15 Technology Internships for High School Students in Ohio
If you are interested in computing, engineering, AI, or IT careers, exploring technology internships can help you test your interests before committing to a major. Many of these internships allow you to work with mentors, contribute to projects, and understand how technology is used in real industries. Ohio is an excellent place for high school tech internships because of its state-backed High School Tech Internship Program, which actively incentivizes local employers by reimbursing a portion of a student's wages. This strong government support creates a wealth of paid, hands-on opportunities for students to gain early, real-world experience in high-growth fields like cybersecurity, software development, and artificial intelligence.
Why should you do a technology internship in high school?
Choosing to complete an internship during high school can give you an advantage when applying to competitive universities. Technology internships help you develop real-world skills such as coding, data analysis, research thinking, and problem-solving. You learn how technical knowledge is applied in professional settings. Another important benefit is clarity. When you explore technology internships for high school students in Ohio, you get a better sense of whether you enjoy fields like software engineering, AI, cybersecurity, or IT systems. This helps you make more confident decisions when selecting college majors or career paths.
Below, you will find 15 well-structured opportunities that allow you to explore technology careers through hands-on experience.
If you want to see what other technology internships are available in other states, find a list of technology internships in North Carolina here & Washington here.
1. SCaN Internship Project
Location: NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio
Stipend: Paid (stipend based on academic level)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Selective (5–15%); 15–40 students
Dates: Fall (16 weeks), Spring (16 weeks), and Summer (10 weeks) sessions
Application Deadline: Historically falls around early February (Summer), July (Fall), and September (Spring).
Eligibility: U.S. Citizens; High school students (16+); undergraduate and graduate students; minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
The SCaN Internship Project (SIP) places interns within NASA research environments at the Glenn Research Center. You contribute to projects involving satellite communications, navigation systems, and optical communications technologies. Technical tasks typically include modeling, simulation, or data analysis using engineering tools and network software. You collaborate with NASA scientists and engineers to understand how communication systems support space missions. The program emphasizes documentation and professional communication, concluding with a mandatory final project presentation to NASA management. This experience provides exposure to large-scale technical research and aerospace operations.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 70–100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, winter, fall, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students able to commit 10–20 hours for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships connects you with startups working across technology-focused industries such as AI, software development, and digital platforms. You will collaborate with company teams on real business and technical projects. Mentorship is provided both by startup managers and dedicated program coaches. The experience emphasizes independent work, communication, and accountability. At the end of the internship, you present your work deliverables to the company. Because the companies are often high-growth startups, you gain insight into fast-moving professional environments. It complements other technology internships for high school students in Ohio by offering a flexible remote experience.
3. AFRL Scholars Program
Location: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
Stipend: $506.80 per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective;
Dates: Summer session; 8–12 weeks
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 16 years or above; high school juniors or seniors enrolled at least half-time
The AFRL Scholars Program places you inside active Air Force Research Laboratory projects, where real scientific and engineering work takes place. You will work alongside researchers on technical problems related to defense and aerospace innovation. This environment exposes you to advanced research tools, experimental design, and applied problem-solving. Because the internship is full-time, you experience the pace and expectations of professional R&D environments. You will also learn how large government research projects operate and how interdisciplinary teams collaborate. Security clearance requirements reflect the seriousness of the work involved. Among technology internships for high school students in Ohio, this program offers particularly strong research exposure.
4. Wright Scholar Research Assistant Program
Location: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
Stipend: Paid (stipend provided; housing and transportation are not included)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 16 years or above; high school juniors or seniors; minimum GPA of 3.5
This internship provides an opportunity to work directly on engineering or scientific research projects within the Air Force Research Laboratory. You will be paired with a mentor who guides your work throughout the eight-week program, and the experience focuses on applied research, allowing you to contribute to real technical investigations. You will develop analytical thinking and technical communication skills while working in a professional research setting. Because selection is conducted through blind review, academic performance and preparation play an important role. You are treated as temporary employees and expected to maintain full-time engagement. This structure makes it one of the more rigorous technology internships for high school students in Ohio.
