Shannon Gillespie working in lab

Next STEPP Clinical Research Summer Camp

June 9 – 12, 2025
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day
Multiple locations around Columbus, Ohio
Free to participants 

Apply by Feb. 14, 2025 (application link coming soon)

Space will be limited to 30 campers

The Next STEPP (STEM, Technology and Educational Pathways Program) is excited to announce its Clinical Research Summer Camp for 2025. In collaboration with The Ohio State University College of Nursing and Center for Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Columbus State Community College and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, this camp aims to provide an immersive work-based learning summer camp experience for rising sophomores and juniors in high school. Campers will learn about the history of clinical research and what is involved in conducting clinical research, and they will create their own research project and showcase their learnings to professionals in the field. 


Application process

By completing the application, you are tentatively reserving a spot for a student at the camp. Due to limited space, we will review applications and accept 30 students. 

Applications are due by 5 p.m. EST on Friday, February 14; decision emails will be sent out by Friday, March 7. 

If accepted into the program, an email will be sent to both the student and guardian that includes a registration packet. Only one person needs to fill out the information and submit the packet by the deadline. After the packet has been processed, a confirmation will be sent to both emails letting you know your space in the summer program has been reserved. 

We look forward to reviewing your application! 


Sample agenda 

Day 1: Columbus State Community College

  • Welcome and introductions
  • History and ethics or clinical research
  • Biotech lab hands-on experience 

Day 2: The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Jane E. Heminger Hall 

  • Concept to launch of a clinical trial
  • Overview of consent
  • Tour of research space
  • Skills station and practice consent scenarios 

Day 3: Nationwide Children’s Hospital 

  • Keynote speaker
  • Overview of pediatric research
  • Prepare presentations 

Day 4: Columbus State Community College 

  • Careers in clinical research presentation
  • Panel discussion
  • Poster presentations
  • Ending celebration and certificates