12 Research Programs for High School Students in Georgia
Structured research programs can be a strong option if you’re a high school student looking to explore academic interests beyond your regular classes. They give you the opportunity to learn advanced concepts, build skills like critical thinking and data analysis, and understand how research is conducted. You may also contribute to research projects or develop your own work with mentorship, which can help you explore potential academic paths.
Why should you attend a research program in Georgia?
Georgia is home to universities, research institutes, and STEM-focused organizations that offer opportunities to explore research early in your academic journey. Depending on the program, you might work on projects in areas such as biomedical science, engineering, environmental science, computer science, or social sciences while learning how research is conducted. These programs can be worth considering, whether you are a local student looking for opportunities nearby or an out-of-state student interested in exploring a new academic environment.
To help you navigate these options, we have narrowed our list to 12 research programs for high school students in Georgia.
If you’re looking for programs in Georgia, check out our blog here.
1. University of Georgia Young Scholars Internship Program
Location: UGA Athens, Griffin, or Tifton, GA
Cost: Free; paid internship
Dates: June 1 – July 7 | July 8 – 10 (Research Conference)
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore year and are at least 16 years old by the start of the program
Deadline: January 23
The Young Scholars Internship Program (YSP) at the University of Georgia is a paid summer research internship designed for high school students interested in agricultural, food, and environmental sciences. During the five-week program, students work closely with faculty mentors while conducting supervised research projects at UGA campuses in Athens, Griffin, or Tifton. In addition to their lab work, students attend workshops and visit agricultural facilities to learn about the wide range of careers connected to agriculture, environmental science, and food systems. The program concludes with the Young Scholars Pre-Collegiate Research Conference, where students present their findings through poster presentations and share their work with peers and researchers.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Dates: Vary by cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students passionate about AI with a supportive environment to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI Scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University Summer Scholars Research Program
Location: Atlanta, GA
Cost: Free; $2,400 stipend
Dates: June 8 – July 17
Eligibility: Rising or graduating high school seniors aged 16+; U.S. citizens or permanent residents for the in-person program
Deadline: February 6
The Summer Scholars Research Program at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University is a six-week internship that introduces high school students to cancer research through direct mentorship and laboratory work. Each participant is paired one-on-one with a physician or lab-based researcher and works on a research project within an active cancer research lab. Alongside hands-on research, students take part in faculty-led lectures on cancer biology, engage in discussions with cancer survivors, and visit related institutions through field trips. The program concludes with a research symposium where high school students present their work to researchers, physicians, and peers. Selected students receive a stipend for completing the program, making it an excellent opportunity for those interested in biomedical research and oncology.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Online
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students (Grades 9-12)
Deadline: Varies by cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Georgia Institute of Technology Project ENGAGES
Location: Atlanta, GA
Cost: Free
Dates: Summer research (35 hours/week) beginning June 1, followed by academic-year research participation (15 hours/week)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (16+) from partner Atlanta public schools
Deadline: February 27
Project ENGAGES (Engaging New Generations at Georgia Tech through Engineering & Science) is a research-focused STEM program that connects high school students with scientists and graduate mentors at Georgia Tech. Through the program, students work on hands-on research projects in engineering, science, and technology while gaining exposure to university laboratories and the research process. Students spend significant time in Georgia Tech labs during both the summer and the academic year, building technical skills and exploring potential career pathways in STEM fields. The program also includes enrichment activities and mentorship designed to support students as they explore higher education and research opportunities. Project ENGAGES primarily partners with several public high schools in Atlanta and aims to expand access to STEM learning experiences for students in the region.
6. Georgia Cancer Center Summer Research Experiences (SRE)
Location: Augusta, GA
Cost: Free (no stipend or housing provided)
Dates: June 3 – July 15
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ interested in biomedical sciences (some research areas open to younger students)
Deadline: January 15
The Summer Research Experiences (SRE) program at the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University gives high school students the opportunity to explore biomedical and cancer research through learning and mentorship. Over six weeks, high school students work alongside researchers on projects in cell and molecular biology, cancer immunology, bioinformatics, computational biology, and population health. Students gain exposure to the scientific process while learning core concepts in cancer biology and multidisciplinary approaches to studying disease. In addition to research work, the program includes professional development activities, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with researchers and peers in the biomedical sciences.
