If you’re a high schooler interested in exploring college-level academics early on, a pre-college summer program is the best way to do so. These programs allow you to explore fields such as engineering, medicine, law, media, art, and public health while developing key academic and professional skills like research, writing, critical thinking, and communication. By engaging with faculty, working alongside peers on collaborative projects, and interacting with industry professionals, you gain exposure to the expectations and rigor of college-level study. Atlanta, specifically, is home to several major universities, including Emory University, Georgia Tech, and Georgia State University, and offers multiple programs for you to consider.
Unlike typical summer camps, pre-college programs are academically intensive and may include lectures, labs, seminars, site visits, and hands-on assignments. Many programs also offer the opportunity to earn college credit or receive mentorship from university faculty. With some offering financial aid or scholarships, these programs aim to be accessible to students from diverse backgrounds who are serious about advancing their academic interests.
Below is a compiled list of 15 pre-college summer programs in Georgia to help you explore your options:
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4).
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs you 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.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Date: The Summer cohort 2 deadline is July 20
Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
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.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as literature, political theory, and more. Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers the choice to engage in quantitative or qualitative research and enhance your writing skills to a college level. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who mentors you throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to 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 and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
3. Summer Writing Camp | Morehouse College
Location: Online
Cost: $300
Application Deadline: May 16
Dates: June 9th-20th
Eligibility: All students between the age of 12-18 (even if you are recent high school graduates) are eligible to apply
The Morehouse Summer Online Writing Camp, offered by Morehouse College, is a two-week intensive program designed to develop writing and critical thinking skills through daily synchronous sessions and individualized instruction. You will explore a range of writing genres and forms, engage in freewriting and revision exercises, and examine assigned readings through structured discussions. Each day includes interactive writing workshops, peer review sessions, and collaborative dialogue focused on identifying effective writing strategies and areas for improvement. Experienced educators affiliated with Morehouse’s Writing Center guide small groups and provide one-on-one conferences to support progress and personal goals. By writing and revising alongside instructors and peers, you will gain insight into the writing process, build confidence in articulating ideas, and develop techniques to craft clear, compelling prose suitable for both academic and creative contexts.
4. Morehouse College, Summer Pre-College Courses
Location: Morehouse College Atlanta, GA
Cost: $3,500
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Dates: June 9 to July 14
Eligibility: Current 10th, 11th and graduating 12th graders in high school. Maintaining a minimum 3.2 or higher GPA
The Summer Morehouse Pre-College Course Program, hosted by Morehouse College in Atlanta, offers high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to enroll in college-level courses taught by Morehouse faculty, with a focus on academic disciplines such as kinesiology and sociology. Through this program, you will gain firsthand experience navigating college coursework, sharpen analytical and writing skills, and explore topics through a curriculum grounded in the mission of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and the broader academic legacy of the Atlanta University Center (AUC). You will attend online, co-educational classes held five days a week and engage in lectures, assignments, and discussions that build both academic discipline and critical thinking. The program also emphasizes leadership development, with opportunities to learn from faculty and peers in small-group settings (12–15 learners per course), and you will receive an unofficial transcript upon successful course completion.
5. GTAE STEP Program – Georgia Space Grant Consortium
Location: Georgia Tech main campus
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: March 9
Dates: July 7 – 18
Eligibility: Participants must be Georgia residents at least 16 years old by the start of the program to apply
The Science, Technology, and Engineering Program (STEP), offered by the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, is a two-week summer internship designed to immerse high school students in engineering challenges. Sponsored by leading organizations such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and the Georgia Space Grant Consortium, STEP offers a unique opportunity to work directly with Georgia Tech faculty on active research problems without predefined solutions. You will develop technical and collaborative problem-solving skills by working in teams, applying engineering concepts, and engaging in hands-on design and analysis. The program culminates in a professional poster session where you will present your work to an audience that includes faculty, industry professionals, and educators, gaining experience in both technical communication and public presentation. This non-residential, fully funded program fosters exposure to advanced engineering environments and strengthens your ability to contribute meaningfully to complex, practical STEM projects.
