If you’re in high school, leadership programs can be a strong way for you to build essential skills like communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and decision-making. These programs often include workshops, group projects, and mentorship that help students step into leadership roles and understand what effective leadership looks like in different settings, such as schools, communities, or future workplaces.
Many programs bring in professionals or use real-world scenarios to make the experience more practical and relevant. Students who are curious about taking on leadership roles, whether in student government, clubs, or their future careers, can benefit from structured training and feedback.
To help you choose the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of 15 leadership programs for high school students that are worth checking out for anyone looking to build a solid foundation in leadership early on.
15 Leadership Programs for High School Students
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program type; Financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple cohorts, ranging from 12 weeks to 1 year, throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (GPA of 3.3 out of 4); No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program connects ambitious high school students with PhD mentors from top global universities to pursue independent research across a wide range of subjects. Through one-on-one mentorship, students design and complete a personalized research project, developing critical thinking, academic writing, and analytical skills along the way. The program emphasizes scholarly depth and self-directed inquiry, with support for publishing or showcasing work through competitions and journals. You will engage with academic research methods typically reserved for undergraduates or higher, gaining a competitive edge for college applications and future leadership roles. Multiple program formats are available, including individual and cohort-based options, with flexible timelines across the year. By the end of the program, students emerge with a polished research paper and a deeper understanding of their chosen field.
2. Young Founders Lab
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here!
The Young Founder’s Lab is a start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a complex problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.
Apart from building the start-up itself, you will also participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideations, workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and more.The program is an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of business in high school and have a space to explore multiple theoretical as well as practical frameworks that lead to a successful business. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
3. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Multiple locations, including California, and a 1-week summit in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost (stipend will be provided)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 300 students
Dates: 8 weeks + the Leadership Summit week (July 21 – 26)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who permanently reside in one of the eligible locations and have a solid academic record
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is an eight-week paid summer internship for high school juniors and seniors interested in community leadership and nonprofit work. As an intern, you will be placed at local nonprofit organizations, where you work on mission-driven projects and gain experience in areas like operations, outreach, budgeting, and program coordination. In addition to hands-on work, students participate in the National Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where they meet policymakers and business leaders to explore how public, private, and nonprofit sectors address community needs. The program emphasizes leadership development through structured mentorship, team collaboration, and problem-solving.
4. Subiendo Academy Program
Location: University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Dates: June 8 – 12
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current Texas high school juniors
Hosted by the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, Subiendo Academy is a five-day summer leadership program aimed at rising high school seniors in Texas. It caters to students passionate about business, leadership, and public policy, focusing on real-world challenges in healthcare, education, and the environment. Participants will work on team projects, participate in communication workshops, and showcase their policy solutions at the state capitol. The program includes mentorship from business and political leaders, networking with university faculty, and insight into college life through on-campus housing. Subiendo is completely free to attend and provides long-term access to a statewide network of alumni and professionals.
5. University of Colorado Boulder – Business Leadership Program
Location: Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder, CO
Cost/Stipend: No cost. The program ends with a presentation, and the winning team is awarded a $1,000 scholarship to the Leeds School of Business.
Dates: June 22 – June 28
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: Current high school juniors entering their senior year
The KeyBank Business Leadership Program is a weeklong summer program for high school juniors, especially those from underrepresented or first-generation backgrounds. You will work in teams on a business case challenge, developing and presenting marketing strategies for real corporate partners. The winning team receives a $1,000 scholarship to the Leeds School of Business. Alongside the case challenge, students engage in leadership workshops, problem-solving exercises, and networking with faculty and industry professionals. Past sponsors have included KeyBank, EY, and Apex Business Consulting. The program emphasizes diversity in business and provides a hands-on introduction to solving real-world business issues.
6. National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp)
Location: Monongahela National Forest, WV
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Typically, two delegates are selected to attend camp from each state and the District of Columbia
Dates: July 10 – August 2
Application Deadline: March 7 (March 3 for California participants)
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors
The National Youth Science Camp is a residential summer program in West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest that brings together high-achieving high school seniors from across the U.S. and select international locations. Blending science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), the program features lectures from leading researchers, hands-on research opportunities, and creative workshops. Delegates also participate in outdoor adventure activities like hiking, camping, and rock climbing, promoting leadership, collaboration, and personal growth. NYSCamp is unique in its interdisciplinary approach, combining rigorous academic exploration with outdoor challenges and cultural exchange. Each state selects two delegates, and participation is fully funded, including travel.
7. FBI National Academy Associates Youth Leadership Program
Location: FBI Academy, Quantico, VA
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective, only 62 students are selected from around the world
Dates: June 19 – June 27
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: High-achieving high school sophomores and juniors (ages 14-16 by program start date)
This eight-day program offers high-achieving high school sophomores and juniors an intensive introduction to leadership through the lens of law enforcement and public service. As a participant, you will engage in coursework on ethical decision-making, situational leadership, error management, and time management while also building physical and mental resilience. The curriculum features hands-on experiences such as supervised safety demonstrations, field trips to civic landmarks, and conversations with law enforcement professionals. With only 62 students chosen globally, the program is highly competitive and free of charge.
