15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Georgia
If you’re a high school student looking to challenge yourself beyond the classroom, summer is the ideal time to explore new fields, sharpen your skills, and gain professional experience. A wide range of summer programs for high school students in Georgia offer learning in areas like science, law, media, engineering, the arts, and public health. Whether you're interested in conducting original research, designing a Mars rover, or building a multimedia project, there's a program out there that fits your goals!
This guide outlines 15 summer programs for high school students in Georgia, each with its own focus, format, and learning outcomes. From residential camps at major universities to selective internships in professional settings, these programs prioritize practical experience and skill development. Ultimately, these summer programs for high school students in Georgia offer structured experiences to prepare you for future academic and career pathways.
1. Microsoft Discovery Program
Location: Microsoft campus, Atlanta, GA
Stipend: $20/hour
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: Tentatively, February – March
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors with an interest in technology who live in or around Atlanta, Georgia, attend schools within Atlanta Public Schools, DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb, and Gwinnett County School Districts, and have completed precalculus or an equivalent course
In the Microsoft Discovery Program, you’ll spend four weeks exploring large-scale tech products from idea to design. This summer program for high school students in Georgia allows you to collaborate on a product development project and get practical exposure to roles like software engineering, product management, and UX design. You’ll work in a small team on a project tied to a specific Microsoft product group, with a focus on identifying user pain points and proposing design-phase solutions. In addition to project work, you’ll attend sessions on Microsoft technologies and interact with professionals from different teams. No prior technical experience is expected; the program is structured to develop foundational thinking around technical problem-solving and collaboration.
2. Veritas AI Scholars
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; Deadline varies by cohort
Eligibility: Motivated high school students
The Veritas AI Scholars program introduces you to core artificial intelligence concepts through both instruction and hands-on work. The first two weeks focus on building foundational Python and data science skills, followed by lessons in machine learning methods like regression, neural networks, and NLP. In the later phases, you’ll apply what you’ve learned to group projects that explore real-world applications such as image classification, sentiment analysis, and language processing. You’ll also examine the ethical implications of AI, including fairness and accountability in algorithmic decision-making. Instruction is split between lectures and small-group mentoring, which allows for regular feedback and discussion.
3. Georgia Tech Summer Engineering Institute (SEI)
Location: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 8 – 16
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders interested in engineering, science, math, or technology
At the Summer Engineering Institute, you’ll spend a week engaging directly with core concepts in engineering and computer science through lab-based experiments and technical workshops. The program is structured to give you exposure to multiple disciplines within engineering, along with a practical understanding of how they intersect. You’ll also have the chance to interact with Georgia Tech faculty, students, and staff in both formal and informal settings. The daily sessions are designed to simulate real-world problem-solving and introduce tools commonly used in the field. Outside of academic activities, you’ll tour facilities, work in groups, and attend sessions on the college admissions process.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year; Dates vary by cohort
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program guides you through the process of producing a full-length academic research paper over 12 weeks, under the mentorship of a PhD researcher. The structure includes regular one-on-one sessions with an expert, writing support from a coach, and group workshops on research methodology. You’ll begin by selecting a topic, then narrowing it into a focused research question during the early weeks. The core of the program centers around writing and revising a 15-page paper, culminating in a final presentation at the Lumiere Research Symposium. Available research areas range from data science and economics to gender studies, engineering, and international relations, with the option to propose a custom topic. The program is designed to mirror undergraduate-level research timelines and expectations, giving you early exposure to academic inquiry.
5. CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp
Location: CDC headquarters, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: 27 slots per camp
Dates: June 23 – 27 and July 21 – 25
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by the start of camp
The CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp is a one-week summer program for high school students in Georgia that introduces them to the fundamentals of public health and epidemiology. You’ll explore how data is collected, analyzed, and used to investigate and prevent disease outbreaks and other public health challenges. Activities vary each year but may include mock outbreak simulations, public health law sessions, environmental health projects, and emergency preparedness planning. You’ll work closely with peers on fast-paced, interdisciplinary tasks, often drawing from current health issues to practice applying epidemiological methods. The camp centers on the systems and science behind population-level health decisions, mirroring CDC work.