6. Summer Scholars Research Program | Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Location: Emory Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA
Cost: Free, there is a $2,400 stipend for those who complete the entire program
Application Deadline: Deadline will be posted in the fall
Dates: June 9 through July 18
Eligibility: Students must be 16 years old and be rising or graduating high school seniors to be eligible for the program
The Summer Scholars Research Program at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University in Atlanta is a six-week intensive research internship that introduces high school seniors to the field of cancer research through direct mentorship and lab-based learning. You will work one-on-one with physicians and research scientists in clinical or laboratory settings, gaining hands-on experience in cancer biology, data collection, and medical research techniques. The program includes educational site visits to institutions such as the CDC and Georgia Tech, as well as lectures from oncology professionals across various specialties. You will develop foundational skills in scientific inquiry, lab protocol, and research communication, while also engaging in discussions about equity and representation in STEM.
7. Early College Program – AUC Art Collective
Location: Spelman College, the Atlanta University Center
Cost: All students accepted into the Early College Program receive full scholarships that cover room and board, books, activity fees and field trip transportation costs.
Application Deadline: April 1
Dates: June 20 – July 18
Eligibility: This program is for rising juniors and seniors in high school
Offered by the Atlanta University Center Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective, the Ways of Seeing: Art History, Curating, and Museums summer program is a credit-bearing course designed to introduce high school students to the academic and professional fields of art history and curatorial practice. Through a curriculum modeled on undergraduate courses at Spelman College, you will study African American and Western art traditions, explore the roles of museums, archives, and libraries, and learn how curators and other professionals interpret and present works of art. The program emphasizes analytical and research skills through hands-on projects using collections from institutions such as the High Museum of Art. You will develop competencies in visual analysis, academic writing, and public speaking, while also examining questions of diversity, cultural representation, and audience engagement within the museum sector. The course culminates in exhibition-based assignments, providing opportunities to collaborate with professionals and communicate curatorial ideas both orally and in writing.
8. Academy for Future Teachers – College of Education & Human Development
Location: Georgia State’s downtown campus
Cost: Not clearly mentioned
Application Deadline: Not posted yet, will be posted in the fall
Dates: June 16-27
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomore, junior or seniors are all eligible to apply
The Academy for Future Teachers (AFT) Summer Program, offered by Georgia State University in Atlanta, is a two-week, STEM-focused academic immersion designed to develop both teaching competencies and scientific literacy in high school students. Centered on the theme of Sustainability and Environmental Health, you will engage in hands-on activities such as urban gardening, recycling projects, and field visits to local organizations working in environmental sustainability. You will also explore instructional strategies and emotional intelligence, and gain practical experience by teaching science concepts to elementary and middle school students. Through collaborative projects, workshops with community partners, and direct interaction with university faculty and experienced educators, you will strengthen your ability to communicate complex ideas, apply pedagogical frameworks, and lead educational initiatives in real-world contexts.
9. Pre-College Program, Georgia Institute of Technology
Location: College of Design at the Georgia Institute of Technology
Cost: $2,500
Application Deadline: March 14
Dates: Session 1: June 15-27, Session 2: July 6-18
Eligibility: All applicants must be high-schoolers (rising juniors and rising seniors)
The Pre-College Summer Program offered by the College of Design at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta provides a two-week, residential learning experience focused on architecture, industrial design, building construction, or music technology. You will engage in intensive studio-based workshops led by Georgia Tech faculty, gaining foundational skills in design thinking, technical drawing, digital modeling, sound engineering, or sustainable construction, depending on your chosen track. The program emphasizes project-based learning, with opportunities to develop and present original work, collaborate with peers, and receive critique from professionals and advanced students. Outside the classroom, you will experience campus life, visit key cultural institutions such as the High Museum of Art and the Georgia Aquarium, and build a deeper understanding of college-level study in the design disciplines.
10. SCAD Rising Star
Location: SCAD campuses in Atlanta, GA
Cost: $6,490 tuition and fees (Residential)
Application Deadline: May 30
Dates: June 29 – July 25
Eligibility: All applicants must be rising high school seniors
The SCAD Rising Star program is a five-week summer experience where you’ll take real college courses in art and design on the SCAD campus in Atlanta or Savannah. You’ll use SCAD’s studios, labs, and libraries, and learn from faculty who teach full-time at the university. You’ll take two college-level classes in areas like foundation studies, general education, or major-specific subjects. Classes are small, and you’ll get hands-on training with tools like Adobe Creative Cloud. If you pass your classes, you’ll earn college credit that can go toward a SCAD degree or possibly transfer elsewhere. As a residential student, you’ll live in campus housing, eat at the dining hall, and explore the creative scenes of Atlanta or Savannah.
