If you’re a high school student in Georgia looking to get a head start on college-level academics early on, pre-college programs in the state can offer an accessible and focused way to explore your interests and strengthen your application profile. Unlike traditional summer camps or internships, these programs emphasize college-level coursework, hands-on projects, and mentorship from faculty. Plus, they’re almost always organized by a university!
Whether you’re interested in engineering at Georgia Tech, health sciences at Emory, or exploring fields like law, business, or the arts, there’s a program tailored to your goals.
In this list, we highlight 15 pre-college programs for high school students in Georgia — prioritizing academic rigor, accessibility, and institutional reputation, with a few standout virtual options included as well.
15 Pre-College Programs for High School Students in Georgia
1. Georgia Governor’s Honors Program
Location: Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
Cost: Free (with associated costs for travel and supplies)
Stipend: None
Program Dates: June 15 – July 12
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Rising sophomores and juniors in Georgia
The Georgia Governor’s Honors Program is a selective, state-funded initiative offering intensive study in mathematics, science, social studies, communicative arts, foreign languages, fine arts, and technology. You will participate in college-level classes, gaining expertise in advanced concepts and analytical methods related to your chosen field.
Through seminars and projects, you will enhance your critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration abilities, utilizing tools such as statistical software or design platforms. You’ll work with university faculty to explore career paths, gaining insights into professional applications of your subject area.
2. Winship Cancer Institute Summer Scholars Research Program
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Cost: Free
Stipend: $2,400
Program Dates: June 9 – July 18
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: Rising and graduating high school seniors
The Winship Summer Scholars Research Program at Emory University immerses you in biomedical research focused on oncology. You’ll conduct experiments in molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics, using cutting-edge software for data analysis in a laboratory setting. Working under a faculty mentor in collaboration with post-doctoral and graduate researchers, you’ll develop skills in pipetting, PCR, and data interpretation under the guidance of leading scientists.
The program culminates in a symposium where you’ll present findings, honing scientific communication and presentation skills. The objective is to provide insights into cancer research methodologies and career paths for individuals who are underprivileged and underrepresented in STEM fields.
3. Emory Summer College Program
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $6,115 (3 credits); $8,096 (4 credits); $70 application fees; additional fees (up to $150) for labs and books
Stipend: None; earn college credit
Program Dates: May 16 – June 27 (Session 1) | June 30 – August 8 (Session 2)
Application Deadline: April 25 (Session 1) | June 6 (Session 2)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and juniors in Atlanta
The Emory University Summer College Program is a six-week commuter program introducing you to college-level academics through more than 40 courses in astronomy, biology, chemistry, creative writing, language sequences, physics, and psychology. You can develop critical thinking and analytical writing skills through faculty-led seminars, which you will attend alongside Emory undergrads, using tools like JSTOR for research.
Laboratory experiments and discussions deepen your grasp of scientific inquiry and textual analysis, based on your course. You’ll also participate in college readiness workshops, building skills in time management and academic planning. This program prepares you for higher education by simulating a university environment.
4. CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp
Location: David J. Sencer CDC Museum, CDC headquarters, Atlanta, GA
Cost: Free
Stipend: None
Program Dates: June 23 – June 27 (Session 1); July 21 – July 25 (Session 2)
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp introduces you to public health through case studies in epidemiology, environmental health, and laboratory technology. You’ll analyze datasets using Excel or Epi Info to track disease outbreaks, developing data analysis and statistical reasoning skills.
Interactive activities teach you to apply scientific methods to real-world health challenges. You’ll also explore public health law and emergency preparedness, gaining insights into career paths in healthcare. This one-week program fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making it a good option for aspiring health professionals.
5. AISEE Summer Academy
Location: Clayton State University, Morrow, GA
Cost: Free
Stipend: None
Program Dates: June 1 – June 8
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising 10, 11, and 12 grade underserved high school students who are US citizens
The NASA-funded AISEE Summer Academy is a residential pre-college program at Clayton State University focusing on artificial intelligence applications in Earth science. You will discover how to use Python to implement machine learning algorithms with NASA data science, focusing on environmental datasets.
