15 Internships for High School Students in Columbus, Ohio
- Stephen Turban
- 9 hours ago
- 11 min read
Internships help high schoolers build professional skills early on, gain exposure to industries, and connect with people who can mentor or support their future career path. Whether you're interested in medicine, engineering, research, or the arts, there's likely an internship nearby that fits your interests. Additionally, completing an internship not only deepens your understanding of a field but also stands out on college and scholarship applications.
Summer is often the best time to engage in these experiences, especially if you're looking for something that combines prestige, the rigor of professional experience, and opportunities to network. To make your search easier, we’ve put together a list of 15 internships for high school students in Columbus, Ohio. Each program in this guide was selected based on the quality of its mentorship, learning, and practical application.
If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
15 Internships for High School Students in Columbus, Ohio
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies based on the selected program format; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week for 8 to 12 weeks.
The Ladder Internship program is a selective opportunity for high school students looking to work with startups in fields such as technology, machine learning, AI, finance, sustainability, healthcare, media, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies, often having raised substantial funding, with founders from top accelerators like YCombinator and companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. During the internship, you will be paired with one high-growth organization, work on a real-world project, and present your work at the end. You will be guided by a startup manager and a Ladder Coach, who will act as a second mentor and help you navigate the startup environment. The internship lasts eight weeks and follows a unique coaching-plus-work model.
Location: Cleveland Clinic, Northeast Ohio (various locations)
Cost: Free; paid internship ($15/hour)
Dates: June 2 – July 29 (Orientation June 2 – 5; Internship June 9 – July 25)
Application Deadline: To be announced (check the Cleveland Clinic website for updates)
Eligibility: Current 9th–12th grade students; must be at least 15 years old by June 1; U.S. citizens, nationals, or legal permanent residents; additional residency requirements vary by program track
The Cleveland Clinic High School Summer Internship Program offers students a 7-week paid opportunity to explore careers in healthcare across three tracks: science, advanced technology, and nonclinical business-focused areas. Interns work 30 hours per week and are paid for both their work and orientation time. The program offers real-world exposure in various fields, including nursing, biomedical engineering, IT/cybersecurity, public health, healthcare administration, and more. Interns participate in hands-on experiences, professional development, and networking activities, culminating in a graduation ceremony. Eligibility requirements vary slightly by program track and may include residency in specific Northeast Ohio counties or cities.
Location: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH
Cost: Free; paid internship (approx. $501.60/week for high school students)
Dates: June – August; exact dates vary by project
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; high school students must be at least 16 years old by the deadline; minimum 3.0 GPA encouraged; must be enrolled in school and available full-time during the summer
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program provides high school students with the opportunity to conduct STEM-focused research alongside professional scientists and engineers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. As a scholar, you’ll work on projects in fields like aerospace systems, materials science, sensors, and manufacturing technologies. Interns gain practical experience in a research lab environment and are mentored by AFRL staff while contributing to national defense innovations. This full-time, paid internship also allows you to network with peers and professionals while exploring a future in scientific research or engineering. The program is competitive and requires a detailed application with academic and identification documents.
Location: Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH
Cost: Free; paid opportunity
Dates: November – April
Application Deadline: September 26
Eligibility: 11th and 12th-grade students in Franklin County and surrounding areas
The Nationwide Children’s High School Career Academy is a six-month, after-school program that introduces high school juniors and seniors to a wide range of healthcare careers. Designed for students in Franklin County and nearby areas, this paid opportunity focuses on career exploration, industry certifications, and professional development. You'll interact with professionals from departments such as radiology, pharmacy, behavioral health, and more, while also earning hours that can count toward internships or volunteer requirements. The program emphasizes leadership and career readiness, helping you work toward OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal validation and better understand how healthcare pathways can lead to long-term career growth.
Location: Placement with a local fisheries professional within 45 minutes of your home
Cost: Free; $3,000 stipend provided
Dates: Internships run for 8 weeks between mid-June and August (exact dates are flexible)
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or rising college freshmen; must be 16 years old by the internship start date
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, run by the American Fisheries Society, offers an eight-week paid summer internship for high school students interested in aquatic science and conservation. As a Hutton Scholar, you will work 32 hours weekly under the guidance of a professional mentor in your local area. This work may take place in various settings, such as in the field, on a boat, in a lab, or in an office. Projects might include fish population surveys, water quality testing, data analysis, or even electrofishing. The program’s main goal is to increase diversity within the fisheries field and expose underrepresented students to careers in environmental science and aquatic biology. Mentors are located across all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Pacific Islands, and you’re matched with someone within commuting distance of your home.
