9 Research and Summer Programs in Georgia For High School Students

The top research programs in Georgia for high school students, selected based on prestige, location, and affordability. See research opportunities in other states here.

Institution
Location
Tuition
Event type

Polygence Core is an online research program that connects motivated high school students with expert mentors from top universities. Founded by researchers from Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, Polygence helps you explore any topic you're passionate about through one-on-one mentoring over 3–6 months, ending with a project of your choice—like an academic research paper ready for publication, a prototype, or podcast.

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Cost

Contact us to learn more

Application Deadline

Mar 23, 2026

Recommended for you

Categories

Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Sci, Econ, Engineering, Humanities, Medicine, Neuro, Psychology

Explore the program

Polygence Pods Research Program

Summary

Learn Academic Research skills and build a foundational understanding of cutting edge subjects in Polygence Pods. Join a group of 6 students and meet weekly with a PhD-level mentor who is an expert in their respective field. Perfect for beginners, your program will culminate in a short-form research paper.

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Cost

Starting at $495

Application Deadline

Varies by program

Short courses

Categories

Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Other

Explore the program

Other programs

CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp

See website

Hosting Institution

CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Atlanta (GA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Mar 21, 2026

Categories

Neuroscience, Biology, Medicin...

Summary

Topics vary year to year, but may include: public health interventions, global health, infectious disease, chronic disease, injury prevention, data analysis, surveys, school wellness programs, violence prevention, environmental health, emergency preparedness, outbreaks, scientific communication, laboratory technology, disease surveillance, epidemiology, and public health law. Camp is a fast paced, academically demanding program. Participants are expected to fully immerse themselves, work together, and become a diverse team of disease detectives!

SCAD Rising Star

See website

Hosting Institution

SCAD

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Savannah (GA)

Cost

$6,494

Application Deadline

Mar 30, 2026

Categories

Architecture

Summary

SCAD's pre-college program is an excellent opportunity for students interested in creative careers. This program allows participants to experience university life while studying a creative subject and earning college credit. With a diverse range of courses available, such as animation, film production, architecture, equine care, fashion technology, and painting, students can choose two courses that align with their interests. Not only does this program enhance their portfolio, but achieving a high GPA can also boost their chances of enrolling as an undergraduate at SCAD. It provides a valuable introduction to the creative field and prepares students for their future academic and professional endeavors.

NSHSS Visual Arts Competition

See website

Hosting Institution

The National Society of High School Scholars

Online/In Person

Online

Location

Atlanta (GA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Arts

Summary

The NSHSS Visual Arts Competition is a combination of an art contest and a scholarship program. It welcomes entries in two main categories: Photography/Digital Photography and Painting/Drawing/Mixed Media/Digital Art. The competition's objective is to provide support to talented and deserving students in their artistic endeavors while also providing a platform to showcase the exceptional artwork of emerging young artists. Participants have the opportunity to submit entries in both categories and have the chance to win cash prizes. Along with their artwork, applicants are required to submit additional materials as outlined on the official NSHSS website. These include an educator recommendation, a title and description of their submission (up to 200 words), digital files of their artwork uploaded through the application, optional pictures/videos/media showcasing their leadership, a color headshot suitable for website display, an academic resume, and a current transcript (official or unofficial).

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

See website

Hosting Institution

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Atlanta (GA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Arts

Summary

This volunteer network is widely recognized throughout the United States and operates through a vast network of local clubs, offering a wide range of volunteer opportunities. Whether your interest lies in mentoring younger children, volunteering at the local library, or organizing events at a youth center, this network provides ample options to contribute towards improving your community. The application process is simple and straightforward - no formal application is required. By entering your zip code, you can easily locate volunteer opportunities in your vicinity. Take the opportunity to explore projects and contribute to making a positive impact in your community.

