15 Pre-College Summer Programs for High School Students in Georgia
- Stephen Turban
- Jun 23
- 10 min read
If you are a high school student in Georgia and want to get a feel for college before graduating, a pre-college summer program can help you take that step. These programs let you explore subjects you are interested in, whether it is medicine, engineering, art, law, or science, while also building skills like research, writing, teamwork, and public speaking.
Unlike summer camps or short workshops, pre-college programs follow a more structured academic format. You attend lectures, take part in labs, work on group projects, and sometimes even earn college credit. Some programs are free or offer financial aid, which makes them easier to access no matter your background. Many are built for students who are serious about diving into college-level topics and preparing for what comes next.
To help you get started, here is a list of 15 pre-college summer programs for high school students in Georgia!
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Emory University’s Oxford College campus, Oxford, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free and financial aid available
Program Dates: June 2 - June 6
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: 10th and 11th graders from Newton and Putnam County School Systems
The Oxford College Summer Experience Program is for high school students from Newton and Putnam County schools. It gives you a chance to experience college life, improve your academic skills, and build personal and professional growth. You’ll take classes with college faculty, join leadership activities, go on field trips, and take part in fun events. You’ll also attend workshops on college prep, study skills, teamwork, and essay writing.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12 - 15 students per section
Location: Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA (Online as well as Co-ed course)
Cost/Stipend: Flat fee of $3,500
Program Dates: Two - to four-week course
Application Deadline: June 6
Eligibility: High-school rising juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.2 GPA or higher
If you are a rising junior or senior in high school, you can join the Morehouse Pre-College Course Program to experience college-level learning over the summer. You’ll take classes taught by Morehouse College faculty and choose from two academic tracks.
It gives you a chance to understand the culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the impact of the Atlanta University Center. The focus is on helping you grow as a leader, in line with Morehouse’s mission to prepare Black men for disciplined and service-oriented leadership.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective given the reservation for underrepresented student backgrounds
Location: University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education, Athens, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free. Fully covered by the B.L.A.C.K. Engineering scholarship.
Program Dates: June 9 - June 13
Application Deadline: Last week of March (tentative)
Eligibility: Students between 15-17 years from underrepresented backgrounds can apply!
The University of Georgia’s B.L.A.C.K. Engineering Camp is a one-week residential program for high school students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds. The name stands for Building, Leadership, Analysis, Conceptualization, and Knowledge.
In this camp, you’ll take part in hands-on engineering projects, improve your communication and problem-solving skills, and apply math and science concepts to real-world challenges. The program is designed for students with little or no engineering experience.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive. Approximately 20% (Based on nomination)
Location: Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free. Students to cover travel expenses and basic supplies
Program Dates: June 15 - July 15 (Four-week residential program)
Application Deadline: November 15 for school nominations and January 10 for candidate applications
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
The Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) is a free, four-week summer residential program for high school students in Georgia. If you’re selected, you’ll study a specific subject like engineering, environmental science, visual arts, or music, and also join electives and seminars on a variety of topics.
You’ll take part in daily classes, workshops, and activities designed to challenge you. Classes are small, and you’ll work closely with experienced instructors. The program also includes performances, exhibitions, and cultural events.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective given its nature of underrepresented groups
Location: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)’s Suwanee, GA, and Moultrie, GA campuses
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: Typically runs in June, often for one week
Application Deadline: Application due in April
Eligibility: High school students who identify as African American, Black, Hispanic, or Latinx, underrepresented in medicine
The PCOM Summer STEM Program is for high school students interested in healthcare. You’ll take part in clinical simulations, anatomy labs, and CPR training to explore what it’s like to work in medicine. You’ll also build skills in critical thinking, research, and public speaking.
The program includes college prep support, leadership activities, and teamwork exercises. You’ll meet professionals like doctors, physician assistants, and pharmacists, and get advice on how to apply to college and prepare for a medical career.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective and competitive
Location: 4C Academy, Albany, GA, and Georgia Tech main campus, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: July 7-18 at Georgia Tech's main campus in Atlanta
Application Deadline: March 9 for Atlanta session
Eligibility: Georgia residents at least 16 years old by the start of the program
STEP is a free summer program run by Georgia Tech’s School of Aerospace Engineering. It’s open to high school students in Georgia who are at least 16 years old and can commute to the Atlanta or Albany campus. In this two to three-week program, you’ll work in teams to solve complex engineering problems using the design process.
Past projects have included building autonomous rovers, lightweight Mars vehicles, and drone delivery systems. You’ll use tools and equipment at Georgia Tech’s Yang Aero MakerSpace and get support from faculty and college mentors.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective, with only 10-12 students annually
Location: Emory Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free with a $2,400 stipend for those who complete the program
Program Dates: June 9-July 18 (Six-week program)
Application Deadline: Application details to be posted in the fall
Eligibility: Rising or graduating high school seniors aged 16 by the start of the program
The Winship Summer Scholars Research Program at Emory University selects 10 to 12 high school students each year for a free six-week cancer research experience. You’ll be matched with a physician or researcher and work one-on-one on a lab or clinical research project focused on cancer.
