Participating in high school biology programs allows you to step out of the classroom and into the active world of scientific discovery. These programs typically immerse you in hands-on laboratory work, field research, and clinical observations, where you can master techniques like DNA sequencing, microbiology assays, or ecological sampling. You might find yourself assisting with groundbreaking biomedical research, exploring the complexities of animal behavior, or studying environmental conservation in diverse habitats. Beyond the technical skills, these experiences are designed to sharpen your analytical thinking and introduce you to professional mentors who can guide your path toward a future in medicine, research, or environmental science.
Why should you choose a program in Ohio?
Ohio gives you access to one of the most diverse scientific landscapes in the country. Whether you are interested in the clinical excellence of world-renowned medical centers in Cleveland and Columbus or the unique aquatic ecosystems of Lake Erie, the Buckeye State offers a wealth of specialized environments for every niche. You can spend your weeks working within top-tier research universities, participating in conservation efforts with the state’s extensive park systems, or engaging in biotechnology workshops in growing tech hubs like Cincinnati.
Check out these 15 biology programs for high school students in Ohio that can help you jumpstart your career in the sciences.
If you are already brainstorming specific areas to explore during your summer, you can also check out these biology research topics for high schoolers to help narrow down your interests before you apply.
1. Cleveland Clinic Research Summer Research Internship
Location: Cleveland Clinic Research, Cleveland, OH
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: December 15 – January 31
Eligibility: High school students (16+)
This intensive biology program places you directly into the laboratories of the Lerner Research Institute to assist with biomedical discovery. You’ll work 40 hours per week under the mentorship of principal investigators to conduct hands-on experiments in fields such as cancer biology, immunology, and cardiovascular science. You’ll learn essential laboratory techniques, including pipetting, cell culture, and data analysis using specialized software. You’ll conclude the experience by creating a research poster and presenting your findings to the Cleveland Clinic scientific community.
2. Biology Meets Engineering (BmE) Summer Program
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 1 – 18
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: High school students
The BmE program explores the intersection of biological systems and technical engineering solutions through a three-week residential or day experience. You’ll participate in laboratory modules that cover sensory biology, robotics, and biomechanics to understand how organisms inspire technological design. The curriculum emphasizes the use of biological sensors and computational modeling to solve complex physiological problems. You will also engage in collaborative projects, such as building bio-inspired prototypes or analyzing neural pathways in insects. This program is ideal for high school students in Ohio who are interested in bioengineering and molecular biology.
3. University of Cincinnati Medical Sciences Summer Institute
Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Cost: $1,100 (limited scholarships and financial aid available)
Cohort Size: 100 students
Dates: Several sessions in June
Application Deadline: March 25
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (16+)
This institute offers intensive, week-long sessions focused on Cellular, Molecular, and Medical Informatics tracks. You will engage in hands-on laboratory experiments, including DNA extraction and protein analysis, to understand the mechanisms of human disease. The curriculum includes lectures from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine faculty and tours of research facilities. You will also learn to analyze biological data and explore the intersection of technology and medicine. This biology program is designed to prepare you for undergraduate studies in the biomedical sciences through practical skills.
4. CYCE High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 8 – July 28
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: High school students (15+) from Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, or Summit counties who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents
The Center for Youth and College Education (CYCE) provides an immersion into clinical, non-clinical, and advanced technology tracks within a major hospital system. As an intern, you’ll be assigned to specific departments, such as Pharmacy, Nursing, or Health Informatics, where you will assist with daily administrative and operational tasks. The clinical track allows for direct observation of patient care workflows and hospital safety protocols. You will also participate in weekly professional development sessions that focus on healthcare literacy and career mapping.
5. OSU Stone Laboratory Introductory Courses
Location: Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost: Varies (discounts and scholarships available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Varies by course
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students (15+) who have completed their sophomore year and have completed one course of high school biology or environmental science
Stone Laboratory offers college-credit courses for high school students on an island campus dedicated to Great Lakes research. You can enroll in introductory courses such as Introduction to Biological Studies: Aquatic Biology, Ecology and Conservation of Birds, Introduction to Biological Studies: Local Plants, and more. The program emphasizes field-based learning, where you will collect samples directly from Lake Erie on research vessels. Laboratory work involves analyzing water quality and identifying local flora and fauna under expert supervision. The credits earned are transferable to most universities, giving you a head start on a science degree.
6. Wright State University Horizons in Medicine
Location: Wright State University, Dayton, OH
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June
Application Deadline: December 1 – April 3
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Horizons in Medicine is a month-long biology program designed to prepare you for the academic and professional demands of a medical career. As a participant, you will spend mornings in university laboratories and classrooms learning anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology from Boonshoft School of Medicine faculty. Afternoons will be dedicated to shadowing physicians in local hospitals and clinics to observe real-world patient interactions. The curriculum also includes clinical skills training, such as learning to take vital signs and practicing basic suturing techniques. The program concludes with a formal recognition ceremony and eligibility for future college scholarships.
