If you’re a high school student in Georgia looking to develop subject-specific research skills, a summer research program is a solid way to start. These programs offer hands-on experience in fields like computational biology, chemistry, engineering, and social sciences, using professional tools and industry-standard software.
You’ll work with tools like Python for analyzing data, MATLAB for creating models, or conduct experiments in fields like biology and chemistry. Some programs also cover statistical modeling for economics or GIS mapping for environmental research.
Here are 10 research programs in Georgia for high school students to consider this summer!
10 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in Georgia
1. CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp (DDC)
The CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp (DDC) gives you an introduction to public health through hands-on activities and real-world case studies. Held at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, the program covers infectious disease, epidemiology, global health, and emergency preparedness.
You will work with data analysis tools, learn disease surveillance methods, and explore laboratory techniques used in public health research. Sessions include investigating outbreaks, designing public health interventions, and practicing scientific communication. The program focuses on teamwork and critical thinking, helping you understand how public health professionals track and control diseases.
Location: CDC Headquarters, Atlanta, Georgia.
Cost: Free.
Program Dates: June 23–27 (Session 1) and July 21–25 (Session 2)
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors; participants must be at least 16 years old on the first day of the camp session they attend.
2. Summer Scholars Research Program at Winship Cancer Institute
The Summer Scholars Research Program at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University gives high school seniors six weeks of hands-on experience in cancer research. You will work with a physician or lab researcher, gaining exposure to both clinical and laboratory techniques used in oncology.
The program includes lectures from oncology specialists, site visits to institutions like the CDC Museum and Georgia Tech, and collaborative research projects. You will analyze cancer data, learn laboratory methods, and present your findings at the end of the program to an audience of professionals, educators, and families. Students who complete the program receive a $2,400 stipend.
Location: Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
Cost: Free; $2,400 stipend.
Dates: June 9 – July 18 (mandatory orientation on June 9).
Application Deadline: February 4
Eligibility: Open to rising or graduating high school seniors who are at least 16 years old by June 9. Priority is given to students from Title 1 schools, first-generation college students, and those from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM.
3. ACLU of Georgia Internship Program
The ACLU of Georgia offers internships where you can gain valuable experience in legal research, policy analysis, communications, community engagement, and development. As an intern, you’ll learn how to conduct legal research, draft memoranda, and support litigation efforts if you’re a law student.
You’ll also gain skills in policy evaluation, community outreach, and nonprofit development. These internships provide practical experience that will help you build a strong foundation in the legal and advocacy fields, all while working closely with professionals to understand the real-world application of these skills.
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Cost: Free (Paid Internship)
Application Deadline: Rolling (Spring, Summer, Fall)
Dates: Various (Spring, Summer, Fall)
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students
4. Young Scholars Program
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) offers hands-on experience in agricultural, food, and environmental research. Over five weeks, you’ll work 30 hours per week with a faculty mentor at a University of Georgia (UGA) campus in Athens, Griffin, or Tifton. You’ll conduct experiments, analyze data, and use lab techniques related to agricultural science.
You’ll also participate in workshops and field visits covering topics like crop genetics, soil science, and food safety, all while utilizing industry-standard research tools. The program ends with the Young Scholars Pre-Collegiate Research Conference, where you’ll present your findings through a poster session.
Location: Athens, Griffin, or Tifton, GA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: November 15 (school nominations) and January 10 (final submissions)
Dates: May – July (Expected)
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore year, aged 16 or older by the program start date
5. Science, Technology, and Engineering Program (STEP)
The Science, Technology, and Engineering Program (STEP) at Georgia Tech offers you a hands-on engineering internship, where you’ll tackle real-world challenges drawn from the university’s research. Sponsored by industry leaders like Lockheed Martin and Boeing, the program allows you to work in teams with faculty mentors to design and prototype engineering solutions.
Throughout the two-week program, you’ll develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration while working with engineering tools and techniques used in the field. The program ends with a professional poster session, where you’ll present your team’s work to faculty, parents, and industry professionals.
Location: Georgia Tech main campus, Atlanta, Georgia.
