If you’re a high school student in Cincinnati looking to spend a productive summer, consider enrolling in a local summer program! Summer programs give you the chance to explore topics you’re interested in, try out new subjects, and gain hands-on experience in advanced settings, all while building a strong skillset.
Colleges like the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University offer local programs that allow you to learn from professionals, stay current on industry trends, and enhance your skills. These experiences can help you explore career options and plan your academic path.
Whether you already know what you want to study or just want to explore different areas, we’ve gathered 15 summer programs for high school students in Cincinnati, Ohio, with options in business, STEM, engineering, architecture, music, theatre, and more.
1. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderately selective; the exact acceptance rate is not specified
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts are offered throughout the year
Eligibility: AI Scholars is open to all high school students. The AI Fellowship is for students who either have prior experience with Python or have completed the AI Scholars program.
Veritas AI offers programs for high school students who want to learn about artificial intelligence. Started by Harvard researchers, the programs are taught by instructors from schools like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Princeton. The AI Scholars program is a beginner-friendly, 10-session course that introduces you to AI, machine learning, and data science through hands-on projects based on real-world problems. If you already know some programming, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase is a more advanced option. You’ll work one-on-one with a university mentor who has experience in AI or machine learning to develop a research project. A publication team will help you get your work ready for submission to high school research journals. You can check out past student projects for ideas.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Around 10–25%
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort
Dates: The summer cohort typically runs from June to August
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale are encouraged to apply
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week opportunity for high school students to work on an independent research project with guidance from a PhD mentor. You can choose from a range of subjects in STEM, humanities, and social sciences. The program includes workshops on research methods and support for writing a full-length research paper. While it’s not run by a university, completing the program may make you eligible for UCSD credit. Possible areas of study include biology, chemistry, physics, neuroscience, math, history, astrophysics, computer science, data science, psychology, engineering, and more. If you don’t see a topic that matches your interests, you can customize one to fit what you want to study. Application details are available here.
3. University of Cincinnati’s Biology Meets Engineering Program (BME)
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: The program is free, and parking passes or Cincinnati Metro bus passes are available.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: April 19
Dates: June 2 – June 18
Eligibility: High school students
The University of Cincinnati’s Biology Meets Engineering (BME) Program is a three-week summer program that enables students to explore the intersection of biology and engineering. You will engage in practical biology activities to explore how animals use their senses to perceive the environment, and then use that understanding to build and program robots that imitate these sensory functions. The program also includes sessions on college and career readiness, providing an opportunity to consider your future while developing valuable skills. The program ends with a public presentation of your work. After completing the BME program, you can apply for the student internship program, which takes place at various locations across Ohio.
4. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: No cost; interns are paid $13 an hour
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 3–5%
Application Deadline: February 1
Dates: 8 week program starts with an orientation on June 3
Eligibility: High school seniors graduating in the spring who live in the Cincinnati metropolitan area
The High School Summer Internship Program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital is an eight-week, part-time opportunity for graduating high school seniors from the Cincinnati area. You will work 20 hours a week alongside a mentor in one of the hospital’s pediatric specialties. You’ll shadow your mentor in the clinic and may join clinical or research projects. You can explore mentor faculty webpages, rank your preferred specialties, and explain your choices in the application essay. You can also request to observe other specialties. The program includes hands-on training with simulated pediatric patients, group service projects, and guest speaker seminars. At the end, you’ll present your experience at a graduation event.
5. GE Next Engineers Camp at the University of Cincinnati
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH | University of Cincinnati, Blue Ash, OH
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 43 students
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: June 2 – June 6 (General Engineering) | June 9 – June 13 (Electrical Engineering) | July 14 – July 18 (Aerospace Engineering)
Eligibility: Students entering 9th or 10th grade in the fall from the greater Cincinnati area, which includes the nine closest counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana
GE Next Engineers Summer Camps are week-long day camps for students interested in exploring various engineering disciplines. These camps will introduce you to engineering through hands-on design challenges, small-group Q&A sessions with GE engineers, college and career readiness activities, and a Capstone Showcase on Friday, where you will present your work. You can pick one session based on your interests or schedule: the first week covers a mix of engineering fields, the second focuses on electrical engineering, and the third dives into aerospace engineering. Camps run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at UC’s Clifton campus, except for the third session, which is held at UC Blue Ash. You can only attend one session of the GE Next Engineers camp.
