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

Gwinnett County 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 Gwinnett County area high school students at no cost.

COMPLETE INTEREST FORM
High school students smile as they complete CPR training at PCOM Georgia's Opportunities Academy summer STEM program

About the STEM program

Students will participate in clinical skills simulations in the PCOM Georgia Simulation Center, visit the anatomy lab, participate in heart and brain anatomy labs, learn CPR and more. Additionally, participants will learn about the college application process as well as build networks with physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.

How to apply

Complete our online interest 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

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 presresented; 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 health care fields.

Current PCOM Georgia medical and gradaute 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
Assistant Director, Campus and Community Partnerships

Ty Thomas
Program Coordinator

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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 favourite activity was field day because we got to participate in fun games involving physical activity and medical-related questions.”

Rising senior