Through lectures and field trips, you’ll also develop skills in data visualization and computational modeling. The program’s small cohort of 16 students ensures personalized instruction. You’ll gain practical experience in AI-driven research to solve real-world problems in Earth science.
6. B.L.A.C.K. Engineering
Location: University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Cost: Free
Stipend: None
Program Dates: June 9 – June 13
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students
The B.L.A.C.K. Engineering program at the University of Georgia targets underserved students, offering hands-on exposure to mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. You will utilize CAD software such as AutoCAD to create engineering prototypes while enhancing your technical drawing and problem-solving abilities.
Workshops and projects foster teamwork and analytical abilities under faculty guidance. You’ll explore ethical engineering design and applications in real-world contexts. This one-week program aims to build confidence and technical expertise for STEM pursuits.
7. GTAE Science, Technology, and Engineering Program (STEP)
Location: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Cost: Free
Stipend: None
Program Dates: July 7 – July 18
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old and residents of Georgia
The GTAE STEP program at Georgia Tech engages students in engineering challenges inspired by active research efforts at Georgia Tech through a two-week program. You will collaborate in teams with a faculty mentor to model intricate engineering systems, honing your computational and design thinking skills.
Projects involve real-world applications, enhancing your ability to analyze and solve technical problems through teamwork. Industry field trips provide exposure to professional engineering environments.
8. UGA Young Dawgs Summer Science Program
Location: University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Cost: Free
Stipend: None
Program Dates: Late May – mid-July; 120 internship hours minimum
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.7 GPA
The UGA Young Dawgs Summer Science Program offers high-achieving high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to engage in unpaid internships across various departments at the University of Georgia. You’ll complete a minimum of 120 hours in placements such as research labs, where you can develop hands-on skills in scientific research, data analysis, and laboratory techniques.
With a focus on preparing you for post-secondary education and future careers, the Young Dawgs program provides a unique pre-college experience. You’ll work closely with university faculty and staff, enhancing your understanding of academic and professional expectations in your area of interest.
9. Early College Program in Art History and Curatorial Studies
Location: Spelman College, Atlanta, GA
Cost: Fully funded (covers room, board, books, activity fees, field trips; families responsible for travel costs)
Stipend: None
Program Dates: June 20 – July 18
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors of color
The Early College Program in Art History and Curatorial Studies is a co-educational program at Spelman College designed for rising junior and senior high school students of color. You’ll engage in lectures, projects, and discussions at Spelman College, the Atlanta University Center, and the High Museum of Art. The program includes the “Ways of Seeing: Art History, Curating, and Museums” course, earning you 3 undergraduate credits.
You’ll study African American and Western art, learn about museum operations, and complete exhibition projects using the High Museum’s collection. Using resources like smarthistory.org and texts such as Sylvan Barnet’s “A Short Guide to Writing About Art,” you can develop critical skills in art analysis and curation.
This fully funded program, sponsored by the Alice L. Walton Foundation, covers all costs except travel, making it accessible to students of color passionate about the art curation sector.
10. Pre-College Program at Georgia Institute of Technology
Location: College of Design, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $2,500
Stipend: None
Program Dates: June 15 – June 27 (Session I) | July 6 – July 18 (Session II)
Application Deadline: January 31; applications submitted after this date will be considered on a rolling basis, as space allows
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Hosted by Georgia Tech’s College of Design, this two-week program lets rising juniors and seniors explore one of four fields: architecture, building construction, industrial design, or music technology. Through studio-based workshops, students utilize industry-standard tools such as Revit, Rhino, and Ableton Live.
Daily sessions include lectures, critiques, and hands-on labs, providing a comprehensive introduction to each discipline. The curriculum emphasizes iterative design, critical problem-solving, and peer collaboration in a fast-paced, college-level environment.
