15 STEM Programs for High School Students in Cincinnati, Ohio
- Stephen Turban
- 7 hours ago
- 9 min read
If you’re interested in STEM, you might be looking for ways to explore the subject beyond what your high school classes offer. Structured programs can introduce you to areas like engineering, biomedical science, computer science, and technology while providing exposure to advanced concepts and guided learning environments. They can also help you build skills in problem-solving, analysis, and collaboration.
In Cincinnati, STEM programs are offered through universities, research centers, hospitals, and regional initiatives. These programs include summer camps, internships, competitions, and multi-week academic experiences, with some focused on research and others on skill-building across different STEM fields.
Why should I do a STEM program in high school?
STEM programs give you the opportunity to explore how different scientific and technical fields are studied and applied. You might work on engineering projects, take part in lab-based activities, learn coding or data analysis, or explore healthcare and research environments while working with mentors and peers. Over time, these experiences can help you build foundational skills, discover your interests, and prepare for further study in STEM-related fields.
In this blog, we have curated 15 STEM programs for high school students in Cincinnati, Ohio.
If you’re looking for free online summer internships, check out our blog here.
Location: University of Cincinnati, Uptown Campus, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: Free
Dates: June 1 – June 18
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: High school students able to commit to the full three-week program.
The Biology Meets Engineering (BmE) Summer Program brings together biology and engineering through the study of animal behavior and robotics. The program explores how animals use sensory systems to navigate their environments and translates those concepts into engineering design. You’ll participate in biology-based activities before applying what you learn to build and program robots that mimic key animal features and behaviors. The program is team-oriented and concludes with a public presentation, incorporating college- and career-readiness activities.
Location: Remote
Cost: Depends on the program
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply here.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a highly selective research experience that gives you the opportunity to explore advanced topics across a wide range of disciplines, including STEM and social sciences, while developing real research skills. During the 12-week program, you’re matched individually with a PhD-level mentor and guided through the process of designing, executing, and refining an original research project. By the end of the experience, you’ll produce a complete, independent research paper and gain exposure to how academic research is conducted at the university level. Research areas span computer science, data science, engineering, physics, psychology, economics, chemistry, and international relations.
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Cost: Free, Paid internship
Dates: Internships run year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by regional intermediary
Eligibility: Ohio high school students aged 19 or younger at the start of the internship.
The High School Tech Internship Program is a statewide workforce initiative led by the Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation that connects high school students with paid, technology-focused internships. The program places you in real entry-level roles across fields such as software development, data and analytics, cloud and IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, broadband and 5G, artificial intelligence, and advanced mobility. You’ll work alongside professionals, take on meaningful job responsibilities, and gain early exposure to workplace expectations in high-demand tech sectors. The internships are hosted by private companies, nonprofits, educational institutions, and local governments across Ohio, including employers in the Cincinnati region.
Location: Online
Cost: Varies; need-based financial aid is available.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts run throughout the year, including summer sessions lasting approximately 12–15 weeks
Application Deadline: Depend son the cohort opted for.
Eligibility: Open to high school students worldwide; applicants to the AI Fellowship are expected to have prior exposure to AI concepts, Python, or to have completed the AI Scholars program.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Academic year program
Application Deadline: Varies by Cincinnati Public Schools enrollment timelines
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12
Hughes STEM High School offers a rigorous, STEM-focused high school experience designed for students who want deep, sustained exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math alongside a strong liberal arts foundation. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, project-based coursework, applied technology, and social-emotional development. Beginning in junior year, you’ll choose from specialized pathways including Engineering Futures, Information Technology, Health Sciences, or Animal and Plant Sciences through the school’s Zoo Academy partnership.
Location: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: Free
Dates: June 9– June 10 or July 16– July 17
Application Deadline: March 21
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors with a GPA above 3.0.
The Pediatric Nurse Explorers Program is a two-day immersive boot camp designed specifically for high school students interested in pediatric nursing and healthcare careers. They’ll give you early exposure to clinical environments through guided nurse shadowing, hands-on nursing skill practice, and direct interaction with nursing professionals. You’ll learn what pediatric nursing looks like day-to-day while gaining insight into career pathways, hospital culture, and future employment opportunities in healthcare. Led by experienced nursing instructors at one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals, this program is ideal if you want a realistic, low-barrier introduction to nursing before committing to a college track.
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Cost/Stipend: Need-based scholarship program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Multi-year program beginning in 8th grade; continues through high school and college
Application Deadline: Varies annually
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders from eligible Ohio public school districts; first-generation college students from low-income households
The Young Scholars Program is a long-term, highly selective college-access and success program designed for academically strong, first-generation students with high financial need, including students from Cincinnati Public Schools. It strongly supports students interested in STEM pathways by providing rigorous college-prep coursework expectations, academic coaching, mentoring, and sustained exposure to a top-tier research university. You’ll participate in summer institutes, campus visits, leadership development, and guided major and career exploration, with continued support through college enrollment at Ohio State.
