Summer programs and research opportunities are a great way for high schoolers to get hands-on experience and prepare for college. Here are 20 programs based in Georgia, with what each involves and who can apply. Dates and details change year to year, so confirm the specifics with each program.
1. Georgia Tech Summer Engineering Institute (SEI)
What it is: An immersive program introducing students to mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering through hands-on projects, team challenges, and workshops led by Georgia Tech faculty. It also covers the college application process and engineering careers.
Eligibility: rising 10th-12th graders with a solid math and science foundation. No prior engineering experience needed.
2. Emory Pre-College Program
What it is: College-level courses in biology, psychology, creative writing, business, and more. Students live on campus, attend lectures, and join extracurriculars, with college-application workshops included.
Eligibility: sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
3. UGA Young Scholars Program
What it is: A six-week paid research internship at the University of Georgia focused on agricultural sciences. Students work with UGA researchers on biotechnology, crop science, and environmental sustainability, then present their findings.
Eligibility: rising juniors and seniors interested in agricultural and environmental sciences. Requires recommendation letters, transcripts, and a personal statement.
4. Georgia State University Early College Summer Program
What it is: Earn college credit in subjects like computer science, business, and humanities, with workshops, campus tours, and mentorship to prepare for college.
Eligibility: rising juniors and seniors interested in dual enrollment, typically with a 3.0 GPA.
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5. Morehouse College Project IMHOTEP
What it is: A competitive public health internship covering biostatistics, epidemiology, and health promotion. Participants do research under public health professionals and present at a symposium.
Eligibility: high school seniors and college freshmen with a 3.0+ GPA and an interest in public health. Students from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
6. SCAD Summer Seminars
What it is: A creative program at the Savannah College of Art and Design covering animation, fashion, graphic design, photography, and more, with hands-on workshops, studio time, and portfolio development.
Eligibility: rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in art and design. No prior experience needed.
7. Mercer University STEM Summer Camp
What it is: Hands-on experiments and workshops in robotics, chemistry, coding, and physics, plus team challenges.
Eligibility: high school students with a solid math and science background.
8. Georgia Tech CEISMC Summer PEAKS
What it is: A set of STEM camps covering robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, and environmental science, with hands-on learning and access to advanced technology.
Eligibility: rising 6th-12th graders; grade eligibility varies by camp.
9. Spelman College Summer Science and Engineering Program
What it is: Introduces young women to science and engineering through experiments, research projects, and mentorship, with seminars on leadership and college prep.
Eligibility: female high school students, especially those from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM, with a strong math and science record.
10. Kennesaw State STEM Bootcamp
What it is: A week-long program building skills in programming, cybersecurity, and engineering through workshops, team projects, and guest lectures from industry professionals.
Eligibility: high school students interested in STEM careers. Prior programming knowledge helps but isn’t required.
11. Georgia Aquarium Career Exploration Program
What it is: A look at marine biology, animal care, and environmental science through hands-on activities, behind-the-scenes tours, and meeting professionals in marine science.
Eligibility: high school students aged 14-18 interested in marine science and conservation.
12. CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp
What it is: Hosted by the CDC, this camp covers epidemiology, public health, and disease prevention through case studies, lab activities, and simulations.
Eligibility: rising juniors and seniors with a strong science and math record and an interest in public health.
13. Oxford College of Emory Summer Experience
What it is: A two-week residential program with college-level courses in subjects like philosophy, biology, and literature, plus leadership activities and a look at Emory’s campus.
Eligibility: juniors and seniors with a strong academic record; a 3.0 GPA is recommended.
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14. Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP)
What it is: A prestigious residential summer program for gifted students in math, science, music, visual arts, and humanities, emphasizing advanced learning and creativity.
Eligibility: rising juniors and seniors nominated by their schools, through a competitive selection process.
15. Oglethorpe University Flagship Scholars Program
What it is: An introduction to liberal arts through courses in philosophy, literature, political science, and more, with discussions, group projects, and leadership training.
Eligibility: rising juniors and seniors with strong academics and curiosity.
16. Savannah State University STEM 360 Program
What it is: An introduction to STEM fields through workshops, research projects, and field trips, with a focus on career readiness and mentorship.
Eligibility: high school students from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM, with a strong interest in science and technology.
17. Auburn University Summer Science Institute
What it is: A rigorous program in biology, chemistry, and environmental sciences, with experiments, lectures, and faculty-guided research. Note: Auburn is in neighboring Alabama, not Georgia, but it’s a close regional option for Georgia students, so confirm logistics before applying.
Eligibility: rising juniors and seniors with a 3.0+ GPA and an interest in STEM. Requires a personal statement and recommendation letters.
18. Georgia Highlands College STEM Academy
What it is: Hands-on projects in 3D printing, robotics, and environmental science, plus workshops on career exploration and college readiness.
Eligibility: rising 9th-12th graders interested in STEM. No prior experience needed.
19. Valdosta State University Summer Camps
What it is: A range of camps in creative writing, computer science, music, and theater, where students work with faculty and peers to build skills and explore careers.
Eligibility: high school students interested in the subjects offered; criteria vary by camp.
20. Berry College Environmental Science Summer Program
What it is: Environmental research, sustainability, and ecology through fieldwork, covering wildlife conservation, forestry, and water quality with hands-on lab work.
Eligibility: high school students interested in environmental science and conservation.
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