6. University of Cincinnati’s Lindner Summer Institute (LSI)
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $200 non-refundable fee; scholarships are available
Cohort Size: ~30 students
Application Deadline: April 18
Dates: June 8 – June 11
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Lindner Summer Institute (LSI) is an overnight program that gives high school students a chance to explore different areas of business while also learning about the college admissions process. Lindner’s community engagement and undergraduate admissions teams run the program. You’ll stay in UC residence halls and experience college life through classroom sessions, meetings with Lindner faculty and staff, and visits to the campus recreation center. The program includes a campus tour, lectures on topics like Possibilities in Business and Telling Your Story/Elevator Pitch, and a campus scavenger hunt. You’ll also attend sessions on topics such as Asking for Help, Getting Involved, Time Management, and Mental Health.
7. University of Cincinnati’s Lindner Business Immersion Camp
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $350
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified, but they typically have a high acceptance rate
Application Deadline: April 18
Dates: July 13 – July 16
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors. Students entering 11th grade may also be considered, but priority is given to rising seniors.
The Lindner Business Immersion Camp (LBIC) is a four-day program run by Lindner’s undergraduate admissions team. It provides rising high school seniors with an opportunity to explore various aspects of business through activities featuring faculty, alumni, current students, and corporate partners. By the end of the camp, you’ll become familiar with Lindner and its majors, improve your public speaking skills, work on group projects (a key part of business school), and enhance your leadership experience. You will reside in UC residence halls, attend classes, and experience college life while adhering to clear expectations for punctuality and active participation.
8. D’Artagnan Summer Academy — D’Artagnan Scholars Program
Location: Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: The program costs include a $500 enrollment fee and a $2,000 program fee; limited need-based financial scholarships are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: April 15
Dates: May 27 – June 8
Eligibility: Students who have finished their sophomore or junior year of high school by May 30, won’t graduate before the following January, and have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
The D’Artagnan Scholars Program is a pre-college program for rising high school juniors and seniors. You’ll earn college credit in business fields like accounting, business analytics, economics, finance, international business, management, entrepreneurship, and marketing while building academic and professional skills. The program also covers topics such as diversity, ethics, communication, and social responsibility, helping you develop strategic thinking and interpersonal skills. Two program options are available. In Cincinnati Exposed, you’ll explore how sports venues like those of the Reds and Bengals impact the local economy, like creating jobs, drawing fans, and supporting businesses. In Game Plan, you’ll learn core marketing strategies using real-world sports examples, with chances to hear from professionals and visit local teams. You can find a sample schedule here.
9. UC College-Conservatory of Music Teen Programs — Musical Theatre Intensive
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $1,000 (1-week session) | $1,800 (2-week session) + a $35 fee for audition applications
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: March 15 (priority deadline) | April 1 (final deadline)
Dates:
- 1-Week Sessions: June 16 – June 22 | July 14 – July 20
- 2-Week Sessions: June 16 – June 28 | July 7 – July 19
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders are eligible to apply, but you’ll need to audition to be considered for the program.
UC’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) Teen Programs give high school students a chance to dive into the performing arts. CCM Prep offers workshops in areas such as musical theatre and jazz, where students can learn from top artists and teachers, including faculty from CCM’s college. The Musical Theatre Intensive is designed for talented and motivated high school students who are committed to a career in musical theatre. You will receive training in voice, dance, and acting from conservatory faculty, local industry professionals, and CCM Prep instructors. This is a competitive program that requires an audition.
10. D’Artagnan Summer Academy — D’Artagnan Business Program
Location: Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $250 enrollment fee + $1,000 program fee; limited need-based financial scholarships are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: April 15
Dates: June 1 – June 6
Eligibility: Students who’ve completed their sophomore or junior year of high school by May 30, won’t graduate before the following January, and typically have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
The D’Artagnan Business Program is a week-long program for rising high school juniors and seniors. You will gain insight into the business world, covering areas from marketing to finance, and discover what drives companies. The program allows you to explore various business majors and career paths to identify your interests, along with workshops on building a strong CV for jobs or college applications. This comprehensive introduction to business can help you develop essential skills and knowledge for the future. If you finish the program and later enroll at Xavier University, you’ll receive credit for BUAD 101, a core business class. You can view the sample schedule here.