5. LEGACY Project Junior Apprentice Phase
Location: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Selective; small to medium cohort
Dates: June - Early August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: U.S. Citizens; 16 years or older; minimum 2.5 GPA; must have completed the Age 15 LEGACY Craftsman Camp
The Air Force LEGACY Project Junior Apprentice Phase provides you with an eight-week paid summer internship to explore STEM careers within government defense environments. You work alongside Department of Defense scientists and engineers, assisting with applied technical projects inside operational Air Force research laboratories. During the program, you conduct scientific research, analyze technical data, and build hands-on skills rather than attending traditional classroom lectures. This internship gives you practical exposure to real-world workforce needs and available research opportunities at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. By completing this immersive experience, you develop essential laboratory skills and create a direct pathway to future college-level apprenticeship opportunities.
6. AWS Foundation & Mₐ²JIC High School Internship Program
Location: The Ohio State University, Ohio
Stipend: Hourly paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Selective; 1-15 students
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: High school juniors/seniors in Columbus area with STEM background
This internship focuses on applied engineering research related to materials science and welding technologies. You will work in laboratory settings, contributing to research projects alongside faculty and graduate researchers, and your tasks may include testing materials, analyzing data, or supporting technical experiments. The program emphasizes teamwork and structured scientific thinking. At the end of the internship, you present your research findings through a capstone presentation or poster. Some projects may also be submitted to competitions organized by professional engineering organizations. It stands out among technology internships for high school students in Ohio because of its strong lab-based research focus.
7. Explorations in Neuroscience Research Internship – Ohio State University College of Medicine
Location: Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
Stipend: Competitive research stipend paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small research-focused cohort
Dates: Typically mid-June to early August
Application Deadline: Generally, early to mid-March
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors; U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents
During the Explorations in Neuroscience Research Internship at Ohio State University, you engage in intensive bench research focusing on neurological diseases. Working directly alongside trained mentors in a host laboratory, you utilize digital imaging systems and scientific analytics tools to process experimental results. You gain hands-on experience operating specialized technical equipment, such as advanced microscopes, while systematically executing pre-designed laboratory protocols. Throughout the eight-week program, you manage and analyze complex biological data sets, learning how to interpret empirical findings through digital analysis techniques to draw accurate scientific conclusions. Ultimately, you synthesize your quantitative data using modern software platforms to design and present a formal scientific poster to the broader research community.
8. Cleveland Clinic CYCE High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Cleveland Clinic, Northeast Ohio
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 8 – July 28
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: High school students Grades 9–12; age 15+ by June 1, residing in specific Northeast Ohio counties, with a 2.5+ GPA
This internship allows you to explore technology roles within healthcare environments. The advanced technology track focuses on areas like AI, data science, and IT systems, where you will work with professionals while also attending structured learning sessions. Exposure to real healthcare data systems helps you understand how technology supports patient care. The program includes orientation sessions and professional development training. Interns must commit fully to the schedule and participate in all activities. By the end of the internship, you will present your work and participate in a formal graduation ceremony.
9. INTERalliance INTERnships
Location: Greater Cincinnati Area, OH
Stipend: Minimum $13/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 9-10 weeks (Early June – Mid-August)
Application Deadline: Late February
Eligibility: High school students completing grades 9–12
Through the INTERalliance program, you work directly with IT organizations and Fortune 500 companies across the Greater Cincinnati area. Over 9–10 weeks, you maintain a full-time schedule completing real-world technology projects alongside corporate mentors. Before your placement begins, you participate in professional development workshops covering resume building, interview preparation, and workplace communication etiquette. During the summer, you gain hands-on technical experience in specialized corporate roles while engaging with executives and industry professionals. By the program's conclusion, you develop the practical computing skills and professional workplace competencies necessary to pursue future careers in the technology sector.
10. Educational Service Center of Ohio – High School Tech Internship Program
Location: Ohio statewide
Stipend: At least $12/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; large Cohort (~1,000 students statewide)
Dates: Varies by employer
Application Deadline: June 12
Eligibility: Ohio high school students aged 19 years or younger
This statewide initiative connects students with employers offering entry-level technical roles. You will complete a minimum of 120 work hours, taking on responsibilities that mirror real industry expectations in fields like software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure. Regional intermediaries help match your specific career interests with local businesses looking to build their talent pipelines. The program focuses on skill-building and exposure to in-demand technology careers. Responsibilities are designed to mirror entry-level technical roles. It is one of the most accessible technology internships for high school students in Ohio.
