12 Engineering Programs for High School Students in Georgia
If you are a high school student interested in engineering, participating in a structured program can help you explore how the field works beyond your regular classes. These programs often introduce core areas such as mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering while helping you build problem-solving, analytical, and technical skills. You also get a better sense of how different engineering disciplines connect and what studying engineering in college might look like.
Why should you attend a program in Georgia?
Georgia has several universities, research centers, and organizations that offer engineering programs for high school students. In these programs, you may work on activities such as building prototypes, writing and testing code, analyzing data, or exploring topics like robotics, aerospace, and biotechnology. Whether you are a local or out-of-state student, these opportunities can help you explore engineering in an academic setting.
To help with your search, we have narrowed down a list of 12 engineering programs for high school students in Georgia.
If you’re looking for programs in Georgia, check out our blog here.
1. Summer Engineering Institute (SEI)
Location: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 Students
Dates: June 7 - 15 (Residential; students stay on campus)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising 11th - 12th grade students; must be Georgia residents; must be 16 years old by June 7
The Summer Engineering Institute (SEI) is a nine-day residential program designed to introduce you to engineering through immersive, hands-on experiences. You’ll engage in interactive workshops, design challenges, and lab-based experiments across multiple engineering disciplines. You’ll explore cutting-edge technologies, meet Georgia Tech faculty and current students, and gain insight into the admissions process at a leading engineering institution. The program emphasises problem-solving, collaboration, and leadership development while providing a realistic preview of college life through on-campus housing. Supported by the Georgia Tech College of Engineering and partner organisations, SEI aims to inspire the next generation of engineers by offering a fully funded, transformative learning experience.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies as per program; need-based financial aid available for AI Scholars
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts and 1:1 mentorship
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year (Spring - January, Summer - May, Fall - September, Winter - November)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students worldwide; AI Fellowship applicants must have completed AI Scholars or demonstrate prior experience in AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI offers structured, mentorship-driven artificial intelligence programs designed for motivated high school students. The AI Scholars program introduces foundational concepts in AI, machine learning, and data science through a 10-session bootcamp featuring hands-on, real-world projects. The AI Fellowship provides individualised 1:1 mentorship with researchers from top universities, guiding you through the development of an original AI research project. You’ll also receive support from an in-house publication team to help prepare submissions to high school research journals. The programs emphasise technical skill development in Python, data analysis, and machine learning modelling while strengthening research, problem-solving, and presentation abilities. Veritas AI is well-suited for those seeking a rigorous, project-based introduction to artificial intelligence with a research focus.
3. Science, Technology, and Engineering Program (STEP)
Location: Georgia Tech Main Campus, Atlanta, GA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 6 - 17
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Georgia residents; must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program
This program is designed as an immersive engineering experience. The program places you in teams to tackle open-ended challenge problems inspired by active Georgia Tech research projects. You’ll work closely with faculty mentors to design and prototype solutions, developing skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and applied engineering research. Unlike traditional camps, STEP emphasises authentic research engagement without predetermined solutions, encouraging innovation and independent thinking. The program culminates in a formal poster session where you’ll present your findings to faculty, industry representatives, parents, and educators. STEP provides a rigorous introduction to engineering research while expanding access through its fully funded model.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - Engineering Track
Location: Online
Cost: Tuition-based (varies by program length)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 1:1 mentorship model
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Summer (June-August); Fall (September-December); Winter (December-February); Spring (March-June)
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students; Strong academic record (typical accepted students have 3.3+ unweighted GPA); No prior experience in chosen research field required
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 engineering, physics, economics, data science, computer science, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Aero Systems Studio
Location: Museum of Aviation, Warner Robins, GA
Cost: $160
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 18 students
Dates: June 1 - 5
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Rising 9th - 12th graders
Aero Systems Studio is a five-day, hands-on summer program that introduces you to the fundamentals of aerospace engineering and mission design. You’ll engage in design challenges, simulations, and testing activities focused on propulsion, navigation, orbital mechanics, and materials science. Through interactive experiments, you’ll explore how rockets launch, satellites maintain orbit, and space missions are planned and executed. The program incorporates artificial intelligence tools to analyse performance data, compare design decisions, and model engineering outcomes. Hosted in the Museum of Aviation’s GEAR Lab, the course emphasises iterative problem-solving and systems thinking. You’ll gain practical exposure to aerospace concepts while developing critical thinking skills used by real-world mission engineers.
6. Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics
Location: UGA Centre for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens, GA
Cost: $530 In-Person; $725 Residential fees; $20 Parking fees
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: July 13 - 17
Application Deadline: Enrollment opens on December 1
Eligibility: Students aged 15 to 17
Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics is a five-day engineering camp focused on intelligent manufacturing systems and industrial robotics. You’ll gain hands-on experience programming articulated robotic arms to perform precision tasks used in advanced manufacturing. You’ll integrate vision systems and sensor technology into automated workflows and collaborate on data analysis projects to create digital twin models of real factories. The camp emphasises applied engineering concepts, robotics programming, and practical problem-solving in team-based environments. Designed for those with little to no prior engineering experience, the program blends robotics, data science, and automation technologies. Hosted in partnership with the College of Engineering at UGA, the camp introduces you to emerging technologies shaping modern industry.
