15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Cincinnati, Ohio
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 5
- 12 min read
For high school students in Cincinnati, summer can be a productive time to explore academic and career interests beyond the classroom. Whether you're curious about science, law, the arts, or technology, summer programs can help you take that interest a step further.
Why join a summer program as a high school student?
These programs offer a chance to deepen subject knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and develop useful skills like research, collaboration, and critical thinking. Some also provide early exposure to college-level coursework or campus life.
Why Cincinnati?
Cincinnati is home to respected universities, hospitals, and cultural institutions that offer a wide range of programs for high school students. From artificial intelligence labs to creative writing workshops, you'll find opportunities to engage with local experts and peers in meaningful ways.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 15 summer programs in Cincinnati for high school students, each offering a unique way to explore your interests and grow your experience.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline: June 23 for Summer Cohort 2. Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June).
Eligibility: All students must be currently enrolled in high school; no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
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 that you can explore as a high schooler.
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 psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: Free, transport within the Cincinnati metro area, and lunch provided
Application Deadline: April 19
Dates: June 2 - June 18
Eligibility: High school students
The Biology meets Engineering (BmE) summer program, offered by the University of Cincinnati on its Uptown campus, is a three-week, no-cost opportunity to explore the intersection of biology and engineering through hands-on study of sensory-guided animal behavior and robotics. You will learn how animals perceive and respond to their environment, and apply those biological principles to design, build, and program robots. Through transdisciplinary activities, you will gain foundational skills in both biological sciences and engineering, including observation, coding, mechanical design, and problem-solving. The program also includes college and career readiness workshops and opportunities to engage with faculty and professionals working in STEM fields. You’ll have the chance to collaborate on projects, test your designs, and present your work in a structured academic setting.
Location: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH.
Cost: No cost, $13/hour stipend
Application Deadline: February 1
Dates: 8 weeks from June 3 onwards
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors residing in the Cincinnati metropolitan area
The High School Summer Internship Program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center is an eight-week, paid, in-person program designed for graduating high school seniors in the Cincinnati metropolitan area who are interested in pediatric biomedical sciences. You will work 20 hours per week under the mentorship of a faculty member in a selected pediatric specialty, gaining direct exposure to clinical or research settings. Through shadowing, hands-on project work, and structured observations, you will learn core skills in scientific inquiry, clinical protocols, data collection, and analysis. Weekly luncheons provide opportunities to engage with professionals across various specialties, while simulation lab training and group seminars deepen your understanding of pediatric care. You will also have the chance to observe additional specialties and contribute to service learning initiatives. The program culminates in a final presentation, where you will synthesize and share your learning experiences with peers and mentors.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 16 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA). Most accepted students are 10th-11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites; see here
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! It is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research, you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. Apply here!
Location: Art Academy of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $175
Application Deadline: February 10
Dates: Various dates from June 2 - July 18, depending on the course
Eligibility: Programs are open to all students from the age of 13 to 18
The Teen Academy summer program, offered by the Art Academy of Cincinnati, provides a series of week-long, studio-based courses to explore disciplines such as acrylic painting, printmaking, ceramics, digital projection art, fashion design, and creative writing. You will learn technical and conceptual skills in both traditional and experimental media while developing your portfolio in a professional art school environment. Each course emphasizes hands-on practice, guided critique, and collaboration with practicing artists and instructors. You will engage in creative problem-solving, deepen your understanding of artistic processes, and present your work to peers and mentors, gaining valuable experience in articulating ideas and receiving constructive feedback. The program also offers the opportunity to work in small cohorts, creating space for artistic dialogue and sustained peer learning.
Location: Franklin University, Columbus, OH, or virtual
Cost: Free for public school students; Students attending public or non-public high schools will have their book expenses covered by their respective schools. In contrast, pre-college and homeschool students are required to purchase their own books.
Application Deadline:
Fall Trimester - June 1
Winter Trimester - Nov. 1
Summer Trimester - March 1
Dates: Various dates based on trimester
Eligibility: All applicants must take Franklin University placement examinations and place into WRIT 120, College Writing. If the applicant wishes to take math courses or courses for which prior math credit is a prerequisite, students must achieve placement into MATH 150, Fundamental Algebra
The College Credit Plus (CCP) program, offered by institutions such as Franklin University and other participating Ohio colleges and universities, enables you to enroll in college-level courses while in grades 7–12, with the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously. Through this program, you will develop academic writing, research, and analytical thinking skills by engaging with rigorous coursework across disciplines. You may take classes online, at your high school, or on a college campus, gaining firsthand exposure to college expectations and academic environments. You will learn to navigate college-level syllabi, meet deadlines, and participate in discussions with instructors and peers. The program supports early preparation for higher education while allowing you to build a competitive academic profile without incurring tuition, textbook, or fee costs at public institutions. Courses taken through CCP may also fulfill high school graduation requirements, depending on district approval.