6. Emory Winship Cancer Institute Summer Scholars Research Program
Location: Emory Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA
Stipend: $2,400
Cohort Size: 10-12 students are selected
Dates: June 9 – July 18
Application Deadline: Typically in February
Eligibility: Rising or graduating high school seniors (16+ by program start)
This six-week summer program for high school students in Georgia places you in a clinical or laboratory research setting where you'll contribute to an oncology-related research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Your daily responsibilities will be structured around hands-on research, with additional opportunities to attend lectures delivered by oncologists and scientists working in areas such as cancer biology, treatment development, and public health. Mentorship is a core component, as your assigned investigator helps shape your research scope, project timeline, and final presentation. Beyond the lab, you'll participate in field trips to institutions like the CDC Museum and Georgia Tech. The program concludes with a symposium where you'll present your work to researchers and clinicians.
7. UGA Young Scholars Internship Program
Location: University of Georgia, Athens, Griffin, or Tifton campuses, GA
Stipend: Paid
Cohort Size: Approximately 75 interns each year
Dates: May 28 – July 8, followed by the Young Scholars Pre-Collegiate Research Conference from July 9 – 11
Application Deadline: November 8 – January 31
Eligibility: High school students (16+) who have completed their sophomore year; Interested in agricultural, food, and environmental science, as well as math and technology; Must have completed at least one high school science course (including lab) and one semester of algebra
The Young Scholars Internship Program is a five-week research experience hosted by the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences that introduces you to scientific inquiry in agricultural, food, and environmental sciences. You’ll work 30 hours per week on an individual research project developed and supervised by a faculty mentor. Alongside your research responsibilities, the program includes workshops and site visits to agricultural operations, providing context for how science is applied in real-world food systems and environmental management. Your project will culminate in a poster presentation at a campus-wide research conference during the final week.
8. SCAD Rising Star
Location: SCAD, Savannah or Atlanta, GA
Cost: $6,490
Acceptance Rate: Low selectivity
Dates: June 29 – July 25
Application Deadline: Apply at least 30 days before program start; Application available from September 1
Eligibility: Motivated rising high school seniors
SCAD Rising Star is a four-week summer program for high school students in Georgia, where you enroll in two college-level courses taught by faculty at the Savannah College of Art and Design. The curriculum covers a range of foundational and discipline-specific subjects in art, design, and general education, allowing you to earn up to 10 transferable college credits. Whether in Savannah or Atlanta, coursework is delivered in professional-grade studios, labs, and classrooms, with access to resources like Adobe Creative Cloud, university libraries, and gallery spaces. You'll engage in regular critiques, develop a working portfolio, and receive direct feedback from instructors. The program structure is meant to mirror the intensity and pacing of first-year college courses in a creative major.
9. Oxford College Summer Experience Program
Location: Emory University, Oxford, GA
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: 30 students per school system
Dates: June 2 – 6
Application Deadline: February 29 (tentative)
Eligibility: Newton County and Putnam County Charter School Systems rising 10th and 11th graders
This summer program for high school students in Georgia takes place on the Oxford College campus and offers a mix of academic coursework, college preparation workshops, and enrichment activities. You’ll take classes in subjects like political science, chemistry, and English, all taught by Oxford faculty, while also participating in sessions on study strategies, essay writing, and building faculty relationships. The program also includes structured college readiness workshops covering admissions, financial aid, course planning, and the broader college application process. Outside the classroom, you’ll join team-building exercises, field trips, and sessions on wellness and community engagement. The schedule is designed to reflect the balance of academic and campus life, giving you insight into what to expect from a residential liberal arts college. You’ll also explore career pathways and strategies for aligning your high school choices with your future goals.
10. Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP)
Location: Various local organizations and firms in Atlanta, GA
Stipend: Paid
Cohort Size: 35 students were accepted in the past year
Dates: May 28 – July 18
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
This six-week program places you in a legal setting, such as a law firm, government office, or corporate legal department, where you’ll gain firsthand exposure to how the legal system functions day to day. The program emphasizes both professional development and legal literacy, encouraging you to engage with legal texts and develop foundational research and writing skills. A key part of the experience is mentorship: you’ll work closely with legal professionals who help contextualize the work and support your interest in the field. The workload is structured and intensive, designed to simulate the expectations of a legal internship. In addition to your assigned workplace duties, you’ll take part in weekly academic assignments that explore current legal issues, and you’ll write a 750-word essay analyzing a U.S. Supreme Court decision.
