14 Math Programs for High School Students in Ohio
- Stephen Turban
- 1 day ago
- 12 min read
If you’re interested in mathematics, participating in a structured program can help you explore topics that go beyond the standard high school curriculum. These opportunities introduce you to areas such as mathematical research, data science, proof-based reasoning, competition mathematics, and quantitative modeling while helping you strengthen analytical and problem-solving skills. They also provide opportunities to learn from faculty, researchers, and mentors while engaging with challenging mathematical ideas.
In Ohio, math programs are offered through universities, research initiatives, STEM organizations, enrichment academies, and academic competitions across the state. These opportunities range from research experiences and summer academies to advanced coursework, mathematics conferences, computing programs, and olympiad-style training, giving students a variety of ways to deepen their understanding of mathematics.
Why should I do a math program in high school?
Math programs allow you to apply mathematical thinking in settings that emphasize exploration, creativity, and advanced problem-solving. Depending on the program, you might conduct research, develop proofs, analyze datasets, work on computational projects, prepare for mathematics competitions, or study advanced topics alongside other students with strong quantitative interests. These experiences can help you build confidence in tackling complex problems, deepen your understanding of mathematics, and explore future academic pathways in STEM and related fields.
To help you get started, here are 14 math programs for high school students in Ohio!
If you’re looking for programs in Ohio, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
Several programs are free, including Stark County Summer Math Academy, Mathematics Excellence for Girls in STEM, Upward Bound Math and Science at the University of Akron, Upward Bound Math-Science Academy at Stark State, and Beyond the Classroom at Ohio State, making Ohio a strong state for no-cost math enrichment.
Programs span a wide range of mathematics sub-fields, including number theory and proof-based reasoning (Ross Mathematics Program, SUMaC), competition mathematics (AwesomeMath, IDEA MATH, AMC preparation), data science and computing (Ohio Supercomputer Center, Lumiere, HARP), applied mathematics and engineering (Buckeye Engineering Institute), and original mathematics research (Young Mathematicians Conference, Lumiere, HARP).
Several programs are hosted on Ohio University campuses, including Ohio State, Kent State, the University of Akron, and OSU Marion, giving students direct exposure to university-level mathematics instruction and research environments.
Students looking for research and presentation experience can apply to the Young Mathematicians Conference, which invites students to present original math research at a formal academic conference, and the Lumiere Research Scholar Program and HARP, which offer year-round mentor-guided research culminating in a formal paper.
Most competitive programs have deadlines between February and April, with Ross Mathematics Program closing in mid-March and Ohio Supercomputer Center closing April 1, so students should begin identifying programs in the fall and apply well ahead of the spring semester.
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as math, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~33 students selected annually
Location: Kent State University, North Canton, OH
Cost: Free (supported by Mathematical Association of America Dolciani Enrichment Grant)
Program Dates: June (1-week summer academy)
Application Deadline: Varies by program cycle
Eligibility: High school students from Stark County and nearby Ohio schools interested in mathematics and STEM
The Stark County Summer Math Academy is a short but intensive mathematics enrichment program hosted by faculty at Kent State University’s Stark Campus. During the week-long academy, you participate in interactive classes and projects across areas such as advanced calculus, data science, and explorations in pure mathematics. The program emphasizes hands-on discovery, collaborative problem solving, and applied mathematical thinking rather than traditional lecture-based instruction. You’ll also complete project-based work and present your findings through posters created during the program. The academy concludes with short presentations where participants explain their mathematical projects to family members, teachers, and guests.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid is available.
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th- or 11th-graders! A few tracks require prerequisites
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~67 students selected annually
Location: University of Akron, Akron, OH
Cost: Free (federally funded TRiO program)
Program Dates: 6-week summer residential component (dates vary)
Application Deadline: Varies by school district
Eligibility: High school students entering 9th–10th grade in Akron Public Schools, typically first-generation college-bound and/or from low-income backgrounds
The Upward Bound Math and Science Program is a federally funded academic enrichment initiative designed to prepare high school students for college-level work in STEM fields. During the six-week summer residential program, you take integrated courses in mathematics, polymer science, technical writing, and related STEM disciplines while living on campus. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, including laboratory work in polymer science and engineering and structured problem-solving activities. Throughout the year, the program also provides tutoring, workshops, college visits, and mentorship to strengthen academic readiness.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact cohort information is not available
Location: Kent State University, Stark Campus, North Canton, OH
Cost: Free (program funded by the Mathematical Association of America’s Tensor Women & Mathematics Grant)
Program Dates: Weeklong summer academy (dates vary)
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Female high school students from participating Ohio high schools
This initiative, funded by the Mathematical Association of America’s Tensor Women & Mathematics Grant, is designed to encourage female high school students to pursue mathematics and STEM careers. The program includes a weeklong summer academy focused on applied mathematics, biology, and data science, where students explore how mathematical concepts are used in real scientific research. You will engage in hands-on workshops, collaborative activities, and interdisciplinary projects that demonstrate how mathematics supports fields like molecular biology and artificial intelligence.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~ 50 students admitted each year
Location: Stark State College, North Canton, OH
Cost: Free; the program is funded through the federal TRIO initiative and supported by the U.S. Department of Education.
