Leadership isn’t just a skill you learn from books; it’s something you experience. Leadership programs give you the chance to step into real-world challenges, work on meaningful projects, and see how decisions impact teams and communities.
Online leadership programs take all of that and make it accessible from anywhere. You’ll participate in virtual workshops, team projects, and mentorship sessions, often connecting with students and leaders from around the world. These programs offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace while still gaining hands-on experience and insights that go far beyond. You’ll develop skills like problem-solving, communication, and strategic thinking.
If you’re looking for in-person summer leadership programs, check out our blog here.
Below, we’ve put together a list of 13 online leadership programs designed to help you take charge and make an impact.
13 Online Leadership Programs for High School Students
1. United Nations Young Leaders Training Programme
Cost: Varies by session (see UNITAR website)
Dates: January Edition: January 6 – February 1; April Edition: April 14 – May 9; June Edition: June 9 – July 4; August Edition: July 28 – August 22
Application deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Open to high school and university students, young professionals, and aspiring leaders interested in international affairs
The United Nations Young Leaders Training Programme provides an in-depth look into global governance, diplomacy, and the principles of international leadership. Over four weeks, you’ll complete self-paced modules on the UN system, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and multilateral negotiation while engaging in live webinars with UN experts. Interactive workshops and global discussion forums allow you to collaborate with peers from around the world, reflecting the teamwork and cross-cultural communication central to leadership in global contexts. The program also focuses on practical skills like negotiation, public speaking, and policy analysis, giving you insight into how leaders navigate complex international challenges.
2. Wharton Global Youth Program – Future of the Business World
Cost: $4,099 + $100 application fee
Dates: June 15 – 26 | July 6 – 17
Application deadline: January 28 (Priority deadline) | May 20 (Final deadline)
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in grades 9–12
Future of the Business World is a two-week online course that introduces high school students to business innovation, design thinking, and strategic foresight. Through live classes, simulations, and independent projects, you’ll explore how businesses adapt to emerging global challenges and technological shifts. The curriculum includes modules on entrepreneurship, market research, consumer behavior, and scenario planning, allowing you to examine how ideas move from concept to market impact. You’ll collaborate with international peers on team-based activities, develop creative business solutions, and present them to instructors for feedback.
3. Wharton Global Youth Program – Essentials of Leadership
Cost: $4,099 + $100 application fee
Dates: June 15 – 26 | July 6 – 17
Application deadline: January 28 (Priority deadline) | May 20 (Final deadline)
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in grades 9-12 with demonstrated leadership ability
Essentials of Leadership, part of the Wharton Global Youth Program, is a two-week online course designed to build your understanding of effective leadership in business and organizational contexts. Through live lectures, simulations, and team-based projects, you’ll explore leadership theories and practice applying them in collaborative scenarios. You’ll participate in interactive business simulations such as negotiation exercises and crisis management scenarios to strengthen teamwork and critical thinking.
4. Columbia Precollege Program – Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Changing the World via Venture Creation
Cost: $3,965 per session + $80 application fee
Dates: Summer A (online): July 7 – July 18, Summer B (online): July 21 – August 1
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students who will be enrolled in grades 9–12 in the fall, and students currently enrolled in grade 12
Columbia University’s Precollege course Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Changing the World via Venture Creation introduces you to the process of developing a business or social enterprise from concept to execution. Through lectures, case studies, and group projects, you’ll explore the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, including market research, business modeling, and financial planning. The curriculum focuses on creative problem-solving and teamwork, guiding you through the stages of identifying opportunities, designing solutions, and presenting venture pitches. You’ll also engage with industry professionals who share perspectives on innovation and global business trends.
5. Babson Summer Study
Cost: $6,295 + $95 application fee (scholarships available)
Dates: July 8 – 28
Application deadline: Early Bird: February 13 | Standard: March 13
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors
Babson Summer Study is a three-week pre-college program that introduces high school students to entrepreneurship as a tool for innovation and leadership. Grounded in Babson’s Entrepreneurial Thought & Action® framework, the program guides you through the process of identifying opportunities, developing ideas, and creating social or business ventures that address real-world issues aligned with the United Nations Global Goals. Classes combine live virtual lectures with small-group sessions, allowing for direct interaction with faculty and collaboration with peers from around the world. You’ll work on team projects, engage in discussions about market strategy and social impact, and gain insights into how entrepreneurs turn challenges into opportunities.
6. Brown Leadership Institute
Cost: $5,528
Dates: June 23 – July 18
Application deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Open to students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18 by June 15
The Brown Leadership Institute is a four-week online program that connects academic exploration with leadership development focused on social justice and civic engagement. Through interdisciplinary coursework, you’ll examine issues such as gender equity, environmental sustainability, and educational access while collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds. The curriculum emphasizes critical discussion, teamwork, and self-reflection, encouraging you to define your personal leadership style and values.