11. David J. Sencer CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp
Location: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 21
Dates: Session 1: June 23 – 27, Session 2: July 21 – 25
Eligibility: All students interested in public health are eligible to apply
The CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp, hosted at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta, offers an intensive introduction to public health for high school students entering their junior or senior years. Through a fast-paced, interdisciplinary curriculum, you will explore a wide range of topics such as epidemiology, environmental health, infectious and chronic diseases, public health law, injury prevention, and global health systems. You will engage in case study investigations, data analysis, outbreak simulations, and scientific communication exercises, gaining firsthand insight into how public health professionals track and respond to disease threats. Guided by CDC experts, you will work collaboratively with peers to solve practical health challenges and develop skills in critical thinking, teamwork, and evidence-based decision-making.
12. Microsoft Discovery Program
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Cost: Free of cost, $20 per hour stipend
Application Deadline: Will be open in March
Dates: The four-week program typically runs from July to August
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who live in or around Atlanta, GA can apply
The Microsoft Discovery Program is a four-week, immersive summer internship designed for graduating high school seniors living in the Atlanta area who are entering their first year of a bachelor’s degree program and have an interest in technology. You will learn how to collaborate within a team, engage with mentors from across Microsoft’s workforce, and explore career pathways in the tech industry through direct exposure to engineering, product design, and project management environments. The program emphasizes mentorship, career exploration, and skill-building in a corporate setting, providing valuable insights into how personal interests can translate into impactful careers in technology.
13. VOX ATL Media Cafe Program
Location: VOX Teen Communications, ATL
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Dates: Session 1 (June 2-June 13), Session 2 (June 16-June 27)
Eligibility: All students and teens between the age of 13-19 and living in the Atlanta area are welcome to apply
VOX Media Café (VMC), hosted by VOX ATL in downtown Atlanta, offers two intensive two-week summer sessions designed to build core skills in journalism, multimedia production, and public speaking for high school-aged teens. Through daily workshops and collaborative projects, you will learn how to conduct interviews, write articles, produce podcasts, edit video, shoot photography, and develop visual content using graphic design tools. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and group collaboration, with opportunities to work alongside VOX’s experienced staff and local media professionals. Projects are centered around topics of personal and social relevance, and all final content is published on VOXATL.org, YouTube, and Spotify. The program also includes field visits to creative and media organizations in Atlanta, and concludes with a showcase where you will present your work to peers, families, and community members.
14. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Multiple locations in the country, including in Atlanta Georgia
Stipend: It is a paid internship, but no information is available on the exact amount.
Application Deadline: January 15
Dates: Dates vary by location, but the internship usually begins shortly after the school year ends.
Eligibility: All high school juniors and seniors can apply. Check the detailed eligibility criteria here.
Bank of America is one of the Big Four banks in the country. Its Student Leaders program is meant for high school students interested in serving their community. The program offers you the chance to work at a local non-profit organization and develop social, civic, and business leadership skills. Here, you will also get to explore various aspects of running such an organization, engage in community service projects, and build a deeper understanding of social issues. The eight-week internship includes a week-long Student Leadership Summit held in Washington, D.C. The travel, food and stay for this summit will be covered by Bank of America. This entire experience could equip you with the knowledge and skills to help your own community.
15. Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP)
Location: Typically a college campus in Georgia
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Schools are supposed to submit nominations on November 15 and online applications for candidates close on January 10.
Dates: June 15–July 12
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors in Georgia can apply. Check the detailed eligibility criteria here before applying.
The Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP), administered by the Georgia Department of Education, is a four-week residential summer program held on a college campus in Atlanta, designed for high-achieving high school sophomores and juniors nominated by their teachers in specialized subject areas. Through an intensive schedule of morning and afternoon classes, you will deepen expertise in disciplines such as environmental science, engineering, music, visual arts, computer science, and world languages. The curriculum emphasizes both academic rigor and creative exploration, with elective seminars and evening activities broadening intellectual and cultural exposure. You will engage in collaborative learning, attend peer-led performances and exhibitions, and interact with experienced educators and professionals across disciplines.
Image source – Morehouse College