Program Dates: Six-week summer academy with additional academic-year programming from September to May.
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed during the academic year; interested students should apply through the program’s preliminary application and interview process.
Eligibility: Primarily open to ninth and tenth-grade students from Canton City Schools who are first-generation college-bound or meet federal low-income guidelines. Students must demonstrate interest in STEM and a commitment to completing a college-preparatory high school curriculum.
The Upward Bound Math‑Science Academy is a federally funded TRIO program designed to help high school students strengthen their college preparation, particularly in STEM fields. Through a combination of academic-year activities and a six-week summer academy, you participate in mathematics instruction, technology coursework, and hands-on laboratory experiences. The program also incorporates weekly study groups, workshops, and standardized test preparation to support your academic development throughout high school. During the summer component, you work on structured STEM coursework and collaborative projects designed specifically for high school learners.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort selected through an application process
Location: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 22 – June 26
Application Deadline: Applications open in the spring and remain open until available spaces are filled.
Eligibility: Students entering approximately grades 6–9 who enjoy exploring mathematics and problem-solving
Beyond the Classroom at Ohio State introduces math through puzzles and problem sets that rely on patterns, logic, and step-by-step reasoning. You spend most of your time working through questions in groups, where different approaches are discussed until a solution makes sense. Faculty and graduate students guide the sessions by walking through ideas and asking you to explain your thinking. Many problems require trying multiple methods before reaching a clear result. Toward the end, you apply these ideas in a small project that combines different concepts.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~ 60–70 student presenters are invited each year
Location: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost: Participation costs vary depending on travel and lodging needs; selected student presenters may receive funding support for travel and conference participation
Program Dates: July 30 – August 1 (tentative dates)
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in early spring
Eligibility: Students presenting original mathematical research are eligible to apply; recent high school researchers and early college students have been invited in past years.
The Young Mathematicians Conference is built around presenting your own math research in a formal setting. You prepare a structured talk that explains your work, including the reasoning behind your results. During the conference, you attend presentations by other students working on different topics in mathematics. There are also lectures by mathematicians that introduce current research ideas. After your presentation, you respond to questions that often require you to clarify parts of your argument. The experience follows the typical organization of academic math conferences.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohorts with limited space
Location: Ohio Supercomputer Center, Columbus, OH
Cost: $600
Program Dates: May 31 – June 12
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Ohio residents currently in their freshman, sophomore, or junior year of high school
The Ohio Supercomputer Center’s program focuses on applying math through computing and data analysis. You learn tools like Python and use them to work on problems that involve simulations or large datasets. The projects are team-based, where you apply mathematical reasoning to areas like modeling systems or machine learning. You also attend lectures that explain how these methods are used in research. There are visits to labs where this work is carried out. At the end, you present your findings based on the project you worked on.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohorts with limited seats
Location: The Ohio State University, Marion Campus, Marion, OH
Cost: $185
Program Dates: July 6 – July 10
Application Deadline: May 31 (or until full)
Eligibility: Rising high school students in grades 9–12
Buckeye Engineering Institute uses engineering projects to show how math is applied in design and analysis. You work in teams to build systems and test them using measurements and calculations. Activities like 3D printing involve creating designs and evaluating their performance under different conditions. You also use software tools to model structures and analyze results. The program includes an industry visit where you see how these ideas are used in manufacturing. The work involves building, testing, and refining designs.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15% acceptance rate; about 60 first-year students are admitted at each site.
Location: Otterbein Univ. (OH) & Rose-Hulman (IN)
Cost: $7,500; covers housing and meals; need-based financial aid is available.
Program Dates: June 14 – July 24
Application Deadline: Mid-March
Eligibility: High school students aged roughly 15–18 with strong mathematical preparation and demonstrated interest in proof-based problem solving.
Ross Mathematics Program runs for six weeks and centers on number theory, where you spend most of your time working through proofs. Each day begins with a lecture that introduces a concept, followed by long problem sets that require careful reasoning. You write out full solutions and justify each step, which takes time and repetition. Many problems stay with you for hours before you arrive at a clear argument. You also present your solutions, which forces you to organize your thinking clearly. The program follows a steady pace where each idea builds on the previous one.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: selective enrollment across multiple course levels
Location: Online
Cost: Tuition varies by course selection
Program Dates: Three-week sessions offered throughout the summer from June to August
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until courses reach capacity.
