15 Summer College Programs for High School Students in Georgia

Looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend your summer? If you are a high school student keen to explore new interests, build real-world skills and experience college life, Georgia has some amazing opportunities waiting for you. Summer programs are the perfect way to discover your passions – whether you’re into literature, science, robotics, history, music or leadership. These programs help you gain industry exposure, develop your strengths and learn from professors and  professionals – a great way to gear yourself for a bright future ahead!

If you want to check out other summer programs, here’s a list of free leadership programs & here’s a list of some STEM-specific internships!

Why should you do a Summer College program in Georgia?

Georgia’s universities and colleges offer a vibrant environment for high school students to experience campus life, get a feel for college-level coursework and build professional connections. Across the state, many institutions offer in-person summer college programs where you can work on hands-on projects, gain mentorship and learn valuable skills from diverse communities and professionals.

To help you find the best fit, we have rounded up 15 of the best Summer College Programs for High School Students in Georgia.

1. Emory University — Pre-College & Summer College Programs

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not published (programs are selective; application review required)
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Tuition and residential rates posted per session; Summer College (credit) and Pre-College (noncredit) programs have different fees—see program pages for current amounts
Dates: Multiple sessions in June–July
Application Deadline: May–June windows
Eligibility: High school students (rising sophomores / seniors depending on track); grade requirements vary by program

Emory's Pre-College and Summer College programs give high school students an opportunity to take college-level courses and participate in  leadership and professional development workshops – including short academic seminars led by Emory faculty. You will attend daily classes, complete written assignments, and take part in communication and skill development workshops that strengthen your academic writing, presentation and analytical abilities. Many courses culminate in  a final project or presentation, allowing you to apply what you have learnt in a college setting. Throughout the program, you’ll receive guidance from resident assistants and faculty instruction, while gaining  opportunities to network with friends and professionals through campus events and guest lectures. 

2. Georgia Institute of Technology — CEISMC Summer P.E.A.K.S. & Pre-College Offerings

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Seat caps varies for specific residential sessions
Location: Georgia Tech campus, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Session costs listed per P.E.A.K.S. course (many one- to two-week sessions $440–$550 depending on length/topic)
Dates: Weekly one- and two-week sessions across June–July
Application Deadline: Registration windows awaited
Eligibility: Rising 4th–12th graders depending on session; high-school tracks have grade requirements

The Programs for Enrichment and Accelerated Knowledge in STEAM (CEISMC P.E.A.K.S.) at Georgia Tech is all about learning by doing. You’ll  spend up to a week working in STEM labs and group projects. You’ll get hands-on experience working on exciting projects such as robotics, engineering challenges, coding, and makerspace design, practice iterative problem solving, and present prototypes or demonstrations at the end of the session. Guided by tech instructors and graduate / undergraduate mentors, you  will receive  personalized instruction and mentorship throughout the program. Some residential sessions even offer extended lab access and longer mentorship. This program includes faculty guest lectures, team projects that mirror professional research or design workflows, and exposure to campus lab facilities.

3. University of Georgia — Summer Academy / Youth & Pre-College Programs (Georgia Center)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by session
Location: University of Georgia (Athens), Georgia Center for Continuing Education & hotel
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program and residential option
Dates: Multiple week-long and multi-week sessions across June–July
Application Deadline: Session-specific registration deadlines awaited (keep a lookout on the program website!)
Eligibility: Grade-band specific depending on camp 

UGA's Summer Academy and Summer Youth Programs are offered in areas such as STEM, arts, and pre-health, giving students an opportunity to participate in lab sessions, complete fieldwork, build project portfolios, and get a taste of campus life. You’ll learn essential skills in research methods, teamwork, and presentation, as part of the program. You’ll also receive mentorship from program staff, graduate students, and university faculty. Some programs might include site visits to clinical facilities and research labs, as well as guest speakers from university departments. Beyond academics, you’ll learn the ins and outs of peer networking and college life, from managing your schedule to collaborating with others, all within the residential environment.

4. Spelman College — Summer Programs (College Prep Institute & Early College Program)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: CPI two-week cohorts; ECP four-week cohorts
Location: Spelman College, Atlanta, GA (Atlanta University Center)
Cost/Stipend: Tuition & residential fees varies per program; Scholarship support               
Dates: Programs typically run in June–July
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by program
Eligibility: High-school students (program-specific grade ranges; Spelman’s programs are for students who identify as women)

Spelman offers a variety of academic seminars and early-college credit courses, along with interesting workshops on leadership, cultural competency, and college readiness. You’ll get to participate in research projects, attend interactive classroom sessions, and undertake organized field trips to local cultural landmarks, including the Atlanta University Center, all while receiving mentorship from faculty and other staff members. As a participant, you will receive access to alumni and campus networking events – helping you connect with mentors who can guide your academic journey. The program ends  with presentations, showcasing all that you have learnt.