7. Mechatronics Foundations
Location: Museum of Aviation, Warner Robins, GA
Cost: $160
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 18 students
Dates: June 8 - 12
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 9th - 12th graders
Mechatronics Foundations is a five-day, hands-on summer program designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of mechanical systems, electronics, and coding. You’ll explore how motors, sensors, circuits, structures, and embedded logic integrate to create reliable machines and robotic systems. Through iterative design challenges and testing, you’ll build and refine projects while developing engineering problem-solving skills. The program introduces artificial intelligence concepts as tools for interpreting sensor data and enhancing system performance. Hosted in the Museum of Aviation’s GEAR Lab, the course emphasises practical application and collaborative learning in a structured classroom environment. You’ll gain foundational experience in mechatronics while thinking critically about intelligent automation and adaptive systems.
8. Additive Manufacturing and Engineering Hackathon
Location: UGA Centre for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens, GA
Cost: $530 In-Person; $725 Residential fees; $20 Parking fees
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No Information available
Dates: July 6 - 10
Application Deadline: Applications are open now
Eligibility: Students aged 15 to 17
The Additive Manufacturing and Engineering Hackathon is a five-day, hands-on engineering camp focused on 3D printing, product design, and innovation. You’ll begin with immersive training in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), learning industry-standard tools used in modern engineering. Midweek, you’ll transition into a multi-day hackathon where teams identify a real problem and design a prototype solution using additive manufacturing techniques. Campers 3D print their creations and develop engineering plans and business concepts to support their designs. The program concludes with a pitch competition in which teams present their products to judges. Hosted in partnership with the UGA College of Engineering, the camp blends technical skill-building, teamwork, and entrepreneurial thinking in an applied engineering environment.
9. Biotechnology: Biology Remixed
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Cost: Residential (2 weeks, noncredit): $5,510; Commuter (2 weeks, noncredit): $3,925; $70 application fee (non-refundable); $350 enrollment deposit (non-refundable); Possible lab fee: $25 - $75
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Session B: June 28 - July 11
Application Deadline: No Information available
Eligibility: Current 10th or 11th graders; Minimum age 15 by session start; Minimum GPA 3.0; Must not be in 9th or 12th grade at time of application
This two-week, noncredit pre-college course explores how molecular biology and biotechnology are applied to address challenges in medicine, agriculture, and industry. You’ll study foundational principles of molecular biology and apply them to emerging technologies such as gene editing, drug discovery, food engineering, and regenerative medicine. The course integrates scientific theory with a discussion of legal, economic, and ethical considerations surrounding rapid biotechnological advancement. You’ll develop analytical skills by proposing your own biotechnological solutions to real-world problems. Offered through the Emory Pre-College Program, the course provides a structured, on-campus college-level academic experience.
10. Building Engineering Pathways
Location: UGA Centre for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens, GA
Cost: $530 In-Person; $725 Residential fees; $20 Parking fees
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No Information available
Dates: July 8 - 12
Application Deadline: Applications are open now
Eligibility: Students aged 15 to 17
Building Engineering Pathways is a week-long immersive camp that introduces you to the engineering design process through hands-on projects and team challenges. You’ll work in state-of-the-art labs and fabrication spaces, engaging in activities that mirror real-world industry problem-solving. You’ll explore multiple engineering disciplines, from app development to robotics, while collaborating with peers and faculty from the UGA College of Engineering. The program emphasises both technical skills and teamwork, helping you understand how science and math translate into engineering careers. You’ll gain exposure to engineering pathways, mentorship, and practical experience that support future academic and professional goals. The program also provides targeted support for those interested in pursuing engineering degrees, particularly those committed to expanding access to the field.
11. Quantum Chemistry of the Visible Spectrum
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Cost: Residential (2 weeks, noncredit): $5,510; Commuter (2 weeks, noncredit): $3,925; Application fee: $70 (non-refundable); Enrollment deposit: $350 (non-refundable); Lab fee (if applicable): $25 - $75
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Session A: June 14 - 27
Application Deadline: No information available
Eligibility: Current 10th or 11th graders; Minimum age 15 by session start; Minimum GPA 3.0; Must not be in 9th or 12th grade at time of application
Quantum Chemistry of the Visible Spectrum is a two-week, noncredit pre-college course that introduces you to photochemistry and electronic spectroscopy through rigorous, college-level instruction. You’ll explore atomic emission transitions, conjugated organic systems, and quantum-dot-size-dependent energy transitions to understand how molecular structure influences optical properties. You’ll conduct hands-on laboratory experiments to synthesise chromophores and analyse how chemical architecture affects colour and light absorption. The course integrates theory with practical application, culminating in the synthesis and stabilisation of pigments for archival-quality artistic use. Through laboratory work and guided discussion, you'll develop foundational knowledge in molecular chemistry and spectroscopy while experiencing the academic rigour of a university-level science course.
12. Excel in Engineering
Location: UGA Centre for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens, GA
Cost: $530 In-Person; $725 Residential fees; $20 Parking fees
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No Information available
Dates: July 15 - 19
Application Deadline: Admissions are open now
Eligibility: Students aged 15 to 17
ExCEL in Engineering (Experience, Creativity, Excitement, and Learning) is a week-long immersive camp designed to introduce you to engineering through hands-on laboratory and design studio experiences. You’ll explore how engineers plan, design, and build innovative solutions that address real-world challenges. The program blends technical skill development with leadership training and teamwork, encouraging collaboration and creative problem-solving. You’ll engage in design-and-test projects while interacting with faculty from the UGA College of Engineering. The camp is structured for those with little to no prior engineering experience and emphasises both foundational engineering concepts and community-building. ExCEL in Engineering also supports those interested in pursuing engineering degrees, particularly those committed to increasing access and representation in the field.
Image source - Emory Logo