Are you a high school student interested in improving your leadership skills during the winter break? If yes, joining a leadership program can be a practical way to do it. These programs usually run for one to three weeks and focus on building core skills like communication, teamwork, and decision-making through structured workshops and guided projects.
Many universities, non-profits, and youth organizations organize winter programs that mix classroom learning with hands-on activities. You might take part in simulations, group discussions, or real-world problem-solving sessions that help you understand what effective leadership looks like in different situations.
Winter is also a suitable time for such programs since it falls between school terms, giving you space to focus fully on learning without the pressure of regular coursework. You can use this period to reflect on your goals, connect with peers from diverse backgrounds, and build experience that supports both your academic and personal development.
With that, here is a list of 10 winter leadership programs for high school students!
Note: Looking to supplement your experience in leadership with business? Check out our blog on business internships here.
10 Winter Leadership Programs for High School Students
1. Badger Precollege: Social Impact Leadership
Location: Online (synchronous virtual classroom)
Cost: A non-refundable application or registration fee; scholarship options available
Program Dates: Year-round, program dependent
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9–12; domestic and international students welcome
Badger Precollege Online offers live, synchronous courses that help you build leadership, research, and college readiness skills. You’ll work in structured online classrooms with peers from around the world, gaining experience in project design, problem-solving, marketing, team-building, and public speaking. Courses like Social Impact Leadership Online guide you through designing and implementing community projects with mentorship from University of Wisconsin–Madison professionals. You’ll attend live sessions and complete independent work, practicing time management, critical thinking, and cross-cultural communication.
2. Envision by WorldStrides Leadership Programs
Location: Multiple U.S. College Campuses
Cost: Varies by program; scholarship and grant options available
Program Dates: Year-round, program dependent
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Middle and high school students; pre-qualified through nomination, surveys, or invitation; high school students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA
Envision by WorldStrides offers immersive, career-focused leadership programs for middle and high school students in medicine, STEM, business, and law, hosted on top U.S. college campuses. You might perform virtual surgeries, participate in mock trials, or launch entrepreneurship projects, depending on your chosen track. Programs are held at universities like Yale, Georgetown, UC Berkeley, and Emory, giving you a taste of college life. You’ll work with expert instructors, collaborate with peers, and receive mentorship throughout the experience. Sessions include interactive workshops, team challenges, and career exploration activities tailored to your interests.
3. Cornell Precollege Winter Session
Location: Online (Cornell University School of Continuing Education)
Cost: $1,940 per credit (e.g., $5,820 for a 3-credit course); additional course fees may apply
Program Dates: January 2–17
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors and seniors from any high school worldwide who are intellectually curious, academically motivated, and mature enough to take on the challenge of college-level work.
Cornell’s Precollege Winter Online Program lets you earn college credit from home by taking official Cornell courses taught by university faculty. You’ll take credit-bearing Cornell classes alongside undergraduates, and your grades will appear on an official Cornell transcript. Courses span a wide range of subjects, including business, economics, science, and the humanities, giving you a chance to explore academic interests with college-level rigor. Classes are fully online and asynchronous, so you can study on your own schedule. You’ll also have access to live Precollege Information Sessions, where you and your family can learn more about course options, eligibility, and how to apply.
4. Columbia University College Edge
Location: Morningside Campus, New York City (on-campus, commuter only)
Cost: $2,574 per point (e.g., 3 points ≈ $7,722); additional application and program fees apply
Program Dates: January 20–May 15, September 2–December 19
Application Deadline: December 2
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 11–12. Applicants should demonstrate academic motivation, maturity, and readiness for college-level coursework.
Columbia University’s College Edge: Academic Year program enables advanced high school students to earn college credit by enrolling in undergraduate courses alongside Columbia students. You’ll engage directly with university faculty, experience the academic rigor of Ivy League classrooms, and explore fields such as economics, biology, political science, and computer science. Beyond coursework, the program focuses on leadership and professional growth through advisement sessions, skill-building workshops, and seminars on college readiness.
5. Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA)
Location: New York, NY & Nationwide, USA
Cost: Fully funded / Free of charge
Program Dates: Application opens in September
Deadline: Priority: December 10; final: Late February
Eligibility: High school juniors in the U.S., graduating in the next two years, U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA status, Annual household income ≤ $90,000 (assets considered), Minimum GPA: 3.5 (unweighted)
LEDA helps high-achieving students from under-resourced backgrounds access top colleges and succeed through college and beyond. If you’re a high school junior with strong academics and leadership potential, LEDA offers a free, multi-year program that begins with a summer institute at Princeton University. You’ll receive college admissions guidance, leadership training, and ongoing mentorship through high school and college. LEDA supports you in building academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement.
6. Ohio Farm Bureau Winter Leadership
Location: Newark, Ohio
Cost: $150–$175 (early-bird pricing available); registration includes meals, networking events, entertainment, and breakout sessions
Program Dates: January 23–24
Deadline: January 6(early-bird ends December 17)
Eligibility: Open to Ohio Farm Bureau members ages 18–35
The Ohio Farm Bureau Winter Leadership Experience is a hands-on event that helps you grow as a leader in agriculture. Over a day and a half, you’ll take part in breakout sessions, connect with mentors and peers, and explore new ideas in agribusiness. Whether you’re looking to expand your family farm, build your personal brand, or discover new opportunities in the industry, this program gives you practical skills and fresh insights. It’s also a chance to strengthen your professional network and contribute to the future of Ohio’s farming community.
7. Winter Camp Leadership Development Program at Montgomery Center
Location: Starke, Florida
Cost: $350 per camper; scholarships available
Program Dates: December 30 – January 2
Deadline: October 15 (Early Bird Registration)
Eligibility: AITs (14–15), LITs (15–16), CITs (16–17), Counselors (hired summer staff)
The Winter Camp Leadership Development Program at Camp Montgomery gives you the chance to build leadership, teamwork, and service skills in a fun, faith-based camp setting. You’ll join a dedicated training session before younger campers arrive, preparing to lead activities and mentor others during the New Year celebration week. You’ll guide campers through classic camp experiences while practicing communication, responsibility, and collaboration. The program focuses on community service and personal growth, offering structured support and hands-on leadership opportunities in a welcoming environment.
8. Harvard College Union Society – Young Global Leaders Winter Camp
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost: Early: $4,250 | Regular: $4,650 (includes accommodation, meals, and transfers)
Program Dates: Cohort 1: January 4–11 | Cohort 2: January 11–18
Deadline: Early: October 30| Regular: November 30
Eligibility: Grades 8–12 (School Years 9–13)
The Harvard College Union Society’s Young Global Leaders Winter Camp offers an intensive, week-long exploration of leadership, debate, and global citizenship on Harvard’s campus. You’ll work alongside Harvard student mentors in immersive classroom sessions and hands-on projects that foster confidence, critical thinking, and collaboration. Through workshops and field trips to museums, libraries, and historic landmarks, you’ll gain firsthand exposure to Boston’s academic and cultural atmosphere. The program focuses on civic engagement and ethical leadership, encouraging you to develop perspectives that make a real-world impact.
9. Pace University – Leadership and Entrepreneurship Winter School
Location: Pace University, New York City
Cost: $890 for the 2-week course (excludes tour transportation and entrance fees)
Program Dates: January 5 – 16
Deadline: December 8
Eligibility: Ages 16 and above; minimum CEFR B1 / TOEFL 55 / IELTS 5.5
The Leadership and Entrepreneurship Winter School at Pace University is a two-week program in New York City that blends business education with English language development. You’ll explore leadership, entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing through interactive discussions and hands-on projects designed to show how ideas grow into successful ventures. Before arriving, you’ll complete 8 hours of online study to prepare. Once on campus, you’ll attend daily in-person classes, hear from guest speakers, and go on themed walking tours to places like Wall Street and Federal Hall.
10. West End House – Winter Leadership & Career Development Programs
Location: West End House, Boston, Massachusetts
Cost: Stipend provided for eligible participants; specific amount unavailable
Program Dates: Not specified
Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
West End House offers high school students a winter program designed to develop leadership, career readiness, and financial literacy skills. You’ll participate in S2S Leadership and Career Development, learning workplace essentials such as applications, interviewing, and collaboration. Money Matters introduces budgeting, saving, and understanding paychecks, while Career Talks helps you explore the skills needed to succeed in the workforce. Additional guidance through Junior and Senior Advising supports your career and college planning, including scholarship and resume strategies. Interactive projects and mentorship throughout the program allow you to practice leadership.
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 – Pace University