11. Art Academy of Cincinnati’s Future BFA Pre-College Program
Location: Art Academy of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $1,300 (Residential) | $700 (Commuter)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not listed
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: July 6 – July 26
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Future BFA is the Art Academy of Cincinnati’s (AAC) portfolio and college prep program for high school students who want to study visual art, design, or creative writing in college. For three weeks in July, you’ll live in AAC’s dorms, use professional studios, and experience what it’s like to attend art school while being part of the AAC community. You will enroll in a college-level course centered on artistic research and independent projects, enabling you to design and create artwork, write creatively, and develop your portfolio. After completing the program, you’ll earn three college credits that can be transferred as a studio elective.
12. Xavier University’s CSI & Forensics Camp
Location: Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: Early bird registration is $150 if you register by April 30. Starting May 1, the regular registration fee is $175.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not listed
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: June 16 – June 19
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders can apply. Advanced 8th graders can also apply, but they must submit an essay explaining their interest in criminal justice or forensic science and their success in school science classes.
CSI & Forensics Camp is a one-week, half-day program for high school students interested in crime scene investigation. You’ll step into the role of an investigator and work to identify a murder suspect from a group of six. Along the way, you’ll connect with Xavier criminal justice students and professionals in the field. You’ll learn how to collect and label crime scene evidence, study hair samples under a microscope, analyze fingerprints, and examine tire track impressions. You’ll also test synthetic blood to determine blood types and explore forensic entomology by analyzing insects to estimate the time and location of death.
13. Cincinnati Architectural Mentoring Program
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $100; tuition assistance is available for students who need it
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not listed
Application Deadline: June 15
Dates: July 13 – July 19
Eligibility: Students entering 8th or 9th grade in the fall
The Cincinnati Architectural Mentoring Program (C.A.M.P.) is a summer camp designed to give participants a taste of architecture studies and introduce them to the profession. The program kicks off with a Parent & Camper Orientation at UC/DAAP. During the week, you’ll tour the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal and use the area outside the historic building as the site for your own design project. This five-day camp, running from Monday through Friday, includes hands-on design activities, lessons on key architects, and visits to major architectural landmarks in Cincinnati. The week wraps up with a final presentation of your projects and a graduation ceremony.
14. UC Engineering Camps at the University of Cincinnati
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: The cost ranges from $125 to $700, depending on the camp and whether it’s a day or overnight program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified, but they typically have a high acceptance rate
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: Multiple one-week camps are offered between June 9 and July 25.
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders can apply; specific camps may have their own prerequisites
UC Summer Camps are week-long programs for high school students interested in exploring engineering and preparing for college. Camps include campus tours, small-group sessions with faculty and grad students, hands-on design challenges, and mentorship from industry professionals. You can apply to multiple camps, but you can only attend one. The Young/Rising Engineers Camp offers a comprehensive overview of various engineering fields, including mechanical, chemical, civil, and biomedical engineering. The CEAS Camp offers four tracks: Biomedical/Chemical, Mechanical/Aerospace, Civil/Architectural/Construction Management, and Computer/Electrical Engineering. In ENG2YOU, you’ll team up with PhD students and faculty to design a project that uses autonomous vehicles to improve road safety.
15. UC College-Conservatory of Music Teen Programs — Ballet Intensive
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $600
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Application Deadline: March 15 (priority deadline) | April 1 (final deadline)
Dates: June 9 – June 13
Eligibility: Students aged 14–17. The intensive is geared toward intermediate to advanced dancers at levels 5 through 7.
UC’s College-Conservatory of Music Teen Programs give high school students a chance to dive into the performing arts. CCM Prep offers workshops for students interested in areas like musical theatre, jazz, and more. If you’re passionate about the arts, you’ll get to learn through hands-on sessions taught by national artists and CCM faculty. The Ballet Intensive is a full-day training program for young dancers, with classes in ballet technique, pointe, classical repertoire, and modern dance, running Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. You’ll also take additional classes in contemporary dance, musical theatre, Pilates, injury prevention, and nutrition, along with guest seminars on specific dance topics.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – University of Cincinnati