5. Morehouse College — Summer Pre-College & Summer Academy Programs

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Specific tracks may limit enrollment
Location: Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA (AUC)
Cost/Stipend: Tuition posted per program
Dates: Multiple summer sessions and multi-week academies across June–July
Application Deadline: Varying dates for multiple tracks
Eligibility: Rising high-school juniors and seniors for pre-college tracks; other tracks serve a range of grades

Morehouse’s pre-college and summer academy programs combine college-level courses with leadership workshops, career panels, and campus living  experiences – giving you a taste of what it is like to study at Morehouse College. You’ll take on academic assignments, join seminars on leadership and service, and work towards creating a final project or portfolio, all under the mentorship of  Morehouse faculty and program staff. Students can take part in local site visits and guest lectures to connect with professionals and learn about AUC resources. 

6. Kennesaw State University — DiscoverU & Summer Leadership Intensive

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Enrollment caps vary; specific camps list seat limits
Location: Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw/Marietta campuses, GA
Cost/Stipend: Varies by week and residential options
Dates: Multiple one-week sessions across June–July
Application Deadline: Registration timeline awaited
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders depending on the program

KSU's DiscoverU and leadership programs combine group projects, leadership workshops, and pre-college academics to help you explore your interest in fields such as health, business, and engineering. You'll work with other students on group projects, complete practical assignments and wrap up the program by presenting your work to other students and faculty. In addition to offering access to campus resources and faculty mentors, the programs also focus on building transferable skills such as teamwork, project planning, and public speaking. Many sessions include networking opportunities, campus tours, and faculty Q&A, where you can ask questions and make valuable connections for the future.

7. Georgia Southern University — Youth University & Southern Leaders Tracks

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Scholarship cohorts limited when applicable
Location: Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
Cost/Stipend: Fees vary by program; certain scholarships available
Dates: Youth University weeklong camps throughout June–July; Southern Leaders programming includes summer components
Application Deadline: Program-specific deadlines
Eligibility: High-school students interested in academic intensives and leadership; grade requirements depend on track.

Georgia Southern University offers two amazing programs on Leadership, viz. the Southern Leaders Pathway and Youth University. The Southern Leaders Pathway combines leadership coursework with service projects, giving you the opportunity to apply what you have learnt in real-world settings. Georgia Southern's Youth University offers short, subject-specific camps where you can work on applied projects, labs, and presentations. In both the programs, you’ll strengthen valuable abilities such as project management, public speaking, and civic engagement, while connecting with faculty mentors and campus leaders. By the end of the program, you’ll share your work in group presentations or community deliverables, showing how leadership can create an impact. 

8. Embark (UGA & North Georgia Technical College collaboration) — Summer Precollegiate Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Cohorts are limited; selection by application
Location: University of Georgia / North Georgia Technical College (campus elements vary); Georgia locations
Cost/Stipend: Program is run with funding/scholarship support for foster-experienced youth
Dates: Short residential campus sessions in June
Application Deadline: Awaited
Eligibility: High-school students who have experienced foster care or housing instability 

The Embark Pre-College Program is a fully residential pre-college program that focuses on  leadership development, college exposure, and real-world transition planning. You’ll work on creating a customized transition plan, participate  in leadership, goal-setting, and college readiness workshops, and learn how to navigate the campus through hands-on activities. You'll receive guidance from college employees and trained student mentors throughout the program. You’ll also participate in site visits and meet with teams from student services, housing, and financial aid, giving you a clear understanding of college life. 

9. Georgia State University — Summer Institute & STEM/Pre-College Tracks

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not published
Location: Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Fees published per program
Dates: Summer sessions across June–July
Application Deadline: Program pages list deadlines for specific tracks
Eligibility: Varies by program; many tracks target rising high-school juniors and seniors or older 

GSU's summer programs offer pre-college courses and STEM research experiences, giving students an opportunity to take part in  college coursework, lab work, and group research projects. Students gain expertise in academic research, oral and poster presentation, and professional communication, under the mentorship of university researchers and faculty. Field trips and site visits to business or research locations throughout Atlanta are part of some program tracks, allowing you to network with professionals and see how STEM skills are applied in the real world. 

10. University of Georgia — College of Pharmacy Summer Science Institute (SSI)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Cohort size and application requirements published per year (SSI typically runs as a focused weeklong institute with limited seats)
Location: University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, GA.
Cost/Stipend: Program fee listed on SSI page (some sessions include residential options and published costs)
Dates: June 1–June 6
Application Deadline: Posted on the SSI page each year
Eligibility: High-school students interested in health sciences and pharmacy pathways (grade/age specifics on page).