7. Nationwide Children’s Hospital Summer Scientist Series
Location: Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Thursdays from June 11 – July 16
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students and undergraduates
This biology program introduces aspiring scientists to the fundamentals of the scientific method and careers in biomedical research. Weekly sessions cover diverse topics, including basic discovery science, translational medicine, and population health research. You’ll interact with investigators at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute to discuss ethics and current medical inquiries. You will also attend lectures and networking sessions designed to foster social interaction among young scientists. The program aims to bridge the gap between interest and professional career paths in medicine.
8. Miami University Summer Scholars Program
Location: Miami University, Oxford, OH
Cost: $1,080 (limited scholarships available)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Session 1: July 5 – 10; Session 2: July 12 – 17
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Summer Scholars Program allows you to immerse yourself in specific biological topics such as environmental science or medical research. You’ll live on campus for one week, engaging in hands-on projects guided by Miami University faculty. The curriculum is designed for active learners, featuring lab work, field expeditions, and collaborative research presentations. Beyond technical skills, you will attend seminars on the college admission process and career planning. Participants who later apply to Miami University will receive an application fee waiver.
9. OSU Marion – Science Adventurers: Elements of Discovery
Location: Ohio State Marion, Marion, OH
Cost: $185
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: May 31 (or until full)
Eligibility: Rising high school students
Science Adventurers: Elements of Discovery is a week-long camp that focuses on the intersection of biology, chemistry, and environmental technology. During the camp, you will perform experiments such as DNA decoding and molecular gastronomy to see biological principles in action. Fieldwork is a core component, with trips to the Larry R. Yoder Prairie Learning Laboratory to study local ecosystems. The program also introduces how artificial intelligence supports modern scientific research and data collection. You will use 3D-printed tools for water quality testing and conclude the week with an environmental capstone project.
10. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Within a 45-minute commute of the student’s home
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: November 21 – January 25
Eligibility: Rising or graduating high school seniors (16+)
Managed by the American Fisheries Society, this biology program places you with professional fisheries biologists to conduct aquatic research and management. You will work in the field and laboratory on projects involving fish population surveys, water quality testing, and habitat restoration. Ohio-based students typically work with the Department of Natural Resources or university researchers on Lake Erie or inland waterway ecosystems. The program generally involves collecting biological samples and recording data in rigorous scientific logs.
11. University of Toledo: Pharmacy and Science Career Camp
Location: University of Toledo, Toledo, OH
Cost: $300 (financial aid available for 6 participants)
Cohort Size: 60 students
Dates: June 15 – 17
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Hosted by the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, tne Pharmacy and Science Career Camp explores career paths in drug development, forensic science, and clinical pharmacy. As a participant, you will take part in laboratory simulations where you will learn about compound formulations and medicinal chemistry. The schedule also includes tours of research labs and interactions with current pharmacy students and faculty. You’ll reside in campus dormitories to experience collegiate life while learning about the biology of drug interactions.
12. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Zoo School
Location: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Powell, OH
Cost: $75 lab fee
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: School year
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Zoo School is a unique academic program where high school students in Ohio spend half of their school day at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The curriculum integrates zoology, ecology, and statistics through a hands-on, site-based learning model. During your time here, you will work alongside animal care professionals and study animal behavior, nutrition, and conservation biology in real-time. A significant portion of the program is dedicated to conducting authentic research projects and writing technical papers based on zoo data. You will also get to earn high school science and math credits that often transfer to public Ohio colleges.
13. Holden Forests & Gardens Green Corps
Location: Urban farms in Cleveland, OH
Stipend: $13/hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: April 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 26
Eligibility: Students who are 14-18 years old
Green Corps provides Ohio teens with paid work experience in the green industry through placements at the Cleveland Botanical Garden and Holden Arboretum. As a participant, you will engage in place-based learning focused on urban forestry, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem management. The curriculum involves practical training in plant identification, invasive species removal, and soil health assessment. You’ll also work in small teams to complete conservation projects and maintain public botanical collections. Beyond field labor, the program includes mentorship from environmental professionals and workshops on non-profit administration.
14. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital High School Volunteers
Location: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 2-3 hours/week for at least 6 months
Application Deadline: Applications open in January
Eligibility: High school students (15+) who have completed the 9th grade
This program places high school students in various hospital settings to assist staff and observe patient care workflows. As a volunteer, you will commit to a recurring weekly shift, gaining exposure to a pediatric medical environment. Despite being non-clinical in nature, the program still offers the chance to witness the operational side of a leading research hospital. The experience provides a foundation for students pursuing future medical or biological internships. Mandatory orientation and health screenings ensure you’ll be prepared for a professional healthcare setting.
15. Akron Children’s Hospital Teen Volunteers
Location: Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron, OH
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Summer and year-round opportunities
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students (16+) with a minimum 2.5 GPA
This volunteer program offers high schoolers the chance to support pediatric healthcare delivery in a hospital setting. You’ll be assigned to departments where you can assist with patient transport, information desk support, or clinical unit assistance. The program provides a structured environment for students to observe the daily responsibilities of biological and medical professionals. You must complete an interview process and a health background check to qualify. It serves as an entry point for students interested in future clinical internships or medical school.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program 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: Ohio State University