10 Leadership Programs for Middle School Students

Leadership programs for middle school students are designed to empower young minds, cultivate essential skills, and set the stage for future success. These programs offer a unique opportunity for students to step into leadership roles, develop problem-solving abilities, and learn how to work effectively in teams. Whether through hands-on projects, interactive activities, or mentorship from experienced leaders, these programs help students grow in confidence and leadership potential.

In this blog, we’ll explore 10 leadership programs that are perfect for middle school students looking to challenge themselves and build lifelong skills.

1. Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) Middle-Level Summer Camp

Cost: $365-$415

Location: Cispus Learning Center, Randle, WA

Application deadline: Registration opens at the end of February each year and shuts when seats fill

Program dates: Each camp lasts four days

Eligibility: You must be a student entering grades 7, 8, or 9

AWSL offers four distinct leadership summer camps for students in Washington State: Eastern Washington Middle Level, Chinook, Columbia, and Cascade. While each camp has its own unique approach, all focus on developing communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, while also covering topics such as navigating relationships within a school setting.

Throughout these camps, students work on group projects, engage in leadership discussions, and tackle team-building challenges. The hands-on experience culminates in a comprehensive leadership development journey, preparing participants for future leadership roles in academic environments.

2. NSLC Middle School Summer Programs

Cost: $2,395-$2,795. Tuition covers housing, on-campus meals, course materials, academic expenses, field trips and tours, activities, and off-campus event transportation. Financial aid is available

Location: Multiple locations are available for each program

Application deadline: Applications are accepted until the program is full, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the website and enroll early

Program dates: The start date varies by program; each program lasts six days and typically takes place in mid-July

Eligibility: You must be a student currently enrolled in grades 6-8

The National Student Leadership Council (NSLC) provides four engaging and hands-on programs tailored to middle school students: animal sciences, engineering, medicine and health care, and U.S. history and government. These programs are designed to help you explore future academic and career interests while enhancing your leadership abilities.

Each NSLC program integrates a robust leadership curriculum with workshops on goal setting, personality styles, communication, and empathy. You’ll engage in activities like field trips, simulations, and group projects, ensuring a well-rounded experience. Plus, NSLC’s national recognition adds significant value to your future academic and career pursuits.

3. Junior National Young Leaders Conference — Envision

Cost: Washington, DC: $3,145 | Atlanta, GA: $2,995. Tuition includes room and board, site visits, transportation during the program, and materials. Financial aid is available

Location: Washington, DC, and Atlanta, GA

Application deadline: The deadlines vary by year and location. Applications typically open with an informational session in December of the preceding year

Program dates: The camps normally take place in June and July

Eligibility:

• Must be a student in grades 7-8

• To attend Envision, you first must become a member of the National Youth Leadership Conference, typically by nomination. You can ask a teacher to nominate you.

The Junior National Young Leaders Conference organizes several six-day Envision camps in Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, Georgia, where students explore the significance of democracy and leadership principles. This program highlights key historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Jimmy Carter, and Abraham Lincoln to draw lessons for contemporary leadership.

Participants engage in site visits, attend seminars, and take part in interactive challenges designed to reinforce leadership skills like responsibility, respect, and inclusivity. The program also emphasizes group collaboration, with activities that foster communication and teamwork, ultimately helping students create action plans to apply the leadership concepts they've learned.

4. Ronald Reagan SLP Middle School Program

Cost: $550. Financial aid is available

Location: Simi, CA

Application deadline: You can stay updated on the 2025 application deadline by requesting an email notification here

Program dates: The program runs twice during the summer. Typically in June & July

Eligibility: You must be in grades 7-9

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute offers a four-day leadership program aimed at middle school students with a strong academic record and a passion for leadership or public service. To qualify, participants must demonstrate involvement in volunteer work or extracurricular clubs focused on leadership. The program is designed to strengthen communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills.

Held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the program runs daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and involves interactive learning projects, museum tours, leadership discussions, and problem-solving exercises. A highlight of the program is the service learning capstone project, which in 2023 included assembling care packages for Operation Gratitude, benefiting military personnel and first responders.

5. United Nations Association of Greater Boston (UNAGB) Summer Institute in Global Leadership

Cost: $635-$795, scholarships available

Location: Multiple locations in Boston, MA

Application deadline: Deadlines vary by program, but applications are typically accepted on a rolling basis until the programs fill

Program dates: Programs are offered throughout the summer

Eligibility: Must be in grades 6-12

This week-long program is designed to teach leadership within a global framework, with different cohorts centered on topics aligned with the UN's thematic areas. You can choose from a variety of focus areas such as global health, women in leadership, and wildlife conservation. Participants engage in seminars, lectures, and public speaking and negotiation activities, collaborate with peers on global challenges, and interact with international experts. A key feature of the program includes Model UN simulations where you'll act as a diplomat.

