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Free Programs for High School Students in Columbus

Nichable lists 13 programs, internships, research programs, competitions and volunteer opportunities for high school students based in Columbus, Dublin, Westerville and Worthington. None of them lists a cost to take part, and 7 state outright that they're free. Each one is checked against the organization's own page.

Youth Advisory Council

Columbus Medical Association Foundation
Program· Columbus, OH
Opening soon

Law & Leadership Institute (Columbus)

Law & Leadership Institute
Program· Columbus, OH
Opening soon

CND FOCUS Youth Leadership Program

Community for New Direction
Program· Columbus, OH
Opening soon
Volunteer· Worthington, OH
DeadlineRolling
Volunteer· Columbus, OH
Opening soon

Teen Volunteer Program

Nationwide Children's Hospital
Volunteer· Columbus, OH
Opens Feb 1, 2027 · Due Feb 2, 2027

Upward Bound

Columbus State Community College
Program· Columbus, OH
Opening soon

Ohio State Ma2JIC Welding Engineering High School Internship

The Ohio State University Manufacturing & Materials Joining Innovation Center
Internship· Paid· Columbus, OH
DeadlineFeb 12, 2027

Ohio State Explorations in Neuroscience Research Internship

The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Research· Paid· Columbus, OH
Opening soon

Franklin Park Conservatory Teen Corps

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Program· Paid· Columbus, OH
Opening soon

ZooAide Teen Volunteer Program

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Volunteer· Columbus, OH
Opening soon
Program· Columbus, OH
Opening soon
Volunteer· Columbus, OH
Opening soon

Common questions

Are these programs really free for high school students in Columbus?

None of these 13 listings names tuition or a required fee. Listings that charge say so in a cost line and are labeled "Costs money", so they aren't on this page. Smaller costs such as travel or materials can still apply, so confirm on the organization's page before you apply.

How do high school students apply to free programs in Columbus?

Each listing is run by its own organization and you apply on that organization's site. A free Nichable account shows each listing's deadline and how to apply, and lets you save and track them.