If you’re a high school student in Georgia hoping to gain early professional experience, a local summer internship can be an excellent way to get started. These opportunities allow you to explore potential career interests, develop workplace skills, and work alongside professionals who can offer insight into their fields. Because summer internships take place during your school break, you don’t have to worry about them conflicting with classes. Beyond skill-building, internships also offer mentorship and networking opportunities that may benefit you in the future.
In Georgia, universities, research centers, and community organizations regularly host high school interns in areas ranging from engineering and healthcare to business and public service. Staying local can also be an accessible choice, since it helps reduce extra costs for housing and transportation while still giving you hands-on experience. Institutions such as Georgia Tech, Emory University, and local nonprofits often run programs specifically designed for motivated high school students. To help you find the right opportunity, we’ve put together a list of 15 summer internships for high school students in Georgia.
15 Summer Internships for High School Students in Georgia
1. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Acceptance Rate: Around 20%
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective program that connects high school students with high-growth start-ups across industries such as tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. Many of these start-ups are led by alumni of accelerators like Y Combinator and professionals from top companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Meta. Students take on real-world projects while receiving dual mentorship from both a company manager and a Ladder coach, ensuring personalized guidance and professional growth. The program also includes one-on-one training in skills like communication and time management, as well as group workshops with other interns. Conducted virtually, the internship typically runs for eight weeks and provides students with practical industry exposure and transferable skills.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program 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! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research-based 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 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 for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
3. Microsoft Discovery Program
Location: Redmond or Atlanta campus
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: The internship is selective
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: NA, but applications typically open in February
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who live in or around Atlanta, GA, can apply
The Microsoft High School Discovery Program is a 4-week paid summer internship designed for high school students interested in careers in computer science and technology. You will be introduced to core computer science concepts while contributing to the design phase of the product development cycle. Working in groups, interns tackle potential customer needs, assist with product development, and gain hands-on experience in areas such as software engineering and UX design. The program emphasizes both technical skills and professional growth, with opportunities to strengthen communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. You will also receive mentorship from Microsoft employees and exposure to real-world applications of technology, making this a step toward future careers in the tech industry.
4. Emory University Winship Cancer Institute Summer Scholars Research Program
Location: Emory Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA
Stipend: A stipend of $2,400 is awarded to those who complete the program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10-12 students will work one-on-one with a Winship physician or lab-based researcher
Dates: June 9 – July 18
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February
Eligibility: Rising or graduating high school seniors who are 16 years old by the program start date
The Winship Cancer Institute Summer Scholars Research Program at Emory University offers high school students the opportunity to conduct cancer research alongside a physician or lab-based researcher. Over six weeks, you will work one-on-one with a mentor on a research project, gaining experience in laboratory techniques, data collection, analysis, and presentation. The program includes lectures from Winship oncologists and research faculty, providing insight into the breadth of oncology research. You will also take part in field trips to institutions like the CDC, David J. Sencer Museum, and the Georgia Institute of Technology. The program concludes with a symposium, where students present their research to Winship doctors, researchers, and graduate students, while also exploring oncology-related career paths.
5. University of Georgia’s Young Scholars Internship Program
Location: University of Georgia’s Athens, Griffin, or Tifton campus, GA
Stipend: This is a paid internship, but the stipend amount is not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Internship Program: June 1 – July 7, Young Scholars Pre-Collegiate Research Conference: July 8 – July 10
Application Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old can apply
The Young Scholars Internship Program (YSP) at the University of Georgia is a paid five-week summer research experience for high school students interested in agricultural, food, and environmental sciences. You will work 30 hours per week on research projects under the mentorship of UGA faculty at the Athens, Griffin, or Tifton campus. The program also includes workshops and site visits to agricultural operations, helping participants explore career paths in agriculture and related sciences. Throughout the internship, students strengthen skills in scientific communication, research design, and data analysis. The program culminates in the Young Scholars Pre-Collegiate Research Conference, a three-day event where participants present their projects through poster sessions.
