High School and Undergraduate Students
The Abigail Wexner Research Institute (AWRI) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is dedicated to training the next generation of research scientists. We offer several summer programs for high school and undergraduate students.
Research Interns and Research Aides
At this time, we do not accept volunteers at AWRI. In order to participate in a research experience at AWRI, students must either:
- Receive school credit for a research experience. Students must provide written documentation of the school credit that will be earned for the experience or the requirement of an internship for graduation. These individuals will be considered research interns and will onboard through Research Education and Development at AWRI.
- Be paid. Students who receive financial compensation are onboarded through Human Resources at Nationwide Children's and considered student research aides. Student research aides will be given non-exempt employee status and will be required to clock in and out in order to receive compensation. For paid opportunities, please visit the Human Resources page.
We are unable to provide placement for research aides or research interns into specific laboratories unless they participate in one of the programs described below (Futures Matter, CCVR IUST, etc.). We encourage students outside of these programs to research our numerous Centers of Emphasis and find areas that interest them.
Summer Scientist Education Series
The Summer Scientist Education Series is designed to expose all interested high school and early college students to the scientific method and careers in medical research. This lecture series is open to the public. Pre-registration is preferred.
Research Experiences in Childhood Heart, Lung, and Blood Sciences (REaCH-LABS)
The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Research Experiences in Childhood Heart, Lung, and Blood Sciences (REaCH-LABS) provides meaningful summer opportunities for undergraduate students from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine. Each annual cohort will include 10 participants who are eligible for up to two years in the program.
Our exceptional research mentorship faculty is comprised of over 20 NIH-funded principal investigators. Participants will be situated within a dynamic ecosystem of pipeline programs spanning high school research internships through T32-funded post-doctoral programs.
Cardiovascular Research Training Opportunity – Summer 2024
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Research to better prevent and treat it is essential.
The Center for Cardiovascular Research (CCVR) conducts innovative, multidisciplinary research to improve therapies and outcomes for infants and children with heart diseases and develop prevention strategies to promote cardiovascular health in children and adults.
Five rising juniors and seniors enrolled in colleges and universities across the country can experience this important research firsthand through a 10-week, paid educational opportunity funded by the American Heart Association (AHA) Institutional Award for Undergraduate Student Training (IAUST). Participants will support research, attend/participate in scientific conferences, interact with expert faculty members, learn about careers in medicine, biomedical research and bioengineering, and more.