What is the STEM Institute?
SI is the Ohio Supercomputer Center's residential program where gifted high school students learn through project-based, hands-on experiences. Working in small teams, students use OSC's supercomputers to solve complex science and engineering problems, catch hackers using network forensics, study the spread of the bird flu, design computer games and more.
Teachers: Download our camp flyer to post in your classroom!
Who is eligible to apply?
Ohio residents currently in their freshman, sophomore or junior years of high school.
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Program Details
2025 Dates
Summer Institute will take place in the summer of 2025.
Session: June 1-13, 2025.
Applications open January 15 and close on April 1. Accepted students are notified in May.
Application Deadline
April 1, 2025
We will begin notifying accepted students in early May 2024.
Space is limited. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Cost
$600 per attendee
This fee of $60 per day covers housing, meals, program tuition, laboratory visits, insurance, chaperones, social activities, and equipment costs. It's worth noting that the program costs are heavily subsidized by external funding sources, as it actually costs OSC approximately four times more than what attendees are charged. Essentially, all participants are recipients of program scholarships, and, therefore, individualized scholarships are not available.
Location
Ohio Supercomputer Center
1224 Kinnear Road
Columbus, Ohio 43212
Activities
Summer institute is designed to offer an enriching educational and recreational experience by combining engaging lectures, interactive tours, and group project work with frequent recreational breaks and exciting evening activities on Ohio State's campus.
Example Academic Activities
Lectures:
- Unix / Python
- Team Building
- Cybersecurity
- Supercomputing
Tours:
- State of Ohio Computer Center
- Byrd Polar Research Center
- Center for Automotive Research
- Museum of Biological Diversity
Projects:
Attendees will work in small teams on diverse and challenging research projects. Teams are comprised of a project leader (staff member who created and designed the project) and up to four students. Learn about past projects.
Example Recreational Activities
- Outdoor sports and games
- Indoor sports
- Board games
- Video games
- Campus field trips
Care, Custody and Control
OSC is committed to providing the best experience possible for youth involved in our summer programs. Staff is expected to hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct when interacting with youth. OSC Summer programs follow the OSU Youth Activities and Programs Policy, which establishes requirements that safeguard the wellbeing of youth.
Student Drop-off and Pick-up Dates
Important dates in which student custody switches between OSC and student guardians.
| Day | |
|---|---|
| First Day | Students must be brought to Welcome Reception by 6 PM. |
| Friday | Students must be picked up for the weekend between 5-7 PM. |
| Sunday | Students must be dropped off at dorms between 3-7 PM |
| Last Day | Closing ceremony which invites parents and relatives to view student project presentations. |
Daily Routine
Consistent elements of a day at Summer Institute
| Time | |
|---|---|
| ~7:30 AM | Breakfast at OSU dining hall |
| ~8:30 AM | Campus bus to OSC |
| ~9:00 AM | Group touch point |
| ~Noon | Lunch at OSC |
| ~4:30 PM | Daily survey |
| ~5:30 PM | Campus bus to dorm |
| ~6:00 PM | Dinner at OSU dining hall and Various activities |
| ~9:00 PM | Curfew in dorm |
| ~11:00 PM | Lights outs |
Contact Information
(614) 292-9248 or si-contact@osc.edu
Testimonials
“Everyone was really nice, students and teachers. Using a supercomputer for the first time was a really cool experience, and it was just overall really fun and interesting.”
“I came to the institute thinking that most people were going to be intoverted nerds like myself, but I was completely surprised after the first few days. The kids around me were exceedingly nice, outgoing, and intelligent at the same time, which made me love the program even more.”
“I think this camp was a lot of fun though, and it was 100% worth it.”
“SI gave me a chance to experience a higher level of research. All of these experiences have really opened my mind to a lot of educational opportunities. Thank you for making this camp amazing!”
Read about SI 2023 and the camp's overall impact on students' futures.
SI 2024 Recap Video
