If you’re a high school student in California interested in developing leadership skills, participating in a summer program can offer a meaningful way to learn and grow outside the classroom. These programs are designed to help students explore different styles of leadership, work collaboratively, and think critically about real-world challenges.
California is home to several well-regarded institutions—such as UC Berkeley and UCLA—that offer leadership-focused summer experiences for high school students. These programs often combine academic sessions, team-based projects, and guest lectures to provide insight into leadership in action. Some universities also offer reduced fees for in-state students, making these opportunities more accessible. Local programs, in particular, can be a practical choice by minimizing travel and housing costs while still providing strong mentorship and peer interaction.
To help you explore your options, we’ve compiled a list of summer leadership programs available to California high school students—including a few virtual programs that are open to students statewide.
15 Summer Leadership Programs for High School Students in California
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available) | None
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs you one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to guide you through a 12-week independent project. You can choose a subject that interests you–ranging from psychology and engineering to international relations and data science–and receive individual guidance in formulating a research question, conducting the study, and writing a formal paper. You’ll gain experience that resembles the kind of scholarly work done at the undergraduate level. By the end, you’ll have a finished research paper and a stronger understanding of the research process. You can find more details about the application here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; need-based financial aid available | None Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI gives you the chance to explore artificial intelligence through either a foundational course or an advanced fellowship project. The AI Scholars program includes 10 sessions that cover both theoretical concepts and practical applications in machine learning and data science, while also incorporating group work. If you already have prior knowledge, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase lets you work on a customized project with one-on-one mentorship and support in submitting your work for publication. The program includes mentors affiliated with top universities and research labs. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and apply here.
3. Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) State Leadership Seminars
Location: California State University, Long Beach and Thousand Oaks
Cost/Stipend: $350 per student | None
Dates: June 20–22
Application Deadline: November (tentative)
Eligibility: High school sophomores
At the HOBY State Leadership Seminar, you’ll be guided through three phases–personal, group, and service leadership–while spending a few immersive days among other motivated students in your state. The experience starts with self-reflection to help you better understand your leadership values and strengths. As you move into group activities, you’ll learn how to collaborate with others, work through differences, and build a common purpose. You’ll also engage with local leaders and participate in service-related activities that tie leadership to community impact. After the seminar, there’s a challenge to complete 100 hours of community service within the year, with recognition through the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
4. National Hispanic Institute: California Sol Great Debate
Location: University of San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: $25 registration fee + $150 deposit + program tuition – $695 | None
Dates: July 8–13
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: College-bound 9th grade students | Minimum of a 3.0/4.0 GPA and are first-time NHI participants
The California Sol Great Debate allows you to train in public speaking and civic discourse while living on a college campus for six days. Hosted by the National Hispanic Institute, this summer leadership program places strong emphasis on communication, cultural identity, and civic responsibility. You’ll participate in debates and team activities that challenge you to express your ideas clearly and respond thoughtfully to others. A designated College Day connects you directly with admissions professionals from universities looking to recruit high-performing students. Completion of the program also opens access to a wider NHI network, including future programs and alumni opportunities focused on community leadership.
5. Economics for Leaders (EFL)
Location: UC Berkeley and UCLA
Cost/Stipend: $2,600; scholarships available | None
Dates: UC Berkeley: June 23–29, June 30–July 6 | UCLA: August 4–10
Application Deadline: Typically between March and May
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
Economics for Leaders introduces you to core economic concepts while simultaneously helping you develop practical leadership skills. You’ll study opportunity cost, incentives, property rights, and market dynamics, all within the context of real-world social and policy issues. Alongside this, the program uses the Leadership Pyramid Matrix, borrowed from university-level leadership training, to help you better understand personal, relational, and group leadership. Activities include discussions, simulations, and group projects designed to connect economic thinking with responsible leadership. The program fosters analytical thinking and civic awareness. Sessions are hosted on various college campuses across the country, creating an academically rich environment for learning.
6. Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project – Los Angeles Institute
Location: Cal State LA, CA
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Dates: June 27–29
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors who are currently enrolled in a California high school and live in Los Angeles County
If you live in Los Angeles County and want to learn how leadership and civic involvement intersect, the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project’s Los Angeles Institute provides a focused three-day experience on the subject. During Civic Day, you’ll participate in mock hearings and interact directly with local government officials to understand the legislative process. On College & Careers Day, you’ll attend workshops on financial aid, admissions, and higher education pathways. Throughout the program, you’ll build networks with peers and mentors while exploring your cultural identity in public service. The institute connects you with professionals across sectors who are committed to fostering future community leaders.
7. UC Berkeley Business Academy for Youth: High School Entrepreneurship
Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA
Cost/Stipend: California Resident $6,292; Out of State Resident $7,332 + $80 application fee | None
Dates: Session I: July 5–19 | Session II: July 19–August 2
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th and 12th grade students
At UC Berkeley’s Business Academy for Youth, you’ll spend two weeks learning how to turn an idea into a viable business. Guided by Berkeley Haas faculty and visiting industry professionals, you’ll learn about marketing, business planning, finance, and entrepreneurship in a college-level environment. The program includes lectures, research projects, and team-based activities that lead to the creation and presentation of a complete business plan. Outside the classroom, you’ll participate in campus tours and college prep sessions, including guidance on writing your personal statement. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate and deeper insight into both business and leadership.