Along with research, you’ll attend lectures by oncology professionals, learn about different types of cancer, and explore how cancer is treated and studied. The program also includes field trips to places like the CDC and Georgia Tech, giving you a broader view of careers in medicine and research.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective (Only 16 selected students)
Location: Clayton State University, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: June 1 – June 8 (8-day residential academic summer camp)
Application Deadline: March 1st
Eligibility: 16 rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade high school students from minority backgrounds
The AISEE Summer Academy is a free residential program for high school students interested in Earth science, AI, and data science. You’ll stay on the CSU Morrow campus for the full duration of the program.
You’ll get hands-on training in Python, artificial intelligence, and data analysis, with a focus on solving real-world Earth science problems. The program also includes sessions with NASA scientists and university faculty, along with group activities, gifts, and awards.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Spelman College, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free. Fully funded by the College, including room, board, activity fees, and field trips.
Program Dates: June 20 – July 18 (Four weeks)
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors
The Early College Program in Art History and Curatorial Studies at Spelman College is a fully funded four-week summer program for rising juniors and seniors. It is open to all genders and does not require any background in art. You only need a strong interest in museums, art history, and the role of curators.
You will attend lectures, workshops, and discussions at Spelman College, the Atlanta University Center, and the High Museum of Art. You will also visit galleries and cultural institutions across the region. By the end of the program, you will earn three college credits from Spelman in Art History and Curatorial Studies.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Georgia Cancer Center (GCC) at Augusta University
Cost/Stipend: Free and fully funded!
Program Dates: June – July (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 15 (Application window opens in October)
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years of age interested in biomedical sciences can apply
Augusta University Summer Research Experiences is a free six-week program hosted by Georgia’s Cancer Center. You will work with cancer researchers on projects in areas like cell and molecular biology, cancer immunology, metabolism, clinical research, genomics, population science, and health disparities.
You will gain hands-on lab experience, learn core concepts in cancer biology, and explore careers in science and medicine. The program also includes mentoring and regular sessions with researchers and peers from the Georgia Cancer Center network.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free. $200 stipend and transport provision
Program Dates: June 16 – June 27
Application Deadline: Rolling basis (To be accepted until capacity is reached)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors with a GPA of 3.0
The AFT Summer Program is a free training program for high school students who are interested in becoming future educators in STREAM subjects. You will learn teaching skills through workshops, hands-on activities like urban gardening and recycling, and field trips to local sustainability groups.
You will also design and teach lessons to elementary and middle school students, work on group projects related to environmental health, and connect with community partners working in the field.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Free, supported by program funding, ensuring accessibility for low-income students
Program Dates: July 6 - July 26
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: 10th or 11th grade students with a minimum 3.0 GPA or equivalent, having strong mathematics skills
SMASH Academy is a free year-long program for high school students interested in computer science. It starts with a summer residential program after 10th or 11th grade, held at partner universities.
You will take computer science courses, attend STEM workshops, and join college prep and elective classes. The program also includes mentorship from professionals in tech, peer support, and networking events.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified!
Location: Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA
Cost/Stipend: $1000 registration fee
Program Dates: July 7 - 18 (2 weeks)
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: All high school students can apply
The Architecture Summer Academy is a 10-day pre-college program that gives you a practical introduction to architecture as a possible career path. You’ll work on hands-on design projects, explore key concepts in architecture through studio sessions, and learn how to think like a designer.
The program also covers basic design theory, architectural history, and how the design process works from start to finish. You’ll work with other students on creative exercises and team-based projects that reflect college-level studio culture.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive due to limited spots!
Location: College of Design, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA.
Cost/Stipend: $2,500 tuition fee
Program Dates: Two sessions. June 15 - 27 and July 6 - 18
Application Deadline: Limited spots until filled!
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors can apply
This two-week on-campus program introduces you to careers in construction that go beyond the usual job site roles. You’ll explore how new technologies like drones, robots, and 3D printing are changing the field, and learn how project management and digital tools are used in real-world construction.
You’ll work on hands-on building projects, visit active construction sites, and use tools like AR/VR, laser scanners, and REVIT software to model your design. At the end of the program, you’ll get a 3D-printed version of your final project to take home.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately Selective
Location: SCAD campuses in Savannah or Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: $6,490 tuition and fees (Residential)
Program Dates: June 29 - July 25
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors can apply
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.
Bonus - Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students anywhere in the world
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can apply here!
Dates: 12 weeks in spring, summer, fall, or winter.
Cost: $2,800. Financial aid is available, for which you should indicate your need in your application.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective research opportunity that accepts about 500 high school students each year from over 4,000 applicants. If selected, you’ll be matched with a Ph.D. or postdoctoral researcher from a top university to work one-on-one on a research project. The program lasts 12 weeks and ends with a college-level research paper.
You’ll also get support from a writing coach in two sessions and ongoing guidance from a Lumiere program manager. If you're interested in art history, you can start with the history track and tailor your project from there. If none of the listed topics match your interests, you can propose your idea.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: 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!.
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 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.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - Emory University logo