Summer opens up a world of opportunities for high school students, offering the perfect backdrop to ignite passions, master new skills, and pave the way for future success.
At the heart of this exciting season are leadership programs for high school students—your gateway to unlocking potential and shaping tomorrow's leaders. These experiences are specially designed to enhance vital skills such as effective communication, teamwork, innovative problem-solving, and critical thinking.
From ethical, organizational, and social leadership, these programs and camps immerse students in the art of leadership, providing a well-rounded perspective on how to lead with confidence and impact in today's fast-paced world.
Jump in and see how you can make this summer a time for growth, become a leader, and explore endless opportunities!
Check out our list of 20 leadership programs for high school students who want to be leaders. To help you determine which one is right for you, we’ll explore what each program is about and how you can join.
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Program Length: Typically one to two weeks
Cost: Varies by course; financial aid is available for those who qualify
Eligibility: High school students from around the world
Start Date: Dates vary depending on the course
Application Deadline: Applications typically start in the winter with rolling admissions
The Brown University Pre-College Leadership Institute offers high school students the opportunity to develop and refine their leadership skills through interactive workshops, seminars, and group projects.
Participants engage in topics such as ethical decision-making, diversity and inclusion, and social entrepreneurship. The program aims to empower students to become effective leaders in their communities and future careers.
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Program Length: Seven weeks
Cost: Varies by course selection and housing option; financial aid is available
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9-12
Start Date: Summer, usually in June
Application Deadline: Typically in March or April
Harvard's Secondary School Program allows high school students to experience college life while taking courses alongside college students. Participants can choose from over 200 courses in a variety of disciplines, including arts, sciences, technology, and humanities.
Location: Varies depending on the program
Program Length: One week
Cost: Varies
Eligibility: High school students
Start Date: Multiple sessions depending on program and location
Application Deadline: Varies based on program. NSLC accepts applications past deadlines if space or waitlist spots are open, as shown on the online application.
The National Student Leadership Conference provides an immersive pre-college experience that prepares students for life beyond middle and high school, allowing them to study in university classrooms, learn to navigate the campus, and experience living with roommates.
Students are able to explore a career concentration they are interested in before going into college and declaring a major. Each NSLC program also contains a leadership curriculum designed to teach skills that can apply to all areas of life.
Location: Stanford, California, USA
Program Length: Typically two-four weeks
Cost: Varies; financial assistance may be available
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-11 or 10-12, depending on the program
Start Date: Summer, with specific dates depending on the program
Application Deadline: Usually in February or March
Stanford University offers various summer camps for high school students, focusing on subjects ranging from business and entrepreneurship to science and engineering.
These programs provide hands-on learning experiences, access to Stanford faculty, and the chance to explore potential career paths. Leadership, innovation, and creativity are key components across all camps.
Location: Varies on program and location
Program Length: Typically four–six weeks
Cost: Varies depending on the program however, many programs are free or low-cost
Eligibility: High school students, specific requirements vary based on program
Start Date: Usually June or July
Application Deadline: Typically in February
MIT's summer programs for high school students cover a wide range of STEM subjects, including mathematics, science, and engineering.
Participants engage in challenging coursework, laboratory experiments, and team projects designed to enhance their problem-solving skills and understanding of complex concepts. The camp encourages innovation and aims to prepare students for careers in STEM fields.
Location: National parks, forests, and urban green spaces across the United States
Program Length: Varies from one to several weeks
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students interested in environmental conservation
Start Date: Varies by program and location
Application Deadline: Varies by specific program
The SCA High School Crews program offers high school students the opportunity to participate in conservation projects across the United States. This program combines environmental education with hands-on service work, aiming to build the next generation of conservation leaders.
Program Length: Offers one-week sessions and three-week session programs
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid may be available
Eligibility: Students aged 13–18 with a strong academic record
Start Date: Varies by program and session
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application is encouraged
The Boston Leadership Institute offers STEM summer programs for high school students interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Programs range from one to three weeks and cover topics such as biomedical and surgical research, engineering, and marine biology. Hands-on lab experiences and research projects are central to the curriculum.
