25 Summer Programs in Georgia for High Schoolers in 2025
What’s Covered:
- 25 Summer Programs in Georgia for High Schoolers
- How Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
If you’re looking for a way to stay productive during the summer, then summer programs might be the answer. By helping you develop your interests and learn more about different career paths, summer programs can allow you to make the most of your summer.
We’ve rounded up 25 summer programs in Georgia to help you figure out how to engage your unique interests and goals this summer.
25 Summer Programs in Georgia for High Schoolers
1. SCAD Rising Star
Dates: June 29 – July 25
Location: Savannah College of Art and Design
Application Deadline: May 30
Cost: $6,490
Rising seniors have the opportunity to earn college credit during this challenging four-week course at either the Savannah or Atlanta campus of Savannah College of Art and Design. They will enroll in two courses, which could be focused on anything from sewing technology to architecture to animation. Note that the offerings vary between campuses, so check out both lists before deciding where you’d like to study.
Participants in the SCAD Rising Star program live in a SCAD residence hall and enjoy meals at a SCAD dining hall, to get an early taste of what their future college life might be like.
2. SCAD Summer Seminars
Dates:
- Session 1: June 22 – 27
- Session 2: July 6 – 11
- Session 3: July 13 – 18
- Session 4: July 20 – 25
Location: Savannah College of Art and Design
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $1,850 for residential program; $1,550 for commuter program
Students in this program have the opportunity to attend a variety of creative workshops at the Savannah or Atlanta campus of SCAD to develop their unique vision and talents. Students can choose workshops in any of SCAD’s disciplines, including advertising, illustration, sequential art, and even equestrian riding. There are fewer than 20 students per class, which creates an empowering learning environment in which students are encouraged to explore their personal passions.
Participants enjoy an all-access pass to the university’s extensive resources and libraries, which will give them a comprehensive understanding of what life at SCAD is like. Additionally, they get to take part in workshops, demonstrations, lectures, studio work, and local field trips.
3. Oxford College Summer Experience
Dates: June 2 – 6
Location: Emory University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
The goal of this program is to give students a sense of what college life is really like, so that they will be prepared academically, socially, personally, and professionally when they eventually arrive on campus. Oxford faculty members will teach courses in political science, chemistry, and English, and there will also be workshops on the college process and college readiness. During down time, campers will participate in a range of games and field trips, before going to sleep in an Oxford residence hall.
Note that this program is only available to rising 10th and 11th grade students from the Newton County School System or the Putnam County Charter School System–30 students from each system will be accepted.
4. CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp
Dates:
- Session 1: June 23 – 27
- Session 2: July 21 – 25
Location: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Application Deadline: March 21 (notification May 2)
Cost: Free
This program is perfect for any student interested in public health, as it immerses students in topics such as epidemiology, environmental health, emergency preparedness, public health law, and global health. Campers can expect a variety of experiences, including roleplays of made-up outbreaks, mock press conferences, lab work, an introduction to chronic disease surveillance, and lectures from world-renowned CDC scientists.
This program is open to rising juniors and seniors. Also note that your application must be mailed in.
5. Athena Music and Leadership Camp
Dates: June 15 – 19
Location: Reinhardt University
Application Deadline: April 15 to receive a $50 early bird discount
Cost: $895
This weeklong camp at Reinhardt University allows female high schoolers to develop self-confidence and leadership ability through music and performance. Students will learn directly from accomplished musicians and performers as they gain insight into music performance and music education as a profession, and also get a firsthand glimpse into college life while spending four nights in a university dorm.
The camp is designed for students who play a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument.
6. Architecture Summer Academy
Dates: July 7 – 18
Location: Kennesaw State University
Application Deadline: April 1
Cost: $1,000
High schoolers considering a career in architecture will enjoy this two-week camp hosted at Kennesaw State University. Over the course of 10 days, students will get hands-on experience in sketching, drawing, modeling, and documentation, all under the guidance of professors from the College of Architecture and Construction Management, as well as local Atlanta architects. Additionally, the program also includes trips into downtown Atlanta to learn about the local architecture.
7. Morehouse Pre-College Program
Dates: Varies
Location: Morehouse College
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $3,500
Rising juniors and seniors looking to get a taste of college life at one of the top HBCUs in the country can participate in Morehouse College’s Pre-College Program. Not only that, students can also earn college credit for their coursework, which could save you up to $10,000 down the line!
In order to apply, you need a minimum GPA of 3.2, an official transcript, and a recommendation from a teacher or a counselor.
8. Multimedia Journalism
Dates: June 16 – 20
Location: University of Georgia
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $530 for commuter; $1,255 for residential camp
Aspiring journalists can learn all about digital journalism through this program. Under the guidance of an experienced journalist, participants will hone their interviewing, multimedia reporting, writing, editing, and producing abilities. The course encompasses social media storytelling and visual journalism as well, and culminates in the creation of a news website.
