15 STEM Programs for High School Students in Atlanta, Georgia
STEM programs can be a strong investment for high school students who want to move beyond textbook learning and explore how ideas are applied. Through structured coursework, lab sessions, research projects, design challenges, and mentorship, these programs help students develop practical skills in fields such as engineering, computer science, medicine, robotics, and environmental science. They also offer early exposure to college-level expectations, which can make future academic transitions smoother. Since many of these opportunities are hosted by respected universities and institutions, they can also add depth to a student’s academic profile.
Why should you attend a program in Atlanta, Georgia?
Atlanta brings together major research universities, healthcare systems, corporate innovation hubs, and nonprofit learning organizations. Institutions such as Georgia Tech, Emory University, Georgia State University, and other Atlanta-based organizations offer programs spanning biomedical research, artificial intelligence, aerospace, coding, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and engineering design. Depending on the program, students might build robots, conduct lab experiments, analyze health data, develop apps, explore neuroscience, or work through engineering challenges. Atlanta-based students benefit from nearby access to these opportunities without needing to travel far, while out-of-city students can use these programs to experience a major academic and professional hub.
To help you navigate the options, we’ve narrowed down 15 STEM programs for high school students in Atlanta.
If you’re looking for programs in Atlanta, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
Several programs are free and paid, including Georgia Tech STEP, Microsoft Discovery Program, Project ENGAGES, Emory Winship Cancer Institute Summer Scholars (with a $2,400 stipend), Atlanta Botanical Garden internship ($12/hr), and UGA Young Scholars Program, making Atlanta a strong city for no-cost STEM opportunities.
Programs span a wide range of STEM fields, including biomedical research (Emory Winship, NextGen), public health (CDC Disease Detective Camp), AI and data science (Veritas AI, PEAKS), environmental and plant science (Atlanta Botanical Garden, UGA YSP), and engineering design (Georgia Tech STEP, SEI).
Several programs are specifically tied to Atlanta-based institutions and require local or Georgia residency, including Georgia Tech SEI, Project ENGAGES, and the Microsoft Discovery Program, making them especially valuable for Atlanta-area students.
Students looking for year-long or extended research experiences can apply to Project ENGAGES at Georgia Tech, which combines a summer bootcamp with continued lab research during the academic year.
Most competitive programs have deadlines between January and March, so students should begin identifying programs of interest in the fall and prepare applications well in advance.
1. Georgia Tech's Science, Technology, and Engineering Program (STEP)
Location: Georgia Tech Main Campus, Atlanta, GA
Dates: July 6 – 17
Cost: Free
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students (Atlanta cohort; transportation to and from campus required)
Georgia Tech’s Science, Technology, and Engineering Program (STEP) is a strong option if you want an engineering experience that feels closer to real project work. Over two weeks, you work in teams on an open-ended challenge inspired by active Georgia Tech research, which means there is no fixed answer to follow or scripted outcome to replicate. Instead, you are expected to test ideas, build prototypes, problem-solve through setbacks, and refine your approach with guidance from faculty mentors. The collaborative structure also helps you develop communication and teamwork skills that matter in both college and industry settings. The experience concludes with a poster presentation to parents, teachers, faculty, and industry representatives, giving you practice explaining technical work to diverse audiences. Because the program is fully funded, it can be especially valuable for students looking for a rigorous engineering opportunity without the cost barrier.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Online
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered year-round
Cost: Varies by program track; financial aid available
Deadline: Rolling admissions / varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students interested in AI, coding, and applied STEM research
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. Microsoft Discovery Program
Location: Microsoft Campus, Atlanta, GA
Dates: July 6 – 31
Cost: Free (paid internship)
Deadline: Applications open in early February; reviewed on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who live and attend school around Atlanta; must have completed pre-calculus or equivalent; Atlanta applicants must attend eligible schools within Atlanta Public Schools, DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb, or Gwinnett districts.