Location: Washington, DC
Program Length: Eight weeks Internship
Cost: Free; participants also receive a stipend
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in the U.S. with a commitment to community service
Start Date: July 22, 2024
Application Deadline: Typically in January
Student Leaders will engage in an eight-week paid internship at a local nonprofit organization, gaining firsthand insight into their community's needs and the vital role of nonprofits. Additionally, they will acquire valuable civic, social, and business leadership skills.
Each Student Leader will participate in the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where they will learn about the collaboration between government, business, and the nonprofit sector in addressing critical community needs.
Location: Various locations across the United States
Program Length: One week
Cost: <$500
Eligibility: High school students, ages 14–18
Start Date: Sessions in April, May, June
Application Deadline: Varies by state
HOBY's State Leadership Seminar (LS) is crafted for high school sophomores to uncover and utilize their leadership skills for positive influence within their homes, schools, and communities.
Through engaging, interactive sessions over three to four days, participants discover their potential, understand their place in the world, and connect with peers, forming valuable networks and friendships. Post-seminar, they emerge equipped with the confidence and insight needed for impactful leadership.
Location: Multiple university campuses across the USA
Program Length: One week
Cost: Varies; financial aid is available
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
Start Date: Various start dates throughout the summer
Application Deadline: Varies by location; typically in early spring
Economics for Leaders is a selective summer program that combines principles of economic reasoning with leadership training. High school students learn about decision-making, market economics, and the impact of economic policies on societies and individuals.
The program emphasizes real-world applications of economics and develops leadership skills through group activities and simulations.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Program Length: One-week
Cost: $750
Eligibility: High school students
Start Date: June 17, July 8 and July 29
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
The Ronald Reagan Student Leadership Program (SLP) - Leadership in Action, offers high school students a distinctive five-day experience at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The program is a deep dive into leadership through the prism of one of the most esteemed Presidential Libraries in the U.S.
Participants engage in practical leadership activities, collaborate with peers, and gain insights into the historical and value-driven legacy of Ronald Reagan. A highlight of the program is the development of a Leadership Action Plan (LAP), where students, guided by community mentors, craft strategies for positive community impact.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Program Length: Four weeks
Cost: Approximately $7,995 (subject to change; financial aid available)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
Start Date: July
Application Deadline: Early February
Leadership in the Business World is offered by the Wharton School, this program introduces high school students to the fundamentals of leadership in the context of business and entrepreneurship.
Participants attend lectures by Wharton faculty, engage in team projects, and visit businesses to learn about management, finance, marketing, and business ethics. The program aims to prepare future leaders in the business world.
Location: Hosted at different universities each year
Program Length: Six weeks
Cost: Free including tuition, room, board, and books
Eligibility: High school juniors
Start Date: Late June
Application Deadline: Early January
The Telluride Association Summer Programs (TASP) are educational programs for high school juniors. They focus on discussion-based learning in topics like philosophy, history, and literature, led by college faculty. TASPs encourage students to think critically, work together, and take part in community service.
The program is for students who love to learn and think deeply. It's competitive, with selection based on essays and recommendations. All costs, including meals, housing, and books, are covered, making it accessible to all students regardless of financial background.
Location: New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Program Length: Two weeks
Cost: Approximately $6,300 for the 2023 session; need-based financial aid is available
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors at the time of application
Start Date: Multiple sessions in June and July
Application Deadline: Early January or early February
Yale Young Global Scholars is a rigorous academic summer program that brings together outstanding high school students from around the world at Yale University.
The program offers interdisciplinary courses that encourage students to explore complex global issues through lectures, seminars, and group projects. YYGS covers topics across STEM, social sciences, humanities, and the arts, aiming to develop leaders and critical thinkers.
Location: Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
Program Length: 10 days
Cost: Free, includes tuition, housing, meals, and transportation
Eligibility: Current high school juniors
Start Date: July
Application Deadline: Typically in January
The University of Notre Dame Leadership Seminars are intensive programs focusing on global issues, ethics, and leadership. High school students engage in discussions, seminars, and group projects, led by Notre Dame faculty.
