If you’ve ever found yourself wanting to speak up more, take charge of group projects, or make a real impact in your school or community, leadership programs can be a game-changer. These programs give you the chance to step outside of your comfort zone, work with like-minded students, and learn what it really means to lead. Through hands-on activities, team challenges, and real-world projects, you build confidence, communication skills, and decision-making abilities that stay with you long after the program ends.
Why should you attend a leadership program in New Jersey?
New Jersey is packed with opportunities that make leadership development both accessible and exciting. With universities, nonprofits, and youth organizations across the state, you can find high-quality programs close to home. That means less stress about travel or housing costs and more focus on growing your skills. In these programs, you might run community initiatives, practice public speaking, solve real problems with a team, or learn how to manage projects and people, all while building experiences that stand out on college applications.
If you’re looking for leadership opportunities beyond New Jersey, check out our complete guide to leadership programs for high school students here.
14 Leadership Programs for High School Students in NJ (New Jersey)
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Various locations across the U.S., including NJ + Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: October 14 – January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in good academic standing; More details here
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is a hands-on civic leadership experience that gives you the chance to make a real impact in your community. Over the summer, you’ll work as a paid intern at a local nonprofit, where you’ll contribute to meaningful projects, learn how community organizations operate, and develop practical leadership and teamwork skills. In addition to the internship, you’ll take part in a week-long leadership summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll join other motivated peers from across the country to explore social issues, public policy, and community advocacy.
2. Rutgers Future Scholars (RFS)
Location: Rutgers University, Newark, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Program Dates: Multi-year program beginning in 7th grade
Application Deadline: January 1 – April 1
Eligibility: First-generation, low-income, academically promising students; Must be nominated by your school district
Rutgers Future Scholars is a college-access and success initiative designed to support academically talented students from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds. The program provides long-term mentorship, academic enrichment, and personal development opportunities beginning before high school and continuing through college enrollment. Through year-round programming, including summer academies, tutoring, workshops, and community-building events, you will gain academic support, leadership development, and exposure to college life.
3. Rutgers Pre-College Summer Academies: Building Leadership Strategies
Location: Rutgers New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $3,887.50 (in-state); $5,068 (out-of-state)
Program Dates: July 12 – 18; July 19 – 25
Application Deadline: January 2 – May 24 (domestic), April 14 (international); Rolling
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors, typically ages 16-18, with a GPA of 3.0+
The Building Leadership Strategies Academy at Rutgers is an immersive, college-style leadership program designed to help you strengthen your confidence, communication, and decision-making skills. Over the course of a week, you’ll participate in interactive workshops, leadership labs, public-speaking exercises, and collaborative team challenges that encourage you to step into new roles and explore your personal leadership style. You’ll develop practical skills in problem-solving, self-awareness, ethical reasoning, and teamwork. Instructors will guide you through activities that mirror real-world leadership scenarios, helping you better understand how to lead with clarity, empathy, and purpose.
4. United Nations Young Leaders Training Programme
Location: Virtual
Cost: $750 (tentative)
Program Dates: January 6 – February 1; April 14 – May 9; June 9 – July 4; July 28 – August 22
Application Deadline: Rolling until full; First-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: High school students interested in international affairs
The United Nations Young Leaders Training Programme is a four-week virtual course organized by UNITAR that helps you understand the workings of the UN and the nature of international leadership. Each week features self-paced lessons and live expert sessions on global governance, sustainable development, and international diplomacy. You’ll participate in interactive e-workshops and group discussions with peers from around the world, gaining insights into real UN projects and policies. The program is selective—only 30 students are accepted per session—and those who complete it receive an official certificate from UNITAR, making it a valuable addition to your leadership portfolio.
5. New Jersey HOBY: Seminar Weekend
Location: The College of New Jersey, New Jersey, NJ
Cost: $350 (tentative)
Program Dates: June 12 – 14
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school sophomores (ages 15-17) nominated by their school or community
The New Jersey Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Seminar is an engaging three-day program that offers the chance to explore leadership skills in personal development, teamwork, and community service. Through interactive sessions, you’ll build confidence, strengthen communication and teamwork skills, and discover your leadership style. The program’s immersive format encourages networking with peers and mentors, helping you turn inspiration into action through community service and student-led initiatives.
6. YMCA New Jersey Youth and Government (NJ YAG)
Location: New Jersey
Cost/Stipend: Scholarships available; Low-cost or no-cost for eligible participants
Program Dates: Annual statewide conference and youth legislative sessions
Application Deadline: Varies by local YMCA delegation
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-12
The New Jersey Youth and Government program is a hands-on civic leadership program where you step into the roles of legislators, judges, lobbyists, and members of the press to experience how state government works. You’ll research issues, write and debate bills, participate in committee sessions, and take part in a statewide model legislature that mirrors real government procedures. Throughout the program, you’ll develop practical skills like public speaking, critical thinking, negotiation, and persuasive writing. You’ll learn how to collaborate, lead discussions, and use your voice effectively to advocate for ideas that matter to you and your community.
