Leadership as a skill is one of the most lucrative additions to any profile, especially if you’re a high schooler. However, opportunities to refine your leadership skills are quite rare at the school level, unless you explore options outside of the classroom.
If this is something you’re interested in, participating in leadership summer camps can be a great option. Through various activities, you will practice teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, participating in group projects, team challenges, outdoor adventures, and problem-solving exercises.
Many camps also offer workshops on topics such as public speaking, goal setting, and decision-making. You’ll learn how to organize tasks, manage your time effectively, and communicate your ideas clearly.
Most camps only last a week or two, so they’re easy to fit into your summer. Whether you’re preparing for college, exploring career goals, or just looking to step outside your comfort zone, here are 15 summer leadership camps for high school students that you can explore.
1. Civic Leadership Institute (CLI) at Northwestern University
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost: $5,475 (Residential Camp) | $3,070 (Day Camp); need-based financial aid is available
Cohort Size: Small class size; around 16 students
Dates: June 29 – July 18
Application Deadline: Applications are due one week before the session begins
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12
The Civic Leadership Institute (CLI) provides real-world experience through participation in service projects and college-level courses. Through this program, you’ll gain insight into how social and political issues impact communities and develop your own leadership and critical thinking abilities. You’ll connect with leaders from businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies, and learn about their efforts to make a positive impact. You’ll also collaborate with local nonprofits, contribute to their projects, earn service hours, and hone skills such as problem-solving and communication. Additionally, you’ll create an action plan on an issue you care about and get personalized feedback to help you improve.
2. Sadie Nash Leadership Project’s Summer Institute
Location: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Newark
Cost: Free | Students earn a stipend based on their participation
Cohort Size: Over 130 participants across its four program sites
Dates: July 7 – August 14
Application Deadline: March 24 (priority deadline) | April 14 (final deadline)
Eligibility: High school students in New York City or Newark who identify as young women or gender-expansive can apply
The Sadie Nash Leadership Project’s Summer Institute offers a chance for young women and gender-expansive youth to cultivate their leadership skills. You’ll attend workshops on identity, leadership, and social justice that will help you develop your critical thinking and connect with others, as well as go on field trips. You’ll also meet inspiring women and gender-expansive leaders, like elected officials, artists, and business owners, who will share their experiences and career journeys. Classes cover a variety of topics, including Art and Activism in America, Education for Liberation, and the Anthropology of Gender. You’ll explore how art impacts social change, rethink the role of education beyond the classroom, and examine how gender roles have shaped culture and society.
3. Mercy University’s Summer Leadership Academy
Location: Mercy University Westchester Campus, Dobbs Ferry, NY
Cost: Tuition-free, but there’s a $695 fee for food and activities
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: July 5 – July 11 | July 19 – July 25 | August 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a weighted GPA above 90 who have strong leadership experience and public speaking skills
Mercy University’s Business Leadership Academy is a week-long program for students who want to strengthen their business knowledge and leadership skills. Throughout the program, you’ll explore topics such as Career Mindset, Personal Branding, the Four Leadership Archetypes, and career paths in finance, accounting, and marketing. You’ll also take part in company visits and interactive sessions led by Executive Faculty who share their expertise from leading global organizations. Additionally, you’ll attend student presentations, a Career Panel with Q&A, and a graduation ceremony. Past students have visited companies such as LinkedIn, The Walt Disney Company, Google, ESPN, MTV, Viacom, PWC, and Microsoft.
4. Leadership Institute at Brown University
Location: Virtual or in person at Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: $5,788 (residential) | $4,540 (commuter) | $5,528 (online)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderately selective
Dates:
- On-campus session: June 29 – July 11 | July 13 – July 25
- Online session: June 23 – July 18
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9–12, aged 14–18 years old by June 15
Brown University’s Leadership Institute allows students to study social issues and develop practical leadership skills. Depending on your interests, you can take courses in areas like Women and Leadership, Intercultural Communication, Leadership, Social Justice, Law and Social Movements, Social Entrepreneurship, or Art and Social Change. You’ll observe different leadership challenges, figure out your own leadership style, and explore effective ways to address social problems. You’ll also practice skills like public speaking, teamwork, conflict resolution, active listening, and problem-solving. Classes include a mix of readings, case studies, guest speakers, discussions, group projects, and writing assignments.
