As a regional leader in higher education, Ohio Northern University is committed to civic engagement. Every year we host thousands of K-12 students and community members on campus for camps, workshops, concerts and special events. Take time to explore all of our public offerings!
For K-12 Students
We host a variety of camps and programs for students in grades K-12. Young learners can grow their knowledge and hone their skills while getting a glimpse of college life.
Pharmacy Camp
June 14-18, 2026Who: High School students entering their sophomore through senior year in Fall 2026
During this 4-day residential pharmacy course, you’ll discover the expanding role pharmacists play in improving patient lives. You will gain insight into the various science disciplines involved in the research and development of pharmaceutical products and patient care. This camp will evolve as you first learn the history of pharmacy and then progress through an enriching set of hands-on experiences that will expose you to a vast array of pharmacy disciplines. With the guidance of experienced ONU faculty and health care leaders in the area, you will learn drug modeling, design and development; work in a compounding lab; venture into the field of pharmacy where you will visit multiple pharmacy settings; perform research on drug information; and learn more about the expanding role of pharmacists in patient care, assessment and counseling. Lastly, through hands-on lab and research experiences, you will learn the steps required to manufacture a product and how to counsel patients on the use of medications.
Students who attend pharmacy camp and earn admission to the 0-6 Direct Entry program are eligible for a $1000 scholarship!
Cost: $495 which includes all activities, food and lodging.
Financial hardship scholarships are available. Contact m-parker@onu.edu for application information
Please direct questions to m-parker@onu.edu.
Pathways to STEM Camp
June 14-18, 2026Who: High School students entering their sophomore through senior year in Fall 2026
What: This 4-day, residential camp is open to students who would like to explore different avenues of study within the STEM realm. Camp attendees will work with Ohio Northern University faculty on multi-disciplinary projects and experience face-to-face instruction in science, technology, math and engineering topics. Campers will participate in hands-on laboratory experiences and interact with practicing engineers and scientists as they broaden their knowledge about careers in STEM.
Note: the camp size is limited to 24 students (no exceptions).
Cost: $495, which includes all activities, food and lodging.
Please direct questions to l-laird@onu.edu or b-hoyt@onu.edu.
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PATHWAYS TO STEM SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
7:30-8:00 a.m.
Breakfast
7:30 – 8:00 a.m.
Breakfast
7:30 – 8:00 a.m.
Breakfast
7:30 – 8:00 a.m.
Breakfast
8:15-9:30 a.m.
Welcome from Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Engineering
8:00-10:30 a.m.
Microbiology Lab: Part 1
8:00-9:30 a.m.
Microbiology Lab: Part 2
8:00-10:00 a.m.
Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry
9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Automation Engineering: not just for Electrical Engineers
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Physics
9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Civil Engineering
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Introduction to Manufacturing: Part 2
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Registration & Check-
In Affinity NW
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Soldering Project
1:00-4:30 p.m.
Art, Math and Programming with Robots
1:00-4:30 p.m.
Introduction to Manufacturing:
Part 1
1:00-3:30 p.m.
Mechanical Engineering
5:00-6:00 p.m.
Ice Breaker with Pharmacy Camp
3:00-4:30 p.m.
Campus Tour
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Surveys, Room Check-Out & Inspection with Counselors
6:00-7:00 p.m.
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Dinner
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Dinner
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Dinner
Thanks for coming!
Have a great rest of the summer!
7:00 p.m.
Evening Activities
5:30 p.m.
Evening Activities
5:30 p.m.
Evening Activities
5:30 p.m.
Evening Activities
Summer Music Camp for 7-12
The Ohio Northern University Summer Music Camp will take place from June 21-26, 2026. A final concert will take place on Friday, June 26 at 4 p.m.Camp is designed for students in grades seven-12, and provides many performing and educational opportunities. Campers can register to participate in band, choir, and/or orchestra, and we offer classes in music theory, music technology, world music, music history, rock and roll music, conducting, piano classes and jazz improvisation.
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Learn all about our offerings, faculty and activities here.
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Students now enrolled in grades 7-12 are eligible. Applications can be printed and mailed in with the deposit of $50 or you may use the web form above.
The deadline for camp applications is June 5, 2026. A nonrefundable deposit fee of $50 is required with all applications.