If you’re curious about what a real career in tech can look like, the Microsoft Discovery Program offers an unusually direct entry point. This four-week paid internship gives graduating high school seniors the chance to work on hands-on projects, build professional skills, and learn from Microsoft employees in a workplace setting. Rather than focusing only on classroom concepts, the experience helps you understand how technology is designed, built, and applied at scale. You’ll also explore pathways into college majors and future careers in software, product development, and the broader tech industry. For students who want exposure to both technical learning and professional environments, this can be a standout early-career experience.
4. Lumiere Scholars Program - STEM Track
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: High school students worldwide interested in advanced STEM research
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. CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp
Location: Atlanta, GA
Dates: June 22 – 26 | July 20 – 24
Cost: Free
Deadline: Contact program organizers by April 9 for application information
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors who will be juniors or seniors during the next school year; must be at least 16 years old by the first day of camp
The CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp offers one of the more distinctive STEM experiences in Atlanta by placing you inside the world of public health. Held at CDC headquarters, this academically intensive day camp introduces how scientists, analysts, and health professionals investigate real population-level challenges. Across the week, you may explore topics such as infectious disease, epidemiology, environmental health, emergency preparedness, scientific communication, and disease surveillance through hands-on activities that mirror the work of CDC teams. The pace is demanding and collaborative, making it especially well-suited to students who enjoy problem-solving, fast-moving discussions, and applied science with real-world relevance. With only a small number of seats available each session and strong national interest, it is also one of the more selective summer options in the city.
6. Emory Winship Cancer Institute - Summer Scholars Research Program
Location: Emory Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA
Dates: June 8 – July 17
Cost: Free; $2,400 stipend for accepted students who complete the program
Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old by program start and be rising or graduating high school seniors; in-person applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
If you are drawn to biology, medicine, or healthcare, a six-week cancer research internship can be a strong step forward. The Summer Scholars Research Program at Emory Winship Cancer Institute places students directly inside an active research environment, where each participant is paired one-on-one with a physician or laboratory researcher for hands-on work. That level of mentorship is a major strength of the program, especially for students who want to understand how scientific questions are investigated beyond textbooks. In addition to lab experience, participants attend lectures on cancer biology and oncology careers, join discussions with cancer survivors, and take part in educational visits. The program also builds presentation and communication skills through a final research symposium where students share their work with faculty, researchers, and guests. For students considering future paths in biomedical science or clinical research, this is one of Atlanta’s more substantive opportunities.
7. Project ENGAGES - Georgia Tech
Location: Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA
Dates: Begins June 1 (summer bootcamp + year-long program)
Cost: Free (paid opportunity)
Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors age 16+ by June 1; must attend one of the partner Atlanta high schools listed by the program and meet GPA requirements.
Project ENGAGES is a paid, year-long program that places selected students inside Georgia Tech laboratories, where you work alongside researchers on real projects rather than simulated classroom exercises. Areas of study can include biology, bioengineering, biotechnology, physics, robotics, materials science, and environmental engineering, giving you exposure to multiple STEM pathways through active participation. The summer begins with an intensive bootcamp schedule, followed by continued research involvement during the academic year, so the experience builds depth over time. Alongside lab work, you also participate in enrichment activities designed to support academic growth, professional confidence, and long-term goal-setting.
8. Atlanta Botanical Garden - High School Summer Internship
Location: Atlanta, GA
Dates: June 2 – July 16
Cost: Free (paid internship at $12/hour)
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors age 16+ attending a Metro Atlanta Title I school; must be eligible to work in the U.S.
The Summer High School Internship at the Atlanta Botanical Garden provides a unique STEM experience focused on living systems, conservation science, and practical work with plants. Over seven weeks, you work alongside horticulturists, researchers, and educators while contributing to real projects across one of the city’s most respected public gardens. Depending on placement, your work might include supporting plant conservation research, caring for rare species in greenhouse collections, maintaining edible or woodland landscapes, or helping with public education initiatives. The program also builds career readiness through mentorship, cohort learning, and professional development with community leaders. You’ll document your growth through journaling and complete an independent project presented at the end of the internship.
