15 Science Programs for High School Students in Georgia
If you’re a high school student interested in science, participating in a structured program can be a practical way to explore academic interests while gaining exposure to practical applications. These programs often go beyond the standard classroom learning by incorporating lab work, field studies, or project-based activities that help you understand how scientific concepts are applied in the real world. You might also get to learn from researchers, faculty, and industry professionals, who can give you insight into different STEM careers. Many of these programs vary in length and format, ranging from short-term camps to multi-week internships and research placements, allowing you to choose options that fit your schedule and experience level.
Why should you attend a Science program in Georgia?
Georgia offers a wide range of science programs for high school students through institutions like Georgia Tech, Emory University, the University of Georgia, and Savannah State University. These programs cover areas such as laboratory research, engineering design, healthcare, and environmental fieldwork. Some opportunities focus on experiments and design challenges, while others emphasize research, data analysis, or mentor-led collaboration in active lab settings. You may also have opportunities to participate in site visits, workshops, or final presentations, depending on the program’s structure. For local students, these opportunities may be easier to access due to proximity and their partnerships with local schools, while out-of-state students can consider residential or short-term programs that provide focused experiences.
In this article, we have compiled a list of 15 science programs for high school students in Georgia to make your search easier.
If you’re looking for research programs in Georgia, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span cancer research, public health, AI, fisheries biology, forensic science, marine science, engineering design, agricultural science, and healthcare, so students with a wide range of science interests can find a relevant option in Georgia or online.
Several programs are free or paid, including Emory Winship Summer Scholars ($2,400 stipend), UGA Young Scholars (stipend offered), GA-YES (small stipend), Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program ($3,000 stipend), Project ENGAGES (paid year-long research), Microsoft Discovery Program (paid), and CDC Disease Detective Camp (free), while Lumiere and Veritas AI offer full financial aid for eligible students.
Many programs specifically target Georgia residents or students from specific counties, including Microsoft Discovery (Atlanta Public Schools and surrounding counties), Georgia GHP (Georgia sophomores and juniors), SSU Coast Camp (Georgia-based program), and Project ENGAGES (Georgia high school students), so local students should take note of these targeted opportunities.
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from three-day intensive camps, such as Georgia Forensic Academy Crime Scene Camp, to year-long research commitments, such as Project ENGAGES, so students can choose based on their schedule and depth of interest.
Application deadlines for the most competitive programs fall early, including Emory Winship Summer Scholars (February 6), CDC Disease Detective Camp (March 7), and Georgia GHP (November to January through a school nomination process), so students should begin researching options in the fall.
1. Emory Winship Cancer Institute’s Summer Scholars Research Program
Location: Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA + Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,400 stipend
Cohort Size: 10-12 students
Program Dates: June 8 – July 17
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Rising or graduating high school seniors (16+); Applicants to the in-person program must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Summer Scholars Research Program allows you to work directly in a laboratory, where you’ll be paired one-on-one with a physician or research mentor and contribute to an ongoing project in cancer research while learning core lab techniques. The program emphasizes hands-on research experience, with mentors guiding daily work and helping you understand how your project fits into broader cancer research efforts. In addition to lab work, you’ll attend lectures from oncology professionals and participate in discussions that introduce different research and medical career paths. You’ll also take part in structured activities such as site visits to research and educational facilities, and conversations with cancer survivors, which add context to your work. The program will conclude with a final symposium, where you’ll present your research through a talk and poster to faculty, researchers, family, and peers.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies (full financial aid available); Unpaid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling (varies by cohort); Apply to the program here
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. If you are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science, you would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. A more advanced option is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase, where you will get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that you will have access to the in-house publication team to help you secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Microsoft Discovery Program
Location: Microsoft, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid, but the exact amount is not specified
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Program Dates: July 6 – 31
Application Deadline: February 26 (tentative; based on previous years)
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who live and attend school in Atlanta, GA; Must have completed pre-calculus or an equivalent course by the start of the program; Must attend schools within the Atlanta Public Schools (APS), Clayton County, Cobb County, DeKalb County, Douglas County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County
The Microsoft Discovery Program is a four-week, project-based internship that introduces you to the collaborative and creative side of the tech industry. You’ll work in small teams to solve a product challenge, learning how ideas move from initial design to a functional product. The program focuses on areas like software engineering, UX design, and product management, giving you exposure to multiple roles in the tech industry. Throughout the experience, you’ll receive mentorship from professionals at Microsoft and gain insight into how large-scale tech projects are developed. You’ll also take part in workshops and discussions with employees across Microsoft’s Atlanta campus, which will add context to your project work. The program emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and a growth mindset. No prior coding experience is required for this internship.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Science Tracks
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies (full financial aid available); Unpaid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program that offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs you with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, biology, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, neuroscience, and more. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp
Location: CDC headquarters in Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~7.7%; 54 students per year (27 per session)
Program Dates: June 22 – 26; July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: March 7 (tentative)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors (16+)
The CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp is a weeklong summer day program held at the CDC headquarters that introduces you to the field of public health. You’ll explore topics such as epidemiology, infectious and chronic disease, environmental health, and global health through case studies and guided discussions. The program will focus on how diseases are tracked, studied, and prevented, with activities that involve analyzing data and working through outbreak scenarios and mock press conferences. Throughout the week, you’ll engage in hands-on, discussion-based learning that reflects real-world public health work. You’ll also collaborate with peers to examine public health challenges and consider different approaches to prevention and response.
