High School Students

Visit the professional resource page to look for materials that relate to your interests, school assignments or questions. Students seeking information can also visit the APA website or the APA Help Center.

Google and other search engines can be a source of additional information, although caution is recommended since some websites and YouTube videos promote varying points of view, which may not be backed by scientific data.

The OPA Office staff is happy to assist students seeking information about psychology and careers in psychology.

Because of the confidential nature of the therapeutic experience, it is impossible for students to “shadow” a psychologist at work with patients. For shadowing opportunities, contact a local college or university psychology department. Look for volunteer opportunities with children or older adults if you would like to explore psychology as a career.  

OPA, the Foundation for Psychology in Ohio and OPA’s regional affiliates sponsor the behavioral health award at the annual Ohio Science Day  for high school students. The Foundation awarded more than $800 to the top projects at last year’s Science Day.

High School Teachers

Teachers of psychology in high schools are such a vital part of the pipeline for bringing high quality students into this profession. OPA is committed to supporting the work of teachers.  

OPA and its affiliated regional psychological associations actively support the science fair programs in behavioral health. OPA provides cash prizes to the top presenters at the Ohio Science Fair held in Columbus by the Ohio Academy of Science.  

OPA can help high school teachers in a variety of ways:

• OPA's Committee on Social Responsibility can provide speakers on a variety of topics for classes and other groups.
• OPA Media Guide lists psychologists who work in various areas and who are available for speeches and programs.
• The professional issues page has links to information on specific topics.
• The American Psychological Association and the APA Help Center are also good resources.  
• The American Psychological Association, through the Education Directorate, has a Pre-college Psychology Programs Officer and has organized Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS). Many Ohio high school teachers participate in this program. For information, contact Emily Leary.
• The OPA Science Committee is also interested in building alliances with teachers of psychology in high schools.                                                                                                                    

Contact OPA Central Office for more information.