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Students Grades 7-12:
Residential Fees include dorm room, three meals a day, t-shirt, and tuition. $550.00
Day Camper with Meals Fees include two meals a day (lunch and dinner), t-shirt, and tuition $350.00
Day Camper No Meals includes the t-shirt and tuition $200.00
Sibling Discounts are available
$50.00 deposit required with all applications, balance of fees due on the first day of camp
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The camp is held on the beautiful campus of Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. All rehearsals, classes and performances are held in Presser Hall and the outstanding Freed Center for the Performing Arts.
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ONU Oratory & Art Festival 2026
Saturday - October 24, 2026Who: high school students, freshman through senior year
The ONU Oratory & Art Festival is a one day celebration of student voice, creativity, and expression centered on the theme What Makes Us Human. The festival invites high schoolers to express themselves through oratory, performance, and visual art inspired by the theme in a supportive, welcoming environment. Students of all experience levels—from first-time presenters to confident creators—are invited to submit, and supporters of students are encouraged to register to attend. With opportunities for recognition, growth, and shared learning during the festival, this free event highlights the power of creative expression to help students explore ideas that matter to them.
Please see below for more details, and direct questions to j-stonge@onu.edu.
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A Celebration of Student Voice, Creativity & What Makes Us Human
Ohio Northern University invites high school students and educators to a one-day festival celebrating expression in speech, performance, and visual art.
This event is intentionally welcoming to students of all experience levels—from confident artists and speakers to students sharing their voice and work publicly for the very first time. There is a competition element, but importantly the ONU Oratory & Art Festival is meant to be a supportive space for students to explore ideas that matter to them and to have the chance to grow through the process of individual expression. As educators we have seen the ways in which creating a project rooted in expression and seeing it through can help a student “level up,” and our ultimate goal is to provide a friendly space for that to happen.
Event Details
Theme: What Makes Us Human
Date: October 24, 2026
Location: Bear Cave & McIntosh Center, Ohio Northern University
Cost: Free (food and beverages provided)
Submission Deadline: August 1, 2026
Students may submit in the following categories, though consider these a guide more than a set of parameters. Students are encouraged to choose forms that best fit their message, voice, and interests. Entries should respond in some way to the theme.
Oratory & Performance
Persuasive, informative, or reflective speeches
Personal narratives and storytelling
Poetry and spoken word
Dramatic or comedic performances
Theatrical monologues
Visual Art
2D art: drawing, painting
3D art: ceramics, sculpture
Photography
Mixed media and digital art
Design: posters, covers, visual communication
Recognition
Student work will be celebrated throughout the day, with awards and public recognition in each category.
The emphasis of the festival is on expression, growth, and shared learning rather than ranking alone.
How to Participate
Educators in Speech, Art, English Language Arts, Theatre, and related fields are invited to submit a small group of students in whatever way makes sense for their school—through coursework, class projects, showcases, internal events, or student interest. There is no single “right” way to participate. Curiosity, effort, and enthusiasm are what matter most.
Submission Requirements (Due August 1, 2026)
Student name(s) and school
Teacher contact information
Title and brief description of the workFor performances: estimated length (speeches up to 5 minutes; scenes up to 10 minutes)
For visual art: photo or digital image of the workPlease send art related questions to Emily Jay, at e-jay@onu.edu
Additional Art Submission Requirements
In addition to filling out the online submission form, student artwork will need to be physically dropped off at the Elzay Gallery of Art on the ONU campus by teachers at any one of the following times:Spring Semester 2026
Thursday, May 14th: 3-6:00 PM
Friday May 15th: 3-6:00 PM
Fall Semester 2026
Monday September 21: 4-6:00 PM
Wednesday September 23: 4-6:00 PM
Art teachers may contact us for more information or questions: art@onu.edu or 419-772-2160.
We look forward to welcoming your students to Ohio Northern University!
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REGIONAL SCIENCE DAY AT OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY 2025
Regional Science Day at Ohio Northern University will be held in person Saturday March 22nd. Ohio Northern University, Mathile Center for the Natural Sciences, Ada, OH, 45810 This event is open to students in grades 5-12. The fee is $30 for each student participant, including each member of a team-based project.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Jamie Siders
Email: j-siders@onu.edu Phone: 419-772-3016.
