Current Intern/Leadership Opportunities
We encourage all students and their families to check the PHS Intern/Leadership Opportunities webpage weekly to view any and all new opportunities that are open to PHS students to apply to. On this page specifically, we try to provide information on Internship and Leadership Opportunities that become available for students to apply to. These are wonderful experiences that enhance student engagement and leadership exposure, which always looks impressive on resume and future job/college/scholarship applications.
Click HERE to view the list of the Intern/Leadership Opportunities that were posted on the PHS Scholarships Webpage during the 2024-25 school year. There is no guarantee that each of these opportunities will be available again for the 25-26 school year; however, we are hopeful that they will be and that the timeframes will be similar of their application availability as they were last school year!
Below are mostly local, state, and/or some national Internship/Leadership Opportunities that are currently available for students to apply to:
1) UNG National Leadership Challenge Weekend (posted on 11/28/25)
-The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Corps of Cadets will host their National Leadership Challenge (NLC) Weekend on March 27th-29th for JROTC cadets and other high school students (grades 9th-12th) who are considering a military program in college. Selected students will rappel down a sheer rock cliff at the Army's Mountain Ranger Camp in Dahlonega, construct a rope bridge across a mountain stream, negotiate obstacle and leadership reaction course elements, observe demonstrations by UNG cadet organizations, and meet some of our cadets.
-NLC Weekend is offered twice per year (fall and spring), and space is limited to 200 students. Students in grades 9th through 12th are all welcomed to apply.
-Click HERE to review the eligibility requirements and to access the online application if you are interested in this opportunity.
-Although no deadline is specified on their website, it is encouraged that you complete your online application by 3/20.
2) QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program (posted on 1/31/26)
-The QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program provides scholarships and awards to summer programs at Emory, UChicago, Yale, and more for outstanding high school juniors from low-income backgrounds. The College Prep Scholars Program can help equip you with knowledge, experience, and resources to connect you with some of the Nation’s most sought-after colleges, as well as to help you get a head start to a top college.
-Click HERE for more information on this amazing leadership opportunity and to access the online application.
-The deadline to submit your online application to QuestBridge is March 24th, 2026. Please see the PHS Graduation Coach, Ms. Champion, in PHS Room 410 if you would like assistance with this application.
3) AECA Electrical Apprenticeship Program (posted on 2/2/26)
-The Atlanta Electrical Apprenticeship Program is taking applications through March 31st for their Inside Wireman Apprenticeship Program, Telecommunications Apprenticeship, and their Construction Electrician Apprenticeship. Classes for these apprenticeships start in Fall 2026. This is an “earn while you learn” opportunity where you will get paid for your full-time work while you learn this trade!
-Click HERE to access the website for more information and to fill out the online application.
-Click HERE for more information to see which apprenticeship is best for you.
-The deadline to submit your online application and all of its required documents is March 31st.
4) 2026 Youth LEAD Georgia Summit (posted on 2/2/26)
-The J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development at the University of Georgia, in partnership with Chick-fil-A, Inc.®, will host a statewide youth leadership summit this summer on the UGA campus. The 2026 Youth LEAD Georgia Summit will take place on July 16th-17th, and they are seeking to host at least one rising 11th or 12th grade student (current 10th and 11th grade students at PHS for the 25-16 school year) from each of our state’s school districts. Furthermore, thanks to the generosity of Chick-fil-A®, there is no cost to students participating in the summit. This summit provides students with an incredible opportunity to hone their leadership skills, build relationships with peers, experience the UGA campus, and discuss issues facings Georgia’s youth.
-Click HERE to learn more information about this leadership opportunity and to access the online application.
-The deadline to submit your online application is March 31st, 2026. The J.W. Fanning Institute will notify the winners in April 2026.
5) US Military Academy at West Point – Summer Leaders Experience (posted on 3/15/26)
-The United States Military Academy at West Point is excited to offer rising seniors (current juniors) the Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) - a rigorous five-day, overnight immersion led entirely by current West Point cadets. SLE offers an authentic look at cadet life and challenges students academically, militarily, physically, and socially.
-Click HERE for explore more information about the SLE at West Point.
-There are three SLE sessions that students can choose to attend that run from May 30th through June 15th. West Point provides scholarships to cover the $495 SLE fee and travel expenses for students with documented financial need.
-Click HERE to access the SLE Summer 2026 Application. When high school students submit this application, it also completes the first part of the West Point application process. Ideal candidates will demonstrate academic excellence, leadership within their community, and a readiness to take on physical challenges.
-It is highly recommended that you complete your application by April 1st as the selections are made on a rolling basis.
6) 2026 FBI Teen Academy (posted on 2/2/26)
-The 2026 FBI Teen Academy program allows high school students an opportunity to get a comprehensive look into today’s FBI. This is a one-day academy that will be held on June 4th, 2026, and will take place in Atlanta from 8am-5pm. Students currently in grades 9th-12th are eligible to apply.
-Click HERE for more information about this leadership opportunity.
-Click HERE to access the application.
-Please see PHS Graduation Coach, Ms. Champion, in PHS Room 410 to complete the “School Information” portion and to sign off on your application so that we can keep a list of who applies to the Academy.
-The deadline to submit your application is April 3rd, 2026, and it should be emailed (from your personal email address, not your PHS Gmail account) to at_communityoutreach@fbi.gov . Students will be notified in May if they have been selected for the Academy.
7) Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) Youth Advisory Council (posted on 3/15/26)
-The GSBA's Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year for students who will be in grades 9th-12th. The YAC is a student leadership program formed by GSBA to give high school students the opportunity to provide meaningful input to school board members across the state of Georgia and also aid them in their decision-making. In addition, YAC members will have the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills and contribute to their community by affecting positive change for students across Georgia.
-Click HERE to explore more information regarding this leadership opportunity.
-Click HERE to create your account and access the online application.
-The deadline to submit your online application is April 10th. Selected YAC members will be notified via email (please use your personal email and not your PHS student Gmail) by May 8th.
8) UNG Ascend – A Summer Honors Experience (posted on 1/29/26)
-The University of North Georgia (UNG) hosts a twelve day Summer Honors Program experience at their Dahlonega campus that is open to PHS Juniors to apply to. This program is open to all juniors who have a 3.5-4.0 GPA. The cost to attend the program is $1,750 per camper and will run from May 31st – June 12th. We are pleased to announce that the PCSD will be sponsoring the cost of attendance for five PHS students to this program for the Summer of 2026.
-If you would like to view your GPA on a 4.0 scale instead of a 100 scale, then please click HERE to view instructions on how to view your unofficial transcript in Infinite Campus.
-Click HERE to view more information on this leadership opportunity and to access the online application and HERE for their program brochure.
-Please feel free to list the PHS Graduation Coach, Ms. Champion, to fill out the Teacher/Guidance Counselor Recommender so that your academic information can be submitted and so that we can keep an accurate account of who applies and who is admitted.
-Online applications are due by April 15th, 2026.
9) 2026 Georgia Power Delivery Summer Internship Opportunities (posted on 3/15/26)
-Georgia Power’s line crews (distribution and transmission), network underground, and metering services play an integral part in Georgia’s economy. Hospitals, government agencies, schools, businesses, and individuals rely heavily on line workers and other essential workers to provide reliable electrical service. If you are looking for a summer internship opportunity in which you can make a difference and serve Georgians, then please consider becoming a line worker this summer with Georgia Power!
-Only graduating seniors from the Class of 2026 are eligible to apply.
-Click HERE for more information and all requirements for this summer internship opportunity, as well as information on how much money you can earn through this job.
-Click HERE to access the online application.
-No deadline is identified in the application; however, we suggest that you submit your application no later than April 17th.
10) Georgia Ready Summer Institute (posted on 3/16/26)
-The Georgia Ready Summer Institute is a one-week, cohort-based residential program for high-achieving rising seniors throughout Georgia who are going into their senior year (Class of 2027) with a focus on research and innovation for this year’s theme. Additional activities will provide the pre-collegiate scholars with a greater understanding of themselves, fostering an in-depth appreciation of their interests and how they align with individuals working in a variety of professions. Most importantly, selected GRSI Scholars will gain a glimpse of what life as a UGA scholar is like, living in a campus residence hall, eating at our award-winning dining facilities, in addition to touring the Athens campus and various facilities.
-Click HERE for more information on this summer leadership opportunity and to also access the online application.
-The deadline to submit your online application is May 3rd.
11) Talking Rock Events Committee (TREC) Volunteer Opportunities
-The lovely Talking Rock Community hosts several events throughout the year and is looking for volunteer help.
-For more information and how to sign up to volunteer, please email the Talking Rock Events Committee at events@talkingrockga.com or call/text them at 706-851-9152 (if you text, then please provide your name in the message).
12) Keep Pickens Beautiful (KPB) Teen Squad Volunteer Opportunity
-Want to earn volunteer hours by helping Keep Pickens Beautiful? Then this is the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! You will earn volunteer hours while working outdoors to beautify your community by planting and maintaining gardens, helping with special events, and participating in community clean-ups.
-Click HERE to register now as a KPB Teen and to sign up for volunteer hours that will be available on Sundays from 2-4pm. See below for some of their upcoming dates/events you can volunteer for:
Past Internship/Leadership Opportunities
The following is a list of intern/leadership opportunities that were posted and the deadlines have since passed:
1) Youth Leadership Pickens 25-26 (posted on 8/6/25 and the deadline was 8/15/25).
2) Georgia State School Superintendent's Student Advisory Council Application (posted on 8/1/25 and the deadline was 9/5/25).
3) 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program (posted on 8/14/25 & the deadline was 9/30/25).
4) UNG National Leadership Challenge Weekend (posted on 9/8/25 & the deadline was 10/31/25).
5) 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program (posted on 9/8/25 & the deadline was 11/1/25).
6) YES Workforce Academy (posted on 10/22/25 & the deadline was 10/31/25).
7) 25-26 PCSD Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (posted on 10/22/25 & the deadline was 11/7/25).
8) Georgia DNR Career Academy (posted on 10/26/25 & the deadline was 11/17/25).
9) Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (posted on 10/28/25 & the deadline was 12/3/25).
10) Appalachian STEM Academy (posted on 10/28/25 & the deadline was 12/3/25).
11) AEMC Washington Youth Tour (posted on 11/28/25 & the deadline was 1/31/26).
12) Mercer University CASE Program (posted on 11/28/25 & the deadline was 3/1/26).
13) Georgia Scholar Recognition Program (posted 1/31/26 & the deadline was 3/1/26).
14) 21st Century Leaders Summer Institute Programs (posted on 2/2/26 & the deadline was 3/1/26).
15) Georgia Service Academy Day 2026 (posted on 2/2/26 & the deadline to apply was 3/13/26).
16) North Georgia Military Recruiting Event (NGMRE) 2026 (posted on 2/2/26 & the deadline to apply was 3/13/26).