23 Summer Programs in Georgia for High Schoolers in 2024
What’s Covered:
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 23 summer programs in Georgia to help you figure out how to engage your unique interests and goals this summer.
23 Summer Programs in Georgia for High Schoolers
1. SCAD Rising Star
Dates: June 16 – July 19
Location: Savannah College of Art and Design
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $6,334
Rising seniors have the opportunity to earn college credit during this challenging five-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 23 – 28
- Session 2: July 7 – 12
- Session 3: July 14 – 19
- Session 4: July 21 – 26
Location: Savannah College of Art and Design
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $1,820 for residential program or $1,508 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 1 – 7
Location: Oxford College of 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 family 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 24 – 28
- Session 2: July 22 – 26
Location: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Application Deadline: March 22 (notification May 3)
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 23 – 27
Location: Reinhardt University
Application Deadline: April 1 to receive a $100 early bird discount
Cost: $850
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. Kennesaw State University Summer Music Intensives
Dates: Varies based on instrument (percussion, strings, or trumpet)
Location: Kennesaw State University
Application Deadline: May 1
Cost: $325 for commuter program, $695 for overnight program
Students will get the chance to explore a variety of musical styles during this week-long program at Kennesaw State. They’ll receive personalized attention from instructors during one-on-one reviews and small group practices. They’ll also have the opportunity to watch current college students and faculty rehearse and perform.
Students can participate in either a residential or commuter version of the program, which will be focused on percussion, strings, or trumpet.
7. The Summer Math and Science Honors Academy
Dates: July 6 – 26
Location: Morehouse College
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
Once you’re accepted into this competitive five-week program, you’ll be able to return every summer for the next three years, plus attend monthly STEM workshops during the school year. Not only do students gain valuable STEM skills from this program, but they also connect with peer mentors and an academic support network to help them succeed in high school and during their transition to college.
SMASH is catered to participants from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, including first-generation college students and students from low-income families. During the program, scholars build relationships with facilitators and STEM professionals who reflect their own backgrounds.
8. Multimedia Journalism
Dates: June 17 – 21
Location: University of Georgia
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $500 for commuter, $1175 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 15.
9. Introductory Digital Film Camp
Dates: June 3 – 7
Location: University of Georgia
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $500 for commuter camp, $1175 for residential camp
This program prepares students to become essential members of a film crew by providing them with practical filmmaking experience. Under the direction of seasoned filmmakers, participants will write, direct, and produce their own original films.
The curriculum covers the foundations of screenwriting, to teach campers how to craft their own gripping narratives. In addition, participants will pick up skills related to directing, acting, camera angles, and storyboarding.
A downloadable version of each participant’s short film, which they can share with friends and family to demonstrate their storytelling abilities and creative journey, is the culmination of this immersive filmmaking experience.
10. University of Georgia Jewelry Making Summer Academy Camp
Dates: June 3 – 7
Location: University of Georgia
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $500 for the commuter option, $1,175 for the residential program
This program, offered by the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education, provides students with an introduction to designing and making their own jewelry. Students learn the basic technical skills for creating beautiful artwork in metal.
The program’s instructor is Leah Mazza, who holds an MFA from UGA, and whose work focuses on drawing, mixed media, found object art, and metal sculpture.
11. University of Georgia SAT Summer Institute
Dates: Varies
Location: University of Georgia or online
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $449 for one week
During each SAT prep class at the University of Georgia, students will practice reliable test-taking strategies on official practice tests from the College Board, the creator of the SAT. The program is designed to be accessible to students with other commitments, as it is offered during a range of different time periods, and on different days throughout the week and weekend, during the late spring and early summer.
12. 21st Century Leaders EarthCare: The Leadership Challenge for the 21st Century
Dates: June 9 – 14
Location: Georgia College & State University
Application Deadline: March 15
Cost: Free
The Leadership Challenge for the 21st Century is a weeklong summer institute that focuses on STEM and 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 100 students are chosen to participate each year.
13. 21st Century Leaders Healthcare/IT Institute
Dates: June 23 – 28
Location: Kennesaw State University
Application Deadline: March 1
Cost: $395
HII is a residential program hosted on the Kennesaw State University 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
Dates: June 2 – 7
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 14 – 19
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 3 – 7
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. Entertainment and Media Studies Summer Academy
Dates: June 17 – 21
Location: University of Georgia
Application Deadline: March 15
Cost: $500 for the commuter option, or $1,175 for the residential program
Through this program, students conduct a thorough examination of the entertainment industry, which includes the film, television, radio, internet, mobile, and other new media sectors. Participants will learn how to identify compelling stories, and grasp their social impact. In addition to teaching the fundamentals of content creation, such as screenwriting and digital editing, the program gives participants the ability to work on a project that can be added to their portfolios.
For those in need, financial assistance is offered. To be considered for financial aid, applicants must submit an application for financial aid, a letter of recommendation, a sample of their work, a 500-word statement of need outlining their financial situation, and a 250-word statement of interest in the program.
18. Winship Cancer Institute Summer Scholars Research Program
Dates: June 10 – July 19
Location: Emory University Winship Cancer Institute
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 Pipeline (STEP)
Dates:
- Session 1: June 3 – 14
- Session 2: July 8 – 19
Location: 4C Academy in Albany or Georgia Tech in Atlanta
Application Deadline: February 5
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.
The program operates at two locations—4C Academy in Albany and Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
20. Georgia State University Academy for Future Teachers
Dates: June 3 – 20
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. Each day, from 8 AM to 1 PM, students learn about current real-world challenges, then brainstorm ways to teach the solutions to these challenges.
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. PCOM Suwanee Summer STEM Program
Dates: June 3 – 20
Location: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost: Free
This summer program, offered by the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Opportunities Academy, aims to help students who identify as African American, Black, Hispanic, or Latinx explore careers in STEM and meet professionals in the healthcare industry.
Students in the program participate in clinical skills simulations at the PCOM Georgia Simulation Center, visit the anatomy lab, take part in research labs, learn CPR, and more.
22. VOX Media Café
Dates:
- Session 1: June 3 – 14 (Monday through Friday)
- Session 2: June 17 – 30 (Monday through Friday, other than June 19)
Location: VOX ATL Downtown Atlanta office
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost: Free if program is completed
VMC focuses on the fundamental skills for careers in media—journalism, interviewing, podcasting, videography, photography, and public speaking. The program is run by VOX ATL’s staff, some of whom have over 30 years of experience in the media industry, and students will also be taken on field trips into Atlanta to network and get an insider look at various businesses in the industry.
Students get to create their own multimedia project, on a topic of their choosing, which will be published on VOX ATL’s website.
23. Camp Carlos
Dates: June 17 – 21 (closed June 19 in observance of Juneteenth)
Location: Emory’s Michael C. Carlos Museum
Application Deadline: May 3
Cost: $350
Camp Carlos is designed to help students develop their creativity and visual arts abilities. Hosted by Emory’s Michael C. Carlos Museum, this year’s focus is on using natural materials as dyes. Students will get to do their own dyeing projects throughout the week, under the guidance of Atlanta-based textile and fiber artist Kathy Colt.
Camp Carlos offers a 10% sibling discount and a $50 discount for members of the Carlos Museum.
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.
