13 Business Internships for High School Students in Columbia, OH
If you are a high school student who wants to explore careers in business, internships provide a structured way to gain experience and test your interests before college. Whether you work at a startup, nonprofit, or multinational company, these experiences give you access to mentorship from professionals and exposure to business operations. Internships also stand out on college applications because they demonstrate initiative and career focus.
Columbia, Ohio, is home to several organizations and businesses that offer internship opportunities for high school students. These business internships allow you to apply classroom concepts in marketing, management, and accounting to projects in a professional environment. They help you build skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership. Here are 13 business internships for high school students in Columbia, OH, including virtual options and programs with work-learn components in startups.
1. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies by program
Location: Remote – available to students in Columbia, OH
Dates: Multiple 8–12 week cohorts offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours per week
The Ladder Internship Program is a selective opportunity that connects ambitious high school students with high-growth startups. You’ll work on projects in industries ranging from AI/ML and health tech to marketing, consulting, and journalism. You will collaborate closely with your manager and a Ladder Coach, tackling real-world business tasks such as market research, product development, and business analysis. Alongside your internship, you’ll receive one-on-one training in communication and time management, plus access to group workshops with other students. Past host companies have included founders from Y Combinator and alumni of Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. The program concludes with you presenting your work directly to your company, ensuring both practical experience and professional exposure.
2. Young Founders Lab
Cost: Tuition-based; need-based financial aid available
Location: 100% virtual, with live interactive workshops
Dates: Four-week cohorts offered year-round (summer, fall, winter, spring)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
The Young Founders Lab is a selective nonprofit internship program designed as a startup incubator for high school students. Over the course of four weeks, you’ll work in teams to build a revenue-generating business from the ground up—starting with ideation and progressing through financial planning, strategy, and execution. The program blends workshops, case studies, and interactive sessions to give you both theoretical and applied business knowledge. Mentors from top companies like Google and Microsoft provide guidance on customer discovery, product development, and go-to-market strategy. By the end, you’ll have pitched your business concept, developed financial models, and experienced firsthand the pace and challenges of running a startup.
3. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Cost/Stipend: Paid; compensation details provided upon acceptance
Location: Local non-profit organizations
Dates: June – August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors from participating communities with an interest in leadership and community service
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program places high school students in paid internships with local nonprofits, combining practical work experience with leadership development. You’ll contribute to community-focused projects while building skills in communication, time management, and teamwork. The program also emphasizes social responsibility and civic engagement, allowing you to see firsthand how financial institutions and nonprofits collaborate to support communities. In addition to your placement, you’ll participate in professional networking opportunities and leadership training sessions, helping you prepare for future careers in business, public service, or finance.
4. Ohio Business Week (OBW)
Cost/Stipend: Paid; need-based financial aid available
Location: Columbus, OH (college campus residential program)
Dates: One week in summer (exact dates announced each spring)
Application Deadline: Spring (rolling until spots are filled)
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in business, entrepreneurship, and leadership
Ohio Business Week (OBW) is a residential summer program that immerses students in entrepreneurship and real-world business activities. Over the course of a week, you’ll join a small peer “company” to develop a unique service or product that addresses a real-world challenge, while being guided by consultants and business professionals. The program combines team-based collaboration, financial planning, and marketing strategy with exposure to leadership principles and investor pitching. Daily sessions include workshops on business fundamentals, mentorship from industry professionals, and preparation for a final pitch competition before mock investors. Living on a college campus also gives you a preview of student life while you practice professional networking and presentation skills.
5. APPS Job Readiness Program (AJRP)
Cost/Stipend: Paid ($15/hour, up to 20 hours per week)
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Dates: Seasonal (spring to summer), with possible fall and winter extensions
Application Deadline: Opens February 1 for youth participants
Eligibility: Columbus residents or taxpayers, ages 14–23; participants 18+ must pass a background check and drug test
The APPS Job Readiness Program (AJRP) is a recognized workforce development initiative helping Columbus youth build the skills and confidence needed for future employment. Designed for participants ages 14 to 23, the program combines paid work experience, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Depending on your interests, you might work in areas such as summer camp support, park maintenance, or golf course operations. You will typically work up to 20 hours per week at $15 per hour, with options to extend involvement beyond the summer season. Through hands-on learning and guided support, AJRP helps young people gain valuable workplace experience and take meaningful steps toward long-term career success.
6. Mary Miller Summer Program – PHC Group
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Location: Virtual, with opportunities to collaborate globally
Dates: Summer (exact dates announced annually)
Application Deadline: no information available
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; must have unrestricted U.S. work authorization
The Mary Miller Summer Program is a business internship for high school students, run by PHC Group. As a participant, you will join a global team working on public health and social media–focused projects. Tasks include crafting social media posts, conducting trend analysis, supporting online community engagement, and contributing to strategic planning discussions. You will also attend planning meetings with senior leadership, explore independent projects tied to PHC Group’s mission, and gain hands-on exposure to virtual collaboration tools. The program emphasizes leadership development, creative problem-solving, and professional communication skills, while also providing direct mentorship from the Public Health Director.
7. CLA High School Internship Program
Location: Select CLA offices nationwide
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Dates: Summer (6–8 weeks, beginning in June)
Application Deadline: Varies by location
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–18
The CLA High School Internship Program at CliftonLarsonAllen LLP offers students hands-on exposure to accounting, consulting, and business operations. Over the course of 6–8 weeks, you’ll work directly in CLA offices on real client projects related to financial management, operational efficiency, and professional services. You will collaborate with professionals in tax, audit, and wealth advisory, gaining insight into how these areas connect within the firm’s client service model. The program provides mentorship, structured team assignments, and skill-building workshops that enhance both technical and professional development. You’ll also receive a laptop to support your work and participate in in-person sessions Monday through Thursday. By the end of the program, you will have developed a clearer understanding of career pathways in finance and consulting.
