High school is a great time to dive deeper into science, way beyond what you’re doing in your regular classroom. If chemistry interests you, there are some really solid programs out there that’ll show you what the subject looks like in the real world.
Chemistry programs for high schoolers in Georgia typically include lab work, experiments, lectures, and projects. You study things like chemical reactions, molecular structures, lab techniques, and data analysis. Some programs connect chemistry to biotechnology, medicine, or environmental research, which helps you understand how people actually use this stuff professionally.
Why should you choose a program in Georgia?
Georgia has universities and STEM institutions that open their labs to high school students. These programs are often run through university departments, so you get to see what college-level chemistry looks like before you’re paying tuition for it.
If you live in Georgia, the logistics are simpler. You can access these programs without travel or housing costs. Participating also strengthens college applications because it shows you pursued chemistry beyond what was required.
With that, here are 15 chemistry programs for high school students in Georgia!
15 Chemistry Programs for High School Students in Georgia
1. CSI: UGA – University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education
Location: Athens, GA (UGA Campus)
Cost: $530
Program Dates: June 8 – June 12
Application Deadline: Rolling until full (currently waitlisted)
Eligibility: Ages 13–17; no prior experience required
CSI: UGA at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education places you in a simulated crime investigation environment focused on forensic science. You work in a professional lab setting at the University of Georgia while collaborating on an unsolved case. You engage in fingerprint analysis, DNA extraction, and blood spatter examination as part of the investigation process. You apply forensic chemistry to identify unknown substances and interpret evidence. You compile findings and present conclusions in a final case showcase.
2. Georgia Cancer Center Summer Research Experiences (GCC SRE) – Augusta University Georgia Cancer Center
Location: Augusta University, Augusta, GA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 3 – July 15
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school students (16+ for lab research); interest in biomedical sciences; no prior research required
The Georgia Cancer Center Summer Research Experiences (GCC SRE) at the Georgia Cancer Center provides a six-week opportunity to explore cancer research with links to chemistry concepts. You work in laboratories at Augusta University across areas like computational biology and clinical investigation. You study chemical and molecular aspects of cancer progression and treatment. You receive mentoring and hands-on lab training. You also participate in skill-building sessions and collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers.
3. ACS Project SEED Program
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S including Georgia
Cost: Free. You receive a $4,000 stipend
Application Deadline: April 6
Dates: 8-10 weeks in the Summer
Eligibility: High school students
The ACS Project SEED Program, run by the American Chemical Society, offers 8–10 week summer research experiences focused on chemistry. You work with qualified mentors in academic or industry laboratories on research projects. You gain exposure to practical lab methods and chemical research processes. You also have access to a virtual summer camp covering college readiness and lab preparedness. You explore chemistry-related career paths while participating in structured professional development activities.
4. Winship Cancer Institute’s Summer Scholars Research Program
Location: Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Stipend: $2,400
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: June 8 – July 17
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old by June 8, and must be rising or graduating high school seniors
The Winship Cancer Institute’s Summer Scholars Research Program at the Winship Cancer Institute pairs you one-on-one with a physician or lab-based researcher for hands-on laboratory work. You conduct research in cancer biology, where chemistry concepts are applied to understand disease mechanisms and treatments. You attend faculty-led lectures on oncology and research methods. You participate in field visits to sites like the Emory Proton Therapy Center. You present your research findings at a final symposium.
5. University of Georgia Young Scholars Program
Location: UGA Athens, Griffin, or Tifton campus
Stipend: Paid, amount is not specified
Application Deadline: January 23
Dates: June 1 – July 7: Internship Program | July 8 – July 10: Young Scholars Pre-Collegiate Research Conference
Eligibility: Completion of sophomore year in high school and be a first-time participant in the program; 16 years old by the program start date; Completion of one high school science course, including laboratory, and one semester of algebra.
The Young Scholars Program at the University of Georgia is a five-week paid summer internship where you conduct research in agricultural, food, and environmental sciences. You work 30 hours per week under a faculty mentor at campuses in Athens, Griffin, or Tifton. You engage in research areas that involve chemistry concepts such as soil composition, food science, and environmental analysis. You attend workshops and visit agricultural operations. You present your research at a final pre-collegiate conference.
6. CEISMC Summer PEAKS
Location: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $400-$550
Application Deadline: Open till session reaches maximum capacity
Dates: Multiple one and two-week camps in June and July
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders
CEISMC Summer PEAKS offers immersive STEAM programs for students in grades 9–12 through short, intensive sessions on the Georgia Tech campus. You explore diverse topics such as filmmaking, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and aerospace through structured, hands-on activities. You engage in experiential learning formats, including labs, simulations, and collaborative projects designed to build practical understanding. You work through real-world applications like coding, diagnostics, energy systems, and research design. You develop critical thinking, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities through guided instruction. You also create tangible outputs such as films, research presentations, or coded projects.
7. CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp
Location: CDC Museum, Atlanta, GA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Open till seats fill up
Dates: June 22 – June 26 | July 20 – July 24
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors who are 16 years old by the first day of camp
CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp is an interdisciplinary academic day program held at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. You participate as a high school student entering junior or senior year while exploring the field of public health. You engage with topics such as epidemiology, infectious disease, chronic disease, and environmental health through structured sessions. You analyze real-world issues, including outbreaks, surveillance systems, and emergency preparedness. You work collaboratively on activities involving data analysis, surveys, and scientific communication. You experience a fast-paced environment that emphasizes teamwork and applied public health problem-solving. This is a highly competitive camp with an acceptance rate of 7.7%.