6. Augusta University’s Student Educational Enrichment Program (SEEP)
Location: Virtual
Stipend: A stipend of $675 is offered per month (June and July) to those who get at least a B grade in all program courses
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: May 30 – July 11
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: High school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates who are Georgia residents
The Student Educational Enrichment Program (SEEP) is a six-week virtual internship designed for Georgia high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates interested in medicine or healthcare. As a participant, you will be placed into one of three academic tracks—Pre-College, Intermediate College, or Advanced College—based on your science coursework. The program includes noncredit courses such as biological principles, clinical chemistry, health disparities, library health sciences, and pre-professional development focused on college readiness. Students also benefit from guest speakers and networking opportunities that provide insight into healthcare careers. In addition to exploring biomedical sciences, the program emphasizes study strategies, time management, and research preparation.
7. TAG-Ed High School Summer Internship
Location: Georgia (exact location varies as per the host company)
Cost/Stipend: The cost of the internship program is $2,000 per intern. Upon completing their 8-week internship, interns will receive a stipend of $1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: highly selective
Dates: eight-week assignment beginning on June 2
Application Deadline: Applications are typically due in March
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 17 years old can apply
The TAG-Ed High School Summer Internship Program, created by the Technology Association of Georgia, provides high school juniors and seniors (age 17+) with the chance to gain hands-on experience in STEM fields. You will be matched with host companies based on your interests and qualifications, where you work in pairs or small teams on projects with defined goals and objectives. Throughout the eight-week program, you will collaborate with professionals, gaining mentorship and guidance along the way. The experience emphasizes the practical application of STEM concepts, allowing students to move beyond theory into practical problem-solving. In addition, you will receive regular feedback on your work to help you develop professional skills and measure progress. This structure helps students develop both technical and workplace skills that are useful for future academic and career pathways in STEM.
8. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Multiple locations, including Georgia, and a 1-week summit in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost (stipend will be provided)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 300 students
Dates: 8 weeks + the Leadership Summit week (July 21 – 26)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who permanently reside in one of the eligible locations and have a solid academic record
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program offers high school juniors and seniors an eight-week paid internship focused on community leadership and nonprofit work. Selected students are placed at local nonprofit organizations, where they contribute to mission-driven projects in areas such as operations, outreach, budgeting, and program coordination. Alongside hands-on work, participants engage in mentorship and team-based problem-solving, building practical leadership skills. A highlight of the program is the National Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where interns meet policymakers, nonprofit executives, and business leaders to learn how different sectors collaborate to address community challenges. The program blends real-world nonprofit experience with structured leadership development, equipping students with skills that extend into both civic and professional pathways.
9. Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP)
Location: Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Students will receive a stipend; the exact amount is not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 35 students
Dates: May 27 – July 18
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Atlanta-area high school juniors and seniors
The Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP) introduces high school students to the legal profession through direct work experience and mentorship. The program places students in law firms, courts, government agencies, and corporate legal departments, where they assist with daily tasks and observe legal proceedings. In addition to workplace assignments, participants attend weekly educational sessions featuring guest speakers from the legal community. A feature of the program is the Terrence Croft Essay Competition, which challenges students to analyze a U.S. Supreme Court decision and strengthen their legal writing skills. SLIP emphasizes exposure to legal careers, professional development, and increasing diversity in the legal field.
10. Foundation for Hospital Art Student Internship
Location: FFHA studio, Woodstock, GA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will receive an hourly compensation, to be agreed upon at the time of award
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: 8 weeks in summer; Start date to be mutually agreed upon
Application Deadline: The application opens in December and closes in the spring
Eligibility: High school students who have finished their junior year
The Foundation for Hospital Art Student Internship is an 8-week summer program that combines studio practice with community-focused art. You will gain hands-on experience in tasks such as touch-ups, drawing, packaging, and computer-based work, while also assisting volunteers in the studio. The program emphasizes both artistic skill-building and public engagement, making it a strong fit for students interested in art as a form of service. You may contribute to projects that support PaintFest events, where artwork is created for hospitals and healthcare spaces. Alongside daily studio work, participants develop organizational and teamwork skills through direct collaboration with faculty and volunteers. In some cases, interns may also have the opportunity to travel and support the organization’s outreach initiatives.