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DRAFT SCHEDULE FOR 2025 REGIONAL SCIENCE DAY AT OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY
Time
Event
Location
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Registration & Student Project Set-Up
Registration: Mathile Center for Natural Sciences - Lobby
Project Set-up: Mathile Center for the Natural Sciences (Room dependent on location assignment given at registration)
9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Welcome – Participants, Parents & Teachers
Meyer 107
9:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Public Viewing of Projects & Poster Judging
Various locations in Mathile Center for the Natural Sciences and Meyer Hall of Science
***Students must be standing by their posters by 9:15 a.m.!**
Students must be with their projects for the entire time slot.
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Student Project Removal & Participant Lunch Break
Note: Students MUST remove projects from rooms prior to the awards ceremony
Participants are responsible for their own lunch. Lunch is available for purchase in the University cafeteria, located in McIntosh Center. Numerous establishments are located on Main Street in Ada (directly in front of the University).
12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Awards Assembly
Hakes-Pierstorf 151
Teachers: Teachers, scores and comments will be sent to both you and the students electronically ON Sunday March 24th 2024
Participant Gift: Participant gifts will be distributed at the awards ceremony
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PARKING: Lot P or Lot G, located to the east of the building have been designated for District Science Day.
All DSD participants and judges should park in Lot P or Lot G, located just off Lincoln Avenue at the east side of Mathile Center for the Natural Sciences.
Street Address for Navigation:
511 West Lincoln Avenue, Ada, OH 45810
GPS Coordinates: 40.7688539, -83.8289062
ENTERING THE BUILDING: Please follow the signs and enter the building on the east side nearest Lot G.
REGISTRATION: Registration will in the lobby of the Mathile Center for the Natural Sciences between 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Look for the signs.
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A lunch break will occur from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. to allow time for judging administration and preparation for the awards ceremony. There are a variety of lunch options available in Ada, including:
Fast Food: McDonalds, Taco Bell, Starbucks, Subway
Pizza: East of Chicago, Padrones
Mexican: Jalapenos, El Campo
Campus: The Inn at ONU
During the lunch break, please feel free to visit the informational tables in the atrium of Mathile Center for Natural Sciences.
Learn to Swim
The Polar Bear Swim School provides one-on-one and small group swimming lessons to children ages 4 and up. Swimming is an important life skill that all children should master. Experienced student-athletes on ONU’s swimming and diving teams serve as instructors. Classes take place in the spring and fill up quickly.
Athletic Camps, Clinics and Tournaments
Young athletes can refine their skills by working with seasoned ONU coaches and college athletes. Throughout the year, ONU’s athletic department sponsors numerous sports camps, prospect clinics and tournaments for area youth and teams. Below you’ll find an overview of the programs offered for each sport.-
We offer advanced skills camps for football players in grades 9-12 in the spring and summer. Players receive instruction in strength and conditioning, and evaluation and feedback on football-specific skills. In addition, our football program sponsors a free, one-day youth camp for players ages 9-13 in the spring. Participants learn drills, participate in activities, meet the ONU football players and watch them scrimmage.
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We offer preseason training camps (weekend days) for baseball players in grades 7-12 in the winter. Players can prepare for the upcoming season with these indoor workout sessions. In addition, we offer indoor prospect workouts for players in grades 9-12. During these four winter sessions, players can prepare for their high school tryouts by working on offensive and defensive skills.
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Softball players in grades 7-12 can attend a one-day elite skills camp in the winter to work on offensive and defensive skills. In addition, ONU’s softball program sponsors an indoor winter tournament for 16u and 18u softball teams.
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We host a men’s basketball shootout in early summer for junior high and high school teams. It’s a great opportunity for players and teams to build skills while competing in a fun tournament. ONU also hosts a summer basketball camp for boys in grades 5-12. The camp features top-notch instructors, excellent competition (boys come from all over Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky), fun activities and great food.
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ONU hosts a women’s basketball shootout in early summer for high school teams. Participating teams can build their skills while enjoying great competition. In addition, ONU hosts a summer basketball camp for girls in grades 5-9. Participants will encounter excellent instruction, fun, competition and friendships.
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The ONU men’s lacrosse team hosts fall and winter prospect clinics for high school students interested in playing lacrosse at the collegiate level. The clinic includes intense drills and skill development followed by a scrimmage where players can showcase their talents. A campus tour and meeting with admissions staff is also offered.
