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 15-19, 2025Camp registration and scholarship details will be posted by December 1.
Who: High School students who will be entering their Junior or Senior year in Fall
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. All of this will prepare you to present your final project to ONU faculty and your parents.
Note: the class size is limited to 40 students (no exceptions).
Cost: $495 which includes all activities, food and lodging.
Please direct questions to m-parker@onu.edu.
Pathways to STEM Camp
June 15-19, 2025Camp registration will open in December 2024
Who: High School students who will be entering their Junior or Senior year in Fall 2025
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 16-22, 2024. A final concert will take place on Saturday, June 22 at 2 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, 2023. 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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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 - 2024
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.-
9:30-9:50: Registration
9:55-10: Welcome
10-11 am: Keynote Amy Hertsenberg
11-11:10: transition/break
11:10-11:55: Sally Stearns/Meghan Winters-Rowe
11:55-12:05: transition/break
12:05-12:55: Dillan Kanya/Dayton Barnett
12:50-1:50: Lunch
1:50-2:35: Colin Wylie/Mallory Grayson
2:35-2:45: transition/break
2:45-3:30: Joe Dunay/Brandon Daniels
3:40-3:45: Wrap Up Session/Raffle
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Keynote Session: Amy Hertsenberg, Associate Director, Media at Dooley Social Studio
Title: AI-Powered Digital Mastery: Transforming Social Media Strategy & So Much More
Session Topic Description: Unlock the potential of AI and how it is reshaping the digital marketing world. Explore how AI enhances insights, automation, and personalization, enabling businesses to thrive in the digital age.
Session 1: Sally Stearns, Digital Engagement Lead, Owens Corning
Title: Connecting, Converting, and Cultivating: The Art of Brand Engagement on Social Platforms
Session Topic Description: How do brands make a lasting impression in the sea of social media? Learn practical strategies for connecting with your audience, driving conversions, and nurturing lasting brand relationships across various social channels. Listen to Sally here.
Session 2: Meghann Winters-Rowe, Senior Account Manager, Inspire PR Group
Title: The Power of Social Media Advertising
Session Topic Description: Today, organic social media content can easily be overshadowed by paid content. Learn more about how social media advertising can amplify a brand, effectively engage target audiences and help businesses achieve their goals. Listen to Meghann here.
Session 3: Dillan Kanya, Digital Analyst
Title: Social media in the age of AI
Session Topic Description: Generative AI is rapidly changing our perceptions of the industries we know and love. This session will take a dive into how we got here, terms you should know and how generative AI is currently shaping the social media landscape. Listen to Dillan here.
Session 4: Dayton Barnett , Social Media Manager for Shores and Islands Ohio and Owner and Content Creator of DashofDayton
Title: Video Creating & Storytelling in event heavy environments/work
Session Topic Description: Finding ways to continue to create content for each diverse event, while creating buzz and excitement for its unique characteristics, absorbs most days. Attendees will learn tips, tricks, and ideas on engaging storytelling video content. Not every event, business, or audience will be the same, so it's important to know how and when to switch styles. Listen to Dayton here.
Session 5: Colin Wylie, Social Media Manager - Enterprise Leadership, The Ohio State University
Title: Brand Authenticity in the FYP
Session Topic Description: Your brand is your most valuable asset—does it come across authentically in people's social feed? Deep dive into understanding brand values and creating content that resonates with your audiences. Listen to Colin here.
Session 6: Mallory Grayson, Senior Communications Strategist, Geben Communication
Title: Amplifying ISAW: Influencer Impact on a Budget
Session Topic Description: Uncover the power of using smaller influencers for big reach! In 'Amplifying ISAW: Influencer Impact on a Budget,' explore how Geben Communication leveraged influencers with 400 to 250K followers to raise awareness during Infantile Spasms Awareness Week and ultimately achieve 36K+ engagements, 613K impressions and a remarkable $91,418 estimated earned media value, demonstrating the extraordinary reach achievable with a modest $1,000 budget. Listen to Mallory here.
Session 7: Joe Dunay, Director of Marketing & Communications for The Van Wert County Foundation and Van Wert Forward Community Development Initiative
Title: Digital Storytelling: Shaping the Narrative of Community Development
Session Topic Description: Join us as we unravel the power of digital storytelling in reshaping perceptions and fostering a sense of community. Get insights into Van Wert’s journey and how strategic content creation contributed to its revitalization and growth.
Session 8: Brandon Daniels, Sr. Manager, Public Relations and Communications
Giant Eagle, Inc.
Title: Mastering the Algorithm: Optimizing Content Strategies to Increase Engagement and Grow Followers
Session Topic Description: Social media can elevate your content to viral status…or it bury it. In this session, you’ll learn how social algorithms work and how to tailor your content strategy to grow a network of dedicated followers. Listen to Brandon here.
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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 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!