11. Atlanta Botanical Garden Summer High School Internship
Location: Atlanta Botanical Garden
Cost/Stipend: Students are paid an hourly wage of $11/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 3 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Rising sophomore, junior, or senior in a Metro Atlanta Title I school, aged 16 years or older
The Atlanta Botanical Garden Summer High School Internship is a seven-week program for high school students interested in science and plant-related careers. As an intern, you will work directly with Garden staff on projects that support plant cultivation, conservation, and education. Experiences may include assisting in a plant conservation research lab, cultivating rare species in the greenhouses of the Fuqua Conservatory and Orchid Center, or maintaining outdoor areas such as the Edible Garden and Storza Woods. In addition to hands-on scientific work, you will build college and career readiness skills like communication, collaboration, and professional responsibility. The program also emphasizes networking, as interns connect with community leaders and peers while contributing to the Garden’s mission of conservation and public education.
12. Atlanta Film Society Internships
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Acceptance rate and cohort size are not publicly disclosed. Selection is moderately competitive
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Mid-April
Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old; high school seniors accepted on a case-by-case basis.
The Atlanta Film Society Internships provide high school students with the opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes experience at one of Georgia’s leading nonprofit film organizations. Interns support a wide range of activities, including administrative work, membership coordination, and event planning, while learning how a major film festival is organized. Positions are available in areas such as business development, marketing and communications, screenplay programming, media/tech, and festival operations. While the internship does not focus on film production, it offers exposure to the organizational, technical, and creative processes that sustain the film industry. Participants develop professional skills in teamwork, communication, and project management while contributing to events like the Atlanta Film Festival and other society programs.
13. High Museum of Art Teen Team
Location: High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost. Students will receive a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15 high school students
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The High Museum of Art Teen Team selects fifteen high school students to engage deeply with art, culture, and history while building leadership and collaboration skills. Teen Team members receive behind-the-scenes access to the museum and contribute to the planning of Teen Nights, public events, and family programs. The program begins with a summer intensive, where participants work on a dedicated project while learning about the museum’s collections, exhibitions, and career pathways in the arts. Involvement continues throughout the school year as members assist in developing programming for teens and youth audiences. Along the way, students gain mentorship from museum staff and arts professionals, expanding their understanding of both artistic practice and museum operations.
14. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships
Location: There are AEOP locations in almost every state. Students may select their preferred location
Stipend: Stipends vary based on the projects
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selections are competitive
Dates: Summer Internships are generally 6-10 weeks in May-August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents
The Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships provide paid, full-time STEM research opportunities at U.S. Army Research Laboratories and partner university research centers. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on projects in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and defense innovations, applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. You will gain hands-on experience with advanced lab equipment, receive mentorship from STEM professionals, and connect with peers through virtual sessions and the larger AEOP network. The program requires interns to work up to 40 hours per week at a lab near their location, making it a commuter-based experience. At the conclusion of the internship, students submit a research abstract for publication in the AEOP Research Journal, giving them early exposure to scientific publishing. All participants earn an educational stipend, with the amount varying by site and program length.
15. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) – Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 (financial aid is available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 students
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: High school students over the age of 14 by the start of the program
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program for high school students interested in the intersection of AI and healthcare. You will attend lectures on technical and clinical applications of AI, collaborate in group research projects, and receive mentorship from Stanford researchers and student leaders. The program also includes guest talks through Virtual Career Lunch and Learns, where professionals from academia, industry, and government share insights into the field. Students may apply for the optional “Student Lead” role to take on project leadership responsibilities and gain additional experience. Those who successfully complete the internship earn a certificate, and select students may be offered an extended research opportunity with AIMI.
Image source – Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)