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The ONU women’s lacrosse team hosts a winter prospect clinic for high school students. The clinic focuses on lacrosse fundamentals including skills, techniques, workout routines and drills, and ends with a scrimmage and campus tour. In addition, ONU hosts a girls lacrosse 5V5 tournament with a middle school (grades 6-8) and a high school (grades 9-12) division for lacrosse teams.
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ONU men’s soccer hosts summer camps for high school soccer players to work on tactical, technical and team-building skills.
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ONU hosts a four-day high school team girls camp in the summer. The camp focuses on preparing high school teams for the challenges of the upcoming season by working on tactical, technical and team-building skills.
Youth Cheer Clinics
Young cheerleaders – both girls and boys – can participate in ONU cheer clinics! We offer clinics for students in grades K-8 and 9-12 during the year. Participants are divided into mini-squads based on their age and ability and work with ONU cheerleaders and coaches on chants, jumps and stunting and tumbling techniques. Clinics are packed with fun, friendship and cheering and typically include a t-shirt, pizza and participation in an ONU game.
HOBY Ohio West Seminar
For more than 50 years, HOBY has inspired young people all over the country to be positive leaders and instruments of change in their school, community and world. HOBY, which stands for Hugh O’Brian Youth, is America’s foremost youth leadership organization and stresses volunteerism, integrity, excellence, diversity, and community partnerships. Ohio Northern University is proud to be the host site for the HOBY Ohio West Seminar every summer. This year’s event takes place June 9-12, 2022.
For Community Members
For local professionals and community members, ONU provides many enrichment programs and activities.
Social Media Workshop - 2025
Learn social media tips from the professionals. Every spring ONU’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter hosts a one-day social media workshop. Engage in professional development, networking and interactive conversations with leading experts in the field to learn how to optimize your company or organization’s social media presence.-
9:30 A.M.
REGISTRATION/ WELCOME
BALLROOM10 A.M.
KEYNOTE JASON THERRIEN
BALLROOM
Real talk: The truth about social media in 202511 A.M.
BREAK 11:10 A.M.
SESSION BLOCK 1
ACTIVITIES ROOM
KEVIN PACK, CONSULTANT, CARDINAL HEALTH
Leveraging LinkedInWISHING WELL
REBECCA JENKINS, RUFFALO NOEL LEVITZ
Your PR Power-Up - How to Use (and Not Abuse) Artificial
Intelligence to Shine in Your Career11:55 A.M.
BREAK 12:05 P.M.
SESSION BLOCK 2
ACTIVITIES ROOM
RACHEL LEPOUDRE, ACCOUNT DIRECTOR AT IDENTITY
2025 LinkedIn Best Practices: Building Your Personal
BrandWISHING WELL
MELISSA RAMALEY, AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER
Secret Skills to Fast-Track Your Social Media Career12:50 P.M.
LUNCH
On your own1:50 P.M.
SESSION BLOCK 3
ACTIVITIES ROOM
KENDALL COOK, OODLE
Keeping It Real: Building a Social Media Presence That
ResonatesWISHING WELL
JILLIAN BUZZI, CLEVELAND CLINIC
Podcasting for Impact: Connecting, Promoting, and
Driving Growth2:35 P.M.
BREAK 2:45 P.M.
SESSION BLOCK 4
ACTIVITIES ROOM
AMANDA LANGLEY, FUTURETY
Mastering the Social Media Maze: Adapting to
Algorithms, Trends, and ClienteleWISHING WELL
MCKENNA MCFADDEN, ABERCROMBIE & FITCH
HOLLISTER CO SOCIAL CAL--LEVEL UP3:40 P.M.
WRAP UP/RAFFLE
ACTIVITIES ROOM -
Keynote Session:Jason Therrien, CEO, thunder::tech
Title: Real talk: The truth about social media in 2025
Session Topic Description: Real lessons from the field: what's hot & not, myths debunked and tips to manage it all.
Session 1: Kevin Pack, Consultant, Social Media/ Cardinal Health
Title: Leveraging LinkedIn
Session Topic Description: In this session, we’ll learn about Cardinal Health’s LinkedIn strategy and insights into content best practices, social media measurement and new LinkedIn trends to consider for your brand.