11. Pre-College Program at Emory University
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $3,662 – $10,274; depending on program
Stipend: None
Program Dates: June 15 – June 28 (Session A) | June 29 – July 12 (Session B) | July 13 – July 26 (Session C)
Application Deadline: May 9 (Session A) | May 23 (Session B) | June 6 (Session C)
Eligibility: Current sophomores and juniors
The Emory Pre-College Program offers over 100 courses in STEM, humanities, and social sciences, with options for college credit. You can choose from subjects such as public health, artificial intelligence, ethics, and creative writing, while benefiting from Emory faculty and rigorous college-level instruction.
Depending on the course, you may use software tools such as SPSS for data analysis or Adobe Creative Suite for design projects. Residential students benefit from co-curricular programming, leadership workshops, and campus life immersion, while day and commuter options are also available.
12. Legal Camp at the University of Georgia Summer Academy
Location: University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Cost: $530 (commuter) | $1,255 (residential)
Stipend: None
Program Dates: June 9 – June 13
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students aged 13-17
The Legal Camp at UGA Summer Academy introduces you to the legal profession through a one-week program. You’ll engage in mock trials, courtroom debates, and legal writing workshops, all guided by practicing attorneys and law professors.
Tools like LexisNexis are used to research legal precedents and construct arguments, giving students firsthand exposure to legal analysis. The program culminates in a mock trial where students apply their skills in a courtroom simulation.
13. Morehouse Pre-College Program
Location: Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA or Online
Cost: $3,500; $30 application fee; ~$100 course materials
Stipend: None
Program Dates: June 2 – July 11
Application Deadline: May 22
Eligibility: Current 10th, 11th, and graduating 12th graders; minimum 3.2 GPA; at least 16 years old
The Morehouse Pre-College Program offers college credit courses in kinesiology and sociology at a leading Historically Black College or University (HBCU). You’ll use research tools like JSTOR to complete coursework, developing academic writing and analytical skills, while learning Excel and R programming to engage with real-world data sets.
The program blends academic rigor with personal development through workshops on college admissions, career planning, and leadership. You can participate in rich discussions on topics like social justice, health disparities, and community responsibility, learning from Morehouse faculty and guest speakers.
14. SCAD Rising Star
Location: SCAD Savannah or Atlanta, GA
Cost: $6,490 (residential; includes non-refundable $100 application fee)
Stipend: None
Program Dates: June 29 – July 25
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: Current high school juniors
The Savannah College of Art and Design’s Rising Star residential program offers college credit in creative fields, such as animation, film, and graphic design. Over 4 weeks, you’ll learn and utilize professional tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Maya, and Wacom tablets, depending on your chosen discipline.
Studio-based learning is combined with critiques, gallery visits, and industry-focused workshops, allowing students to build a polished portfolio. The program also offers access to world-class facilities and experienced faculty.
15. Architecture Summer Academy at Kennesaw State University
Location: Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA
Cost: $1,000
Stipend: None
Program Dates: July 7 – July 18
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students
The Architecture Summer Academy at Kennesaw State University is a 10-day program designed for high school students interested in pursuing architecture. Guided by KSU faculty and professional architects, you’ll learn to conceptualize and communicate your ideas through sketching, model-making, and presentations.
The program includes a field trip to Atlanta and culminates in an awards banquet. Through this opportunity, you can develop foundational skills in architectural design, spatial thinking, and creative problem-solving. You’ll also gain insights into the architectural profession and what it takes to succeed in this field.
Bonus pre-college programs for high school students:
Location: Online
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. 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. Students who are looking to get started with 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 get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance 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.
Location: Online
Cost: Starts at $2,990; financial aid is available
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Eligibility: High school students with GPA >3.3/4.0
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 that you can explore as a high schooler.
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.
You will also have the option to earn college credit through a partnership with the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Extension.
Image source – Emory University