UGA's Summer Science Institute in the College of Pharmacy is focused on pharmaceutical sciences. You’ll take part in practical activities,  including lab demonstrations, clinical case studies and group projects, and learn key skills such as  clinical reasoning, laboratory techniques, and professional communication. You’ll work in teams to complete a small group project and present your findings at the end of the program. You’ll also get to visit labs and clinical simulation spaces, gaining insights into how science and medicine connect in the real world. 

11. National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) — Select Georgia Campus Sessions

Acceptance rate/cohort size: NSLC cohorts are limited and placement is competitive; exact acceptance rates not publicly published
Location: Varies by year; NSLC sometimes hosts sessions at or near Georgia campuses 
Cost/Stipend: Tuition listed per NSLC program; scholarships and financial aid details provided by NSLC
Dates: Multiple sessions in June–August
Application Deadline: NSLC posts priority and final deadlines on the program pages
Eligibility: High-school students typically ages 14–18; grade prerequisites vary by program

National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) offers discipline -  specific programs on campuses across Georgia – perfect for high school students who want to learn leadership by doing. Each program blends case studies, simulations, and capstone projects led by faculty and industry experts. You’ll take part in team research, public presentations, and practical simulations (such as medical and diplomatic scenarios), all designed to build your leadership and problem-solving skills. Under the guidance of program staff and guest practitioners, you’ll also get to network with experts and friends from across the country. The program  culminates in a capstone presentation or simulation that exhibits content mastery and applied leadership skillsx.

12. YMCA Camp High Harbour — Advanced Leadership Academy (ALA) / LIT Tracks

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Session capacities published per camp; leadership cohorts are limited
Location: Camp High Harbour (Lake Allatoona) and other regional YMCA camps in Georgia
Cost/Stipend: Tuition and scholarship info posted on YMCA Camp High Harbour pages Dates: Multiple summer sessions across June–July (leadership tracks scheduled throughout the summer
Application Deadline: Registration deadlines and deposit windows posted on camp pages
Eligibility: Teen leadership tracks typically for ages 13–16

The ALA and LIT programs at YMCA camps give teenagers an opportunity to build real leadership in a fun, hands-on setting. You’ll lead activities for younger campers, take part in  challenge courses, leadership workshops, and service projects, while working towards a  final reflection or project that demonstrates your leadership development.  You’ll be guided by mentors and senior counselors, gaining experience in mentoring, facilitation, and program planning. You’ll develop strong connections along the way.

13. Camp Ramah Darom — Gesher Leadership Track

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Gesher cohorts are limited
Location: Camp Ramah Darom, Clayton, GA (North Georgia)
Cost/Stipend: Tuition and session pricing published on Ramah Darom’s summer pagesDates: Multi-week summer sessions
Application Deadline: Registration and application deadlines posted on program pages
Eligibility: Typically rising 11th graders or older teen leadership candidates 

Gesher is a staff-development and leadership track for older teens who want to take on real responsibility and make an impact in their communities. You’ll plan and lead programs, mentor younger campers, and work on projects focused on program design and community building. With guidance from experienced staff, you’ll build practical skills in group leadership,  facilitation, and event planning. The program’s unique feature is its integration of cultural/religious education with practical leadership training in a residential camp environment.

14. Agnes Scott College — (Select Summer Institutes & Pre-College Offerings)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not published
Location: Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA
Cost/Stipend: Some events offer scholarships or fee waivers
Dates: Short summer institutes and academic sessions typically scheduled in June–July 
Application Deadline: Program pages publish deadlines for each session
Eligibility: High-school students for pre-college workshops and institutes; specifics vary by offering.

Agnes Scott's summer workshops and institutes offer an in-depth experience in the humanities, arts, and leadership. You’ll take part in reading and writing-based assignments, group seminars, and complete a final presentation or portfolio that showcases your work. With small cohort sizes and faculty mentoring, you’ll receive personalized feedback while developing strong communication and critical thinking skills - a hallmark of Agnes Scott’s liberal arts approach. For certain tracks, the college's focus on women's leadership and close mentoring makes the experience especially unique. 

15. Berry College — Summer Pre-College Programs & Academic Camps

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not published; many camps list limited enrollments
Location: Berry College, Mount Berry/Rome, GA
Cost/Stipend: Fees and residential options posted per program; scholarships / financial assistance information available for certain camps
Dates: Weeklong and multi-week sessions across June–July (annual schedule posted on Berry’s summer programs pages)
Application Deadline: Registration and deposit deadlines posted per camp
Eligibility: Middle- and high-school students depending on the program

Berry College's summer programs offer a mix of academic intensives and arts/STEM camps, which combine practical labs, studio time, and group projects – all leading up to final presentations or performances. As a participant, you’ll sharpen your technical skills within your chosen field while also developing  leadership and teamwork abilities. With faculty and staff mentorship, access to campus resources, and small cohort sizes, you'll receive individualized feedback and build meaningful connections with both instructors and fellow students.

Image source - Emory University logo