Session 2: Kendall Cook, Social Media Supervisor / Oodle
Title: Keeping It Real: Building a Social Media Presence That Resonates
Session Topic Description: Authenticity is such a buzzword in our current age of social media, but how do you build it? Gain insights into actionable ways for you to tap into your audience, humanize your brand, and grow your influence.
Session 3: Amanda Langley - Marketing Manager/ Futurety
Title: Mastering the Social Media Maze: Adapting to Algorithms, Trends, and Clientele
Session Topic Description: A presentation that unpacks the ever-changing world of social media algorithms, trends, and platform strategies. Learn how to adapt your content, stay ahead of shifts, and tailor strategies for different clients to maximize engagement and growth.
Session 4: Rebecca Jenkins, Director of AI Product Marketing / Ruffalo Noel Levitz
Title: Your PR Power-Up - How to Use (and Not Abuse) Artificial Intelligence to Shine in Your Career
Session Topic Description: Want to ace your PR internships and first jobs? Learn how to leverage AI like a pro! We'll start with a clear, jargon-free overview of AI, demystifying the technology and showing you how it directly applies to your PR skillset. Then we'll cover essential AI tools for content creation, social media, and media analysis, plus crucial tips on ethical usage and data safety. Discover how to impress your bosses and avoid common AI pitfalls, giving you a competitive edge in the modern PR world.
Session 5: Jillian Buzzi, Senior Health Content Video Manager, Cleveland Clinic
Title: Podcasting for Impact: Connecting, Promoting, and Driving Growth
Session Topic Description: An insightful session on how podcasting can strengthen community trust and enhance content production that drives revenue. Learn from Cleveland Clinic’s approach to creating impactful audio content that connects with audiences and fosters growth.
Session 6: Melissa Ramaley, Principal Social Media Analyst, American Electric Power
Title: Secret Skills to Fast-Track Your Social Media Career
Session Topic Description: Writing, design, photography and video production skills are table stakes. Discover what skills can give you a competitive edge in the diverse social media job market.
Session 7: McKenna McFadden - Trim Sourcing Senior PO Coordinator at Abercrombie & Fitch
Title: Hollister Co Social Cal
Session Topic Description: When marketing to young adults, we strive to meet the customer where they are. I would love to tell you all about our planning process starting from season down to day to day posting.
Session 8: Rachel LePoudre, APR, Account Director at Identity and Secretary at PRSA Detroit
Title: 2025 LinkedIn Best Practices: Building Your Personal Brand
Session Topic Description: Sharpen your skills and sync up your approach to LinkedIn's latest algorithm. Find out how to make your profile the best it can be, post in formats that have the highest engagement, and ultimately build a personal brand and set yourself up for success.
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Our scenic campus is located within 90 minutes of several major cities: Dayton, Columbus, Toledo and Ft. Wayne, Ind.
For mobile maps or GPS directions to the Office of Admissions in Weber Hall, use:
300 West College Avenue, Ada, OH 45810Click here for the Campus Map
Lecture Series
Our Lecture Series brings to campus renowned academics and leaders in a variety of fields. The public is invited to join the campus community at these lectures. It’s an opportunity to hear from the experts on relevant topics in science, business, engineering, health/medicine and law.
Keiser Distinguished Lectureship in Life Sciences
Kritzler Lectureship in Chemistry
Spotts Lecture Series (Engineering)
Sebok Pharmacy Lecture
Kormendy Lecture Series (Law)
Lovett Distinguished Lecture Series (Business)
Celebrate Red, White, and Blue
ONU celebrates our nation’s birth every other July with a free public concert on campus featuring the Lima Symphony Orchestra. Community members are invited to pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing evening with family and friends listening to patriotic music performed by the area’s top musicians. Join us on the sculpture mall east of McIntosh Center between Presser and Weber halls. Come early and bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Enrichment and Entertainment
With a vibrant arts scene and a tranquil setting, Ohio Northern provides the perfect setting for getting away from it all. Stay at the Inn at Ohio Northern and catch a concert or visit our art galleries.
Reaching Out, Making an Impact
ONU students make a positive impact in West Central Ohio through a variety of outreach activities. Check out some of the ways we are helping people and contributing to local communities.
There's More!
Restaurants, festivals, recreation, shopping and more. See what else Ada has to offer!