9. University of Georgia - Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Location: University of Georgia (Athens, Griffin, or Tifton Campus)
Dates: June 1 – July 7 (internship) | July 8 – 10 (research conference)Cost: Free (paid internship)
Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: Students who have completed sophomore year, are first-time participants, age 16+ by start date, and meet required science/math coursework prerequisites
The Young Scholars Program at the University of Georgia offers a focused research experience for students interested in agriculture, food systems, environmental science, and applied STEM fields. Over five weeks, selected participants work 30 hours per week with a faculty mentor on the Athens, Griffin, or Tifton campus, contributing to supervised research. Alongside lab or fieldwork, students attend workshops and visit agricultural operations to better understand how science connects to industry, sustainability, and everyday life. The program concludes with a research poster presentation at the Young Scholars Pre-Collegiate Research Conference, giving you experience communicating your findings in a professional setting.
10. TAG-Ed - High School Summer Internship Program
Location: All across Georgia (host company sites vary)
Dates: Begins June 1; 8-week program
Cost: Free to participate; paid and unpaid placements available
Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors age 17+ by June 1; must be eligible to work in the U.S.
The TAG-Ed High School Summer Internship Program is designed for students seeking direct exposure to how STEM work is done in companies. Over eight weeks, selected participants are matched with host organizations based on their interests and qualifications, then work in teams on projects with defined goals and real deliverables. Because interns collaborate with professionals in the field, the experience can offer practical insight into workplace expectations, communication, and problem-solving across STEM industries. Another advantage is that placements are shaped by company needs and student fit, making the experience more career-oriented than a standard summer enrichment program.
11. Emory University - NextGen High School Internship Program
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Dates: June 1 – July 8
Cost: Free (paid internship)
Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors; age 16+ by program start; demonstrated interest in expanding access to STEM education
The NextGen High School Internship Program at Emory University blends STEM exploration with college and career readiness, making it especially useful for students who want both academic exposure and practical guidance. Hosted by the Department of Human Genetics, the program introduces participants to genetics through classes, lab experiments, and shadowing opportunities with faculty and researchers. Beyond science content, students also receive support around college applications, scholarships, and future pathways in STEM. Field trips to Atlanta-based STEM organizations and guest speakers add broader industry context, helping you understand how classroom subjects translate into real careers. Because it combines mentorship, laboratory learning, and future planning in one experience, it stands out as a well-rounded summer opportunity for aspiring STEM students in Atlanta!
12. Georgia Tech - Summer Engineering Institute (SEI)
Location: Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA
Dates: June 7 – 15
Cost: Free
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-grade students interested in engineering, science, math, or technology; Georgia residents only
Georgia Tech’s Summer Engineering Institute is a residential pre-college program that offers students an immersive engineering experience on campus. Throughout the program, you delve into engineering and computer science via hands-on experiments, interactive workshops, and activities that help make technical ideas more concrete. Participants also meet professors, current students, and staff, which can give you a clearer picture of both academic pathways and life at a leading engineering school. Guided campus experiences and admissions insights add another practical layer, especially for students considering future applications to selective STEM universities. Because the program is free and hosted directly by Georgia Tech’s College of Engineering, it stands out as a high-value opportunity for motivated students in the state.
13. Grady’s Teen Experience and Leadership Program (TELP)
Location: Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA
Dates: May 26 – July 14
Cost: Free
Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: Students aged 14-19 who have completed 9th grade
Grady’s Teen Experience and Leadership Program offers a strong entry point for students curious about medicine, public health, or healthcare careers. Over seven weeks, you gain exposure through clinical and non-clinical rotations, interactive labs, workshops, and mentorship, providing a broad view of how healthcare systems function. The program also emphasizes leadership development, helping students build communication, responsibility, and community impact skills alongside career exploration. A standout feature is the optional health outcomes research component, where you investigate challenges affecting your community, design solutions, and present your ideas in a formal showcase.
