Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration Program

The Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration Program offers middle and high school students one-week intensive academic enrichment courses intended to introduce them to new areas of study or allow them to engage more deeply in content they already have an interest in. In-person classes meet from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and are taught by Ohio State faculty, staff, and graduate students. Teaching is active, hands-on, and encourages participants to engage with the instructional team and their peers. These courses are not for grades or credit and are designed for self-motivated learners.

Eligibility is based on a participant’s grade level for the 2026–2027 school year. Students entering 7th–9th grades in the fall of 2026 are eligible for middle school courses. Students entering 10th–12th grades in the fall of 2026 are eligible for high school courses.

If you have questions about this program, please contact ExploreASC@osu.edu or call Courtney Price at (614) 292-8208.

The application deadline is May 1st, 2026. We invite you to sign up for updates to receive information about our programs and be alerted when the when future application windows open. Looking for more options? Check out other summer youth programs offered by departments in the College of Arts and Sciences.

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2026 Course Offerings for Middle School Students

Eco-Printmaking: Sustainable Art for People and the Planet

Dates: June 1-5

Eligibility: Middle School (rising 7th - 9th graders)

Description:

In this hands-on course, students will explore eco-printmaking techniques and create original artwork using specialized printmaking equipment in the OSU Printmaking studio in the Department of Art. Traditional printmaking often involves toxic materials and methods that can be harmful to both health and the environment. This course introduces innovative printmaking techniques that prioritize the well-being of the artist and sustainability. Each day, students will learn eco-friendly approaches to various printmaking techniques, including screen-printing, relief printing, monoprinting, and risography.

Throughout the week, students will engage in lectures, demonstrations, and discussions with guest speakers, as well as have time for individual exploration. They will practice printmaking with a focus on sustainability, creativity, and the importance of art in environmental protection. At the end of the week, participants will have the opportunity to share and exchange their original prints in a class print exchange, culminating in a unique portfolio of eco-conscious artwork.

2026 Course Offerings for High School Students

The Earth Lab: Careers in Earth, Climate, and Ocean Sciences

Dates: June 1-5

Eligibility: High School (rising 10th - 12th graders)

Description: Ever wondered what earth scientists actually do? With nearly 27% of the current earth science workforce retiring by 2029 and a projected job growth faster than the national average, there's never been a better time to explore careers in this field. In addition to promising job growth, earth scientists earn competitive salaries, with a median annual wage of $92,580 in 2023. This course takes students beyond textbooks to explore real-world careers that shape our planet's future while offering excellent employment prospects and career stability. Each day of this course focuses on a different in-demand earth science career, combining hands-on activities, guest speakers from each profession, and practical applications to demonstrate to students how they can turn a passion for earth science into a meaningful career. Students will analyze samples and collect data using industry-standard techniques and equipment and visit campus facilities like the Orton Geological Museum and the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center. Through lab activities, field experiences, and problem-solving challenges, students will learn how earth scientists work to ensure clean water and sustainable resources for future generations. This course is for rising high school sophomores through seniors interested in exploring STEM careers, preparing for college, and solving real-world problems. The world needs more people who understand our planet, and this program helps students explore how to become one of them.

Scholarships are available for this course thanks to a generous donation from a School of Earth Sciences alumni. You can request consideration for this scholarship in the financial aid portion of the application.

Leadership: What It Is and How to Get It

Dates: June 8-12

Eligibility: High School (rising 10th - 12th graders)

Description: Leadership is a term that people are comfortable tossing about, yet when pressed, cannot define. It is a trait that we are increasingly expected to have, yet it seems elusive, perhaps only reserved for the most charismatic and business minded. This course will introduce leadership as a discipline, as a practice, and as a career. Importantly, we will debunk various stereotypes surrounding what makes for good and bad leaders (spoiler alert: charisma isn’t required). You will learn that there are a diversity of theories and styles of leadership and be introduced to historical leaders, both good and bad. You will work to discern your own values and leadership styles and begin to cultivate various skills in leadership. Along the way, you will also see leadership in action, hearing from leaders in a number of different fields. There are many pathways to leadership, as we will learn. At the end of the course, you will have the building blocks to start to forge yours.

Application and deadline

If a participant requires an accommodation such as interpretation to participate in this program, please contact the program at ExploreASC@osu.edu or 614-292-8208. Requests should be made as soon as possible. Requests made two weeks before the first day of a course will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet requests made after this date. We invite you to sign up for updates to receive information about our programs and be alerted when the when future application windows open.

Tips for submitting an application

When you click on the Apply Now button, you will be taken to the application system.
If this is the first time you are applying to our program, you will need to register to create a free account. This option is available on the bottom left of the log in box.
Once registered, you can login and submit your application.
Please note that applications should be completed by a parent/legal guardian.
You will receive an email confirming that your application has been submitted.
You can submit multiple applications from the same account. After submitting the first application, click on the home icon in the upper right corner.
All applications you have submitted will be visible from the home screen. To submit an additional application, click the carrot next to Options on the upper right corner of application text box. Select Apply Again from the dropdown menu.

