9 Leadership Programs for High School Students

Participating in leadership programs can offer high school students valuable experience in key areas like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. These programs equip students with the skills to lead teams, initiate projects, and navigate complex decision-making scenarios—abilities that are increasingly essential in both academic and professional environments. Beyond technical skills, leadership programs also foster self-confidence, resilience, and the ability to inspire others, traits that can benefit students well beyond the classroom.

Participating in leadership programs early can significantly enhance a student's college application. Admissions committees often seek candidates who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also initiative, responsibility, and the ability to influence and motivate their peers. Early engagement in leadership activities allows students to craft a compelling narrative of growth, responsibility, and impact, helping them stand out in the competitive college admissions landscape. Here are 10 leadership programs for high school students!

1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Stipend: A stipend is provided, and the trip to Washington, D.C. is fully covered.

Location: The program takes place nationwide, with students assigned to a local nonprofit organization in their area. The Leadership Summit is held in Washington, D.C.

Application Deadline: Applications open in October and typically close in January.

Program Dates: The program runs for 8 weeks during the summer. Start dates vary based on the region.

Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors can apply.

The Bank of America Student Leaders Program selects around 300 motivated high school students each year who are passionate about community service. These students participate in an eight-week paid internship, gaining hands-on experience working with nonprofit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. A highlight of this internship is the week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where all travel, accommodation, and meals are covered. During the summit, participants explore how nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses collaborate to meet community needs. The summit aims to inspire students with powerful stories of commitment and enthusiasm, providing them with the insights and tools to drive positive change and make an impact in their communities. This program immerses interns in the operational dynamics of nonprofits while also deepening their understanding of the collaborative efforts needed to effectively address local issues.

2. KPMG Future Leaders Program

Stipend: A scholarship of $10,000 per year for four years of college is offered.

Location: Various locations.

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February. 

Program Dates: The program occurs the summer before students begin college.

Eligibility: Female high school seniors can apply.

The KPMG Future Leaders Program offers a unique work-and-learn experience designed to increase women's representation in business and STEM fields. This prestigious program selects only 22 high school seniors from hundreds of applicants each year. As a recipient, participants will be paired with an executive mentor, allowing them to learn from and collaborate with an experienced business leader. These mentors are prominent figures who have participated in the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit, offering invaluable networking opportunities. Scholars benefit from leadership training, career development, annual college scholarships, and ongoing support throughout their college journey—equipping them with the skills and connections needed for future success.

3. Sadie Nash Leadership Project Summer Institute 

Stipend: Students are eligible to receive a stipend at the end of the summer based on their participation. 

Location: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Newark.

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.

Program Dates: The program begins on July 8, 2024, and runs for five weeks during the summer.
Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive youth enrolled in high school who live in NYC or Newark can apply.

The Sadie Nash Leadership Project Summer Institute is a six-week program designed for high school students interested in exploring leadership through the lenses of diversity and inclusion. Participants engage in workshops, go on field trips, and hear from guest speakers across the NYC area, all aimed at fostering leadership skills and a deep understanding of social issues. Past classes have covered topics such as art and activism, education for liberation, and the anthropology of gender. In addition to the classes, deans have led workshops on various subjects, including colorism and post-secondary options. Students have also gone on field trips, such as visiting the "We Wanted a Revolution: Black Radical Women" exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum and touring local universities.

4. Bella Abzug Leadership Institute (BALI) Summer Program

Cost/Stipend: None.

Location: Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, Hunter College, New York, NY.

Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 are closed. You can check this page for updates on 2025 applications.

Program Dates: 

• Session 1: July 1 - 12, 2024. 

• Session 2: July 15 - 26, 2024.

Eligibility: Students aged 13-21 residing in or from the NYC metropolitan area can apply.

The Journey to Leadership Program, organized by BALI, is a two-week initiative designed to empower female-identifying and gender-expansive youth with essential leadership skills. This program focuses on equipping participants with the knowledge and confidence to become visionary leaders in civic, political, corporate, and community spheres. A key component of the program is social-emotional learning, which provides young women with the tools they need to excel as leaders. The program is divided into three cohorts, each dedicated to leadership development and debate training, with 60 participants per cohort. The program offers a variety of activities, including workshops, seminars, networking events, and debate labs—all designed to cultivate dynamic and effective leadership.

