8 Free Leadership Programs for High School Students
In today’s ever-changing world, leadership is more than just a title — it's a responsibility that requires critical thinking, collaboration, and a dedication to making a positive impact. For high school students passionate about stepping up as future leaders, the right program can be a life-changing experience, offering not only practical skills but also the confidence to lead with purpose. Whether you're interested in community service, politics, entrepreneurship, or global initiatives, leadership programs help shape the next generation of change-makers by providing hands-on experiences that go far beyond the classroom.
From participating in interactive workshops to engaging in real-world internships, students learn how to navigate challenges, inspire others, and drive positive change in their communities and beyond. Best of all, these leadership programs are free, making them accessible to students from all backgrounds who are eager to develop their leadership potential.
Here are 8 leadership programs designed to equip high school students with the knowledge, skills, and networks they need to excel in the future.
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is a highly competitive and impactful initiative for high school juniors and seniors passionate about community service and leadership. As a participant, you’ll embark on an eight-week paid internship with local nonprofits, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity. In addition to the internship, you will also attend a week-long national leadership summit in Washington, D.C., where you will get the opportunity to delve into topics such as social justice, economic mobility, and civic engagement with experts and peers.
This program focuses on developing key leadership skills including project management, collaboration, and strategic thinking. By working closely with nonprofit staff and community leaders, you’ll gain hands-on experience in addressing real-world challenges — building a foundation for future leadership roles.
Location: Varied locations
Program dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: Closed for 2024. Applications for 2025 will open in Fall 2024.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors.
2. HOBY State Leadership Seminars
The Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) State Leadership Seminars aim to provide a transformative experience for high school sophomores looking to sharpen their leadership skills in a dynamic and supportive environment. During the 3-4 day seminar, you will engage in a series of interactive workshops, facilitated discussions, and hands-on activities designed to foster self-awareness, effective communication, and leadership values that can be applied in everyday life.
HOBY's leadership curriculum is broken down into three key phases:
Personal Leadership: You’ll start by exploring your own strengths, motivations, and values through self-discovery activities that encourage personal growth and confidence-building.
Group Leadership: As the seminar progresses, you’ll shift to team-based activities where you’ll learn the importance of collaboration, appreciate diverse perspectives, and practice building strong group dynamics — essential skills for future leaders.
Service Leadership: Finally, the focus moves to service leadership, where you’ll apply your newfound skills to real-world challenges. You’ll be inspired to create meaningful change in your community, developing a deep sense of social responsibility and civic engagement.
Held on college campuses across the U.S., HOBY Leadership Seminars not only help develop your leadership abilities but also give you a taste of college life while building lasting connections with like-minded students from diverse backgrounds.
Location: Various locations (find your closest Seminar here)
Program dates: Dates vary depending on location. See here.
Application deadline: Participants are nominated by peers, know more here.
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores
3. Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA)
The Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA) is a highly selective, fully-funded program designed to help high-achieving, under-resourced high school juniors gain access to the nation’s most prestigious colleges. Each year, 100 LEDA Scholars are chosen through a rigorous application process that mirrors the admissions procedures of elite universities.
As a LEDA Scholar, you’ll spend five weeks at Princeton University as part of the Aspects of Leadership Summer Institute, an intensive program that dives into leadership theory, academic excellence, and personal growth. The curriculum covers everything from critical thinking and policy analysis to ethical leadership and persuasive writing, with small group discussions and workshops led by top instructors from elite universities. A significant component of the program is developing your writing skills, where you’ll receive personalized feedback to strengthen your college essays and academic work.
In addition to leadership development, the program also offers comprehensive SAT/ACT prep, individualized college admissions counseling, and access to a robust network of professionals and mentors to support you throughout your educational journey.
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Program dates: June 29 - August 3, 2024
Application deadline: Closed for 2024. Applications typically open in September and close in December.
Eligibility: High school juniors who are enrolled in a public U.S. high school with a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above, are U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or have DACA Status, with a total annual household income of $90,000 or below
4. MIT Leadership Training Institute
The MIT Leadership Training Institute (LTI) is an immersive, fully-funded program that runs every spring, offering Boston-area high school students a unique blend of leadership theory and hands-on practice. Over the course of twelve Sundays in the spring, you’ll be mentored by MIT students who are passionate about leadership and project development.
