Leadership summer programs for high school students offer a structured way to build key skills in areas like communication, problem-solving, and team management. These programs often focus on real-world challenges, encouraging you to take initiative and work collaboratively.
Through workshops, group projects, and mentorship, you’ll gain experience presenting ideas, making decisions, and guiding a team. Whether you’re aiming to launch a new initiative, lead in your school community, or prepare for college and beyond, these programs provide a practical foundation for future success.
In this list, we’ve highlighted 15 leadership summer programs for high school students!
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June — August), Fall (September — December), Winter (December — February), and Spring (March — June).
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school, demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4). However, no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week opportunity for high school students to engage in research alongside a Ph.D. mentor. During the program, you’ll work one-on-one with your mentor to design and carry out an independent research project in a subject of your choice. Areas of study include fields like psychology, physics, economics, and international relations. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a research paper that reflects the process and findings of your work. To learn more about how to apply, you can visit the program’s application page here.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here!
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students.
The Young Founder’s Lab is an online program where high school students work in teams to develop a start-up focused on addressing a specific problem. Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with others to shape a business idea and begin building a product or service with a clear purpose and potential market. You’ll take part in sessions on topics such as market research, product planning, and business strategy, while also receiving guidance from mentors with experience in the tech and business fields. The program includes workshops, case studies, and group discussions designed to help you understand different parts of the start-up process and apply that knowledge to your own project. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
3. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Various U.S. cities, see the full list here.
Cost: Free, includes travel and lodging.
Application Deadline: January 15
Program Dates: Varies according to internship, but typically 8 weeks in May – June, including one week of leadership training in Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors who are in good academic standing, authorized to work in the U.S., and permanently live in an eligible location.
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program provides high school juniors and seniors with a paid summer internship at a nonprofit organization in their local community. As a participant, you’ll spend several weeks gaining work experience while learning about how nonprofits operate and serve the public. The program also includes a week in Washington, D.C., where you’ll take part in workshops focused on community engagement and leadership, and meet with peers and professionals working in the nonprofit sector. Mentorship is a key component of the experience, providing ongoing support that may extend beyond the summer. To learn more about this program, check out our full guide here.
4. Sadie Nash Summer Institute
Location: New York City, NY and Newark, NJ
Cost: Free, stipend provided
Application Deadline: April 14
Program Dates: July 7 – August 14
Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive youth who are enrolled in high school and live in New York City or Newark.
The Sadie Nash Summer Institute is a program for young women and gender-expansive youth that focuses on leadership, social issues, and community engagement. During the program, you’ll take part in seminars, group discussions, and workshops that encourage reflection on topics such as identity, equity, and activism. You’ll work with peers on projects connected to these themes and hear from guest speakers working in areas like public service, the arts, and business. Past sessions have explored subjects including the role of art in social movements, educational systems, and how cultural ideas influence gender.
5. American Legion Auxiliary Girls State
Location: Multiple locations. Click here to know more.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the location you choose.
Program Dates: Varies depending on the location you choose. Options during the summer are available.
Eligibility: Female high school juniors
ALA Girls State is a week-long program where high school students take part in a simulation of state government. You’ll have the chance to take on roles such as legislators, judges, or elected officials, working with others to run a model government. Through daily activities like campaigning, debating, and drafting bills, you’ll explore how local and state governments operate. You’ll participate in structured, nonpartisan exercises and hear from individuals with experience in public service.
6. FBI National Academy Associates Youth Leadership Program
Location: FBI Academy, Quantico, VA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 3
Program Dates: June 19 – 27
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and juniors aged 14–16
The FBI National Academy Associates Youth Leadership Program is designed for high school students interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement or public service. Held at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the program includes coursework on leadership approaches, ethics, and practical decision-making. Physical training is also a core part of the experience. During the program, you will interact with law enforcement experts and examine various leadership styles, addressing common challenges and strategies to manage them effectively.
7. HOBY Youth Leadership Congress
Location: Loyola University, Chicago, IL
Cost: $1,995
Application Deadline: July 4
Program Dates: July 19 – 26
Eligibility: Participants must be HOBY alumni from a HOBY state seminar or a rising secondary or high school junior (11th grade) or senior (12th grade) between the ages of 15 and 17
The HOBY World Leadership Congress (WLC) is a week-long summer program that brings together high school students from the United States and abroad to explore leadership in a global context. Hosted in a different major U.S. city each year, the program includes workshops, guest speakers, and group discussions focused on topics such as communication, decision-making, and leadership ethics. As a participant, you’ll take part in activities that promote collaboration and critical thinking, including a community service project and various skill-based sessions.
8. Brown University Pre-College Leadership Institute
Location: Virtual or in-person at Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: Varies by session; financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Program Dates:
- Online: June 23 – July 18
- On-Campus: June 29 – July 11 | July 13 – July 25
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12. Must be ages 14–18 by June
The Brown Leadership Institute is a summer program that enables high school students to explore social and community issues through academic study and hands-on learning. You will engage in courses addressing subjects like education systems, gender, law, and social enterprise, and simultaneously create a project, known as an Action Plan, targeting a specific issue in your community. The program combines classroom learning with group discussions, case analysis, and hands-on activities to help you examine problems from different viewpoints. If you complete a course that runs for two weeks or more, you’ll receive a Digital Certificate of Completion and a Course Performance Report.