7. Art & Environmental Leadership at Brown University
Cost: $3,218 + $65 – $100 application fee
Dates: July 14 – 25
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18 by June 15
Art & Environmental Leadership at Brown University is an online course exploring how artistic and scientific approaches can intersect to address environmental challenges. You’ll study the history of environmental art and analyze how creative expression can raise awareness of issues such as climate change, water quality, and environmental justice. The course integrates leadership training and science communication practices, helping you understand how to advocate for sustainability through art-based methods. With guidance from faculty, you’ll develop an Action Plan that applies what you’ve learned to a real environmental issue in your community, blending creative and analytical thinking.
8. Economics for Leaders (EFL) by the Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE)
Cost: Varies based on location and format; scholarships available
Dates: Varies by location; See here for information on the site and dates
Application deadline: April 9
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
Economics for Leaders combines academic rigor in economics with structured leadership development, creating a program that challenges you to think critically about decision-making and policy. Through simulations, discussions, and group projects, you’ll explore core economic principles—such as opportunity cost, market behavior, and trade—while examining how these ideas inform responsible leadership in communities and institutions. The program’s Leadership Pyramid Matrix framework guides you in understanding how personal and group dynamics influence leadership outcomes.
9. Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows (SELF) Experience
Cost: $1,365
Dates: July 13 – July 31
Application deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Open to rising students in grade 10 to graduating grade 12
The Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows Experience encourages you to take an entrepreneurial approach to leadership by positioning yourself as the “CEO of ME, Inc.” Guided by university faculty and industry professionals, you’ll work collaboratively in teams to solve real-world business challenges while learning key concepts in economics, marketing, strategy, and personal finance. Throughout the experience, you’ll develop a personal leadership plan, test innovative ideas, and present a venture pitch that reflects your problem-solving and communication skills.
10. Business Research for Innovation, Design, Growth, and Entrepreneurship (BRIDGE) at UCSD
Cost: $2,500
Dates: July 6 – 23
Application deadline: First-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: Open to high school students (9th–12th) with a minimum 3.3 GPA
The BRIDGE program at UC San Diego introduces high school students to core principles of entrepreneurship, innovation, and business strategy through an online, interactive learning environment. You’ll take part in live sessions, simulations, and group discussions that mirror the decision-making process of real startup founders. The program covers topics such as venture financing, product design, and user-centered growth, helping you understand how businesses evolve from concept to market. Case studies of successful startups provide insight into the challenges and opportunities of scaling new ideas.
11. Leadership Camp by Dale Carnegie
Cost: Click here for current pricing
Dates: Vary by region and availability
Application deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Open to high school students ages 13–17 (fluency in spoken English is recommended)
The Leadership Camp by Dale Carnegie is a live, online training experience designed to help high school students strengthen key interpersonal and leadership skills. The program focuses on five central areas—self-confidence, communication, interpersonal development, teamwork, and attitude management—each taught through interactive lessons and role-playing exercises. You’ll engage in discussions and practice real-world scenarios that prepare you to handle academic, personal, and professional challenges with greater clarity and composure. Trained facilitators provide individualized feedback, helping you recognize your strengths and areas for growth.
12. USC Exploring Entrepreneurship Program
Cost: $1,990; $35 application fee
Dates: Upcoming start dates are available here
Application deadline: Domestic students: May 2 | International students: March 14
Eligibility: Applicants who have completed at least 10th grade by June 15
The USC Exploring Entrepreneurship Program introduces high school students to the core principles of launching and managing a business while emphasizing the mindset required for entrepreneurial success. Through recorded lectures, real-world case studies, and insights from professionals in fields such as finance and law, the course breaks down topics including business models, market analysis, customer value, and small-business finance. You’ll explore how entrepreneurs identify opportunities, evaluate competition, and transform ideas into viable ventures. The curriculum also covers pitching to investors, managing teams, and practicing ethical leadership.
13. Lead4Change Program
Cost: Free
Dates: Flexible; educators can begin anytime during the school year
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12; educators must register a team
Lead4Change is a free online leadership and service-learning program that empowers students in grades 6–12 to address real-world issues in their communities. Working in teams, you’ll identify a local or global need, develop a project plan, and carry out actions that produce measurable impact. The curriculum, which aligns with national education standards, includes structured lesson plans that teachers or advisors can easily integrate into classrooms or clubs. The program culminates in a national challenge where student teams can submit their projects for a chance to earn grants of up to $10,000 to support their initiatives.
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 – Wharton Global Youth Program