Location: Carl H. Lindner College of Business, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $200; Scholarships available
Application Deadline: April 18
Dates: June 8-11
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
The Lindner Summer Institute (LSI), hosted by the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, is a residential summer program designed to introduce you to core business disciplines while building key academic and professional skills. Through interactive sessions with Lindner faculty and staff, you will learn how to communicate effectively through personal storytelling and elevator pitches, explore areas such as management, marketing, and entrepreneurship, and gain insight into navigating the college admissions process. Hands-on experiences include campus tours, collaborative workshops, and peer networking activities that simulate aspects of university life. You will also have the opportunity to refine your time management, public speaking, and decision-making skills while engaging in structured group tasks and thematic discussions. The program offers a comprehensive introduction to college-level expectations and business education in a supportive and immersive environment.
Location: Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $1,049 onwards
Application Deadline: Rolling applications are accepted till all slots are booked
Dates: Multiple options starting from June 9 and ending on July 18
Eligibility: Students aged 7-17
The STEM Summer Camps at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, offer week-long on-campus programs that introduce you to foundational and advanced concepts in fields such as coding, robotics, game development, AI, and 3D printing. Through a combination of hands-on projects and technical mentoring by professionals from top universities, you will develop skills in problem-solving, programming logic, and digital design. Lab sessions are held in dedicated tech spaces designed to encourage collaboration and creative thinking. In addition to skill-building, you will gain exposure to collegiate environments and routines, including structured campus activities and informal peer learning. Each camp concludes with opportunities to showcase your work, providing valuable presentation experience and feedback from both mentors and peers.
Location: Mutual Arts Center, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $100 to $400, depending on the course; $50 registration fee. Check the website for more info.
Application Deadline: Early bird: March 31; Regular Tuition: May 15; Late Rate: May 16
Dates: July 14-18
Eligibility: Participants are 13-18 years old and are fairly mid to advanced level; no audition required
The Teen Summer Modern Dance Intensive, offered by Mutual Dance Theatre in is a one-week pre-college program designed to deepen your understanding of Modern Dance through daily instruction, technique classes, and masterclasses led by company members and guest artists from recognized contemporary dance organizations. This program emphasizes physical rigor, performance quality, and exposure to diverse choreographic styles and pedagogical approaches. You will learn how college-level dance programs are structured, engage in movement analysis, and refine improvisation and composition techniques. Through collaboration with professional dancers and educators, you will broaden your artistic perspective and build confidence in presenting your work in a professional environment. The program culminates in a showing for friends and family.
Location: Withrow High School
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Dates: Not mentioned, contact 513-556-7099 or kendra.byrd@ucmail.uc.edu for more information
Eligibility: This program is exclusively for Withrow University High School Students who are entering 11th or 12th grade
The Withrow University High School of Business Pathway to Lindner program, offered through a partnership between the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business and Withrow University High School, provides the opportunity to earn college credit in core business and academic subjects while still in high school. Through courses such as English Composition, Financial Accounting, Microeconomics, Entrepreneurship, and College Algebra—delivered at Withrow by qualified instructors in collaboration with UC faculty—you will develop analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and foundational business skills. You will engage with college-level material in a structured high school setting, gaining direct exposure to university expectations. The program includes guidance from business professionals and educators, allowing you to refine your academic competencies, collaborate on projects, and prepare a competitive academic portfolio. Completion of all five courses ensures eligibility for guaranteed admission to the Lindner College of Business.
Location: Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost: $550 for a one-week course
Application Deadline: May 1
Dates: Multiple dates from June 9 - June 27
Eligibility: Students entering 10th - 12th grade in the fall
The Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration Program at The Ohio State University offers a week-long academic enrichment opportunity for high schoolers, with in-person classes taught by Ohio State faculty, staff, and graduate students. These programs offer hands-on learning across STEM and leadership: 1) A science research track teaches experimental design, data analysis, and communication through student-led projects in health/biological/physical sciences. 2) A leadership course explores historical and modern leadership models with industry professionals. 3) A neuroscience program combines anatomy dissections (e.g., cow eyes) with studies of sensory disorders like synesthesia, blending theory with lab work. Any of these courses offered under the Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration Program build critical thinking, technical skills, and real-world readiness. Some of the course offerings for high schoolers are Developing Adaptable STEM Skills, Leadership: What It Is and How to Get It, and other STEM courses like Sensational Science: Exploring Human Perception. The program culminates in opportunities to share your writing in a supportive academic setting, helping you build confidence and prepare for college-level writing demands. Since this program is located in Columbus, there is a slight commute for students in Cincinnati to the pick-up and drop-off points mentioned on the website, but everyone is welcome to commute.
