9 Summer Leadership Programs for High School Students
Summer leadership programs for high school students allow you to develop critical skills in a supportive environment. These programs are often hosted by well-known colleges and organizations and help you develop your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, essential for effective leadership. Whether you're interested in leadership in government, business, or nonprofit organizations, these programs enable you to explore your interests while learning from industry professionals and peers. Participating in one of these programs can also help you build a network of connections that may benefit you in the future.
To help you find the best fit, we’ve compiled a list of 9 excellent summer leadership programs for high school students!
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Nationwide (the Leadership Summit is held in Washington, D.C.)
Cost: Stipend provided + all expenses towards the trip to Washington, D.C. are covered
Program dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who have authorization to work in the United States, live in an eligible area, and have not participated in the program before.
If you want to explore how nonprofits, governments, and businesses work together to create positive change, the Bank of America Student Leaders Program may be worth considering. This leadership program for high school students places you in a paid eight-week internship at a local nonprofit organization, such as Habitat for Humanity or the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. As an intern, you’ll work on community projects and attend the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. At the summit, you will explore how nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies address local needs. The program emphasizes leadership, service, and skill development.
2. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute R2L NextGen Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free
Program dates: June 8 – 14 | June 22 – 28
Application deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th graders residing in one of the 50 states, Puerto Rico, or Washington, D.C.
The CHCI R2L NextGen Program is a week-long, fully-funded leadership experience in Washington, D.C., for Latino high school students. During the program, you will attend workshops on civic engagement, public policy, and community leadership, learning from Latino leaders and Members of Congress. Activities include touring Capitol Hill, visiting museums and monuments, and participating in discussions about issues impacting the Latino community. You’ll also receive training on how to take action locally and build connections with peers from across the country. Participation includes long-term access to the CHCI Alumni Association. This leadership program is designed to help you understand how the government works and how to use your voice to influence change.
3. FBI National Academy Associates Youth Leadership Program
Location: FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia
Cost: Free
Program dates: June 19 – 27
Application deadline: February 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (ages 14-16 as of the program start date).
The FBI Youth Leadership Program is an eight-day leadership training program for students who demonstrate strong academic performance, physical fitness, and a commitment to community service. As a participant, you will attend courses covering topics such as ethical decision-making, situational leadership, values and choices, and crisis management. You will also participate in physical training and wellness sessions designed to build resilience. The program includes real-world leadership scenarios, time management workshops, and discussions on navigating challenges. You'll work alongside law enforcement professionals, learning from their experiences through interactive presentations. The program includes visits to historic and civic sites in and around Washington, D.C.
4. Sadie Nash Leadership Project Summer Institute
Location: Various locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Newark
Cost: Free, stipend provided
Program dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: April 14
Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive youth who are enrolled in high school and live in New York City or Newark are eligible.
The Sadie Nash Leadership Project’s Summer Institute offers a six-week program for young women and gender-expansive students interested in leadership through the lens of identity and social justice. Upon acceptance, you will participate in workshops that challenge you to think critically about power, equity, and community, while developing your leadership style. Past classes have covered topics such as art and activism, gender studies, and education systems, allowing you to explore real-world issues in creative ways. You’ll connect with local leaders, from elected officials to artists, who will share their paths and experiences. Additionally, field trips and community-building activities are built into the schedule to support peer connection.
5. University of Notre Dame Leadership Seminars
Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
Cost: $210
Program dates: July 19 – 30
Application deadline: January 22
Eligibility: Current high school juniors planning to attend college immediately after high school, who will be at least 16 years old by or on August 1, and have demonstrated leadership abilities in school, church, community, and/or social organizations.
The University of Notre Dame’s Leadership Seminars is a highly selective summer leadership program for high school students who have strong academic records and leadership experience in their communities. You'll attend small seminar-style courses taught by Notre Dame faculty, where topics range from social and economic inequality in America to the intersection of science, policy, and ethics in environmental issues. You will participate in discussions, research, presentations, and community service projects, such as mentoring youth or assisting local shelters. The program offers one transferable college credit and includes activities and peer mentorship from current Notre Dame students.
6. Subiendo: The Academy for Rising Leaders
Location: McCombs School of Business, Austin, Texas
Cost: Free
Program dates: June 8 – 12
Application deadline: January 31
Eligibility: High school juniors
At Subiendo: The Academy for Rising Leaders, you’ll spend five days working in a group to tackle complex policy challenges facing your generation. This leadership program allows you to work on projects in healthcare, education, and environmental policy. You’ll research real issues and craft solutions to present in a simulated policy setting. You’ll also take part in leadership workshops and communication training aimed at enhancing your public speaking and problem-solving abilities. The program offers opportunities to interact with business executives, elected officials, and university mentors who provide insights into leadership.
7. Mercy University - Summer Leadership Academy
Location: Mercy University, Westchester Campus, Dobbs Ferry, New York
Cost: $695
Program dates: July 6 - 12 | July 13 - 19 | July 20 - 26
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school juniors with a cumulative weighted GPA of 90 or higher and demonstrated leadership skills are eligible to apply.
At Mercy University’s Summer Leadership Academy, you’ll explore the intersection of leadership and business. Each day introduces a new focus, and you’ll participate in themed sessions on entrepreneurship and marketing, gaining insights into various business sectors. Team activities, such as a Shark Tank challenge and a nature hike, focus on communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Highlights include visiting major corporations in New York City (past site visits have included Google, ESPN, Disney, Microsoft), where you’ll connect real-world business operations to classroom discussions. The week ends with student presentations and a career panel that encourages reflection on the industries you might want to pursue.
8. University of Mississippi - The Lott Leadership Summer Institute
Location: University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi
Cost: $350 non-refundable registration fee, $1,350 program fee
Program dates: May 26 - June 27 | June 23 - July 25
Application deadline: January 24
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
If you’re interested in public service, civic engagement, or a career in government, the Lott Leadership Institute offers valuable coursework and leadership training. As a participant, you will engage in a dual-enrollment program, earning seven college credits while attending classes in public policy, leadership theory, and government. Through workshops and discussions, you will build skills such as public speaking, debate, and networking. You’ll have the opportunity to meet national leaders and explore pressing political and social issues. This program includes a trip to Washington, D.C., where you’ll engage with the workings of federal institutions and policy-making.]
9. Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute
Location: Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Cost: Free
Program dates: Multiple one-day sessions in June and July
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
If you're curious about the intersection of leadership and business, the Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute could be worth exploring. Held at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, the one-day in-person program features workshops led by faculty, where you will explore leadership concepts and communication strategies. You will participate in discussions with current students and alumni. A key part of the day involves working through a business case, providing an opportunity to analyze problems, collaborate, and present ideas. You'll engage with women who share your interest in business leadership. The virtual version of the program, offered over several days, includes similar content.
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