Costs and aid

The program fee for the Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration 2026 program is $550 per one-week course, which includes all course materials and activities, lunch, and snacks.

Sibling discount: A 10% discount on the program fee will be applied to the registration of the second + child from the same household.
Limited need-based financial assistance may be available in the form of partial support. Financial assistance can be requested on the program application.
Scholarships specifically for The Earth Lab: Careers in Earth, Climate, and Ocean Sciences are available thanks to a generous donation from a School of Earth Sciences alumni.

Payment deadlines

Applicants have one week to accept their offer of admission to the program and pay the program fee. All payments must be made through the applicant portal. Once an offer is accepted and payment made, the parent or legal guardian must submit emergency contact and medical information, as well as signed Policy Acknowledgement and Consent forms no later than May 15, 2026.

Refund Policy

The Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration Program recognizes that sometimes plans change. Participants may request a refund of the program fee by emailing ExploreASC@osu.edu according to the following schedule:

On or before May 1, 2026: 100% of program fee paid
May 2 – May 15, 2026: 50% of program fee paid
On or after May 16, 2026: No refund of program fee paid

Program Details

While plans for each course may differ slightly, the daily schedule follows this general model:

Drop off 8:15 - 8:45 a.m.
Morning session 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Travel to lunch 11:30 - 11:45 a.m.
Lunch at Traditions 11:45 - 12:45 p.m.
Travel time 12:30 - 12:45 p.m.
On campus activity 12:45 – 1:45 p.m.
Afternoon session 2:00-3:45 p.m.
Travel to pick-up location 3:45 - 4 p.m.
Pick up 4:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Participants will always be escorted between pick-up/drop-off, their assigned classroom, the dining hall, and the on-campus activity by program staff. Additional information about the program will be emailed to participants and families, as needed, closer to the start of the program.

Lunch will be provided daily at the Traditions at Scott dining hall and will be supervised by program staff. Traditions provides a wide variety of food options that meet the most common dietary needs and restrictions, including halal, gluten-free and vegetarian. However, kosher dining is not supported during summer term.

The pick-up and drop-off location for students is the corner of Annie and John Glenn Avenue and Millikin Road, outside of the PAES building (see maps below). Please drop your child off from the eastbound lane of Annie and John Glenn Avenue. The drop-off/pick-up location will be marked with a sign and program staff will be present to check your child in and out of the program.

If you are using a navigation system for directions, enter the following address: 305 Annie and John Glenn Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210.

Please do not park in the drop-off/pick-up lane. If you need to park, or your child is driving themselves to and from the program, the closest surface lot parking is at the Ohio Stadium. The closest garage parking is Tuttle Garage. You can learn more about parking at Ohio State, including hourly rates, on the CampusParc website.

Map of Ohio State campus, with route for drop-off and pick-up of summer program students highlighted.

The image above shows the ideal route to the drop off and pick up location. The image below shows the drop off and pick up lane from the street view.

Street view of the drop-off and pick-up location.

For those riding COTA, the closest bus stop to the drop-off/pick-up location is N. High Street & E. 15th Avenue. See the COTA website for more information.

The first day of the program will kick-off with a brief orientation session. At 8:45 a.m. program staff will walk the students to the orientation location. At the orientation, students will receive a program t-shirt and lanyard, the program staff will be introduced, and the daily schedule will be reviewed. After orientation, students will be escorted to their classrooms and the morning session will begin.

What to Wear

Participants should wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the classroom, as well as for a range of temperatures. For most courses, participants will spend most of the day inside air-conditioned classrooms. However, we will be walking between the drop-off/pick-up location, classrooms, campus locations and the dining hall. Dressing in layers and wearing comfortable walking shoes is recommended. Any course specific requirements are listed in the course description.

Friday What to Wear

Each Friday on the last day of classes, we will take pictures of each class cohort. We encourage participants to wear their Arts & Sciences Summer Exploration t-shirt on Friday for this event!

Daily Packing List

Cell phone and charger (optional)
Personal academic supplies, such as pens/pencils, notebook, and backpack.
- Any special academic materials needed for courses beyond this basic list will be provided by the program.
Snacks and water: Participants should bring a refillable water bottle every day. While the program will provide an afternoon snack, participants are allowed to bring their own snacks. However, we request that, for the safety of participants with nut allergies, no snacks containing nuts be brought to the program.
Personal medications in their original labeled containers (if taken during the day)
Sunscreen and umbrella or rain jacket (optional)

Shortly after an applicant accepts their offer of admission, the parent or legal guardian will receive an email from DocuSign with links to program policy and consent forms. These forms must be reviewed and signed by May 15, 2026.