Atlanta Bar Association's Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP)

See website

Hosting Institution

The Atlanta Bar Association

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Atlanta (GA)

Cost

$2,000.00

Application Deadline

Mar 20, 2026

Categories

Business

Summary

For over three decades, the Atlanta Bar Association has been providing high school students with valuable internships to explore the legal field. This internship offers a comprehensive experience where you will be engaged in various tasks essential to the legal profession. From making copies and delivering documents to bates stamping, answering phones, summarizing depositions, and preparing trial notebooks, you will gain firsthand exposure to the day-to-day operations of a legal setting. Additionally, there may be opportunities to witness depositions or court hearings, further enriching your understanding of the legal process. Prior to beginning the internship, you will participate in an orientation program to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills for six weeks of practical legal work. This program not only allows you to acquire valuable work experience but also enhances your critical thinking and reasoning abilities while deepening your understanding of the law. Furthermore, through this internship, you have the chance to establish meaningful mentor relationships with legal professionals who can guide you in your future endeavors. Overall, the Atlanta Bar Association internship is an excellent opportunity for high school students interested in pursuing a career in the legal field to gain valuable insights and experience firsthand the inner workings of the legal profession.

SCAD Summer Seminars

See website

Hosting Institution

SCAD

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Savannah (GA)

Cost

$1,820

Application Deadline

May 30, 2026

Categories

Arts

Summary

SCAD's Summer Seminars offer a comprehensive educational experience for students interested in pursuing art and design as an academic and professional career. With a focus on disciplines such as fashion and other art-related courses, SCAD provides a range of activities and sessions designed to enhance your artistic skills and knowledge. During the seminars, you can participate in demonstrations, lectures, studio work, and local field trips, immersing yourself in the creative environment. You'll have access to SCAD's state-of-the-art studios, resources, and libraries, providing a conducive setting for your artistic exploration. Additionally, you'll have the freedom to work on your own art projects and assignments, allowing for individualized growth and expression. The seminars are held in both Atlanta and Savannah, providing flexibility and options for participants to choose the location that best suits their interests and schedule. Overall, SCAD's Summer Seminars offer a valuable opportunity to engage with art and design in a dynamic and immersive setting, gaining practical skills and insights that can support your artistic journey.

CDC Museum’s Disease Detective Camp

See website

Hosting Institution

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Atlanta (GA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Mar 21, 2026

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The David J. Sencer CDC Museum organizes the David J. Sencer CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp (DDC), a highly competitive program that selects 30 students from a large pool of applicants. This immersive camp offers a fast-paced and comprehensive experience focused on public health. Participants engage in a variety of subjects, including epidemiology, global health, data analysis, disease surveillance, and public health law. The program provides a hands-on approach with activities such as mock press conferences, laboratory sessions, and lectures. The DDC aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of the field of public health and instill essential skills in disease detection and investigation.

Governor’s Honors Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Governor’s Honors Program

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

GA

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Jan 9, 2026

Categories

Engineering

Summary

GHP (Governor's Honors Program) is a residential program designed to offer students academic and cultural enrichment beyond traditional classroom studies. To be considered for the program, students must be nominated by their schools in various areas of study, including music, dance, mathematics, agricultural research, and more. The admission process is rigorous and involves multiple stages. Once accepted, students attend classes in the mornings and afternoons, and engage in interactive sessions during the evenings. While the application period for the 2023 program has closed, prospective participants can expect a similar timeline for the 2024 program.

Winship Cancer Institute’s Summer Scholars Research Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Emory University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Atlanta (GA)

Cost

$2,400

Application Deadline

Feb 6, 2026

Categories

Medicine

Summary

This six-week internship program offers a specialized focus on cancer research. Participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a clinical environment, working closely with a researcher or clinician. The program includes hands-on lab research, lectures from leading specialists in the field of cancer research, and a final project presentation during a symposium. With a cohort size of 10-12 students, the program is highly selective. Aspiring participants should consider the program's selectivity when applying.

Are there many Research Opportunities for High School Students in the state of Georgia?

Georgia offers plentiful research opportunities for high school students. Esteemed universities like the Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, and the University of Georgia provide avenues for research across various disciplines. These institutions have programs specifically designed to engage high school students in research, fostering their interest in scientific inquiry. Collaborations with industry, government, and nonprofit organizations offer real-world research experiences. Georgia's metropolitan areas, particularly Atlanta, provide a vibrant research ecosystem with internship and summer program opportunities. Georgia's universities, collaborative partnerships, and vibrant research community make it a promising state for high school students seeking research opportunities.

What other research opportunities are available?

For a full set of research opportunity listings, see our guide to research opportunities for high school students.

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