PCOM Georgia Opportunities Academy | STEM Program in Suwanee
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PCOM Georgia Opportunities Academy 
Suwanee Summer STEM Program

Metro-Atlanta high school student participants have the opportunity to explore careers in health care while building relationships with PCOM Georgia faculty and student mentors during this summer STEM camp.

The PCOM Georgia Opportunities Academy takes place annually in the month of June at PCOM Georgia in Suwanee, GA. This program is available to Metro-Atlanta area high school students at no cost.

COMPLETE INTEREST FORM

About the STEM program

The STEM program provides students with hands-on experiences that introduce them to the world of health care and the many career pathways available within the field. Students will explore human anatomy through experiences in the anatomy lab and engage in interactive heart and brain anatomy activities.

Beyond hands-on learning, students will gain valuable insight into preparing for college and pursuing a career in health care. Through conversations and networking opportunities with physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals, students can explore different career pathways, ask questions, and begin building connections with professionals in the field.

How to apply

Complete our Mentee Application Form today. Applications are due in April of each year. High school students applying to the program will provide a short personal statement about their future career goals.

Overview

High school student tries on face mask and nitrile gloves

Opportunities Academy is a weeklong summer enrichment program for students in grades 9-12. Participants engage in an interactive and informative experience designed to expose them to STEM+M and healthcare careers while building leadership skills through hands-on learning. Throughout the week, students participate in labs and career exploration activities, with Wednesday designated as Professional Development Day featuring mock interviews and a college fair. The academy concludes with a STEM field day on Thursday and a graduation ceremony on Friday.

Growth and outreach

  • 75 enrolled students in 2026*. This is a 178% increase in enrollment since 2022.
  • 188 total applicants in 2026. This is a 596% increase in applications since 2022.
  • 25 high schools represented, including five Metro Atlanta counties (Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Hall).
  • 23 PCOM mentors supported the program as well as 8 undergraduate interns.

*PCOM Georgia has capped enrollment at 75 students since 2025.

Student impact

  • 88% of participants plan to pursue a career in STEM+M.
  • 100% of participants agreed that the Opportunities Academy program improved their understanding of potential careers in STEM+M fields.
  • 100% of participants agreed that the Opportunities Academy program increased their knowledge of the medical school admissions process, enhanced their leadership abilities and strengthened their ability to collaborate with team members.
  • 100% of participants strongly agreed that the Opportunities Academy program increased their confidence in pursuing a career in healthcare fields.

Current PCOM Georgia medical and graduate students play a vital role in the planning and implementation of the Opportunities Academy. Complete our mentor application form to learn how to get involved.

Shari N. Allen, PharmD, BCPP
Faculty Coordinator

Christy Dinkins, EdD
Director, Campus and Community Partnerships

Ty Thomas, MIS
Assistant Director, Campus and Community Partnerships

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“Thank you for this great opportunity. It was just the experience I needed to get more insight about the healthcare field and all the different careers you can go into.”

Rising senior

“The activity I enjoyed the most was the mock interview because it brought me out of my comfort zone and boosted my confidence in traits that I didn't know were some of my strengths.”

Rising senior

“My favorite activity was the sheep brain dissection because I got to explore and learn more about a real brain in a hands-on way. My second most favorite activity was field day because we got to participate in fun games involving physical activity and medical-related questions.”

Rising senior