12 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in Georgia
Participating in a summer research program can be a great experience for high school students such as yourself, offering the chance to explore academic interests beyond the classroom. These programs immerse you in hands-on research, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and intellectual curiosity. By working alongside experienced mentors, you will gain insights into fields such as STEM, social sciences, and medicine, which is a great thing to have while applying to college!
Engaging in a research program showcases a student's ability to collaborate with professionals, conduct independent work, and think critically—skills highly sought after in competitive college admissions.
There are many worthwhile summer research opportunities in Georgia, giving you a solid way to build a strong foundation for college and future careers.
To help you get started, here is a list of 12 summer research programs for high school students in Georgia!
12 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in Georgia
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,990 (Financial aid is available)
Dates: 12 weeks. There are Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter sessions.
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohorts. The deadline for the upcoming Winter 2024 cohort is November 24, 2024.
Eligibility: High school students with a passion for research can apply.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective online research opportunity designed for ambitious high school students interested in research. Founded by researchers from Harvard and Oxford, the program offers students the chance to work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to learn about the cutting edge in their field of interest and produce an independent research project.
This rigorous program is ideal for students passionate about learning and contributing original research in any area of interest. Additionally, students from underrepresented backgrounds can apply for the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, which offers full need-based financial aid to talented, low-income students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder participation.
The program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into advanced research and writing, develop critical thinking skills, and engage with complex issues under the guidance of an experienced mentor. Whether you're interested in computer science, law, engineering, social sciences, or any other field, the program will help you hone your research skills and produce work that could stand out in your college applications. Over the course of the program, participants will dive deep into their chosen area, explore cutting-edge topics, and develop an independent research project that reflects their interests and expertise. You can find the application form here.
2. Veritas AI - AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI a suitable environment to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. These programs are designed and run by Harvard graduate students and alumni and you can expect a great, fulfilling educational experience. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship.
The AI Fellowship program will have students pursue their independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. In the past, students have worked on research papers in the fields of AI & medicine, AI & finance, AI & environmental science, AI & education, and more! You can find examples of previous projects here.
Location: Virtual
Cost:
$2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program
$5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
$6,900 for both
Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Winter cohort deadline - December 1, 2024
Program dates: Various according to the cohort
Program selectivity: Moderately selective
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Application Requirements: Online application form, answers to a few questions about the student's background & coding experience, math courses, and areas of interest.
3. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual Dates:
Fall seminar: October 23, 2024 – February 19, 2025
Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Application Date: September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort 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 data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! Horizon is one of the very 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 as well as the type of research you wish to carry out, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar from a reputed university 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.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects. Apply here!
Location: Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Stipend: Students receive $2,400 upon successful completion
Dates: June 10 – July 19, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application Deadline: Applications will open in Fall 2024
Eligibility: Rising and graduating high school seniors who are at least 17 years old by the program start date
The Summer Scholars Research Program at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University is a six-week internship designed to introduce high school seniors to the field of cancer research. This opportunity allows students to immerse themselves in real-world research settings, working closely with a Winship physician or lab-based researcher on a dedicated project. You will attend lectures from oncology experts and go on field trips to institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s museum and the Georgia Institute of Technology.
At the end of the program, you will present your research at a symposium attended by Winship’s medical and research faculty. The program is on campus and runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Each cohort has 10-12 students, so consider the program’s selectivity when applying.
Location: Georgia Tech Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, Atlanta, GA; 4C Academy, Albany, GA
Cost: Free
Dates: TBA for 2025. The 2024 dates were:
4C Academy: June 3 – June 14, 2024
Georgia Tech main campus: July 8 – July 19, 2024
Application Deadline: March 31, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: Georgia resident high school students who are at least 16 years old
The GTAE STEP Program at Georgia Tech’s Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering is a fully-funded summer internship that immerses high school students in cutting-edge aerospace research. Sponsored by companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and the Georgia Space Grant Consortium, this program offers an opportunity for students to engage in real-world engineering challenges.
Throughout the two-week experience, students work in teams to address complex, open-ended research problems inspired by ongoing Georgia Tech projects. Guided by faculty mentors, they apply scientific and engineering principles to design and prototype innovative solutions.
At the conclusion of the program, participants present their research findings and prototypes to a panel of industry and academic professionals. By focusing on real, unsolved problems, STEP challenges students to think critically and contribute to meaningful research, giving them an authentic introduction to the world of engineering and scientific inquiry.
Location: University of Georgia campuses (Athens, Tifton, and Griffin in GA)
Cost: Stipend provided
Dates: May 29 – July 12, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application Deadline: January 24, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: Students must:
Have completed their sophomore year of high school
Be at least 16 years old by the program start date
Have completed one high school science course, including laboratory, and one semester of algebra
The Young Scholars Internship Program (YSP) is a competitive, paid, five-week summer internship designed for high school students with an interest in agricultural, food, and environmental sciences. During the program, you will work 30 hours per week alongside UGA faculty mentors, engaging in hands-on research at one of UGA’s campuses in Athens, Griffin, or Tifton.