Location: Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $1,095
Dates: July 19 – July 24
Application Deadline: Rolling; early registration recommended due to limited spots
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12
STEAM@XU is a residential summer program that immerses high school students in hands-on research across science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The program allows you to work directly with faculty mentors on small group research projects, ranging from molecular biology and environmental science to computer modeling, forensic analysis, and data-driven studies of community health. You can select a research area aligned with your interests and collaborate with peers to complete and present a project by the end of the week. Beyond research, the program emphasizes college readiness through workshops on academic pathways, interviews, and professional skills, while offering a true campus-life experience.
Location: Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $395
Dates: June 15 – June 19
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12.
The CSI Forensics Camp at Xavier University is a weeklong summer program that introduces high school students to forensic science and investigative techniques used in law enforcement. Led by a retired law enforcement professional and current Xavier faculty member, the camp immerses you in a mock crime scene investigation using professional forensic kits and laboratory equipment. You will learn how to collect and label evidence, analyze fingerprints, examine hair samples, study tire track impressions, and determine blood types using synthetic samples. The program also covers forensic entomology, showing you how insect evidence can help determine the time and circumstances of a crime. All materials are provided, and you will receive a Xavier summer jersey as part of the experience.
Location: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $1,100
Dates: Multiple one-week sessions offered in June
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old.
The Medical Sciences Summer Institute (MSSI) is a weeklong biomedical enrichment program designed for high school students interested in medicine, healthcare, and scientific research. It takes place in a research-focused academic environment and introduces you to hands-on laboratory and data-driven work, depending on the track you select. You can choose from cellular biology, molecular biology, or medical informatics, with topics ranging from gene expression and protein biochemistry to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and healthcare data visualization. Each session emphasizes foundational research skills, exposure to modern biomedical tools, and insight into academic medicine.
Location: GE Aerospace Learning Center, Greater Cincinnati area, OH
Cost: Paid registration
Dates: February 14 – February 15
Application Deadline: Registration-based; early-bird pricing ends January 16.
Eligibility: High school students from the Greater Cincinnati region.
TechOlympics is a two-day, in-person technology competition and expo that brings together high school students from across Greater Cincinnati to explore careers in IT and applied technology. The event combines competitive challenges with professional development and industry exposure. You can compete in areas such as programming, networking, and digital design, or participate in workshops that build practical skills in coding, design, and emerging technologies. Beyond competition, TechOlympics places strong emphasis on career readiness. You’ll receive hands-on support with resume building, interview skills, and professional communication, while networking directly with Cincinnati-based employers, many of whom recruit interns and future co-op students through the event. The expo-style format also makes it easy to connect with peers who share similar interests in technology and innovation.
Location: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati area
Cost: Typically $175–$320
Dates: June–July
Application Deadline: Not specified; registration opens seasonally
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12.
The STEM Academies are weeklong summer programs hosted by the Center for Integrative Natural Science and Mathematics (CINSAM) at Northern Kentucky University. Designed for high school students who want deeper exposure to STEM, these academies give you access to college-level equipment, labs, and facilities while working alongside NKU students and instructors. The program tracks change each year but commonly includes areas such as electrical and electronics engineering, neuroscience, cybersecurity, cloud and edge computing, and artificial intelligence. Most academies emphasize hands-on projects, applied problem-solving, and collaboration with peers who share similar interests.
Location: Multiple locations including Cincinnati, OH; also available online
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round; schedules vary by club
Application Deadline: Rolling; join or start anytime
Eligibility: Girls and non-binary students in grades 6–12
Girls Who Code Clubs are free, flexible programs designed to help high school students explore computer science in a supportive, community-driven environment. Through weekly meetings held after school, on weekends, or during the summer, you can build real-world coding skills while working on projects that address meaningful social and community challenges. The curriculum is project-based and self-paced, with learning tracks in web development, cybersecurity, game design, and artificial intelligence, making it accessible whether you’re brand-new to coding or already experienced. The clubs are hosted across Cincinnati through partner schools and libraries, with the option to participate virtually if a local chapter isn’t available. Beyond technical skills, the program emphasizes mentorship, leadership, and confidence-building, helping you see yourself as a future technologist while connecting with peers who share similar interests.
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Cost: Not specified
Dates: Check website for latest updates
Application Deadline: The hospital has confirmed plans to launch a newly redesigned summer experience, with applications opening in November.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors.
The High School Summer Internship Program at Cincinnati Children’s is a highly regarded opportunity for students interested in medicine, biomedical research, and healthcare careers. Historically, the program has offered deep, hands-on exposure to pediatric medicine, allowing you to shadow physician-scientists in clinical settings and participate in research-focused projects. You’ll work closely with a primary mentor, rank specialty interests during the application process, and engage in structured programming such as simulated patient training, clinical observation, group service activities, and professional lunch seminars. Each experience concludes with a formal presentation where you’ll reflect on and share your learning with peers and mentors.
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: Varies by camp; scholarships available for day camps
Dates: June–July
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Eligibility: Rising high school students.
The University of Cincinnati’s Engineering Summer Camps offer high school students an immersive, college-level introduction to engineering through hands-on, project-based learning on UC’s Uptown campus. The camps span disciplines such as mechanical, aerospace, biomedical, chemical, civil, architectural, computer, and electrical engineering. Depending on the session, you can enroll in a day camp or opt for a residential experience that includes housing and meals. The programs emphasize real engineering problem-solving, collaboration, and exposure to how engineering is studied at the collegiate level, making them a strong option for those seriously considering engineering majors.
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.
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