By Chloe Behan

A New Perspective

For Kelseigh Williams of Berrien County High School, the 2026 Georgia Tech Summer Institute (GTSI) changed the way she viewed college life and community.

“One of the biggest things I learned is just that whenever I do get to college, it’s not as intimidating as it seems," she said. “Being from a small town myself and getting to experience Atlanta, which is way bigger than where I’m from, it was just a great experience seeing that big towns aren’t as scary as what they seem online.”

Williams was among 105 rising high school juniors representing 62 counties across Georgia who participated in GTSI this summer. Developed and hosted by Expanded Learning Programs in the Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC), the weeklong residential program helps students prepare for the transition to college while exploring academic pathways and building connections with peers, faculty, and staff.

Participants were selected from more than 200 nominations submitted by school districts across Georgia. Support from Georgia Tech allowed the program to be offered at no cost to students.

Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Rick Clark said the success of the program depends on strong partnerships with Georgia educators who identify students for these opportunities. “We all want the same thing, which is to develop talent and invest in the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers," he said. "GTSI is a group project, that only works when our partners—superintendents, principals, counselors, and teachers in communities all around Georgia—raise their hand to identify potential. Ultimately, talent is distributed broadly, but access to opportunity is not. And this is one effort we’re making to solve that challenge.”

Academic Exploration

During the week, students experienced college life firsthand by navigating campus, attending sessions about admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and student life. They also participated in hands-on learning activities led by faculty and staff from Georgia Tech’s College of Design, College of Engineering, College of Computing, College of Sciences, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, and Scheller College of Business.

Case Johnson, who attends Hawkinsville High School in Pulaski County, said the experience reinforced a goal he has had for years. “I’ve wanted to attend Georgia Tech for some years now, but this whole experience has served to solidify my aspirations,” he said.

“Though I've had a lot of enjoyable moments, a couple of them that are most memorable for me would be the time that I was learning block coding in the computer science academic session, as well as the recreational activities I’ve participated in with both my peers and group leaders,” Johnson added.

Future Pathways

Beyond the classroom, students formed lasting friendships with fellow participants and Georgia Tech student group leaders while taking part in campus tours, team-building activities, and recreational events.

JaRyelle Mackey, a student at Charles R. Drew High School in Clayton County, said one of her favorite moments was participating in a chemistry lab that demonstrated how cockroaches use smells to navigate their environment. The experience also helped her gain a better understanding of the college application process.

“Another thing I learned was that when applying to Georgia Tech, they really look at the things you give to your community and not just your academics,” she said.

For many students, especially those from rural and under-resourced communities, the experience provides a tangible opportunity to see that college and future career pathways are within reach.

That sense of confidence and self-discovery is at the core of the Georgia Tech Summer Institute and a key reason it was established in 2025. Collaboration among CEISMC in the College of Lifetime Learning, the Office of Strategic Student Access, and Georgia Tech’s academic colleges makes this program possible.

“The Georgia Tech Summer Institute continues to expand access to educational opportunities for students across the state, working to combine immersive STEM experiences with practical college preparation,” said Sirocus Barnes, director of Expanded Learning Programs. “It’s more than an introduction to Georgia Tech. It provides participants with the knowledge, confidence, and support to begin envisioning their futures in higher education and STEM careers.”