6. University of Georgia’s Young Scholars Internship Program
Location: University of Georgia (UGA), Athens, Griffin, or Tifton, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend offered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 1 – July 7 (Internship); July 8 – 10 (Young Scholars Pre-Collegiate Research Conference)
Application Deadline: November 3 – January 23
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors (16+) who are first-time participants in the program; Must have completed at least one high school science course, including laboratory, and one semester of algebra
The Young Scholars Internship Program at the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences is a five-week paid summer program where you’ll explore agriculture, food, and environmental sciences through research. You’ll work on a supervised project alongside a faculty mentor at the UGA, gaining experience with scientific methods and research practices. The program also includes workshops and visits to agricultural operations, which will provide additional context about real-world applications and careers in these fields. At the end, you’ll present your findings through a poster at the Young Scholars Pre-Collegiate Research Conference, summarizing your work and experience.
7. The Georgia Youth Enjoy Science (GA-YES) Summer Research Program
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Small stipend offered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 1 – July 21
Application Deadline: January 20 – February 8
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (16+) from Cherokee County, GA
The GA-YES Summer Research Program places you in an active research lab, where you’ll assist faculty and research staff with ongoing cancer-related projects and learn basic research techniques. The program also includes structured sessions covering topics such as cancer biology, health disparities, and biomedical careers. You’ll receive mentorship throughout the program and participate in workshops that support continued engagement in STEM fields. The experience combines hands-on lab work with guided learning to provide a broad understanding of biomedical research. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work at a formal research presentation or symposium.
8. Science, Technology, and Engineering Program (STEP)
Location: Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: January 15 – March 1
Eligibility: Georgia high school students (16+)
STEP at Georgia Tech is a two-week summer program where you’ll engage in hands-on engineering work through a team-based challenge. You’ll work on an open-ended problem inspired by ongoing research, designing and prototyping a solution with guidance from a faculty mentor. The program does not follow a fixed solution path, requiring you to develop and test your own ideas as part of the design process. It also includes collaboration with peers and exposure to how research problems are approached in an academic setting. At the end of the program, you’ll present your project at a poster session to faculty, industry representatives, and other attendees.
9. Georgia Tech’s Summer Engineering Institute
Location: Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: June 7 – 15
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from Georgia
The Summer Engineering Institute at Georgia Tech is a nine-day residential program where you’ll explore engineering through hands-on activities and campus-based learning. You’ll take part in workshops, design challenges, and lab experiments that will introduce you to different facets of engineering and computer science. Some of the areas you may engage with include emerging technologies, engineering design processes, and collaborative problem-solving. The program also includes opportunities to interact with faculty and current students, along with sessions that provide insight into the admissions process.
10. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Opportunities available in all U.S. states, including Georgia
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,000 stipend
Acceptance Rate: Very competitive
Program Dates: 8 weeks from June – August (dates are flexible and can be decided by the student and mentor)
Application Deadline: November 21 – January 25
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and rising college freshmen (16+); If you have already participated in the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, you are not eligible to reapply
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, offered by the American Fisheries Society, is an eight-week paid summer internship where you’ll explore fisheries and aquatic science through hands-on work. You’ll be matched with a mentor and work about 32 hours per week on a schedule determined together, gaining experience in real-world research settings. Some of the activities you may take part in include fish population surveys, water quality testing, habitat restoration, and data analysis. The program may include a mix of fieldwork, laboratory work, and office-based tasks, depending on your placement and mentor’s project. You may also engage in activities such as specimen analysis, educational outreach, or extended field assignments that reflect ongoing work in the field. At the end of the program, you may take part in a Scholar’s Summit as part of the overall experience.
11. Project Engaging New Generations at Georgia Tech Through Engineering & Science (ENGAGES)
Location: Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid year-long research component available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Summer bootcamp and school year sessions, starting on June 1
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors (16+) with an overall GPA average of 83 (3.0) or above; Must have completed science courses with a GPA of 83 (3.0) or above; More info here
Project ENGAGES is a year-long research program where you’ll work on science and engineering projects in a university lab setting. You’ll spend time in a Georgia Tech research laboratory during both the summer and the school year, attending enrichment programs and contributing to ongoing projects in areas such as biology, physics, engineering, and technology. The program includes hands-on research experience, where you’ll work with faculty and researchers and learn how scientific investigations are conducted. In addition, you may visit industry organizations to understand how research is applied in professional environments and explore related career paths. The program will require a consistent time commitment across the year, combining summer bootcamps with part-time research work during the academic year.
