10 Biology Programs for High School Students in Georgia
If you are a high school student interested in the life sciences, participating in biology programs can provide experience and deepen your understanding of the field. These programs offer practical skills in areas like lab techniques, data analysis, and scientific inquiry, establishing a solid foundation for future education. You'll have opportunities to connect with professionals in the field, potentially developing mentorships that support your academic journey.
Why should you attend a program in Georgia?
You can find universities in Georgia, such as Emory University, Georgia Tech, and the University of Georgia, that offer biology programs for high school students, often with access to state-of-the-art labs and faculty-led projects. These programs let you engage in activities such as cancer research, ecological fieldwork, or molecular biology experiments. Whether you are a local or out-of-state student
To help you navigate the options, we have narrowed the list to 10 biology programs for high school students in Georgia.
If you’re looking for online STEM research programs, check out our blog here.
1. Young Scholars Program at the University of Georgia
Location: UGA campuses (Athens, Griffin, or Tifton)
Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – July 10
Application Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: Students who have completed their sophomore year and are first-time participants, are at least 16 years old, and have completed one high school science course, including laboratory, and one semester of algebra
The Young Scholars Program is a five-week paid research internship hosted across multiple University of Georgia campuses. Students are matched with faculty mentors in areas such as agricultural, environmental, and food sciences. Responsibilities vary by lab but may include data collection, greenhouse work, laboratory assays, or computational analysis. Workshops throughout the program address research skills, college planning, and STEM career pathways. The internship concludes with a formal presentation at a pre-collegiate research conference.
2. Veritas AI's AI + Medicine Deep Dive
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (weekends)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior Python experience.
Veritas AI is an AI program for ambitious high school students, founded and run by Harvard graduate students. In the AI + Medicine program, students learn how AI is used in the healthcare and medical industry. You will get a chance to work on real-world projects using AI & ML models to diagnose diseases, sharpen medical scans, and explain their outcomes to aid doctors and patients. Here is the program brochure and the application form.
3. Summer Scholars Research Program at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Stipend: $2,400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 - 12 students
Dates: June 8 – July 17
Application Deadline: February 12
Eligibility: Georgia rising or graduating high school seniors at least 16 years old
This six-week research internship places Georgia high school students in cancer biology laboratories at Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute. Interns are paired with physicians and lab researchers to contribute to ongoing biomedical research projects, which may involve cell culture, molecular assays, data analysis, or literature review, depending on placement. Weekly seminars introduce topics such as cancer biology and career paths in oncology. Participants observe how laboratory findings translate into clinical research and therapeutic development. The experience concludes with a research presentation summarizing each student’s contribution.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - Biology Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on cohort. You can apply here.
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate academic achievement
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 biology, medicine, psychology, data science, chemistry, and more.
5. Early College Program Biology at Spelman College
Location: Spelman College, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $4,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 20 – July 17
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Female current 11th graders; 3.0 GPA overall and in science/English
Spelman’s four-week residential Early College Program allows eligible 11th-grade students to enroll in a college-level biology course focused on women’s health and physiology. "The Biology of Women" course integrates lectures with laboratory sessions examining topics such as hormonal regulation, reproduction, and health disparities. Assignments include written analyses, lab reports, and graded assessments consistent with undergraduate coursework. Faculty mentorship supports academic skill development and preparation for STEM majors. Participants earn transferable college credit upon successful completion.
6. Governor’s Honors Program Science Track
Location: Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 14 – July 11
Application Deadline: School nomination by January
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors; teacher nomination required
Georgia’s Governor’s Honors Program is a four-week residential summer program for academically advanced students nominated by their schools. Students selected for the science major (which may include biology or related disciplines) complete intensive coursework taught by Georgia educators and university faculty. The curriculum emphasizes in-depth study, discussion-based learning, and project work. In addition to a primary major, students also pursue a minor area of study and participate in interdisciplinary activities. The program is state-funded and highly competitive, with a multi-stage selection process that includes nomination and evaluation of academic performance and talent.
7. CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp
Location: CDC, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 27 slots for each session
Dates: One-week sessions in the summer; exact dates TBA
Application Deadline: Applications open March 13
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old
The CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp is a one-week public health program hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. As a participant, you are introduced to epidemiology through structured workshops, case studies, and outbreak investigation simulations. Sessions focus on how public health professionals track disease patterns, analyze health data, and respond to emerging biological threats. CDC staff members lead presentations on topics such as infectious disease control, laboratory science, and public health careers. Activities emphasize data interpretation and critical thinking rather than laboratory experimentation. The program provides exposure to applied biology in a public health context.
8. GA-YES Summer Research Program at Emory University
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA (transport from Cherokee County)
Cost/Stipend: Free | Small stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – July 21
Application Deadline: February 8
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors from Cherokee County; at least 16 years old
The Georgia Youth Enjoy Science (GA-YES) Program at Emory University is a cancer-focused research experience for high school students from Cherokee County. Over six weeks, participants are placed in Emory research laboratories where they assist faculty and research staff with ongoing cancer-related projects. The program integrates laboratory exposure with structured educational sessions on cancer biology, health disparities, and biomedical careers. Students also receive mentorship and participate in workshops designed to support continued STEM engagement. The experience culminates in a formal research presentation or symposium. GA-YES is funded to increase representation in biomedical research pathways.
9. Emory Pre-College Program Biology Courses
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Cost: Varies by credit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by course; typically 14 students per class
Dates: Various sessions from June 14 to August 7
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Current sophomores and juniors
Emory’s Pre-College Program allows high school students to enroll in actual Emory undergraduate courses during summer sessions. Biology offerings vary by term and may include lecture-based or discussion-based courses taught by university faculty. Some recent offerings include Biological Foundations of Medicine and Biotechnology: Biology Remixed. Students complete assigned readings, graded coursework, and assessments alongside other pre-college participants. Both credit-bearing and noncredit options are available, depending on the course. Successful completion results in an official Emory transcript for credit courses.
10. Dean Stuart Feldman Summer Science Institute at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
Location: University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Cost: $800; scholarships available based on need
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 2 – 7
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: High school students; requires two letters of recommendation (one from a school counselor or teacher, one from another reference) and a high school transcript
The Dean Stuart Feldman Summer Science Institute is a six-day program introducing high school students to pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. The schedule includes classroom instruction, laboratory demonstrations, and presentations from faculty and pharmacy professionals. Participants learn about the scientific foundations of drug development, medication safety, and healthcare delivery systems. Activities may include group discussions, lab tours, and team-based presentations. The program provides exposure to how biological and chemical principles are applied within pharmaceutical practice and research.
Image source - Emory Uni