Location: College Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: Varying costs from $550 - $1000
Application Deadline: July 31
Dates: Multiple dates over June and July
Eligibility:
The Summer 2025 Programs at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) offer high schoolers a range of intensive workshops designed to build advanced creative and technical skills in the performing arts. These include the Musical Theatre Intensive, Ballet Intensive, Jazz Intensive, CCM/CPS Summer Jazz Academy, Saxophone Intensive, and Strings Intensive. Through these programs, you will engage in structured training in areas such as vocal performance, acting, choreography, instrumental technique, ensemble work, and audition preparation. Classes are taught by CCM’s collegiate faculty and guest professionals, allowing you to collaborate with experienced artists and receive mentorship in both performance and college readiness. You will gain insight into artistic discipline, improve technical proficiency, and develop critical skills in interpretation, stage presence, and ensemble collaboration. Each program culminates in a performance or presentation, offering a professional platform to share your work and receive detailed feedback, all within a rigorous yet supportive pre-college environment.
Location: Carl H. Lindner College of Business, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $350 (includes meals and accommodation); partial scholarships available for rising seniors who are eligible for free and reduced lunch plans
Application Deadline: Applications open on March 14, and students are notified of their selections on May 26
Dates: July 13-16
Eligibility: Priority is given for students entering 12th grade, but those entering 11th grade will be considered on a space-available basis as long as they submit their GPA and math scores
The Lindner Business Immersion Camp (LBIC), offered by the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, is a four-day residential summer program designed for students interested in exploring core areas of business education and practice. Through faculty-led sessions, group projects, and case-based learning, you will develop foundational knowledge in marketing, sales, leadership, and branding. You will strengthen public speaking and teamwork skills by preparing and presenting elevator pitches, participating in recorded sales simulations, and collaborating on business challenges with peers. The program includes direct interaction with business professionals, alumni, and current UC students, offering insight into real-world business environments and expectations. Staying in campus housing and attending classes and activities across the university, you will also gain a realistic preview of college life and academic culture at Lindner.
Location: Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $495
Application Deadline: Not mentioned, registrations still open
Dates: August 4-8
Eligibility: Incoming 9th-12th graders
Offered by Xavier University, STEAM@XU is a one-week, hands-on summer research program in Cincinnati designed to deepen your understanding of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through guided research projects. You will select a project aligned with your interests—from synthesizing fluorescent jellyfish proteins to analyzing health disparities in Cincinnati neighborhoods—and work directly with Xavier faculty to conduct experiments, analyze data, and present your findings. Alongside technical skills like microscopy, virtual reality modeling, forensic analysis, and computational mapping, you will gain experience designing experiments, interpreting scientific results, and communicating research outcomes. Workshops on college readiness and interview preparation are built into the program, and daily interactions with university students and professors offer exposure to academic life and potential career pathways in STEAM fields. The program culminates with a formal research presentation, allowing you to demonstrate your work in a professional academic setting.
Location: Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $650
Application Deadline: Applications are open now! Apply here
Dates: June 23-27
Eligibility: All applicants must be a rising high school junior or senior
Offered by Xavier University, the Xavier Summer Scholars program is a one-week academic immersion for high school juniors and seniors that allows you to explore specialized fields through one of four focused tracks: sustainability and public policy, cybersecurity, narrative medicine, or holistic wellness. You will engage directly with Xavier faculty in hands-on sessions designed to build analytical, research, and communication skills, whether that involves evaluating environmental policies, participating in beginner-friendly cybersecurity simulations, analyzing the therapeutic role of storytelling, or examining the science of well-being. Through interactive seminars and project-based learning, you will gain insights into college-level academic approaches and collaborate with instructors and peers on meaningful topics. The program also includes structured opportunities to present your ideas, practice application strategies, and experience campus life through meals in dining halls and daily college-readiness workshops.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. 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.
Image Source - Cincinnati Children’s Hospital logo