12. Georgia Governor's Honors Program (GHP)
Location: Colleges or university campuses in Georgia
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: June 14 – July 11
Application Deadline: Local school selection: August – November; GHP application for student nominees: November 14 – January 9
Eligibility: Georgia high school sophomores and juniors; Must declare an area of nomination in only one subject and be nominated through the local school selection process (selection criteria may vary based on the subject; check here)
The Georgia GHP is a summer residential program organized around specific areas of study, including subjects like science, engineering, computer science, and the arts. During the program, you’ll engage in advanced coursework, collaborative projects, and in some disciplines, research-based activities and lab experiences. The curriculum is designed to go beyond a typical high school classroom, with subject-specific learning and interdisciplinary exposure. You’ll also take part in structured evening activities and live on campus for the duration of the program. Throughout the program, you’ll be expected to fully participate in both academic sessions and residential experiences, following a structured daily schedule.
13. Savannah State University (SSU)’s Coast Camp
Location: SSU, Savannah, GA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Cohort Size: 20 students per age level
Program Dates: June 1 – 26
Application Deadline: Open on March 14; Rolling until spots are filled
Eligibility: Students aged 7-18
The Coast Camp at SSU is a four-week summer program where you’ll explore ocean science through a mix of classroom learning and field-based activities. You’ll attend sessions Monday through Friday, working on hands-on lessons that integrate science, math, and writing skills related to marine ecosystems and ocean literacy. The program will combine indoor instruction with outdoor fieldwork, allowing you to study topics like beach ecology, wildlife habitats, and environmental conservation in real-world settings. You may also participate in field trips to locations such as Cumberland Island National Seashore and Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Discovery Center, where you can observe marine environments and study topics like natural history and wilderness conservation. In addition, you’ll interact with university faculty, students, and staff who’ll guide activities and provide context for scientific concepts. The program will conclude with a parent day open house, where you’ll share what you have learned during the camp.
14. Georgia Forensic Academy’s Crime Scene Summer Camp
Location: Georgia Forensic Academy, Demorest, GA
Cost: $150
Cohort Size: Limited number of spots available
Program Dates: June 15 – 17
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Crime Scene Summer Camp at Georgia Forensic Academy is a three-day, non-residential program where you’ll explore forensic science through practical investigation techniques. You’ll participate in hands-on activities such as working through mock crime scenes, where you document, collect, and analyze evidence. The program focuses on core forensic methods, including processing latent fingerprints and applying procedures used in criminal investigations. By the end of the program, you will have gained a clearer understanding of how forensic evidence is handled and interpreted in investigative settings.
15. Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center’s Mercer Medical Camp
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: Up to 100 students
Program Dates: July 13 – 17
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rural Georgia middle and high school students
The Mercer Medical Camp, offered by the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center, is a one-week virtual program that introduces you to different areas of healthcare. You’ll participate in online sessions led by doctors, scientists, and medical students, where you’ll learn about a range of health-related topics. Each session includes a hands-on activity that you’ll complete at home using materials provided to you in advance. You’ll also gain exposure to different roles and pathways within the medical field through interactions with professionals.
Frequently asked questions
1. What science programs are available for high school students in Georgia?
Options include biomedical and cancer research programs, such as Emory Winship Summer Scholars and GA-YES, public health programs, such as CDC Disease Detective Camp, engineering and technology programs, such as Georgia Tech STEP, Summer Engineering Institute, and Project ENGAGES, environmental and marine science programs, such as SSU Coast Camp and Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology, AI and independent research programs, such as Veritas AI and Lumiere, and specialized programs, such as Georgia Forensic Academy and Mercer Medical Camp.
2. Are there free or paid science programs for high school students in Georgia?
Yes, Emory Winship Summer Scholars provides a $2,400 stipend, Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology provides a $3,000 stipend, UGA Young Scholars and GA-YES both offer stipends, Microsoft Discovery is a paid program, and CDC Disease Detective Camp and Georgia Tech programs are free, while Lumiere and Veritas AI offer full financial aid for eligible students.
3. Which Georgia science programs are best for students interested in biomedical research?
Emory Winship Summer Scholars, GA-YES, and Project ENGAGES all place students in active research laboratories with faculty mentorship, while Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers independent research in biology, neuroscience, chemistry, and related fields with PhD mentor guidance.
4. Are there science programs in Georgia open to students outside the state?
Lumiere Research Scholar Program and Veritas AI are fully virtual and open to students anywhere in the world; Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology is a national program with placements available across all U.S. states, and Mercer Medical Camp is a virtual program open to rural Georgia students only.
5. Which science programs in Georgia lead to research publications or formal presentations?
Emory Winship Summer Scholars concludes with a formal symposium presentation, UGA Young Scholars presents at a Pre-Collegiate Research Conference, GA-YES holds a final research symposium, and Lumiere and Veritas AI both support students in producing and publishing independent research papers.
6. When should I apply to science programs for high school students in Georgia?
Georgia GHP requires school nomination between August and November before a student application deadline of January 9; Emory Winship Summer Scholars closes February 6; Georgia Tech STEP closes March 1; CDC Disease Detective Camp closes March 7; and UGA Young Scholars closes January 23, so students should begin researching options in the fall.