11. Georgia Tech Science, Technology, and Engineering Pipeline (STEP) Program
Location: 4C Academy, Albany, GA, or Georgia Tech main campus, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: 3-week program starting in June
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Students who live in Georgia and are at least 16 years old
The Science, Technology, and Engineering Pipeline (STEP) program is a three-week summer camp hosted by Georgia Tech that introduces you to the engineering design process through hands-on, aerospace-themed projects. You'll work in teams to develop solutions to NASA-inspired challenges, such as building autonomous or lightweight rovers, guided by faculty and student mentors throughout. The program offers technical training in design principles, prototyping, and testing, along with access to tools and fabrication resources in the Yang Aero Maker Space. You'll iterate on your designs throughout the program and present your final solution during a showcase event attended by peers, families, and program sponsors. The experience is designed to simulate real-world engineering workflows, from conceptualization through physical build and testing.
12. Governor's Honors Program
Location: Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: <20%
Dates: June 15 – July 12
Application Deadline: November 15 (school nominations); January 10 (student applications)
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors in a Georgia public school, independent school, charter, or homeschooled, showing aptitude or interest in their area of nomination
The Georgia Governor’s Honors Program is a four-week residential summer program for high school students in Georgia that offers advanced instruction in a wide range of academic and artistic disciplines. The program allows you to focus on a specific area of study, ranging from mechanical engineering and computer science to visual arts and world languages, through daily classes. Unlike traditional high school coursework, GHP is designed to prioritize discussion, exploration, and depth of thought over standardized testing or grading. Outside of class hours, you’ll participate in structured evening sessions that may include lectures, performances, or collaborative workshops.
13. MSM S.T.E.A.M. Academy
Location: Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $600 (Option 1); $1,000 (Option 2)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Varies by program type
Application Deadline: February 3 – March 21
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12; Specific requirements vary by program type
This summer program for high school students in Georgia introduces you to biomedical research, health science, and STEAM-related career pathways. You’ll participate in lab-based sessions that teach scientific instrumentation and core laboratory techniques, while also exploring anatomy and healthcare app development. The curriculum integrates workshops on health equity, critical thinking, and college preparation in order to provide a well-rounded perspective on both scientific content and professional development. The sessions are led by faculty and staff from MSM’s Office for Educational Outreach and Health Careers, with a focus on expanding access to underrepresented students in science and medicine. Group work and mini-courses are designed to develop both technical skills and academic preparedness.
14. VOX Media Café
Location: VOX ATL office, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $100 refundable deposit upon completion of the program (a limited number of deposit waivers are available)
Cohort Size: 12 participants are accepted
Dates: Session 1: June 2 – 13; Session 2: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: Typically in May
Eligibility: Metro-Atlanta teens between the ages of 13-19
VOX Media Café is a two-week, project-based media program where you’ll learn foundational and advanced skills in journalism, podcasting, photography, and video production. Working in small groups, you’ll choose a topic that matters to you, from politics to pop culture, and develop a multimedia project for publication on VOX ATL’s platforms. The sessions include instruction in interviewing, editing, public speaking, and visual storytelling, led by both peer mentors and experienced professionals in Atlanta’s media community. You’ll also take field trips to connect with local creatives and media organizations, gaining insight into how storytelling functions across industries. The structure prioritizes hands-on learning, with each participant contributing to a final article, podcast, video, or photo essay that will be published publicly.
15. EarthCare: The Leadership Challenge for the 21st Century
Location: Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, GA
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: 85 students are accepted
Dates: June 8 – 13
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors who live in Georgia
EarthCare is a week-long summer program for high school students in Georgia that blends STEM learning with leadership training, centered around environmental and sustainability themes. The program includes interactive workshops, team-building exercises, and discussions with professionals working in energy, engineering, and environmental science. Each day is structured around a mix of academic content and skill development, with students exploring challenges tied to climate, infrastructure, and corporate responsibility. You’ll also participate in on-site sessions at Georgia Power and other partner organizations to understand how these issues play out in industry settings. Before the residential portion, you’ll attend a preparatory orientation in April that introduces core leadership concepts and builds peer connections.