5. University of Notre Dame Leadership Seminars

Cost: $210. 

Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN.

Application Deadline: Applications open in October 2024 and are due by January 2025.

Program Dates: July 20 - 31, 2024.

Eligibility: All high school juniors entering their senior year in fall 2025 who will be 16 years old by August 1, 2025, can apply.

The University of Notre Dame offers a highly competitive Summer Leadership Seminar designed for high school juniors, admitting only about 100 students each year. This program introduces participants to college-level academics, provides opportunities for community service, and offers a glimpse into college life, all with the goal of enhancing leadership skills and preparing students for higher education. The program's tuition, housing, and meals are fully covered by the university, making this an accessible opportunity for those selected.

6. Mercy University - Summer Leadership Academy

Cost: Tuition and board are provided to students for free. A fee of $595 is required to cover the cost of food and activities.

Location: Mercy University, Westchester Campus, Dobbs Ferry, NY.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Program Dates: 

• Session 1: June 23 - 29, 2024.

• Session 2: July 7 - 13, 2024.

• Session 3: July 21 - 27, 2024.

Eligibility: Current high school juniors can apply.

Mercy University’s Summer Leadership Program is a focused, week-long experience tailored for rising high school seniors interested in exploring careers in business and management. Students engage in essential topics like team building and professional development while gaining insights into various career paths. The program includes an on-campus stay and features a day trip to New York City for company visits. While counselor or teacher nominations are encouraged, they are not required, and students can apply independently to this program to enhance their leadership skills and career knowledge.

7. The University of Texas at Austin - Subiendo: The Academy for Rising Leaders

Cost: Free! 

Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX. 

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February. 

Program Dates: June 9 - 13, 2024. 

Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors can apply.

Subiendo is a five-day leadership development program for high school students. The program offers an immersive experience at the McCombs School of Business, featuring leadership seminars, case studies, and campus tours. Students get the opportunity to learn from world-renowned faculty and keynote speakers, network with industry professionals, and experience on-campus living. Participants also engage in case competitions that test their skills and receive mentorship from current UT student leaders. The program is completely free, covering all expenses for education, meals, and housing throughout the week. 

8. The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania: Leadership in the Business World

Cost: $10,999. Information on scholarships can be found here.

Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April. 

Program Dates: 

• Session 1: June 9 - June 29, 2024.

• Session 2: June 30 - July 20, 2024.

• Session 3: July 21 - August 10, 2024.

Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grade 11 with demonstrated leadership experience and academic excellence of a 3.5 unweighted GPA or higher can apply. 

The Leadership in the Business World (LBW) program at Wharton offers high school students a comprehensive introduction to business leadership through lectures by Wharton professors, presentations from industry leaders, and interactive simulations. Participants will delve into core business topics like leadership, teamwork, organizational strategy, and negotiation through discussions, small-group activities, and digital simulations. They’ll also research real-world businesses and connect with successful leaders in industries such as finance, entrepreneurship, and real estate. Students will attend Wharton Global Youth Speaker Series events, featuring talks on cutting-edge research and diverse business topics like crisis management, AI's future, and neuroeconomics. In addition to academic activities, participants can engage in extracurricular events, or work on final projects. Upon completion, students receive a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion.

9. University of Mississippi - The Lott Leadership Summer Institute

Cost: $1000.

Location: University of Mississippi, University, MS.

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January. 

Program Dates: 

• Session 1: May 26 - June 28, 2024. 

• Session 2: June 23 - July 26, 2024.

Eligibility: Rising seniors can apply.

Part of the University of Mississippi’s Summer College, the Lott Leadership Summer Institute brings together student leaders from across the country to tackle real-world public policy challenges while honing their networking and public speaking skills. Participants have the opportunity to develop and pitch their policy proposals to a panel of experts and engage in discussions with national leaders on pressing contemporary issues. Students can earn up to seven hours of college credit during their time at the UM Oxford campus. The program also includes a traditional trip to Washington, DC.

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