What is SRA?
The Summer Research Academy (SRA) is a full time program for high school students to participate in volunteer summer research at Georgia Tech’s College of Sciences. The program is available at no cost to students.
How does SRA promotes diversity and inclusion?
SRA serves as an active pipeline to recruit promising high school students who have been historically underrepresented in STEM. By exposing students to innovative research at GT, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment, and providing mentoring at the undergraduate, graduate, and professorial level , SRA promotes opportunities for historically underrepresented minorities in STEM.
Am I eligible to participate?
All local high school students who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program are eligible to apply. Students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM and students from the Atlanta Public School system are especially encouraged to apply.
What qualities is SRA looking for in students?
SRA requires no prior research experience. SRA is looking for students who are keen to learn and are interested in being challenged. We encourage all students with a good academic standing and a passion for STEM to apply.
When does SRA take place?
SRA takes place during the summer break for 7 weeks, from June 6th – July 22nd 2022. Students will be required to be on campus from 9 am – 5 pm each day. Attendance during the first week (orientation) and last week (presentations) is especially mandatory. Absences will be excused for emergency situations and must be communicated to the lead organizer in a timely manner.
Where is SRA?
SRA is on Georgia Institute of Technology’s Main Campus. The exact location of each student’s research is dependent on the lab they are paired with, but all locations are within walking distance on campus and bus transportation around campus is available if needed.
Will I need my own transportation, housing, and meals?
Students will need to provide their own transportation to and from campus each day. SRA is not a residential program and accepts only local applicants – housing is not provided. Students should bring packed lunch or money to purchase lunch from the dining hall on Monday – Thursday. Lunch will be provided on Fridays.
Is being an SRA scholar a paid position?
No, students participating in research at SRA are participating in a volunteer research role and are not paid.
What do accepted students do in this program?
Students will engage in eight weeks of hands on research under the guidance of Georgia Tech faculty and SRA TAs. The majority of time will be spent in a lab setting, exploring various questions in science, performing experiments, analyzing data, and building depth of knowledge in a given area. Some time will be set aside for students to attend research talks by faculty, present in journal clubs, learn about college admissions and tour the Georgia Tech campus. Students will have time to interact with their peers during working lunches, sports activities, and game nights.
The program culminates in a research presentation and poster symposium where students will share their research question and how they answered it over the course of their experience.
What are the benefits of doing research in high school?
Research experience in high school is extremely valuable. Students will:
– learn how to think like a scientist
– perform common lab procedures
– understand chemical and lab safety
– communicate their research to others in the field
Many students in summer research high school programs go on to research in college, present their research in conferences, publish their research, and submit their research to state and international science fairs.
Can I participate while doing another program or taking classes?
SRA is a full-time program and we require all students to commit to attending all days of the program, from 9 am to 5 pm. Students should not accept the program if they are planning to partake in any activities that conflict with program times or dates. Research is expected to be student’s first priority and we recommend against taking on additional courses.
How do I apply?
Click here to apply. Application includes an application form, essay questions, and submission of a transcript and letter of recommendation.
When is the application open?
Applications open February 1st. Applications close March 27th. Late applications will not be accepted.
Who can I contact with questions?
Please contact the organizing team, with any questions or concerns at