Cost: Free.
Dates: July 7–18
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Open to Georgia residents aged 16 or older by the program start date. Space is limited.
6. TAG-Ed High School Summer Internship Program
The TAG-Ed High School Summer Internship Program offers the opportunity to work on real-world STEM projects while developing research and technical skills. Over five weeks, you’ll complete at least 100 hours of work with a host company, addressing industry-specific challenges in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. You’ll tackle structured, project-based assignments, utilizing relevant tools and techniques while receiving mentorship from experienced STEM professionals.
Location: Various locations across Georgia.
Cost: Free; participants receive a $1,500 stipend upon completion.
Dates: June 1–July 31 (minimum of five consecutive weeks).
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: High school students 16+, with an interest in STEM research and professional experience.
7. Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP)
The Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP) provides high school students in the Atlanta area with hands-on exposure to the legal field. Through paid internships in various legal environments, you will develop practical skills, perform real-world tasks, and enhance your understanding of the law.
In addition to gaining experience, you will receive mentorship from seasoned professionals, allowing you to build connections within Atlanta’s legal community. With over 900 internships awarded, SLIP has successfully inspired many students to pursue careers in law, with numerous alumni currently studying law.
Location: Atlanta, GA.
Cost: Free; paid internship opportunity
Dates: TBA
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Open to high school students in the Atlanta area with an interest in exploring legal careers.
8. Oxford College Summer Experience Program
The Oxford College Summer Experience Program offers high school students from the Newton and Putnam County school systems the chance to develop important academic and personal skills. You’ll take college-level courses taught by Oxford faculty, improving your critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving abilities.
The program also emphasizes leadership development through hands-on activities and collaborative projects. Additionally, you’ll enhance time management and communication skills through a variety of recreational, and cultural activities, and field trips.
Location: Oxford College, Oxford, GA.
Cost: Free (or specify if a fee applies)
Dates: July 3 – July 7
Application Deadline: Not specified.
Eligibility: Open to students from Newton County School System and Putnam County Charter School System.
9. Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP)
The Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) provides high-achieving high school sophomores and juniors the chance to build specialized skills in a college-like setting. You’ll take intensive, advanced classes in your chosen field, focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills.
In addition to academics, GHP enhances leadership and collaboration abilities through various social and instructional activities in the evenings. Hosted at Georgia Southern University, the program offers a comprehensive, immersive experience, including meals and lodging, aimed at developing global thinkers, innovators, and leaders.
Location: Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA.
Cost: Students cover only travel expenses, basic class and dorm supplies, and personal spending money. Meals and lodging are provided.
Dates: June 15 – July 12
Application Deadlines: November 15 for school nominations, January 10 for completed online applications by nominees.
Eligibility: Open to Georgia high school sophomores and juniors nominated by their public school district.
10. Bank of America Student Leaders® Program
The Bank of America Student Leaders® Program offers high school juniors and seniors a paid internship at local nonprofit organizations, where you’ll gain hands-on experience tackling societal challenges. You’ll develop key skills in leadership, teamwork, and project management while engaging in meaningful community service.
The program also includes a national leadership summit, where you’ll strengthen your understanding of complex social issues and build a long-term commitment to service and leadership.
Cost: Paid; compensation details provided upon acceptance.
Location: Georgia
Program Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors from select Georgia counties with a strong interest in community service and leadership
Bonus –
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Spring: February 16; Summer: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)!
Program Dates: Spring: March 3; Summer: June 16! Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
2. Lumiere Research Program
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research opportunity designed for high school students. It offers in-depth, 1-on-1 research experiences across a wide range of subjects, allowing you to explore areas of interest while still in high school.
The program pairs you with a Ph.D. mentor who will guide you through an independent research project. For 12 weeks, you’ll develop and write an original research paper. Topics include psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. For more information, click here.
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The Spring Cohort application deadline is February 9!
Program Dates: Summer: June – August, fall: September – December, winter: December – February, spring: March – June.
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in engineering, no prior experience required, though some familiarity with engineering concepts may be beneficial.
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