7. New Jersey Leadership Program (NJ Lead) Fellowship
Location: Various locations across NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Program Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: March 22
Eligibility: High school and college students of South Asian descent
The NJ Lead Fellowship gives you a unique opportunity to engage with local government by spending a summer interning in a mayor’s office, a state legislator’s office, or a state government agency. During the program, you’ll attend weekly speaker sessions, network with civic leaders, and participate in field trips that give you a real insight into how public service and policy work on the ground. You’ll also work on a civic engagement project—an initiative you conceive to address a community need or social issue. This hands-on experience challenges you to think critically, collaborate, and lead change in a real political context.
8. Youth Leadership Somerset Program
Location: Various locations across Somerset County, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Program Dates: September – May (9 months)
Application Deadline: May 24 (tentative)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10-12 in Somerset County
The Youth Leadership Somerset Program is a year-long community-based leadership program designed to help you understand how local government and civic systems work. Through monthly Saturday sessions, you’ll participate in workshops, group projects, and discussions led by county officials and nonprofit leaders. The program encourages critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and collaboration as you tackle real issues affecting Somerset County. By the end of the year, you’ll gain practical leadership experience and a stronger sense of civic responsibility within your community.
9. Livingston Township Community Leaders Club
Location: Livingston Senior/Community Center, Livingston, NJ
Cost: $85
Program Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
The Livingston Township Community Leaders Club is a year-round civic engagement initiative that offers opportunities for practical leadership and mentoring experience. You’ll take part in community service projects, organize activities for younger children—including those with special needs—and learn how to lead through empathy and teamwork. The program also includes sessions with local law enforcement on topics like public safety, social media awareness, and responsible decision-making. By participating, you’ll strengthen your communication, coordination, and public speaking skills while making a tangible difference in your community.
10. Sadie Nash Leadership Project Summer Institute
Location: Various locations, including Newark, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid
Program Dates: 6 weeks during the summer
Application Deadlines: Priority Deadline: March 24; Final Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive high school students living in New York City or Newark
The Sadie Nash Leadership Project Summer Institute is a six-week program that lets you explore leadership through the lens of identity, social justice, and community action. If you’re passionate about making a difference in your school or neighborhood, this program gives you a space to learn, question, and grow alongside peers who care about the same issues. You will participate in workshops, go on field visits, and engage in discussions on topics such as power, race, gender, and activism. Sessions are led by inspiring women leaders from politics, business, and the arts, giving you real-world examples of what inclusive leadership looks like.
11. Wharton Global Youth Program: Essentials of Leadership
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,099; Need-based scholarships may be available
Program Dates: June 16 – 27; July 7 – 18
Application Deadline: January 28 (priority); Rolling
Eligibility: International & domestic high school students with demonstrated leadership ability
The Essentials of Leadership program by the Wharton Global Youth Program is a two-week virtual experience that helps you understand what it truly means to lead. You’ll explore key concepts in business and leadership through live lectures, interactive simulations, and group projects guided by Wharton faculty and teaching assistants. Throughout the program, you’ll develop core skills in emotional intelligence, decision-making, and teamwork while tackling real-world case studies. You’ll also collaborate with students from around the world and participate in engaging discussions that simulate global business challenges.
12. Outward Bound Philadelphia School: New Jersey Youth Leadership Corps (NJYLC)
Location: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Cost: $100 application fee
Program Dates: 14-day summer expedition (early July)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school students in grades 10-12 (ages 15-17) who reside in northern New Jersey
The New Jersey Youth Leadership Corps is an immersive wilderness leadership program designed to challenge you physically, mentally, and socially. Over two weeks, you’ll embark on a fully funded backpacking and canoeing expedition through the Delaware Water Gap, working closely with your crew to navigate trails, paddle rivers, set up camp, and take on real outdoor challenges. Throughout the experience, you’ll practice resilience, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork while learning how to step into leadership roles in a supportive, hands-on environment. Instructors will guide you through each phase of the expedition, gradually giving you more responsibility so you can grow in confidence and self-reliance.
13. The Ethical Leadership Experience (TELE)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $350; Financial aid and scholarships available
Program Dates: 2 weeks in July or August
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-18 with English-speaking ability
The Ethical Leadership Experience (TELE) is a two-week virtual leadership program that brings together a diverse group of students from around the world. Each day includes about four hours of live online sessions, along with offline group and individual work that encourages collaboration and reflection. Throughout the program, you’ll explore themes such as leadership, identity, ethics, justice, and global citizenship through workshops, discussions, creative activities, and community-building exercises. With an emphasis on experiential learning rather than traditional lectures, TELE invites you to engage with topics like world affairs, philosophy, sustainability, cultural exchange, music, art, drama, fitness, nature, and personal growth. Guided by experienced facilitators, you’ll participate in group projects, share perspectives with an international cohort, and build meaningful connections.
14. Igniting Your Leadership Potential: Certificate in Leadership Development
Location: Virtual
Cost: $25 per course
Program Dates: Varies by program
Application Deadline: Rolling; Varies by program
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-12
Igniting Your Leadership Potential is an online leadership certificate program designed to help you strengthen essential leadership skills in a flexible and supportive format. You can choose from a variety of short courses focused on topics like communication, responsibility, personal leadership style, and community involvement. Each course includes four interactive sessions where you’ll engage in activities, discussions, and reflection to apply what you learn. As you complete each course, you’ll earn a digital badge, and once you finish four courses, you will earn a Certificate in Leadership Development.
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 – Rutgers University