5. Bella Abzug Leadership Institute’s Journey to Leadership Program Summer Program
Location: Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, New York, NY
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 60 students per session
Dates: June 30 – July 11 | July 14 – July 25 | July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: May 5
Eligibility: Youth aged 13–21 from the NYC metropolitan area can apply, with priority given to those from underserved schools or neighborhoods
BALI’s Journey to Leadership Summer Program is designed for NYC youth, including female-identifying and gender-expansive students, who want to grow as leaders and active participants in community, political, civic, and corporate life. The program focuses on developing both practical leadership skills and social-emotional learning, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to lead in various areas of your life. BALI’s Journey to Leadership is a signature program comprising three separate two-week cohorts that cover leadership skills, entrepreneurship, public speaking, and debate. You’ll participate in workshops, seminars, debate labs, and networking opportunities, and hear from guest speakers.
6. NSLC’s Leadership & Service High School Program
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, DC | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: $3,095 – $3,195 (Residential Program)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderately selective
Dates:
- Georgetown University: June 13 – June 18 | June 20 – June 25 | June 28 – July 3
- University of Michigan: July 15 – July 20 | July 25 – July 30
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 14–18 who have completed at least one year of high school, including recent graduates
The NSLC’s Leadership & Service High School Program allows students to develop their leadership skills and contribute to the community. You’ll participate in workshops and hands-on activities that focus on teamwork, leadership, and communication. This will help you identify your strengths, set goals, and practice skills such as public speaking and time management. You’ll earn community service hours by working on local projects and learn how leaders create change. You’ll also get to meet government officials, community leaders, and nonprofit professionals to hear about their work and leadership experiences. The program also includes city trips, tours, and service opportunities.
7. University of Notre Dame Leadership Seminars
Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Cost: Free, except for a $60 non-refundable application fee and $150 enrollment fee
Cohort Size: Around 150 students
Dates: July 18 – July 29
Application Deadline: October – January
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who will be at least 16 years old by August 1 and plan to start college right after graduation. Preference is given to students with SAT scores between 1300 and 1500 or an ACT score of 31 or higher.
University of Notre Dame’s Leadership Seminars is a 10-day program for high-achieving students who’ve shown leadership in their communities. The seminars delve into topics such as business, social & economic inequities in the U.S., global issues, research, new technologies, data and analytics, science, ethics, policy, investing, and financial literacy. You will work on complex global challenges in small classes led by Notre Dame faculty, which will help you sharpen your critical thinking, research, and presentation skills. Outside of class, you can participate in activities such as ice skating at the Compton Family Ice Arena, trivia, open mic night, and more to relax and connect with students from around the world.
8. Tufts University’s Leadership for Social Change
Location: Tufts University, Medford or Somerville Campus, MA
Cost: $5,750; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not listed
Dates: July 16 – July 18 | July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: December 2 – May 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th-grade students who are 15 or older at the start of the program
Tufts University’s Leadership for Social Change is a two-week summer program for students interested in building leadership skills and working on social issues in their communities. You’ll learn how to analyze systemic problems, collaborate with others, and develop the tools to create change. The program covers topics like environmental justice, educational inequity, segregation, public policy, community health, and grassroots movements, with guidance from Tufts faculty who research these issues. You’ll visit and learn from community organizations and leaders in Boston, take part in workshops, and prepare an action plan to tackle a social issue in your own community. You’ll also participate in evening socials and weekend activities.
9. FBI NAA Youth Leadership Program
Location: FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA), Stafford, VA
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 62 students
Dates: June 19 – June 27
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors aged 14–16 at the start of the program can apply if they have strong grades, are physically fit, and are committed to serving their community
The Youth Leadership Program (YLP), hosted by the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA), is an 8-day training program that helps high school students develop their leadership skills, resilience, and community responsibility. You’ll take courses such as Fundamentals of Leadership, Ethical Leadership, Business Leadership, Situational Leadership, Time Management, Fitness and Nutrition, and Social Media Safety, as well as sessions on honesty, resiliency, values, and managing change. You’ll also participate in supervised demonstrations, team-building exercises, and trips to historic and civic sites like the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C., and nearby monuments and battlefields.
10. Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project – Los Angeles Institute
Location: California State University, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 50 students
Dates: June 27 – June 29
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors who live in Los Angeles County, are enrolled in a California high school, and have not previously participated in the Los Angeles Institute or the Statewide Leadership Conference
The CLYLP Los Angeles Institute (LAI) is a three-day program designed for Southern California students interested in developing their leadership skills and exploring public service. Throughout the institute, you’ll build leadership skills, learn about the region’s cultural and political landscape, and connect with professionals in education, business, politics, and community work. You’ll also participate in mock hearings, meet city and county lawmakers and staff, and get a firsthand look at how the legislative process works. In addition to leadership training, you’ll attend workshops on financial aid, college admissions, and university options.
11. West Point Summer Leaders Experience
Location: United States Military Academy, West Point, NY
Cost: $625; need-based scholarships are available
Cohort Size: Approximately 1,100 students
Dates: May 31 – June 6 | June 7 – June 13
Application Deadline: February 15 – April 15
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are U.S. citizens, are at least 16 years old by July 1, and have no serious medical issues; you can check other requirements here
The Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) is a week-long program led by West Point cadets that allows you to explore cadet life through academics, military training, and social activities. You’ll study in high-tech facilities, choose from different academic courses, and take part in athletic challenges and military-style training. Cadets will mentor you throughout the week, showing the leadership, discipline, and commitment needed at West Point. You will get to train for the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), required for admission, and get advice from cadets who’ve passed it. Applying to SLE also starts your West Point application, though you’re not required to finish it or attend the Academy.
12. Subiendo: The Academy for Rising Leaders
Location: McCombs School of Business, University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: Around 80 students
Dates: June 8 – June 12
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current Texas high school juniors
Subiendo is a five-day leadership program that enables students to tackle real-world issues in education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. You’ll develop your leadership abilities through problem-solving with prominent figures in business, politics, and education. This will involve training sessions, team-building activities, and project-based learning focused on current policy challenges. Additionally, you’ll refine your presentation skills in a communications workshop and present your work at the state capitol. You’ll gain insights into college life, establish connections with mentors, and receive guidance from community and student leaders.
13. Indiana University’s Rising Leaders Program
Location: Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Cost: Free; students must arrange their own transportation
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: June 1 – June 5
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Indiana University’s Rising Leaders Program provides an opportunity for high school students who wish to develop as leaders and explore their potential to make a meaningful impact. You’ll take classes with faculty from IU’s top-ranked O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, connect with current IU students, and meet other high schoolers who care about making a difference. The program will help you strengthen leadership and communication skills and allow you to learn about IU’s academic programs, internships, and career paths.
14. Maryland Leadership Workshops Senior High Workshop (SHW)
Location: Washington College, Chestertown, MD
Cost: Information about the cost is not provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not listed
Dates: July 20 – July 25
Application Deadline: May 15; rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students
Maryland Leadership Workshops offer week-long leadership programs for students at Washington College. In the Senior High Workshop (SHW) for high school students, you’ll dive into topics like leadership styles, identity, group dynamics, diversity, communication, public speaking, ethical decision-making, advocacy, motivation, power and privilege, project management, conflict resolution, and creative problem-solving. Days typically begin with workshops, followed by mentoring, group games, or team projects. In the evenings, you will participate in community events, such as a dance, talent show, or messy games night, before concluding with a hall meeting.
15. Michigan Indian Leadership Program (MILP)
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 30 students
Dates: July 13 – July 18
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Native American students in grades 8–11, along with others interested in learning about Native American culture and community
The Michigan Indian Leadership Program (MILP) is a week-long program at Michigan State University that can help you develop leadership skills, connect with Native culture, and explore educational paths in food sciences, agriculture, and natural resources. The program is open to all students, but the content centers on topics important to Native communities and works to indigenize the experience. You’ll participate in hands-on activities, workshops, and campus tours that showcase what the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) has to offer. In the evenings, you’ll join social and cultural activities like black ash basket making, porcupine quill work, beadwork, and indigenous games. You’ll also stay in the dorms and eat in the dining halls, experiencing college life.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like leadership, business, and economics 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 – Michigan State University