11. The Leonard Gelfand STEM Center / think[box] Summer Internship Program
Location: Sears think[box] at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
Stipend: Competitive structure typical of university-affiliated technical internships
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small cohorts
Dates: Typically conducted during the summer term
Application Deadline: Rolling basis during the academic year
Eligibility: High school students interested in robotics, science fairs, art, product design, computers, and engineering; applicants seeking intensive experience with advanced fabrication technology; individuals who enjoy building physical projects and assisting others
As an intern in the think[box] Summer Internship Program, you gain intensive hands-on experience operating advanced fabrication technologies and digital design systems. You undergo thorough technical training to master equipment like 3D printers, laser cutters, and ShopBot machines. Operating as a teaching assistant, you directly apply this knowledge by guiding lab users through their prototyping workflows and technical projects. You interact daily with the software-enabled processes required to run modern maker equipment, translating computer-based ideas into physical designs. Ultimately, you develop specialized operational proficiency in technical platforms, building a strong foundation for future engineering or computational work.
12. Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C) High School Internships
Location: Marietta, Ohio and surrounding Southeastern Ohio counties
Stipend: Minimum $12/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; approximately 50 students per cohort
Dates: Summer sessions and flexible academic year options
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines throughout the school year and early spring for summer
Eligibility: High school students residing in participating Southeastern Ohio districts
In this program, you gain direct exposure to regional industries like technology, healthcare, and business through this community program. During a typical day, you assist with data entry, shadow department heads during meetings, perform equipment maintenance, and handle administrative tasks alongside your mentor. This experience provides unique leadership access, allowing you to discuss career pathways directly with regional executives. You develop vital technical competencies tailored to your placement while sharpening soft skills like professional communication and collaborative problem-solving. These placements bridge the gap between classroom learning and the local workforce to ensure you are career-ready.
13. Mary Rutan Health IT Student Internship
Location: Bellefontaine, Ohio
Stipend: Paid hourly rate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 2-4 students
Dates: Summer months
Application Deadline: April
Eligibility: Reside in Logan County or attending a Logan County high school; entering junior or senior year or being a recent graduate; possess a basic understanding of computer hardware and software
In this program, you will work alongside the hospital’s Information Systems team to support critical digital infrastructure during this summer internship. Throughout each shift, you will provide basic help desk support by troubleshooting initial staff issues, conducting research on assigned technical projects, and assisting with cloud infrastructure maintenance under careful supervision. This role grants you direct exposure to professional healthcare environments and provides a strong foundation for future career paths in systems administration. By observing and assisting experienced IT professionals, you develop practical problem-solving capabilities and interpersonal communication skills while discovering how cybersecurity functions within the healthcare field.
14. SOCHEintern High School Internship Program
Location: Dayton and surrounding Ohio regions
Stipend: Paid hourly wages
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; varies by employer and site
Dates: Year-round terms available
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Reside or attend school in Ohio; at least 16 years of age; maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA; hold U.S. citizenship for government-related positions; have reliable transportation to worksites
In this program, you gain professional experience by working alongside experts in industries like aerospace engineering, information technology, and business administration. Your daily responsibilities include assisting with technical data collection, drafting project reports, participating in departmental briefings, and organizing digital assets. This program offers a unique gateway to career pathways within the Department of Defense and regional Ohio businesses, providing direct access to senior leadership. You will sharpen technical skills such as software proficiency and data analysis while cultivating essential soft skills like collaborative problem-solving and professional communication. By contributing to real-world projects, you build a robust resume that bridges the gap between high school academics and future career success.
15. Rockwell Automation EDGE Student Programs
Location: Mayfield Heights, Ohio
Stipend: Paid (exact amount not publicly disclosed)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~15 students
Dates: Summer (8–10 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by cycle
Eligibility: Current high school junior, senior, or college freshman; located in the greater Cleveland, OH area; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00; legal permanent authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
In this program, you gain direct experience in the industrial automation sector. You will learn about and actively operate actual Rockwell manufacturing products while contributing to a collaborative engineering development team project. Your work involves completing technical assignments focused on hardware design, cybersecurity protocols, web development, and embedded software testing. A core feature of this internship is the structured opportunity to network with experienced technical leaders and participate in personalized career mentorship sessions. Ultimately, you develop functional engineering capabilities alongside essential teamwork and professional workplace communication skills.
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