Eligibility: Middle and high school students interested in advanced mathematical problem-solving and competition mathematics.
The AwesomeMath Summer Program is a three-week online program designed for students who want to strengthen their mathematical reasoning and competition problem-solving skills. During each session, you attend live daily lectures followed by guided problem-solving sessions where instructors walk through advanced concepts and challenging exercises. Coursework often focuses on subjects such as algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory, which are commonly used in high-level math competitions such as the AMC, AIME, and USA(J)MO. The program emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and structured practice to build deeper mathematical intuition. For students interested in olympiad-style mathematics or preparing for advanced competitions, the program provides structured training in a supportive online learning environment.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Placement-based admission; small seminar-style classes
Location: Online
Cost: Varies by course and session
Program Dates: Summer sessions offered annually (exact dates vary by program)
Application Deadline: Rolling until programs fill; placement test required
Eligibility: Middle and high school students who pass placement tests; strong interest in competition-style mathematics
The IDEA MATH runs as a small-group program focused on advanced problem-solving in areas like algebra, geometry, and number theory. You work through problems step by step and explain your reasoning during discussions. The sessions are interactive, with instructors guiding you through complex ideas. You spend time writing solutions clearly and improving the structure of your arguments. The program emphasizes logical reasoning and proof-writing. Admission is based on a placement test that sets your level.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 64 students in the online program
Location: Online
Cost: $3,750; financial aid available through Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies
Program Dates: Session One (Online): June 15 – July 3; Session Two (Online): July 6 – July 24
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 10th–11th-grade students with strong preparation in advanced high school mathematics.
SUMaC focuses on advanced math topics such as algebra and number theory through structured sessions. You attend lectures and work through problem sets that require detailed reasoning. The program includes discussions where you explain your solutions and refine your approach. You spend time writing proofs and understanding how each step connects. The workload stays consistent across the program. It ends with a project presentation based on your work.
Frequently asked questions
What types of math programs are available for high school students in Ohio?
Options include free university math academies (Stark County Summer Math Academy, Beyond the Classroom at OSU), federally funded TRIO enrichment programs (UBMS at University of Akron and Stark State), proof-based residential programs (Ross Mathematics Program), competition-prep courses (AwesomeMath, IDEA MATH), computing and data science programs (Ohio Supercomputer Center), applied engineering programs (Buckeye Engineering Institute), research conferences (Young Mathematicians Conference), and virtual research programs (Lumiere, HARP, SUMaC).
Are there free math programs for high school students in Ohio?
Yes, several programs are free. Stark County Summer Math Academy, Mathematics Excellence for Girls in STEM, Beyond the Classroom at Ohio State, and the UBMS programs at University of Akron and Stark State are all free to attend. The UBMS programs are federally funded through the TRiO initiative and prioritize first-generation college-bound students from low-income backgrounds. Programs like Lumiere, HARP, and Ross offer financial aid for students who qualify.
Which Ohio math programs are best for students interested in proof-based or advanced mathematics?
Ross Mathematics Program is the most rigorous proof-based option on this list, running for six weeks and centering on number theory with daily lectures and intensive problem sets. SUMaC covers abstract algebra, number theory, and algebraic topology through structured sessions. IDEA MATH and AwesomeMath both offer competition-level problem-solving in algebra, geometry, and combinatorics with a focus on logical reasoning and proof-writing.
Are there math programs in Ohio specifically for girls or underrepresented students?
Mathematics Excellence for Girls in STEM at Kent State University is specifically designed for female high school students and focuses on applied mathematics, biology, and data science. The UBMS programs at University of Akron and Stark State College prioritize first-generation college-bound students and those from low-income backgrounds. MIT MITES Semester, though not Ohio-based, is a fully remote program that actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups in STEM.
Which Ohio math programs are best for students interested in presenting or publishing research?
The Young Mathematicians Conference at Ohio State invites students to present original mathematics research in a formal academic setting. Lumiere Research Scholar Program and HARP both offer mentor-guided research culminating in a formal paper that can be submitted to journals. The Ohio Supercomputer Center program also concludes with a formal project presentation. Many students use their Ross Mathematics Program work as a foundation for future research or competition entries.
When should I apply to math programs for high school students in Ohio?
Ross Mathematics Program closes in mid-March and Ohio Supercomputer Center closes April 1. Beyond the Classroom at OSU accepts applications in the spring until spaces fill. Stark County Summer Math Academy and Mathematics Excellence for Girls in STEM post deadlines that vary by program cycle. SUMaC and AwesomeMath accept applications on a rolling basis. Students should begin researching programs in the fall and aim to apply by February or March for the most competitive options.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.