You can opt to attend for one or more weeks, with sessions held in June, July, and August at Harvard campuses, MIT, Simmons University, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

6. PACTS (Partnerships for Achieving Careers in Technology and Science) by the Franklin Institute

Cost: Free

Location: The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA

Application deadline: Unknown, but applications typically remain open through the summer until the program start date

Program dates: Workshops are held bi-monthly on Saturdays during the school year

Eligibility:

• Must be a Philadelphia student in grades 6-8

• There is no academic requirement, but students are encouraged to demonstrate strength in math and the sciences

The Franklin Institute offers a free, dynamic youth leadership program for Philadelphia students in grades 6-8 that integrates STEM education with leadership development. Through the program, students engage in science workshops, environmental research, and unique field trips, while forming connections with local community organizations. Workshops cover topics like robotics, architecture, city planning, and scientific research, providing hands-on experiences that foster a deep understanding of these subjects.

Participants meet twice a month on Saturdays during the school year, with all activities taking place at The Franklin Institute. The program also promotes mentorship by pairing middle school students with high school STEM scholar ambassadors, creating an enriching environment that encourages peer-to-peer learning and growth.

7. Latin American Association, Latino Youth Leadership Academy (LYLA)

Cost: Free

Location: Atlanta, GA

Application deadline: None

Program dates: LYLA runs throughout the school year, but there is also a five-week summer program available from the end of June through July

Eligibility:

• Grades 6-12

• Must be attending a partner school

• There is no ethnicity requirement, though the program is designed to attract Latina, Latino, and Latinx youth and their families. Parent involvement is highly encouraged

This year-round program offers Atlanta middle school students an after-school curriculum focusing on college preparation, leadership skills, test readiness, digital literacy, and career discovery. LYLA operates in five Atlanta schools, connecting students with mentors in their fields of interest and providing leadership workshops, field trips, and networking opportunities with professionals during career days.

In addition to core classes in language arts, social studies, and science, the program offers enrichment activities and physical education. LYLA also includes a summer component to provide continuous support throughout the year.

8. Logic, Leadership, and Life Skills Summer Camp

Cost: $350 for tuition. This is a residential program, so students are responsible for their own accommodations and food. Overnight camps are also available.

Location: Arizona State University, Phoenix Metropolitan Area, AZ

Application deadline: There is no application deadline, but each session has a 60-student limit

Program dates: Programs are hosted most weekends through May, June, & July, starting on the Memorial Day weekend in May

Eligibility: You must be ages 13 -18. Twelve-year-olds are also permitted, but only if they are entering grade 7 grade in the fall

This camp, organized by the Leadership Society of Arizona and held at Arizona State University, focuses on fostering happiness and self-discovery for middle school students. Over four days, participants will learn to identify their strengths, manage emotions, and enhance their personal and social impact.

Students will engage in 45-minute guest lectures from business leaders covering leadership principles, followed by group activities, team-building challenges, and simulations. The program teaches personal success strategies, an understanding of adolescent brain development, and skills for building strong relationships. Key leadership traits such as accountability, empathy, and public speaking are also emphasized.

9. Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy Urban Trailblazers Program

Cost: No cost. You receive a $300 stipend for completing the program

Location: San Francisco, CA

Application deadline: Applications are typically due the first week of March

Program dates: The program typically runs from the middle of June to the beginning of August.

Eligibility: Must be aged 11-14

This six-week youth leadership program provides students the opportunity to explore local, state, and national parks while developing leadership and conservation skills. Each day, students embark on excursions to local parks and campgrounds, learning about environmental stewardship and the importance of preserving green spaces in urban areas. Participants, organized into small groups of 11 students with two high school interns and an adult educator, take part in seminars, team-building activities, and challenge courses. 

The program also features two camping trips: an overnight at Rob Hill and a four-day camping trip in July. This experience not only fosters a deeper understanding of nature conservation but also enhances leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. It’s an excellent way for students to build their academic and personal growth while engaging with the natural world.

10. Army and Navy Academy By the Sea Summer Camp

Cost: $4,500 including room and board

Location: Carlsbad, CA

Application deadline: To be announced

Program dates: July 8-20

Eligibility: Must be entering grades 7-12. This is a coed camp (the academy is boys-only during the academic year).

The Army and Navy Academy offers a two-week Sea Summer Camp that emphasizes leadership development through a mix of aviation, drone piloting, and aquaculture sessions. Campers participate in exciting excursions to aerospace museums, aquariums, water parks, and aircraft carriers, while also engaging in adventure activities like high-rope confidence courses, hiking, rappelling, and rock climbing.

This hands-on, intensive camp integrates Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) principles with a curriculum inspired by the Westpoint Military Academy. With its strong military focus, this program highlights your ability to excel in physical, academic, and leadership challenges, which can positively impact college applications.

If you’re a middle school student interested in building a unique, individual project in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!  

Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!

Image Source - Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) Logo