Next STEPP Clinical Research Summer Camp
Introducing high school students to clinical research through an immersive, hands-on summer camp experience
The Next STEPP (STEM, Technology and Educational Pathways Program) Clinical Research Summer Camp is a collaboration of The Ohio State University’s College of Nursing and Clinical Translational Science Institute and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
This camp allows students to engage in activities that include developing a group research project in which they strategize about study questions, create a protocol and present a research poster. Participants hear from professionals from various institutions engaging in panel discussions, learn lab techniques, explore research, practice informed consent and become immersed in career exploration.
Day 1: Ohio State College of Nursing, Jane E. Heminger Hall
- Welcome and introductions
- History and ethics of clinical research
- Biotech lab hands-on experience
Day 2: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
- Keynote speaker
- Concept to launch of a clinical trial
- Overview of consent
- Overview of pediatric research
- Simulation lab hands-on experience
Day 3: Ohio State College of Nursing, Jane E. Heminger Hall
- Prepare presentations
- Tour of research space
- Skills station and practice consent scenarios
Day 4: Ohio State College of Nursing, Jane E. Heminger Hall
- Careers in clinical research presentation
- Panel discussion
- Poster presentations
- Ending celebration and certificates
Application process
Application deadline: March 6 by 5 p.m. ET
Decision: March 27, sent via email
Registration packet submission deadline: April 10
- If accepted, both students and guardians will receive an email with a registration packet and a link to pay the $50 deposit.
- Only one person needs to fill out the information and submit the packet.
- After the packet has been processed, a confirmation will be sent to both emails, confirming the student's reserved spot in the program.
Take the next step
By completing this application, you tentatively reserve a spot for a student in the camp. Due to limited space, we will be reviewing applications and accepting approximately 30 students.
Questions?
Successes from the inaugural camp in 2025
Students and their families approached this pilot year of the camp with remarkable enthusiasm; the partnership received 100 applications for only 30 spots. The camp successfully retained 33 out of 34 accepted students, with four unable to participate during various camp days due to illness.
Pre- and post-camp assessments showed significant growth in students’ understanding of research concepts and processes. Organizers plan to publish a toolkit to help other institutions replicate the camp and are seeking additional sponsorship to expand the program, potentially into two cohorts. Future goals include identifying sustainable scheduling and collaboration strategies to accommodate growth and maintain quality.
Student testimonials from the 2025 camp
“This camp was the best summer program I have ever attended … As someone who wants to go into the medical field, exploring and learning about the impact of clinical research has inspired me to continue exploring the vast opportunities that impact patient care.”
“The past couple of days have been so enlightening and mind opening to the world of clinical research.”
“It was truly a transformative experience … The hands-on activities, insightful lectures and passionate mentors made the entire program not only educational, but also deeply inspiring. It opened my eyes to the possibilities in medical science and strengthened my desire to pursue a career in healthcare. The Next Stepp camp exceeded all my expectations and left me more motivated than ever to make a difference in the world!”