You will participate in workshops and visit agricultural sites, gaining valuable exposure to a wide range of careers in the agricultural field. At the end of the program, you’ll showcase your research findings in a poster session. This presentation allows you to share your work with fellow students, faculty, and the academic community, offering a platform for professional growth and recognition.
Location: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GACost: Stipend provided for the internship Dates: June 3 – June 19, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 deadline)Application Deadline: February 29, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 deadline)Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who:
Attend one of the 7 partner Georgia high schools
Are at least 16 years old by the program start date
Have a 3.0 or above overall GPA
Have a 3.0 or above in science courses
Project ENGAGES at Georgia Tech is a year-long, paid research program designed to immerse under-represented minority high school students in real-world scientific research. Focused on fields such as biology, physics, and engineering disciplines like environmental engineering, materials science, and robotics, this program allows you to contribute to active research projects in Georgia Tech’s laboratories.
You’ll spend a minimum of 35 hours per week during the summer and 15 hours per week during the school year conducting research under the mentorship of Georgia Tech faculty. Before beginning your own research, you’ll attend a 4-week boot camp where you’ll learn basic research skills necessary for success. The program also offers enrichment activities aimed at helping you discover diverse career paths in STEM fields. Program alumni have won scholarships at colleges like Stanford, Harvard, Columbia, and Dartmouth.
Location: University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Cost: No information available
Dates: July 9 – July 14, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: High-achieving underrepresented high school students in Georgia going into their senior year
The Georgia Ready Summer Institute is a one-week residential program that introduces high school students to research, innovation, and the collegiate experience at the University of Georgia (UGA). Through this cohort-based program, you will explore your research interests and learn how researchers identify challenges, collect and analyze data, and engage in entrepreneurial ventures. You will participate in activities to better understand your personal and professional aspirations while connecting those interests to potential careers.
During the program, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in campus life by staying in residence halls and dining on campus. By the end of the program, you will have gained valuable insights into undergraduate research and the opportunity to network with UGA faculty, alumni, and peers. This experience will also foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills, preparing you for future academic and professional endeavors.
Location: Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $1,000
Dates: June 4 – July 12, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application Deadline: March 22, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The MSM S.T.E.A.M. Academy for high school students offers an immersive introduction to biomedical research and health careers. You will gain hands-on experience with scientific instrumentation and laboratory techniques while attending mini-courses and workshops on topics such as health equity, careers in science and health professions, critical thinking, and career planning. For students seeking a deeper research experience, the Authentic Research Experience offers the opportunity to engage in a six-week scientific investigation under the mentorship of a Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) research professional.
Location: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Stipend: A stipend will be provided
Dates: TBA for 2025
Application Deadline: The 2025 cohort pre-application process will start in December 2024 Eligibility: Georgia high school students who are at least 16 years old
This summer internship is a five-week, paid research opportunity for Georgia high school students, offering experience in science and engineering projects within Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) labs. You will work closely with GTRI researchers, engaging in real-world research that spans topics such as piezoelectric systems, rapid prototyping, robotics, drones, and radar physics.
Interns actively contribute to ongoing projects, from building piezoelectric tiles for energy generation at the NASA visitors’ center to developing educational kiosks on night vision technology. In addition to lab work, you will participate in workplace orientations, lab tours, and specialized training sessions in soldering and circuit board design, further enhancing your technical skills. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research findings and prototypes, showcasing the practical outcomes of your contributions to STEM research.
Bonus
Although these two opportunities aren’t traditional research programs, they provide a valuable introduction to undergraduate life at a research university and help build skills that will be useful in research and beyond.
Location: Oxford College of Emory University, Oxford, GA
Cost: FreeDates: June 3 – June 7, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Eligibility: Rising 10th and 11th-grade students from Newton County School System and Putnam County Charter School System
The Oxford College Summer Experience Program at Emory University is designed to prepare high school students for college life while helping them explore potential career paths. This residential program includes faculty-led academic seminars, interactive workshops on college fundamentals, and field trips, giving you a glimpse of the academic experience at a top liberal arts college.
Past participants have engaged in subjects like English, political science, and chemistry, all while building leadership skills and making valuable social connections. The program’s goals include increasing awareness of educational and career options and guiding students through the college admission process, including financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Location: Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
Cost: Students only need to cover travel expenses and the cost of basic supplies
Dates: June 15 – July 12, 2025
Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 (nomination by schools) | January 10, 2025 (completed online applications by nominees)
Eligibility: Georgia high school sophomores and juniors nominated by their public school district
The Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) is a prestigious residential summer program designed for high school sophomores and juniors who excel in their academic or artistic pursuits. GHP offers a unique educational experience that goes beyond the standard high school curriculum, providing students with opportunities for academic, cultural, and social enrichment. Through specialized instruction and immersive learning, you are encouraged to develop the critical thinking, innovation, and leadership skills needed to thrive in a global environment.
GHP offers students classes in their chosen areas of study during the day, followed by a variety of social and educational activities in the evenings. The program covers meals and accommodations, with students only responsible for minimal costs like travel, class supplies, and personal spending. Nomination by schools is required to apply, making GHP an opportunity for the most talented and driven students in Georgia to challenge themselves and grow.
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.