Location: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (internship sites vary by placement)
Cost: Free (students are responsible for incidental costs like travel, parking, or attire)
Dates: Semester-based; internships must be completed during a selected academic term
Application Deadline: Summer semester: March 1 | Fall semester: June 1 | Spring semester: October 1
Eligibility: Ohio high school seniors; must be enrolled in the OSU Academy (CCP) and have completed Public Affairs 2110 or 2120 (or be approved for concurrent enrollment)
The Public Service Scholars: High School Internship Program at The Ohio State University gives high school seniors the chance to earn college credit while gaining experience in public service. Through the OSU Academy (Ohio’s College Credit Plus program), you’ll start by enrolling in an introductory course — either Public Affairs 2110: Introduction to Public Affairs or Public Affairs 2120: Civic Engagement. After completing one of these, you can apply for Public Affairs 4191.01, a course that gives you three credits for completing an 80-hour internship at a public or nonprofit organization. You’ll work with organizations like city governments, nonprofits, or state agencies, building real-world skills in communication, policy, and civic engagement. Students receive support through one-on-one career advising and professional development coursework.
Location: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost: Free; paid internship (transportation, housing, and meals not provided)
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; rising juniors or seniors living in the Columbus area with STEM coursework or extracurricular experience; strong interest in materials science or welding engineering
The AWS Foundation & Mₐ²JIC High School Internship Program is a paid, on-campus summer internship hosted by the Manufacturing and Materials Joining Innovation Center (Mₐ²JIC) at The Ohio State University. Over the course of eight weeks, you’ll work alongside university researchers and graduate students on engineering projects related to welding and materials science. Interns spend up to 24 hours per week in the lab, assisting in the design, testing, and analysis of welding materials and processes. At the end of the internship, you’ll create and present a research poster summarizing your project. Interns may also submit their posters to the American Welding Society competition, where selected work is displayed at FABTECH — the largest metal fabrication industry convention.
Location: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost: Free; paid internship ($13/hour)
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors in high school; U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents; interest in biomedical or neuroscience research required
The Explorations in Neuroscience Research Internship at The Ohio State University is a 7-week paid summer program designed to introduce high school students to the world of biomedical and neuroscience research. Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), this internship places students in research labs where they work with neuroscience faculty, graduate students, and lab technicians. You’ll gain hands-on experience in areas such as neurodegeneration, neurological injury, and biomedical science, while learning the fundamentals of research through journal clubs, lab meetings, and one-on-one mentorship. In addition to technical lab work, the program includes professional development activities and opportunities to present your research findings at the end of the internship.
Location: Franklin County Auditor’s Office, Columbus, OH
Cost: Free; unpaid internship
Dates: Fall: Mid-August – December | Spring: January – May | Summer: May – early August
Application Deadline: Varies by semester; applications open on a rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students with reliable transportation and an interest in public service or government operations
The Franklin County Auditor’s Office Internship Program gives high school students a behind-the-scenes look at local government through rotational placements across multiple departments. Interns gain exposure to areas like real estate, consumer services, communications, and information technology, allowing them to explore a range of career paths within public service. This internship is available during the summer, fall, and spring semesters, and students can apply to participate in multiple terms, provided they mutually agree. While high school positions are typically unpaid, you’ll receive valuable experience, networking opportunities, and the chance to build a resume with real work in a county office setting.
Location: Various employers across Ohio (including Columbus), coordinated by ESC and BridgED
Cost: Free; interns are paid employees (minimum $12/hour)
Dates: Internships must be completed between January 2 and September 30
Application Deadline: June 13
Eligibility: Ohio high school students age 19 or younger by the start date; students graduating in the spring are eligible
The High School Tech Internship Program, coordinated by the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, connects high school students across Ohio with technology-based internships hosted by local businesses, nonprofits, and educational organizations. As an intern, you’ll work in roles similar to entry-level tech jobs, which could include software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, AI, broadband infrastructure, and more. You’ll be treated as a paid employee and placed in real-world work environments where you’re expected to contribute to ongoing projects. Employers are reimbursed for your wages, which means they’re incentivized to offer structured, skill-building experiences. While placements vary, the common thread is hands-on experience in high-demand tech fields, offering you a strong early start in areas such as software engineering, robotics, or IT support.