8. The Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP)
Location: Georgia Southern University, Atlanta, GA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: January 9
Dates: June 14 – July 11
Eligibility: Students who are current sophomores and juniors enrolled in a high school or homeschooled in the state of Georgia
The Chemistry major at Georgia’s Governor’s Honors Program is built for students who already have a strong interest in chemistry and want to study the subject beyond the pace of a regular high school class. Over four residential weeks, you spend mornings and afternoons in chemistry-focused instruction that moves heavily into discussion, experimentation, and scientific thinking rather than test preparation. The classes are designed to be exploratory, so the emphasis stays on understanding how chemical systems work and how chemists approach research questions instead of memorizing formulas for exams. Since GHP is ungraded, the atmosphere is much more centered on curiosity and depth than competition.
9. Project ENGAGES
Location: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Stipend: Paid (amount is not specified)
Application Deadline: February 27
Dates: The program runs for a year and starts on June 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors age 16 by June 1 who attend Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy, B.E.S.T Academy, Benjamin E. Mays High School, Charles R. Drew Charter School, South Atlanta High School, Booker T. Washington High School, KIPP Atlanta Collegiate, or D.M. Therrell High School. Applicants need an overall GPA of 83 (3.0) or higher and a science GPA of 83 (3.0) or higher.
Project ENGAGES is a research-focused program that connects high school students with laboratory work at Georgia Tech. You participate in a year-long research experience that includes structured classroom activities and applied lab work. You spend significant weekly hours in a research laboratory during both summer and the academic year. You explore fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering through hands-on investigation. You engage in enrichment activities that complement your research experience. You gain exposure to academic pathways and career options through sustained research involvement.
10. NextGen High School Internship Program
Location: Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
Stipend: Paid (amount is not specified)
Application Deadline: February 13
Dates: June 1 – July 8
Eligibility: Rising junior or senior in high school; Must be 16 years old by June 1
NextGen High School Internship Program is a STEM-focused internship designed to engage high school students through structured learning and applied experiences. You participate in lectures that introduce foundational concepts across science disciplines, including chemistry-related lab work. You rotate through laboratory and clinical environments, gaining exposure to experimental and analytical processes. You engage in hands-on activities that connect STEM concepts to real-world healthcare and research settings. You experience a program structure that accommodates varied academic backgrounds. You continue participating in enrichment activities beyond the initial internship period.
11. George Mason’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual/ George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: $1,299 + $25 application fee
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Students who are 15 years or older by June 18 (for remote internships)
George Mason’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) is a research-focused internship connecting students with faculty-led projects across STEM disciplines. You work one-on-one with researchers using advanced laboratory technologies and scientific methods. You engage in areas such as chemistry, biochemistry, drug discovery, and molecular medicine through applied research. You participate in experimental work that may involve data analysis, modeling, or lab-based investigation. You gain exposure to interdisciplinary fields that connect chemistry with environmental science, materials, and biology. You may present findings or contribute to scientific publications.
12. Johns Hopkins University’s Pre-College Program: Applications of Chemistry in Medicine Course
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,950 tuition + $85 application fee; financial aid is available.
Dates: July 6 – July 17
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed 9th grade before the start of the program and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4
Johns Hopkins University’s Pre-College Program: Applications of Chemistry in Medicine Course focuses on how chemistry supports healthcare and pharmaceutical sciences. You explore how chemical analysis and synthesis contribute to drug development and treatment design. You study how chemistry applies to fields such as medicine, materials science, and forensic science. You examine real-world uses of chemistry in industries like pharmaceuticals and consumer products. You engage with concepts that connect chemistry to medical advancements. You gain insight into how chemical principles are applied in healthcare-related contexts.
13. Arizona State University’s Introductory Chemistry Universal Learner Course
Location: Virtual
Cost: $25 application fee and a $400 fee that you pay only if you pass
Dates: 16 weeks starting June 16
Application deadline: May 26
Eligibility: Open to all learners, including high school students; MAT 117 College Algebra or MAT 142 College Mathematics is recommended as a prerequisite
Arizona State University’s Introductory Chemistry Universal Learner Course introduces foundational chemistry concepts through a focus on atoms, molecules, and material behavior. You learn how atomic structures form molecules and how these molecules determine the properties of materials and biological systems. You explore applications such as blood pH regulation and material functionality. You develop skills in solving problems from an atomic and molecular perspective. You engage with interactive learning tools that provide visual and audio feedback. You build a foundation relevant to chemistry, health sciences, and engineering pathways.
14. MSM S.T.E.A.M. Academy
Location: Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $1,000 – $1,500
Dates: June 1 – June 19 | June 2 – July 10
Application deadline: March 25
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Morehouse School of Medicine’s STEAM Academy provides a structured program focused on biomedical and health sciences for high school students. You engage in laboratory-based learning where chemistry supports biological and clinical processes. You work with tools and techniques used in diagnostics, testing, and research environments. You explore how chemical principles are applied in healthcare settings, such as disease detection and treatment. You participate in hands-on activities that connect science concepts to real-world medical applications.
15. HarvardX: Energy and Thermodynamics
Location: Virtual via edX
Cost: $249 for a certificate
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Open to all
HarvardX: Energy and Thermodynamics is an online course that introduces how chemistry explains energy at the molecular level. You study forms of energy such as chemical, thermal, and electrical, and how they relate to physical and biological systems. You explore atomic structure, subatomic particles, and chemical bonding as the basis of molecular behavior. You learn thermodynamic principles, including the Second Law and enthalpy in chemical reactions. You engage with case studies on energy use and sustainability. You develop an understanding of how chemistry informs energy efficiency and real-world systems.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source: Georgia Tech