7. Emory University NextGen High School Internship Program
Location: Atlanta, GA
Cost: Free; paid internship
Dates: June 1 – July 8
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors aged 16+ with an interest in STEM
Deadline: February 13
The NextGen High School Internship Program at Emory University’s Department of Human Genetics is a paid summer internship designed to spark interest in STEM careers among high school students. Over the course of the program, students explore genetics and biomedical science through lectures, laboratory experiments, and shadowing opportunities with faculty members and researchers. Students rotate through various labs and clinical settings to gain hands-on experience in scientific research while also attending guest talks and visiting local STEM organizations. The program also includes sessions on college preparation, scholarships, and career pathways in science and medicine.
8. Georgia Tech Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering STEP Summer Internship Program
Location: Atlanta, GA (additional sessions in Augusta and Albany)
Cost: Free
Dates: July 6 – 17 (Atlanta session)
Eligibility: Georgia residents aged 16+ with an interest in engineering
Deadline: March 1
The Science, Technology, and Engineering Program (STEP) is a two-week summer internship hosted by the Georgia Tech Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering that introduces high school students to hands-on engineering research. You’ll work in teams to tackle open-ended engineering challenge problems inspired by ongoing Georgia Tech research projects. Guided by faculty mentors, students design and prototype solutions while learning how engineers approach real-world technical problems. The program emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and practical problem-solving rather than following a predetermined solution. At the end of the internship, teams present their work at a poster session attended by faculty members, parents, and industry professionals.
9. Morehouse School of Medicine MSM STEAM Academy
Location: Atlanta, GA
Cost: $1,000 (STEAM Exploration) | $1,500 (Authentic Research Experience)
Dates: June 1 – 19 (3-week track) | June 2 – July 10 (research track)
Eligibility: Rising high school students in Grades 9-12 with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Deadline: March 25
The MSM STEAM Academy at Morehouse School of Medicine is a summer program that introduces high school students to biomedical science, health careers, and applied research. Students participate in hands-on learning experiences exploring topics such as anatomy, laboratory techniques, healthcare innovation, and emergency preparedness, while building critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The program offers two pathways: a three-week STEAM exploration track focused on foundational exposure to health and science fields, and a six-week authentic research experience where students work with faculty mentors on structured biomedical research projects. Alongside technical training, students receive guidance on college preparation, scholarships, and career pathways in medicine and public health.
10. Technology Association of Georgia Education Collaborative High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Georgia (various host company sites)
Cost: Free; internships may be paid or unpaid, depending on placement
Dates: June 1 – late July (8 weeks)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors aged 17+ who are eligible to work in the U.S.
Deadline: Varies by year (typically earlier in the spring)
The High School Summer Internship Program, offered by the Technology Association of Georgia Education Collaborative (TAG-Ed), gives rising juniors and seniors the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in STEM-focused workplaces. During the eight-week summer internship, students are matched with host companies based on their interests and qualifications and work in small teams on structured projects with clear goals. Students collaborate with professionals in the field, gaining exposure to real-world workplace environments while building practical skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and project management. The program is designed to help high school students explore potential career paths in STEM industries and develop early professional experience that can shape their future academic and career choices.
11. Business Research for Innovation, Design, Growth, and Entrepreneurship (BRIDGE)
Location: Online
Cost: $3,115
Dates: July 6 – 23
Eligibility: High school students in Grades 9-12 with a minimum 3.3 GPA
Deadline: June 26
The BRIDGE program (Business Research for Innovation, Design, Growth, and Entrepreneurship) is an online pre-college course that introduces high school students to the research and strategic thinking behind entrepreneurship and business innovation. Through case studies, venture simulations, and guided discussions, students examine topics like innovation strategy, venture financing, and startup growth. They analyze real-world companies and research papers to understand how ideas evolve from concept to market, while learning about funding and organizational development. The course culminates in students creating and presenting their own innovation-driven business ideas, fostering analytical, strategic, and leadership skills applicable to entrepreneurship and business research.
12. EnergyMag Virtual Research Internship
Location: Online
Cost: Free (unpaid internship)
Dates: Flexible; typically 2-8 weeks in the summer (half-time) or 1-9 months part-time
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with strong academic performance (generally GPA 3.25+)
Deadline: Rolling applications throughout the year
The EnergyMag Virtual Research Internship offers high school students the opportunity to gain research and analytical experience in renewable energy and energy storage. During the internship, students work remotely with a mentor to investigate topics such as energy storage technologies, renewable energy markets, or specific companies operating in the sector. Interns conduct independent research, interview experts, analyze data from multiple sources, and synthesize their findings into a written report that may be published on the EnergyMag website with their name credited. Because the program is fully virtual, students can participate from anywhere, making it a flexible option for those interested in energy research and sustainability who may not have access to in-person opportunities in their region.
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