Topics vary each year but often include global affairs, science and society, and moral debates. The program is designed to challenge students intellectually while fostering leadership skills.
Location: Princeton, New Jersey, USA
Program Length: 10 days
Cost: Free, including travel, lodging, and meals
Eligibility: High-achieving juniors from low-income backgrounds
Start Date: August
Application Deadline: Typically in February
The Princeton University Summer Journalism Program is a 10-day, all-expenses-paid program for high-achieving, low-income high school juniors interested in journalism and media. Participants attend workshops led by journalists, report on real events, and produce a newspaper.
The program aims to diversify the field of journalism by empowering students with the skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities necessary to pursue a career in journalism.
Location: Annapolis, Maryland, USA
Program Length: One-week
Cost: Approximately $650 plus travel expenses
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
Start Date: Multiple sessions run throughout June
Application Deadline: Typically in January or February
The United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar (NASS) offers a challenging, one-week introduction to life at the Naval Academy for rising high school seniors. Through rigorous physical, academic, and leadership training, students get a taste of the Naval Academy experience.
The program includes exposure to engineering, science, and humanities courses, physical training, and leadership development.
Location: Various locations across the United States; some programs may be offered virtually
Program Length: Two weeks (virtual) or six weeks (in-person)
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students who identify as female or non-binary, no previous coding experience required
Start Date: Varies, typically starts in June or July
Application Deadline: Varies, often in early spring (March or April)
Girls Who Code offers high school girls and non-binary students free virtual Summer Programs to learn computer science and prepare for tech careers. Choose from a two-week immersive game design course or a six-week self-paced exploration of tech's biggest topics.
No prior coding experience is needed. Participants benefit from professional networking, financial grants, tech support, and a global community, all aimed at fostering a supportive environment and opening doors to future opportunities in technology.
Location: Varies depending on the program
Program Length: Varies depending on the program
Cost: Varies
Eligibility: High school students interested in politics and government
Start Date: Varies by program location, generally in June or July
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions, but early application is encouraged (typically by March or April for the best chance of admission)
The JSA provides a comprehensive exploration of American government, politics, and public speaking in a collegiate setting.
Drawing on elements from the Burd Institute on Media & Politics, Young Women’s Leadership Institute, and Stern Civics Immersion Program, JSA offers university-level courses, workshops, debates, and simulations aimed at developing leadership skills and deepening understanding of democracy.
Students engage with journalism fundamentals, learn the importance of leadership, and tackle pressing societal issues through a blend of lectures, content creation, and problem-solving activities, all while interacting with professionals and leaders in the field.
Location: Washington, D.C., and New York City, NY
Program Length: Approximately 10 days
Cost: Varies; scholarships may be available
Eligibility: High school students from around the world, ages 15-19
Start Date: Typically in July or August
Application Deadline: Various deadlines
The Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC) is a leadership development program that provides a unique forum for young leaders from around the globe to explore global challenges and cultural differences.
The program includes seminars, workshops, and cultural exchanges, focusing on diplomacy, international relations, and the role of the United Nations. Participants develop leadership skills, self-confidence, and a better understanding of the complexities of the global community.
Welcome to our FAQ section, offering guidance on leadership programs for high school students, including application processes, eligibility criteria, and the leadership skills these programs aim to cultivate.
High school students can apply for leadership camps by submitting an application through the program's website, which typically includes personal information, academic records, recommendation letters, and essays.
The selection process varies by program but generally involves evaluating the applicant's leadership potential, academic achievements, and extracurricular involvement.
Yes, most leadership camps have specific eligibility criteria, including age or grade level requirements, academic standing, and sometimes prerequisites in related subjects or activities. It's important to review these criteria carefully before applying.
Leadership camps emphasize a variety of skills, including effective communication, ethical decision-making, team collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills are cultivated through a mix of theoretical learning, practical exercises, and reflective activities.
Leadership programs for high school students during the summer offer a unique chance to develop essential skills, gain valuable insights, and get ready for future challenges.
By joining these summer leadership programs, students not only improve their leadership abilities but also lay a solid groundwork for success in college and their careers.