Through introspective discussions and exercises, you will have the chance to explore fundamental leadership principles, gaining a deep understanding of what it means to be an effective leader in both personal and community contexts. What sets MIT LTI apart is its strong emphasis on community service — you won’t just talk about leadership; you’ll experience it. Each participant is tasked with designing and implementing a significant community service project that addresses a local issue, giving you the chance to make a real impact in your community.
By the end of the program, you will have not only enhanced your leadership abilities but also have tangible experience in creating and executing a project that makes a difference.
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA
Program dates: 12 Sundays between February and May
Application deadline: Rolling admissions until December
Eligibility: Open to high school students in the Boston area
5. Sadie Nash Leadership Project
The Sadie Nash Leadership Project's Summer Institute is designed as an empowering five-week summer program designed for high school women and gender-expansive youth, focusing on leadership, social justice, and activism. This program emphasizes intersectionality and inclusion, encouraging participants to explore what leadership means through the lens of identity, community, and systemic change.
As a participant in the Summer Institute, you will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of enriching activities that delve into important topics like gender, race, economic justice, and activism. The program’s curriculum is dynamic and tailored to encourage personal growth and community leadership. You'll explore diverse themes such as art and activism, gender anthropology, and the role of education in social liberation.
In addition to the workshops, students participate in field trips to cultural landmarks, exhibitions, colleges, and even media companies, gaining real-world exposure to leadership in action.
Location: New York, NY and Newark, NJ
Program dates: 5 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: Applications for Summer 2025 will open in the Spring of 2025.
Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive youth enrolled in high school and residing in New York City or Newark
6. Indiana University Young Women’s Institute
The Indiana University Young Women’s Institute, hosted by the Kelley School of Business, is a pre-college program designed to introduce high school women to the dynamic world of business and leadership. As a participant in this selective program, you will engage in workshops led by top Kelley School faculty, which will give you an in-depth understanding of business concepts and leadership principles. These sessions are designed to build leadership and communication skills essential for thriving in the business world.
A standout feature of the program is the real-world business case project, where you’ll collaborate with fellow participants to tackle a complex business challenge. This hands-on experience not only gives you insight into the real-life workings of the business world but also helps develop your problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills. Additionally, students have the opportunity to interact with Kelley alumni and current students, gaining insights into real-world business challenges and potential career paths.
Location: Kelley School of Business, Bloomington, IN or virtual
Program dates: Multiple cohorts from June to November
Application deadline: Varies depending on the chosen program date
Eligibility: Open to current high school sophomores and juniors
7. Journey to Leadership Program by the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute
The Journey to Leadership Program by the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute (BALI) is an initiative designed to empower female-identifying and gender-expansive youth with the skills and confidence needed to become leaders in their communities. Spanning six weeks, this program is structured into three cohorts, each focusing on leadership development and debate training.
In this program, you will engage in workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities, learning the critical skills necessary for civic, political, corporate, and community leadership. The emphasis on social-emotional learning helps participants navigate complex societal issues with empathy and resilience. Through debate labs, you’ll practice public speaking, critical thinking, and persuasive argumentation — vital skills for any leader in the 21st century.
The Journey to Leadership Program is inclusive, welcoming applicants regardless of academic background or previous experience, and is specifically designed to support young people from underserved neighborhoods and schools.
Location: Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, New York, NY
Program dates:
Cohort 1: July 1 - 12, 2024
Cohort 2: July 15 - July 26, 2024
Cohort 3: July 29 - August 9, 2024
Application deadline: Closed for 2024
Eligibility: Female-identifying and gender-expansive youth between the ages of 13 - 21 enrolled in schools in the NYC Metropolitan Area.
8. World Leadership Congress by the Hispanic National Institute
The World Leadership Congress (WLC) by the Hispanic National Institute is a prestigious week-long program aimed at rising high school juniors and seniors. Each year, students from over 15 countries gather to participate in a transformative leadership experience rooted in the Social Change Model of Leadership, which emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Through workshops, discussions, and interactive sessions, you will be engaged in critical thinking, effective communication, and other activities that foster a deep appreciation for diversity. The program highlights key leadership competencies, such as effective communication, ethical decision-making, and problem-solving in a multicultural context. You will also participate in simulations, debates, and networking events with peers and professionals, giving you a real-world understanding of how leadership can drive social change.
By the end of the week, you will leave with enhanced leadership abilities as well as a broadened perspective and a renewed commitment to working towards social change.
Location: Loyola University, Chicago, IL
Program dates: July 20 - 27, 2024
Application deadline: Applications for WLC 2025 will open in Fall 2024.
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 15-17
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