10 Youth Leadership Programs for High School Students
Leadership programs are an excellent way for high school students to gain hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and build industry connections. Many top colleges and organizations offer affordable programs that help students grow in areas like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
These opportunities provide invaluable exposure to leadership roles and real-world applications, making them perfect for students interested in leadership and related fields. We've carefully selected 10 youth leadership programs for high school students. These programs offer the right balance of growth, learning, and affordability.
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Varies; final summit in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: January 15
Dates: Varies by market, but you can expect your 8-week internship to begin shortly after the end of your school year, including the Leadership Summit week on July 21 – 26
Eligibility: Current high school junior/senior who permanently resides in one of the eligible locations and has a solid academic record
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program gives you the chance to develop leadership skills while working in a paid nonprofit internship. Over the summer, you’ll contribute to community initiatives, gain professional experience, and learn how organizations address social challenges.
A key highlight is the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll meet fellow young leaders, engage in leadership workshops, and explore career paths in public service and nonprofit work.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, a program run by Harvard graduate students, offers two exciting opportunities for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program is for those who are new to AI, machine learning, and data science. It consists of 10 sessions that introduce you to core concepts and include hands-on real-world projects.
More advanced students can opt for the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase, where you’ll receive one-on-one mentoring from top university experts on a personalized project. A standout feature is the access to an in-house publication team to help students publish their research in high school journals. Examples of past projects are available here.
3. American Legion Auxiliary Girls State
Location: Multiple locations. Click here to know more.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the location you choose
Dates: Varies depending on the location you choose
Eligibility: Female high school juniors
Step into the world of leadership and governance with ALA Girls State, a week-long immersive program where you’ll run a mock government, campaign for office, and pass legislation. Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, this program gives you the opportunity to develop leadership skills, engage in policy discussions, and learn firsthand how state governments function.
You’ll work alongside motivated peers, collaborate in nonpartisan political activities, and gain insights from experienced mentors. The experience culminates in elections, legislative sessions, and a deeper understanding of the democratic process.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June).
Eligibility:
You must be currently enrolled in high school
Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students a chance to engage in a challenging and enriching research experience. Once paired with a Ph.D. mentor, you’ll work one-on-one on an independent research project for 12 weeks. With topics ranging from psychology and physics to economics and international relations, you have the flexibility to explore your areas of interest in depth.
At the end of the program, you will have produced a comprehensive research paper. For more information about applying, please check the application page here.
5. American Legion Boys State & Boys Nation
Location: Multiple locations. Click here to know more.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the location you choose
Dates: Varies depending on the location you choose
Eligibility: High school students
Join the ranks of future leaders at American Legion Boys State, a highly regarded leadership and government program. Over the course of one week, you’ll take on roles in a mock state government, running for office, drafting bills, and engaging in policy debates. Designed to promote civic responsibility and leadership, the program includes legislative sessions, court hearings, and networking opportunities with government officials.
Those who show exceptional leadership may be selected for Boys Nation, where they will visit Washington, D.C., and gain practical experience with federal government operations, including meetings with policymakers and tours of national landmarks.
6. Brown University Pre-College Leadership Institute
Location: Brown University, RI, or Virtual
Cost: $4,540 - $5,788
Application Deadline: May 9
Dates:
On Campus: June 29 - July 11; July 13 - July 25
Online: June 23 - July 18
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18 by June 15
The Brown Leadership Institute focuses on exploring interdisciplinary courses on leadership, social justice, and civic engagement. Whether you study online or on campus, you’ll strengthen skills in public speaking, problem-solving, and collaboration while working alongside students from diverse backgrounds.
The program aims to teach students how to lead with empathy and purpose through engaging discussions and hands-on projects. Your experience culminates in the development of an Action Plan designed to address a real-world issue in your school or community. Students who successfully complete the program earn a Digital Certificate of Completion.
7. Harvard Secondary School Program: Economics and Entrepreneurship Track
Location: Harvard University, MA
Cost: $4,050 – $14,950 + $75 application fee
Application Deadline:
4-Week: February 12
7-Week: April 9
Dates:
4-Week: July 13 – August 9
7-Week: June 21 – August 9
Eligibility: Students graduating high school and entering college in 2025, 2026, or 2027, who are 16 years or older by June 21, 2025, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2025.
Harvard Summer School’s Secondary School Program offers high-achieving high school students the opportunity to take college-level courses for credit while experiencing life as a college student. Over 4 or 7 weeks, you can immerse yourself in rigorous academics, interact with peers from around the world, and develop critical skills for future success.
In the Economics and Entrepreneurship track, courses like Leadership and Impact: Applying Design Thinking to Real-World Challenges help you build essential leadership and problem-solving skills. You’ll explore core values, emotional intelligence, and innovative thinking, learning how to tackle real-world challenges with confidence. Through various projects, you’ll learn how to navigate uncertainty and lead teams effectively, skills that remain crucial in an era of rapid technological change.
8. MIT Leadership Training Institute (LTI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: January 5
Dates: February 9 - May 3
Eligibility: High school students in the Boston area
MIT Leadership Training Institute (LTI) is designed to foster leadership in high school students through mentorship and group-based activities. The program encourages students to think critically about leadership, emotional intelligence, and community building. You’ll work on a community service project, applying your leadership skills to tackle real issues.
Mentors help guide the development of each project, offering personalized feedback and advice. The curriculum is experiential, with a focus on teamwork, conflict resolution, and public speaking. At the end of the program, you will present your project, showcasing your growth in leadership and communication skills.
9. The University of Pennsylvania – Leadership in the Business World
Location: Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, PA
Cost: $11,399 + $100 application fee
Application Deadline: April 2
Dates:
June 8 - June 28
June 29 - July 19
July 20 - August 9
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grade 11 with demonstrated leadership experience and a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA
Wharton’s Leadership in the Business World (LBW) offers an exclusive summer opportunity to explore undergraduate business education. The program blends rigorous academics with practical applications, including business simulations, team-building exercises, and case competitions. Students will attend lectures from Wharton faculty and business leaders, covering topics such as organizational strategy and leadership competencies.
Through research and direct engagement with industry experts, you’ll gain exposure to diverse business sectors. The Wharton Global Youth Speaker Series further enhances the experience, providing you with a broader understanding of the evolving business landscape and leadership principles.
10. Boston Leadership Institute - Sports Management and Leadership
Location: Boston Leadership Institute, MA
Cost:
Day Program Fees: $699 (1-week tuition)
Residential Fees: $699/week
Application Deadline: Open enrollment for 1-week programs
Dates: July 28 – August 1
Eligibility: One-week programs do not require an application. They are open to students who perform at grade level or above.
Boston Leadership Institute – Sports Management and Leadership is an immersive one-week program designed for students interested in the intersection of business, marketing, and sports. Taught by Josh Hamermesh, a former pro basketball player and Harvard Business School graduate, the program emphasizes leadership development in the sports and entertainment industry.
Students gain hands-on experience in areas like athlete earnings, event marketing, and the business careers of athletes. Through case studies, project-based learning, and guest speakers, you’ll develop valuable leadership and business skills. The program offers an opportunity to learn how sports can cultivate leadership qualities, including teamwork, communication, and motivation.