9. Harvard Pre-College Program: Business and Leadership
Location: Virtual or in-person at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $5,800; financial aid available
Application Deadline: April 9
Program Dates:
- Session I: June 22 – July 3
- Session II: July 6 – July 18
- Session III: July 20 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors between 16 – 19 years old
Harvard’s Pre-College Program in Business and Leadership introduces high school students to core concepts in business and leadership through a structured, discussion-based format. In small classes of 12 to 18 students, you’ll examine case studies, take part in group activities, and build skills in areas such as communication, collaboration, and decision-making. Taught by instructors affiliated with Harvard, the course explores various approaches to leadership and includes the analysis of real-world business examples. You’ll complete a final presentation as part of the program, allowing you to demonstrate your understanding of the material.
10. NSLC Leadership and Service Program
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. or University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: $3,195 (Georgetown University) | $3,095 (University of Michigan) | Scholarships are available.
Application deadline: Rolling until the program is full.
Program dates: Multiple six-day sessions in the summer. You can find the details here.
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The NSLC Leadership & Service program combines leadership training with community-focused projects for high school students. During the program, you’ll participate in sessions on topics such as communication, goal setting, teamwork, and public speaking, with an emphasis on identifying and leveraging your strengths. A central part of the experience involves volunteering with local organizations, including groups like the Capital Area Food Bank and the Salvation Army. These service activities provide an opportunity to learn about leadership through direct involvement in community work. The program also includes group visits to museums and historic sites, providing additional context for understanding civic engagement and public service.
11. Tufts University’s Leadership for Social Change Program
Location: Tufts University Medford/Somerville Campus, Medford, MA
Cost: $5,750
Application deadline: May 1
Program dates: Session 1: July 6 – 18 | Session 2: July 20 – August 1
Eligibility: Students who are entering grades 10 to 12 and are at least 15 years old
Leadership for Social Change is a two-week summer program designed for students interested in building leadership skills through community engagement. During the program, you’ll examine issues such as community health, segregation, environmental justice, public policy, and educational inequality. The curriculum includes academic study, hands-on fieldwork, skill development, and time for reflection. You will explore a social issue within your community by examining relevant policies, identifying important stakeholders, and linking local problems to wider social systems. At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings in a research project.
12. University of Mississippi’s The Lott Leadership Summer Institute
Location: University of Mississippi, University, MS
Cost: $350 non-refundable registration fee + $1,350 program + $350 mandatory TB test and medical insurance for international students + $250 for meals/spending money.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program dates: Session 1: May 26 – June 28 | Session 2: June 23 – July 26
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
The Lott Leadership Summer Institute, part of the University of Mississippi’s Summer College, brings together student leaders from across the country to work on public policy issues. Throughout the program, you will create policy proposals and present them to a panel of experts. Additionally, you will engage in discussions with national leaders on relevant issues. The program provides an opportunity to earn up to seven college credits, featuring a trip to Washington, D.C. This experience allows you to develop skills in public speaking, networking, and leadership in a hands-on setting.
13. UPenn Wharton Global Youth Program’s Leadership in the Business World
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $10,999. Information regarding scholarships can be found here.
Application deadline: April 2
Program Dates:
- Session 1: June 8 – 28
- Session 2: June 29 – July 19
- Session 3: July 20 – August 9
Eligibility: High school students in grade 11 who have demonstrated leadership experience, academic excellence, and a 3.5 unweighted GPA or higher.
The Leadership in the Business World (LBW) program introduces high school students to business leadership through a combination of lectures, discussions, and interactive activities. You’ll learn from Wharton professors and hear from professionals working in various industries. The program covers topics such as leadership, teamwork, organizational strategy, and negotiation. You’ll engage in group work, digital simulations, and research on actual businesses. There are also opportunities to connect with leaders in fields such as finance, entrepreneurship, and real estate. Additionally, the program includes access to the Wharton Global Youth Speaker Series, where you can explore subjects like crisis management, AI, and neuroeconomics.
14. Wake Forest University’s Leadership Institute
Location: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Cost: $3,200
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Program dates: June 15 – 20 | June 22 –27
Eligibility: High school students
The Wake Forest Summer Immersion Leadership Institute is a program designed for high school students, focusing on developing leadership skills before college. Through guided reflection and learning, you’ll work on building the ability to lead and motivate others. The program includes sessions on topics such as relationship building, self-awareness, team dynamics, and resilience. A service component allows you to volunteer with local nonprofit organizations, providing practical experience.
15. University of Notre Dame’s Leadership Seminars
Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Cost: $210 ($60 application fee + $150 enrollment fee)
Application deadline: January 22
Program dates: July 19 – 30
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 and entering their senior year in the fall
The Summer Leadership Seminar is a selective program that admits around 100 students each year. It offers an opportunity to engage in college-level coursework while focusing on leadership development. You’ll study subjects such as global issues, inequality in the U.S., and investment principles. In addition to academics, the program includes community service activities and provides a chance to experience daily life on a college campus. This combination aims to help you build leadership skills in an academic setting while becoming more familiar with what to expect in higher education.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – University of Notre Dame