Location: CFAES Wooster Campus, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH
Cost: Free; paid internship
Dates: May 12 – July 18
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors and college students; must be 18 years old by May 1; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; not required to be enrolled at OSU
The Ohio State University Research Internship Program (ORIP) is a 10-week paid research internship hosted on the CFAES Wooster campus. Open to graduating high school seniors and current college students, the program matches you with a faculty mentor to conduct research in fields like animal science, plant pathology, environmental science, food technology, engineering, and more. As an intern, you’ll work at least 30 hours per week on real research projects, participate in weekly lunch-and-learn sessions, and present your findings at a final symposium. The program emphasizes both laboratory and fieldwork experiences, offering a direct introduction to the kind of research conducted at OSU, including biofuels, genetics, sustainability, and food systems.
Location: Held at law schools across Ohio (Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo)
Cost: Free; includes bus passes and lunch
Dates: 5-week Summer Institute + academic year Saturday sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling; early application encouraged
Eligibility: Ohio high school students from underserved communities; apply in 8th grade to begin freshman year
The Law & Leadership Institute is a free, four-year academic enrichment and college-prep program for Ohio high school students interested in law and civic leadership. Hosted at law schools across the state, the program begins the summer before 9th grade with a five-week Summer Institute, where you’ll learn about criminal law, trial procedure, and leadership through classes taught by law students. Field trips to law firms and courts, guest speakers, and a mock trial competition round out the summer experience. The program continues during the school year with Saturday sessions that build on public speaking, writing, and critical thinking skills. As a sophomore, you’ll intern at a law office. Junior year includes college visits, ACT/SAT prep, and spoken-word presentations tied to landmark legal decisions. In senior year, you’ll prepare college essays, apply for financial aid, and participate in a capstone moot court competition.
Location: OhioHealth hospitals and facilities across Ohio
Cost: Paid employment
Dates: Year-round, depending on position availability
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications accepted as positions open
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–17; specific roles may require senior status or enrollment in approved training programs
The OhioHealth High School Internships program provides paid entry-level job opportunities for high school students interested in healthcare careers. Available positions include Nutrition Hosts, Environmental Services Associates, Patient Support Assistants, Unit Support Coordinators, and Pharmacy Technician Trainees. Each role offers hands-on exposure to the hospital environment and varies in its specific requirements, such as minimum age or enrollment in related training programs. To qualify, you should be actively pursuing a healthcare career, such as by enrolling in STNA courses, attending a technical school, or planning to study a health-related field. These positions are designed to build early experience in patient care, support services, and clinical operations.
Location: Greater Cincinnati Area, OH
Cost: Free; paid internship ($13/hour minimum)
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 23
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 9–12; must have reliable transportation; resume required
The INTERalliance INTERnships Program connects high school students with leading IT-focused companies in the Greater Cincinnati area, offering a structured, full-time paid summer internship experience. You’ll gain real-world experience working 37–40 hours a week in tech-driven environments, often at companies like Procter & Gamble and GE. The program is designed to expose you to a wide range of IT careers and build the foundational skills necessary for future college and career success. Applicants must complete a resume, attend virtual onboarding workshops, and be prepared for interviews before final selection.
Location: The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Columbus, OH
Cost: Free; paid internship ($13/hour)
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from the Columbus, OH area
The CREATES-HS Program is an 8-week summer research experience at OSU’s Comprehensive Cancer Center designed to introduce Columbus-area high school students to cancer research. As a participant, you’ll be placed in a laboratory alongside scientists, graduate students, and physicians, where you'll assist with cancer research. You’ll work 38 hours per week, attend weekly events, and complete a final research poster presentation. In addition to research training, you’ll gain professional development through faculty-led sessions, campus tours, and networking with STEM mentors. Selected students must stay in Columbus for the entire program duration and pass a physical and drug screening prior to participation.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Lydia is an alum from Harvard University and studied Molecular and Cellular Biology & Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She is working as a life sciences consultant after graduation.
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