8. Wharton Global Youth Program – Essentials of Leadership
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Dates: June 16 – June 27 & July 7 – July 18
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students
This two-week virtual program from the Wharton School introduces high school students to foundational concepts in business and leadership. Through daily live lectures, interactive simulations, and group projects, students build skills in emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and teamwork. The curriculum blends academic rigor with experiential learning, including TA-led business skill recitations and collaborative case challenges. You will interact with Wharton faculty, guest speakers, and peers from around the world, simulating real-world leadership scenarios in a global business context. The online format provides flexibility while still offering an intense, engaging learning experience.
9. Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute
Location: Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, or virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Dates: Multiple one-day sessions in June and July for the in-person program. Check details here.
Application Deadline: Various deadlines depending on the session
Eligibility: Female sophomores and Juniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
The Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute (KWLI) is a pre-college program at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business designed to support high-achieving young women interested in business. This one-day program introduces participants to key business concepts through faculty-led workshops, interactive case studies, and leadership training. You will work on real-world business problems, enhancing your communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. The program also provides valuable networking opportunities with Kelley faculty, alumni, and current students. KWLI emphasizes inclusive leadership and prepares students to navigate the challenges and opportunities women face in the business world.
10. Caminos al Futuro Pre-College Program at George Washington University
Location: George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Dates: July 3 – July 19
Application Deadline: Application typically closes in February
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
Caminos al Futuro is a fully funded, residential pre-college program for rising high school seniors committed to leadership in the Hispanic/Latino community. Hosted by the Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute at George Washington University, the three-week program explores key social, political, and economic issues impacting Latino communities. You will engage in college-level seminars, writing labs, and leadership development workshops while living on campus in Washington, D.C. The program includes site visits to Congress, federal agencies, and nonprofits, offering insight into policymaking and advocacy. You will also design and propose a community-focused action project under the guidance of mentors and faculty.
11. University of Notre Dame Leadership Seminars
Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 150 students are selected annually
Dates: July 19 – July 30
Application Deadline: Application typically closes in January
Eligibility: Current high school junior entering their senior year in the fall (age 16 years)
The University of Notre Dame’s Leadership Seminars is a highly selective, fully funded 10-day summer program for rising high school seniors. Admitting only about 150 students annually, the program emphasizes academic exploration, ethical leadership, and community engagement. Participants take part in college-level seminars led by Notre Dame faculty, covering topics that range from global issues to social justice. The experience includes structured discussions, group projects, and networking with peers from across the country. Students who complete the program may be eligible for one transferable college credit.
12. Sadie Nash Leadership Project Summer Institute
Location: New York City, New York, and Newark, New Jersey
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Participants are eligible to receive a stipend at the end of the summer based on their participation
Dates: 6 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: Priority Deadline: March 24 | Final deadline: April 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 Leadership Project Summer Institute is a six-week leadership program for high school students who identify as young women or gender-expansive. Focusing on identity, social justice, and community-building, the program combines workshops, field trips, and guest speaker sessions to promote inclusive leadership. Participants will take part in discussions about power, race, and gender, learning from leaders in politics, business, and the arts. Field trips around New York City are included to enhance understanding and build stronger peer relationships.
13. Mercy University – Summer Leadership Academy
Location: Westchester Campus, Dobbs Ferry, NY
Cost: Tuition is provided to students free of charge; however, a fee of $695 per student is required to cover the cost of food and activities.
Dates:
- Week 1: July 6 – July 12
- Week 2: July 13 – July 19
- Week 3: July 20 – July 26
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High School Juniors with a cumulative, weighted GPA above 90
Mercy University’s Summer Leadership Academy is a one-week program for rising high school seniors interested in exploring business and management careers. Designed for students with a weighted GPA of 90% or higher, this program provides practical learning in leadership, team building, and professional skills. Participants engage in interactive sessions with Mercy’s Executive Faculty, many of whom have experience from international companies. A key event of the week is visiting Fortune 500 companies in New York City, offering valuable real-world experience. Students stay on campus during the program, getting a feel for college life while building skills through activities like a Shark Tank-style challenge. While nominations from educators are encouraged, they are not required for admission.
14. Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project – Los Angeles Institute
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 50 students from Los Angeles County
Dates: June 27 – June 29
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Current sophomore and junior enrolled in a California high school and live in Los Angeles County
The Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project’s Los Angeles Institute is a three-day leadership program for high school students from Los Angeles County. The program connects students with professionals in education, business, politics, and community leadership to explore pathways in public service. Students engage in practical activities like mock legislative hearings during Civic Day and attend college prep workshops during College & Careers Day. The institute focuses on developing leadership skills while guiding students through college admissions, financial aid, and career exploration. Held on a college campus, all housing, meals, and program materials are fully provided.
15. Brown University Pre-College Leadership Institute
Location: 2-week residential program at the Brown University campus in Providence, Rhode Island, and 4-week online program through Canvas, Brown’s Learning Management System
Cost: Varies by program. Check details here.
Dates: On-campus: June 29 – July 11 and July 13 – July 25 | Online: June 23 – July 18
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18 years
The Brown Leadership Institute offers high school students a chance to explore social justice issues while building practical leadership skills. Through two-week on-campus or four-week online courses, you’ll study topics like education equity, gender, law, and community development while collaborating with a global cohort of peers. The curriculum combines academic coursework with case studies, group discussions, and hands-on activities. A central part of the program is the development of an Action Plan — your own initiative to address a specific issue in your school or community. Students who complete a course of two weeks or more receive a Digital Certificate of Completion and a Course Performance Report.
Image source – George Washington University