14. PEAKS - Georgia Tech
Location: Atlanta, GA
Dates: Multiple sessions in June and July
Cost: Starting at $550 (5-day programs) | $440 (4-day programs)
Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th-grade students
CEISMC’s Summer PEAKS programs at Georgia Tech are built for students who want variety, choice, and hands-on learning across multiple STEM areas rather than a single fixed subject. You can choose from sessions in areas such as artificial intelligence, biology, coding, engineering, and other STEAM topics offered throughout the summer. Each one- to two-week experience is designed to move beyond textbook learning through projects, experimentation, and collaborative problem-solving on the Georgia Tech campus. Because programs are grouped by grade level for high school learners and adjusted accordingly, the experience remains appropriately challenging while remaining accessible. Another advantage is flexibility: you can join a single session or combine multiple weeks, depending on your interests and schedule.
15. STEM Academy at Georgia Tech
Location: Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA
Dates: May 31 – June 5
Cost: $1,050 (Early Bird) | $1,250 (Regular)
Deadline: Early bird pricing ends March 31 | final payments due April 30
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th grade students (open to all students; BSA membership not required)
In this program, you spend the week exploring STEM at Georgia Tech through hands-on activities, team challenges, and campus-based experiences. The program also emphasizes collaboration and communication, so you are not only solving problems but learning how to work effectively with others. Students can engage in engineering-focused experiences, visit various campus spaces, and gain a clearer sense of potential majors or STEM pathways. If you want a residential pre-college experience while still keeping things broad across science, technology, engineering, and math, this can be a strong fit.
Frequently asked questions
What types of STEM programs are available for high school students in Atlanta?
Options include paid research internships (Emory Winship, Project ENGAGES, Atlanta Botanical Garden), university pre-college programs (Georgia Tech STEP, SEI, PEAKS, STEM Academy), public health experiences (CDC Disease Detective Camp), AI and coding programs (Veritas AI, Lumiere), company-based internships (Microsoft Discovery, TAG-Ed), and hospital and healthcare programs (Grady TELP, Emory NextGen).
Are there free STEM programs for high school students in Atlanta?
Yes, several programs are free, and many are paid. Georgia Tech STEP and SEI are free to attend, while the Microsoft Discovery Program, Project ENGAGES, Emory Winship Summer Scholars, Atlanta Botanical Garden internship, UGA Young Scholars Program, and Emory NextGen are all free with stipends or hourly pay. The CDC Disease Detective Camp is also free.
Which Atlanta STEM programs are best for students interested in medicine or biology?
Emory Winship Cancer Institute Summer Scholars pairs students 1-on-1 with a physician or lab researcher for six weeks of cancer biology research. Grady TELP provides clinical and non-clinical hospital rotations over seven weeks. Emory NextGen focuses on genetics through lab work and faculty shadowing, and Project ENGAGES at Georgia Tech covers biology and bioengineering among its research tracks.
Are there STEM programs in Atlanta specifically for students from underrepresented backgrounds?
Project ENGAGES at Georgia Tech requires students to attend one of its partner Atlanta high schools, many of which serve underrepresented communities. The Atlanta Botanical Garden internship is restricted to students from Metro Atlanta Title I schools. Emory NextGen and Grady TELP also prioritize students with demonstrated interest in expanding access to STEM education.
Which programs are best for students interested in AI and computer science?
Veritas AI offers dedicated AI and machine learning programs ranging from introductory boot camps to advanced individual research projects with publication support. The Lumiere Research Scholar Program allows students to pursue independent research in computer science or data science with a Ph.D. mentor. Georgia Tech's PEAKS program also offers AI and coding sessions on campus.
When should I apply to STEM programs in Atlanta?
Several programs have deadlines in January and February. UGA Young Scholars closes January 23, Emory Winship closes February 6, Emory NextGen closes February 13, and Grady TELP closes February 20. Georgia Tech STEP, SEI, and Atlanta Botanical Garden all close on March 1. Students should begin researching options in the fall and plan to apply by January for the most competitive programs.