8. EnergyMag Virtual Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: Half-time: 2–8 weeks in summer (≈20 hours/week); Quarter-time: 1–9 months year-round (≈8 hours/week)
Application Deadline: Rolling; summer positions often fill early
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA of 3.25+
The EnergyMag Virtual Internship Program gives high school students practical exposure to renewable energy and storage technologies through research-driven projects. Under the guidance of a mentor, you will investigate a specific company, market trend, or technology and produce a professional-quality research report. The program emphasizes technical writing, data analysis, and industry research methods, preparing you to analyze emerging business and scientific developments. Depending on your project, you may also contribute directly to EnergyMag’s website, gaining experience in industry-standard publishing. With flexible scheduling, the program accommodates quarter-time internships during the school year and more intensive half-time commitments in the summer. Students who successfully complete the program receive a Letter of Accomplishment documenting their contributions and skills.
9. Interns4Good – Nonprofit Internship Program
Location: Virtual; placements available nationwide
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: Year-round; length and weekly hours vary by placement
Application Deadline: Rolling; applicants usually hear back within one week
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9–12
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment; selective placement based on nonprofit needs and applicant profile
The Interns4Good Nonprofit Internship Program connects high school students with remote internships at mission-driven organizations across the U.S. Depending on placement, you might take on roles in marketing, HR, communications, or social media management. You will typically complete weekly assignments, submit progress reports, and receive structured feedback from nonprofit supervisors, ensuring professional growth and accountability. The program is designed for flexibility, with schedules tailored to both students and organizations. Beyond external placements, you may also contribute directly to Interns4Good initiatives such as tutoring, curriculum development, or blogging. This structure allows you to gain practical professional skills, verified service hours, and build your resume.
10. Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship Program
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Location: Various partner company sites across the U.S., including Columbus, OH
Dates: 8 weeks during May – August
Application Deadline: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis from September – April
Eligibility: High school seniors and undergraduate students (minimum 3.0 GPA; U.S. work authorization required)
The Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) Summer Internship Program provides paid placements for students passionate about media, technology, and entrepreneurship. The foundation partners with leading media, tech, and communications companies to offer practical experience in business, journalism, PR, engineering, and innovation. As an EBF Fellow, you will work 35–40 hours per week on real-world projects—such as developing digital campaigns, analyzing data, or assisting in product development. Beyond the internship, you’ll receive mentorship from industry professionals, participate in career development workshops, and join a national alumni network of nearly 2,000 professionals. The program emphasizes diversity, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking, making it a good choice for Columbus students eager to gain hands-on experience in media.
11. Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP)
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $12–14/hour plus $2,500 scholarship ($1,250 per session) upon completion
Location: Kansas City, MO, with remote options available
Dates: Session 1: June 2 – June 27 | Session 2: July 7 – August 1 (students may do one or both sessions)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP) connects high school students with 15 high-growth startups in Kansas City, offering an internship experience centered on entrepreneurship and innovation. Over the summer, you’ll work about 30 hours a week at your matched company, taking on tasks aligned with your interests and strengths. Each Friday, the cohort participates in company visits, exploring different industries and entrepreneurial support structures. The program emphasizes professional development, mentorship, and community-building, with students gaining exposure to real-world business challenges and startup operations. Participants are compensated with both hourly pay and a scholarship, making this a competitive business-focused high school internship program.
12. Public Service Scholars: High School Internship Program
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-free for students enrolled in Ohio’s College Credit Plus (CCP); internships are unpaid unless the host organization provides a stipend
Location: Columbus, OH (internship sites across Ohio; in-person, hybrid, or virtual depending on placement)
Dates: Summer: June – August | Fall: August – December | Spring: January – May
Application Deadline: March 1 (Summer) | June 1 (Fall) | October 1 (Spring)
Eligibility: Ohio high school seniors enrolled in the OSU Academy (CCP) who have completed or are concurrently enrolled in Public Affairs 2110 or 2120
The Public Service Scholars High School Internship Program combines college coursework with hands-on experience in public service and organizational management. As a participant, you will earn six college credits by completing foundational classes like Introduction to Public Affairs or Civic Engagement, followed by a credit-bearing internship. You’ll secure a placement in a public or nonprofit sector organization such as the Ohio House of Representatives, Red Cross, or a local city hall, where you’ll complete at least 80 hours of supervised work. Coursework includes reflective writing, career coaching, and a one-on-one session with an advisor to link academic theory to your internship role. The program emphasizes policy analysis, civic leadership, and professional communication, making it a strong fit for students interested in government, nonprofit management, or community impact.
13. SC Johnson Summer Internship Program
Location: U.S. business hubs; remote application access
Cost/Stipend: Paid; benefits may include subsidized housing and flexible scheduling
Dates: Summer; 10–12 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Select opportunities open to high school seniors entering college
The SC Johnson Summer Internship Program provides paid, hands-on experience for high school students. As an intern, you may be placed in departments such as finance, marketing, supply chain, sales, or human resources. You’ll contribute to strategic projects that mirror the responsibilities of full-time employees, including data analysis, market research, and operations planning. In addition to project work, interns take part in mentorship opportunities, training workshops, and networking sessions with professionals across the company. This program offers practical exposure to global brand management and corporate culture, while also building transferable skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
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