Financial assistance is offered based on need. A financial assistance application, a 500-word statement of need, a 250-word statement of interest, a sample of the applicant’s work, and a letter of recommendation are required of all applicants requesting financial aid. Financial aid applications must be sent by March 14.
9. Legal Camp
Dates: June 9 – 13
Location: University of Georgia
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $530 for commuter camp; $1,255 for residential camp
Do you love TV shows like Suits and Law and Order? Are you in the Mock Trial or Debate club at your school? If so, this week-long camp hosted at the University of Georgia School of Law might appeal to you. Practicality attorneys, law professors, and experienced mock trial competitors lead campers through the roles of lawyers in and out of the courtroom. Students will walk away with a conceptual understanding of what a career in law entails, as well as practical experience of how a trial works.
10. Jewelry Making: Natural Object Jewelry Summer Academy Camp
Dates: June 2 – 6
Location: University of Georgia
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $530 for the commuter option; $1,255 for the residential program
This program, offered in collaboration with the University of Georgia Lamar Dodd School of Art, provides students with an introduction to designing and making their own jewelry. Students learn the basic technical skills for creating beautiful artwork in metal. Additionally, this program emphasizes the beauty of the natural world around us, so students will design pieces that are inspired by nature.
11. Acting: High School Summer Academy Camp
Dates: June 16 – 20
Location: University of Georgia
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $530 for the commuter option; $1,255 for the residential program
Students with a love for performing can immerse themselves in the craft of theater for one week this summer. Hands-on workshops and ensemble-building activities will help students learn how to get comfortable on stage and captivate an audience.
This camp concludes with a staged show at the end of the week that students’ friends and families can attend.
12. 21st Century Leaders EarthCare
Dates: June 8 – 13
Location: Georgia College & State University
Application Deadline: March 1
Cost: Free
EarthCare is a weeklong summer institute that focuses on STEM and environmental leadership. Students who apply should have an interest in engineering and technology. The program is focused on the importance of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
The program takes a hands-on approach to learning, and students will be guided by experts and professionals. It is highly selective—only 85 students are chosen to participate each year.
13. 21st Century Leaders Healthcare/IT Institute (HII)
Dates: June 23 – 28
Location: Emory University
Application Deadline: March 1
Cost: $395
HII is a residential program hosted on Emory’s campus. During the day, students participate in hands-on workshops with corporate partners, peers, and alumni, then they spend their evenings in residential housing with their new friends.
Some benefits of this program are: building connections with industry professionals, improving your problem-solving skills, and learning about the future of healthcare. By learning about the clinical, technological, and business aspects of healthcare, you’ll be more prepared for a career in the field. Financial aid is available for this program.
14. 21st Century Leaders Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI)
Dates: June 1 – 6
Location: Emory University
Application Deadline: March 1
Cost: $395
This 21st Century Leader program focuses on business and entrepreneurship. For one week in June, students travel to Emory University, where they connect with other high schoolers interested in business to explore potential career paths and develop their leadership skills.
This program is highly selective—only 75 students are chosen each year.
15. 21st Century Leaders Film & Entertainment Institute
Dates: July 15 – 20
Location: Georgia Institute of Technology
Application Deadline: March 1
Cost: Free
During this program, 50 students will take part in a range of workshops led by professionals from all areas of the film and media industry. Participants will build their leadership skills, learn about the range of career paths available in entertainment, and start developing their own professional network.
16 . B.L.A.C.K. Engineering
Dates: June 9 – 17
Location: University of Georgia
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
This intensive, week-long, residential camp exposes students from underserved and underrepresented populations to the engineering design process through hands-on projects. Students practice communication skills, innovative problem-solving, and data analysis.
The program instructor is Dr. Racheida S. Lewis, an Assistant Professor at the University of Georgia in the Engineering Education Transformations Institute (EETI) and the Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering.
17. Summer P.E.A.K.S.
Dates: Varies
Location: Georgia Institute of Technology
Application Deadline: Varies
Cost: $440 – $550
Summer P.E.A.K.S. (Programs for Enrichment and Accelerated Knowledge in STEAM) allows rising 9th-12th graders the opportunity to explore a variety of STEAM topics in one- to two-week long experiences on Georgia Tech’s campus. Courses are offered in areas like:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Clean energy
- Digital animation
- Sports science
- Neuroscience
- Music production
- Chemistry of food
They even offer a class where you can conduct psychology-related research through the world of Minecraft!
18. Winship Cancer Institute Summer Scholars Research Program
Dates: June 9 – July 18
Location: Emory University
Application Deadline: February 5
Cost: Free (participants receive a stipend of $2,400)
This selective internship is offered by the Emory Winship Cancer Institute and is intended for students who plan to pursue a career in cancer research. The highly selective, prestigious program only accepts 10-12 students each summer. These students conduct research, attend field trips, and hear lectures from oncology specialists.
