depending on the cohort and are shaped by current research, workforce needs, and facility availability. This phase serves as a pipeline opportunity, establishing early connections into future Air Force education and apprenticeship programs.
9. High School Tech Internship Program
Location: Ohio (placements with private businesses, nonprofits, educational entities, and local or county governments statewide)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internships; students are hired as W-2 employees earning at least $12/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies depending on the region and employer
Dates: Internships take place between January 2 and September 30
Application Deadline: Placements must be finalized by mid-June
Eligibility: Ohio high school students aged 19 years or younger at internship start
The High School Tech Internship Program is a statewide workforce initiative that connects Ohio high school students with paid, technology-focused internships across a wide range of industries. You will work in roles similar to entry-level technology positions, gaining experience in software development, data analytics, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, broadband/5G, and advanced mobility. Placements are coordinated through regional intermediary organizations that match students with eligible employers and support the application process. The program emphasizes real workplace responsibility, requiring interns to complete at least 120 hours of paid work. You will benefit from early exposure to in-demand tech careers while developing professional and technical skills.
10. Youth & Young Adult Employment Program
Location: Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: Paid (hourly wages provided)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies depending on the department
Dates: June 8 - July 30 (8-week session) or two 4-week sessions (June 8 - July 2; July 6 - 30)
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: Youth and young adults aged 16 - 21 years
This paid summer employment program provides students with structured work-based learning experiences within Nationwide Children’s Hospital. As a participant, you will work in a healthcare environment while developing foundational professional skills such as communication, time management, and workplace responsibility. Interns are typically scheduled Monday through Friday for approximately 20 hours per week, with daily shifts starting around 9 or 10 a.m. Job responsibilities vary depending on the department and are designed to align with entry-level, skill-building tasks rather than clinical care. The program emphasizes early career exposure and employability within healthcare systems. Students who are not selected receive information about additional career development programs and opportunities offered through Nationwide Children’s.
11. OSU Research Internship Program (ORIP)
Location: CFAES Wooster Campus, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (stipend provided)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies depending on the year
Dates: May 11 - July 17
Application Deadline: To be announced (typically early spring)
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students | must be 18 years or above by May 1
The OSU Research Internship Program (ORIP) on the CFAES Wooster Campus is a competitive summer research opportunity that places students in active laboratory and field-based research environments. As an intern, you will work under the mentorship of CFAES faculty scientists, contributing to research projects across disciplines such as plant sciences, animal sciences, entomology, environmental science, food science, and biological engineering. The program combines hands-on research with professional development through weekly lunch-and-learn sessions and structured networking opportunities. Interns gain exposure to both applied and fundamental research, including projects related to genomics, biofuels, agricultural innovation, and environmental systems. You may be matched with a faculty mentor based on your interests, or identify a potential mentor before applying. The experience concludes with a formal research symposium, allowing you to present your work and build credentials for college and future STEM careers.
12. High School Tech Internship Program
Location: Northeast Ohio
Cost/Stipend: Paid; minimum $12/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies depending on the employer and county
Dates: Summer placements; exact dates vary depending on the employer
Application Deadline: Interest form required; final placement timelines vary
Eligibility: Ohio high school students in grades 9 - 12 | must be 19 years or younger
This paid internship program connects high school students in Northeast Ohio with technology-focused work experiences through a statewide workforce initiative, which is coordinated locally by Youth Opportunities Unlimited. The program places students in entry-level technology roles at participating businesses across multiple counties. As an intern, you will gain experience in areas such as software development, data and cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, broadband/5G, and advanced mobility. Intern responsibilities are designed to reflect real workplace expectations, emphasizing professional accountability and technical skill development. Placements vary depending on the employer, offering exposure to different technology sectors and work environments.
13. Mezzacello Urban Farm – Environmental & STEM Programs
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: None (many programs are free; some camps or workshops may vary)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies depending on the program
Dates: Year-round programs; summer camps offered seasonally
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the program
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
Mezzacello Urban Farm operates sustainable gardens and an urban farm in downtown Columbus, serving as an applied STEM learning laboratory for youth and community members. Through hands-on programming, you will explore topics such as composting, bioengineering, biodiversity, renewable energy, and sustainability in real-world contexts. The organization offers structured STEM-focused summer camps, year-round educational workshops, and the Environmental and Climate Justice Academy, which focuses on climate change, environmental justice, and investigative STEM projects. You will engage in experiential learning through mobile labs, garden-based experiments, and community-focused projects. Mezzacello also provides volunteer and internship opportunities that emphasize civic engagement and environmental stewardship. These programs are designed to connect STEM learning with sustainability, public health, and community impact.
14. Job Shadowing (Observership) Program
Location: Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: None (unpaid)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies depending on the department and availability
Dates: Year-round; typically half-day to two-day experiences
Application Deadline: Requests must be submitted at least four weeks in advance
Eligibility: High school students aged 14+ years (age 16+ years for select inpatient areas) | must attend a school with an active affiliation agreement
The Job Shadowing (Observership) Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides high school students with short-term exposure to healthcare careers in a clinical environment. As a participant, you will observe healthcare professionals in outpatient clinics, office environments, or select inpatient units to gain insight into daily responsibilities and workplace expectations. Shadowing is strictly observational, and students are not permitted to perform patient care or hands-on tasks. The program emphasizes career awareness, professional conduct, and understanding the skills required for various healthcare roles. Due to high demand, opportunities are limited in duration, making early, school-directed coordination essential.
15. Leadership Intern Program – Camp Invention
Location: Nationwide (volunteer placements at local Camp Invention sites; availability varies depending on the region)
Cost/Stipend: None (unpaid volunteer role; free to participate)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies depending on the location and site needs
Dates: Program dates and daily hours vary depending on the camp's location
Application Deadline: Rolling; interns are contacted if local programs have openings
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 - 12 and college students
The Camp Invention Leadership Intern Program is a volunteer opportunity designed to help students build leadership, communication, and mentoring skills while supporting hands-on STEM education for younger learners. As a leadership intern, you will work with educators and camp invention participants, helping facilitate activities that promote creativity, problem-solving, and an invention-focused mindset. Interns gain practical experience interacting with students, teachers, and families in an educational environment. The program allows you to earn up to 40 volunteer hours, which can be applied toward graduation requirements or included in college and scholarship applications. You will also receive a formal letter of recognition from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office at the end of the program completion.
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