Governor's Honors Program

The Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) is a residential summer program for gifted and talented high school students who will be rising juniors and seniors during the program. The program offers instruction that is significantly different from the typical high school classroom and that is designed to provide students with academic, cultural, and social enrichment necessary to become the next generation of global critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders.

GHP Details

The Student Experience

GHP is held in mid-summer (mid-June to mid-July) as a residential educational experience on a college or university campus. Students attend classes in the mornings and afternoons in specific areas of study, and they participate in a wide variety of social and instructional opportunities every evening. Meals and rooms are provided by the program with the only required and expected costs for the students being travel expenses to and from the interviews, a few basic supplies for classes and dorm rooms, and spending money as desired during the program.

Selection Timeline

In early October, Cartersville High School teachers begin recommending 10th and 11th grade students who are suited for the Governors Honors Program. Final decisions are made by a committee following an interview process which includes a short essay portion. Our candidates are then notified in November of their school level selection. The next step moves to the state selection requirements.

Participation Requirements

Any student nominated by the local school system/private school must:

• Be a current sophomore or junior.

• Have his/her nomination originate with the subject area teacher with approval of student and parent.

• Have demonstrated high aptitude and high interest in the area of nomination.

• Commit to participation in the state level interviews as scheduled by the Department of Education. There are no “alternate interview dates.”

• Commit to participation in the program for the entire residential period (about three weeks from mid-June to mid-July). This includes opening and closing days. The 2023 program will open TBD, and close on TBD. Students must arrive no later than 2 p.m. on the first day in June (specific date TBD). Students may not depart before the last day in July (specific date TBD). Please be certain that all nominees understand these requirements.

• Inability to meet the attendance requirement will result in disqualification for consideration; and, if selected for participation, can result in dismissal from the program. Exceptions to the attendance requirement will be rare, will be limited to true emergencies, and will require approval by the Program Manager.

For complete details including nominee resources, the 2027 timeline, and so much more visit the link below.