The program culminates in a final project, which is presented at a symposium on the last day of the program.
19. GTAE Science, Technology, and Engineering Program (STEP)
Dates: July 7 – 18
Location: Georgia Institute of Technology
Application Deadline: March 9
Cost: Free
STEP is an immersive engineering program, designed to teach students through hands-on learning. Students work in teams on a challenging problem that is inspired by an active Georgia Tech research effort. At the end of the program, teams present their results to parents, teachers, faculty, and industry representatives at a poster session.
This program is exclusively a day program. Students are responsible for their own transportation and there is not any housing provided.
20. Georgia State University Academy for Future Teachers
Dates: June 16 – 27
Location: Georgia State University
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: Free (participants receive a stipend)
Students in the AFT program travel to Georgia State’s campus in downtown Atlanta to explore a future in teaching math or science. This year, the program is themed around “Sustainability and Environmental Health”. Each day, from 8 AM to 1 PM, students learn about current real-world challenges, brainstorm ways to solve them using STEM concepts, and teach the solutions to these challenges to real students.
A unique element of the program is that participants have the opportunity to teach actual middle school, elementary school, and pre-k students each week. This practical experience allows participants to receive feedback on their performance and to work on the areas that need improvement.
21. Artificial Intelligence Study in Earth Exploration (AISEE) Summer Academy
Dates: June 1 – 8
Location: Clayton State University
Application Deadline: March 1
Cost: Free
Sixteen rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders from minority backgrounds will have the opportunity to participate in this completely free eight-day summer residential STEM camp. Funded by NASA, this program immerses students in NASA research to understand how AI technology can be applied to solve problems in Earth science. Students will have the opportunity to learn skills like data science and Python while also hearing from NASA professionals and Earth science professors.
22. Georgia Governor’s Honors Program
Dates: June 15 – July 12
Location: Georgia Southern University
Application Deadline: January 10
Cost: Free
This prestigious summer program is for talented high school sophomores and juniors. GHP aims to equip these students with the academic, cultural, and social enrichment needed to become the next generation of global leaders. The program is hosted on Georgia Southern University’s campus so students get a taste of college life while they learn.
Be aware that the application and selection process begins quite early (as soon as August of the year before). Students will need to identify one area of nomination in which they are highly skilled at, which includes fields like Agricultural Research, Dance, Engineering, Theater, World Languages, etc.
23. Nurse Camp
Dates: June 23 – July 27
Location: College of Coastal Georgia
Application Deadline: April 30
Cost: $550 for overnight; $250 for day
This interactive camp allows high school students to gain hands-on experience in the field of nursing. During the course of this five-day program, students will shadow hospital staff and participate in clinical simulations. The combination of observational and hands-on learning this program provides can be extremely beneficial for students who are interested in pursuing a career in nursing.
24. Morehouse Summer Online Writing Camp
Dates: June 9 – 20
Location: Morehouse College
Application Deadline: May 16
Cost: $300
Students aged 12-18 can participate in this virtual writing camp offered through Morehouse College’s Writing Center. During the two weeks camp is in session, participants will attend daily synchronous sessions via Zoom, meet with instructors during one-on-one sessions, and engage in solo writing time. You can expect to explore writing techniques and hone your skills through a variety of genres and types of writing.
25. Early College Program in Art History and Curatorial Studies
Dates: June 20 – July 18
Location: Spelman College
Application Deadline: April 18
Cost: Free
This four-week program is available for rising high school juniors and seniors of color who are interested in pursuing a degree in art history and curatorial studies. Students will attend lectures from Spelman professors, visit art museums around Atlanta, and complete projects during their time in this program. At the end, students will earn three college credits.
You do not need to have prior experience in art history or museum curation to attend – just an interest and desire to learn more! All costs, including room, board, activity fees, and field trips, are covered by this program.
How Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
Some summer programs are more competitive than others, requiring letters of recommendation and standardized test scores, while other programs are open to all students within a particular grade level. Consequently, some summer programs are given more weight in college admissions than others.
The 4 Tiers of Extracurricular Activities are a good way to conceptualize how colleges value activities—like summer programs—outside of the classroom. The most impressive, rare, and influential programs are placed in Tiers 1 and 2, while programs in Tiers 3 and 4 have less of an influence on the admissions process.
While less prestigious programs may not have a major influence on admissions, if your program is related to your interests it could work together with your essays, recommendations, and intended major to help admissions officers see your dedication to a specific career path.
Curious how the summer program you participated in affects your odds of college admission? CollegeVine can help! Our free chancing calculator uses a variety of factors, including grades, test scores, and extracurriculars to estimate your odds of getting into hundreds of colleges and universities, while also providing insight into how to improve your profile.