8. USC Exploring Entrepreneurship Program
Location: Online | University of Southern California, CA
Cost/Stipend: Commuter (Domestic): $7,812; Residential (Domestic): $11,347; International: Approximately $11.949 + $ 535 additional fees paid to U.S. Government + $65 application fee | None
Dates: June 15–July 12
Application Deadline: Domestic students: May 2 | International students: March 14
Eligibility: Applicants who have completed at least 10th grade by June 15
Hosted by the University of Southern California, this program places you in the heart of Los Angeles’ entrepreneurial scene. You’ll study essential topics like accounting, ethics, creativity, and marketing while building and pitching a business concept in a team setting. You will take field trips to local startups and established companies in areas like Silicon Beach or Downtown LA, giving you first-hand exposure to different business models. The program also features guest speakers sharing insights on what it takes to innovate and adapt in a competitive environment. The coursework focuses on teamwork and presentation skills, helping you learn how to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively.
9. Brown Leadership Institute
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $5,528 (Scholarships available) | None
Dates: June 23–July 18
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18 by June 15
At the Brown Leadership Institute, you’ll examine social justice topics in depth while working with students from around the world. The virtual program combines academic coursework with leadership training, giving you the tools to understand and respond to complex issues such as equity, environmental sustainability, or educational access. You’ll choose a course topic and engage in discussions, team projects, and self-reflection to build a collaborative leadership style. The experience includes the creation of an Action Plan–a structured proposal for a community project you can carry out after the program ends. Successful participants receive a digital certificate and a course performance report to recognize their efforts.
10. Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows (SELF) Experience
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend:$1,365 (Scholarships available) | None
Dates: July 14–August 1
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomore, junior, senior, or graduating senior | An unweighted academic average of 3.0 or better
In the Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows’ SELF Experience, you’ll be encouraged to view yourself as the CEO of your own life (“ME, Inc.”) and apply entrepreneurial thinking to everyday challenges. Throughout the virtual program, you’ll work in teams to develop a venture pitch while also learning key concepts like market economics, business strategy, and personal finance. The program places a strong emphasis on creativity, independence, and practical leadership planning. You’ll engage with business faculty and mentors, receive feedback on your ideas, and reflect on your values and goals as part of building your personal leadership framework.
11. United Nations Young Leaders Training Programme
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $750 | None
Dates: June Edition: June 9–July 4; August Edition: July 28–August 22
Application Deadline: June Edition: 5 June | August Edition: 24 July
Eligibility: High school and university students, young professionals, and aspiring leaders interested in international affairs
This online program run by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research offers a global perspective on diplomacy, sustainability, and leadership. Over four weeks, you’ll work through self-paced modules covering topics like the United Nations system, sustainable development goals, and international communication. Weekly live webinars and workshops led by UN experts allow you to interact in real time and apply what you’ve learned to practical scenarios. A significant portion of the course focuses on negotiation and public speaking, skills necessary for engaging with international issues. You’ll also explore career pathways within global institutions and receive insights into how global governance operates.
12. Babson Summer Study
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $6,295 + $95 application fee (scholarships available) | None
Dates: July 7–28
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors | At least 16 by the program start date
Babson Summer Study is a three-week course where you’ll learn how to use entrepreneurship as a tool for social and economic problem-solving. The program centers around the U.N. Global Goals, and you’ll spend your time designing solutions to real-world challenges using Babson’s Entrepreneurial Thought & Action framework. You’ll collaborate with students from different countries and develop a project that reflects both business principles and social responsibility. Academic content includes marketing, leadership, and finance, and your final work earns you 4 college credits. Faculty mentorship is paired with peer support through small teams and discussion groups. You’ll also hear from entrepreneurs and business leaders who’ve turned ideas into impactful ventures.
13. California Youth Leadership Forum For Students With Disabilities
Location: California State University, Sacramento, CA
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Dates: July 14-19
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: California residents with a disability who are high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors during the current school year
This five-day leadership forum is specifically designed for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities in California. Held annually in Sacramento, the program helps you build self-advocacy skills, understand your rights under disability laws, and explore career and higher education opportunities. You’ll engage in workshops, listen to guest speakers, and participate in mock legislative sessions to better understand public policy. The program also introduces you to successful adults with disabilities who share their personal and professional journeys. Throughout the week, you’ll strengthen your communication, goal-setting, and teamwork skills in a supportive environment.
14. Young Founders Lab
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type (Need-based financial aid available) | None
Dates: Individual Program: Rolling start date | Group Program, Summer 1: June 9-29 | Group Program, Summer 2: August 4-24
Application Deadline: Early Summer II: May 30 | Final Summer II: June 23
Eligibility: All high school students
At the Young Founders Lab, you’ll dive into the world of business as a high school student, learning both practical and theoretical skills needed to launch a successful start-up. Created by Harvard entrepreneurs, this hands-on, fully virtual boot camp guides you through building a real, revenue-generating business that tackles a real-world problem. Throughout the program, you’ll participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals, brainstorming sessions, workshops, case studies, and panel discussions. You’ll also benefit from mentorship by professionals from top companies like Google, Microsoft, and X. For more details, you can apply here.
15. UC San Diego’s Business Research for Innovation, Design, Growth, and Entrepreneurship (BRIDGE)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $2,500 | None
Dates: July 7 – 25
Application Deadline: Typically June
Eligibility: Current high school students entering 9th through 12th grade
In the BRIDGE (Business Research for Innovation, Design, Growth, and Entrepreneurship) program, you’ll gain business skills through interactive online talks and practical, step-by-step methods taught by experts from top universities. You’ll dive into real company stories to understand how startups are launched, funded, and scaled, and you’ll analyze businesses that grew from simple ideas with investor support. Through hands-on business simulations, you’ll act as a founder—making key decisions, collaborating with teammates, and navigating real-world challenges. You will also participate in workshops, pitch sessions, and group projects, applying what you learn as they develop your own entrepreneurial ideas and strategies.
Image source – UC San Diego