9 Best Leadership Programs for High School Students
Leadership programs are a great way for high school students to develop essential skills like communication, teamwork, and decision-making. These programs provide practical learning and real-world exposure, enabling you to build confidence and connect with mentors and peers. Many of these leadership programs are offered by top colleges and respected organizations.
For students interested in leadership, business, public speaking, or social impact, these programs can be an ideal fit. They also look impressive on college applications and can open doors to future opportunities.
To help you get started, we've handpicked the 9 best leadership programs for high school students!
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Varies; final summit in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Varies by internship, but you can expect the 8-week internship to begin shortly after the end of your school year, including the Leadership Summit week on July 21 – 26
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Current high school junior/senior who permanently resides in one of the eligible locations
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program offers high school students a paid summer internship with a nonprofit organization, providing the opportunity to build leadership skills and gain real-world experience. Interns support community-focused projects and learn how nonprofits tackle social issues. A significant feature of the program is the Student Leaders Summit, held in Washington, D.C., where you will connect with peers from across the country, participate in leadership development sessions, and explore careers in public service and the nonprofit sector.
2. American Legion Auxiliary Girls State
Location: Multiple locations. Click here to know more.
Cost: Free
Dates: Varies depending on the location you choose
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the location you choose
Eligibility: Female-identified high school juniors
ALA Girls State is a week-long program that introduces high school students to leadership and government. Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, the program enables you to establish and operate a mock state government, campaign for leadership roles, and draft and debate legislation. Throughout the week, you’ll engage in nonpartisan political activities, collaborate with peers, and learn from mentors. The program concludes with elections and legislative sessions, offering a look into how state governments operate and fostering understanding of civic responsibility and the democratic process.
3. American Legion Boys State & Boys Nation
Location: Multiple locations. Click here to know more.
Cost: Free
Dates: Varies depending on the location you choose
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the location you choose
Eligibility: High school students
American Legion Boys State is a week-long program focused on leadership and government. Participants assume roles within a simulated state government, including running for office, drafting legislation, and debating key policy issues. The program is designed to foster civic engagement and leadership skills through experiences like legislative sessions and mock court proceedings. The program also offers opportunities to connect with public officials. Outstanding participants may be chosen to attend Boys Nation in Washington, D.C., where they gain firsthand exposure to the workings of the federal government, meet with policymakers, and explore historic national sites.
4. Harvard Secondary School Program: Economics and Entrepreneurship Track
Location: Harvard University, Massachusetts
Cost: $4,050 – $14,950 + $75 application fee
Dates: 4-Week: July 13 – August 9 | 7-Week: June 21 – August 9
Application Deadline: 4-Week: February 12 | 7-Week: April 9
Eligibility: Students graduating high school and entering college in the next 2 years who will be 16 years or older by June 21 and will not turn 19 years old before July 31.
Harvard Summer School’s Secondary School Program allows high school students to earn college credit while experiencing campus life. Spanning 4 or 7 weeks, the program provides a challenging academic environment where you will interact with peers and develop skills essential for your academic future. In the Economics and Entrepreneurship track, courses such as Leadership and Impact focus on developing leadership, creative problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. You’ll examine your core values, practice innovative thinking, and learn to manage uncertainty while leading teams.
5. MIT Leadership Training Institute (LTI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts
Cost: Free
Dates: February 9 - May 3
Application Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: High school students in the Boston area
This program is designed to develop leadership skills in high school students through mentorship and collaborative activities. It encourages you to develop emotional intelligence, teamwork, and community engagement. You’ll plan and execute a community service project, applying leadership principles to real-world challenges. Mentors provide personalized guidance, shaping your project and leadership journey. With a hands-on curriculum that emphasizes conflict resolution and public speaking, the program concludes with a final presentation where you showcase your personal and leadership growth.
6. Brown University Pre-College Leadership Institute
Location: Brown University, Rhode Island, or Virtual
Cost: $4,540 - $5,788
Dates: On Campus: June 29 - July 11; July 13 - July 25 | Online: June 23 - July 18
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18 by June 15
The Brown Leadership Institute offers interdisciplinary courses on leadership, social justice, and civic involvement. Available both online and in-person, the program helps students build skills in communication, teamwork, and critical thinking while collaborating with peers from a range of backgrounds. Through discussions and projects, you will learn how to lead with empathy and intention. The program concludes with the creation of an Action Plan designed to address an issue within your school or community. Students who finish the program successfully receive a Digital Certificate of Completion.
7. The University of Pennsylvania – Leadership in the Business World
Location: Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cost: $11,399 + $100 application fee
Dates: June 8 - June 28 | June 29 - July 19 | July 20 - August 9
Application Deadline: April 2
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 is a selective summer program that introduces high school students to college-level business education. Combining academic rigor with real-world applications, the program features business simulations, team projects, and case competitions. You will attend lectures by Wharton professors and industry experts on topics like leadership skills and organizational strategy. You will also conduct research and engage with professionals from various fields. The experience is enriched by the Wharton Global Youth Speaker Series, which offers insights into the changing business world and core leadership concepts.
8. Boston Leadership Institute - Sports Management and Leadership
Location: Boston Leadership Institute, Massachusetts
Cost: Day Program Fees: $699 (1-week tuition) | Residential Fees: $699/week
Dates: July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: Open enrollment for 1-week programs
Eligibility: Open to students who perform at grade level or above.
The Boston Leadership Institute’s Sports Management and Leadership program is a one-week intensive for students interested in the business and marketing side of sports. Led by a former professional basketball player and Harvard Business School alum, the course focuses on developing leadership skills within the sports and entertainment industries. You will explore topics such as athlete compensation, event promotion, and the career paths of sports professionals. Through case studies, projects, and guest lectures, you’ll build essential business and leadership abilities. The program highlights how sports foster key leadership traits, such as teamwork, effective communication, and motivation.
9. Wake Forest University Leadership Institute
Location: Wake Forest University, North Carolina
Cost: $3,200
Dates: Week of June 15 – June 20 or the week of June 22 – June 27
Application Deadline: Rolling basis starting November 1
Eligibility: Current 9th – 12th grade students
The Wake Forest University Summer Immersion Leadership Institute aims to help high school students grow as leaders before college. Key topics covered include relationship building, personal brand development, resilience, team dynamics, and cultural awareness. You will engage in team challenges, collaborate with faculty, and learn from industry leaders. The program includes community service with local nonprofits, resume building, and self-discovery exercises to identify your individual strengths. Designed for students who want to create positive change, the Leadership Institute blends reflection with practical experience to prepare you to lead your community.
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Image source: Bank of America logo