15 Best Leadership Summer Programs for High School Students

If you are a high school student looking to explore new opportunities, a summer program can be a practical and affordable option. These programs deliver hands-on learning, industry exposure, and opportunities to build connections that can be valuable for your future academic and career paths. Many are hosted by top colleges and professional organizations, offering a balance of challenging coursework and interactive experiences.

If you are drawn to leadership, these programs also provide training in teamwork, public speaking, and strategic thinking. You will work on projects while being guided by mentors with valuable industry experience. Here, we’ve narrowed down the top 15 summer leadership programs for high schoolers to help you explore your options.

1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Location: Non-profits nationwide and a Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC. Click here to find available locations. 
Stipend: This is a paid internship
Application Deadline: October 14 - January 15
Dates: The internship runs for 8 weeks, with start dates varying by market. The Summit in DC runs from July 21 to July 26
Eligibility: Current junior or senior in high school living in one of the eligible locations

The Student Leaders program selects over 300 high school juniors and seniors each year from nearly 100 communities across the U.S. for a paid eight-week internship with a local nonprofit. As an intern, you will work with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity, gaining hands-on experience in community service. You’ll build practical skills while learning how nonprofits operate and partner with government and business sectors. Alongside the internship, you participate in a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C., focused on civic engagement and policy-making. The program highlights leadership development and community involvement through structured, real-world experiences.

2. Young Founders Lab 

Location: This program is 100% virtual
Cost: Varies according to program; there is need-based financial aid
Program Dates: Individual Program - Flexible start dates | Summer II Group Program - August 4- August 24
Application Deadline: Early Summer II Deadline: May 30; Final Summer II Deadline: June 23
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students (grades 9-12)

The Young Founder’s Lab is a startup accelerator for high school students, created by entrepreneurs from Harvard. In this immersive program, you’ll develop a real, revenue-generating startup aimed at solving a real-world problem. You’ll be provided mentorship by professionals from leading companies like Google, Microsoft, and X, alongside workshops, case studies, and interactive classes on core business concepts. Beyond launching your startup, you’ll gain hands-on experience in ideation, strategy, and execution—key skills for any future entrepreneur. This program offers you an opportunity to combine business theory with practical experience while still in high school. You can learn more and view the program brochure here. You can access the application link here!

3. 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; Boys Nation: July 18 to July 26
Eligibility: High school students 

American Legion Boys State is a one-week civic education program that emphasizes hands-on learning. You’ll spend the week building a mock state government while running for office, drafting legislation, and debating policy issues. The experience includes legislative sessions, mock trials, and interactions with government officials. Throughout the program, you will gain practical insight into how state government functions. Outstanding participants may also be invited to Boys Nation in Washington, D.C., for a closer look at the federal government.

4. United Nations Young Leaders Training Programme (Online, Global)

Location: Virtual
Cost: $750
Application Deadline: Open until full (first-come, first-served basis)
Dates: January 6 - February 1, April 14 - May 9, June 9 - July 4, July 28 - August 22
Eligibility: High school and university students, young professionals, and aspiring leaders interested in international affairs

The United Nations Young Leaders Online Training Programme is a four-week virtual course by UNITAR for youth worldwide. You work through four self-paced modules covering the United Nations, Conference Diplomacy, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Cosmopolitan Communication. You will need to dedicate 4 to 6 hours each week to readings, videos, and discussion boards. There would be weekly e-workshops that focus on leadership, negotiation, and UN career insights. The program also features four live webinars with UN experts on the UN system, SDGs, MUN preparation, and career pathways. You gain a comprehensive understanding of how the UN functions and its global impact.

5. Lead4Change Program

Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling basis throughout the year
Dates: Flexible; educators can begin anytime during the school year
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12; educators must register a team

Lead4Change is a free leadership and service program for students in grades 6 through 12. After enrolling, you will receive structured lesson plans and access to a dashboard for managing resources. You will collaborate in teams to design projects that address real issues in your community. Upon completing the program, you can participate in a grant competition offering awards of up to $10,000.

6. Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute

Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 18
Dates: Virtual Sessions: April 1 & April 8
Eligibility: Female sophomores and juniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale

The Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute (KWLI) is a leadership program for high school students hosted by the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. You will participate in faculty-led workshops, engage with alumni and students, and collaborate on a business case project to enhance problem-solving skills. The program emphasizes leadership, communication, and teamwork. You can choose between a one-day in-person session on campus or a multi-evening virtual format. The admission to the program is competitive, and spots are limited.

7. Sports Business Academy

Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,799 + $100 application fee
Application Deadline: May 1 (Final deadline)
Dates: July 7 - July 25
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 10-11 with a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA

The Wharton Sports Business Academy (WSBA) is a three-week summer program for high school juniors and seniors interested in the business side of sports. You will explore topics such as sports law, marketing, media, and innovation through sessions taught by Wharton professors and industry experts. The program includes interactive case studies and virtual visits to leading sports organizations. You will also collaborate in teams to create and pitch a sports-focused business plan. This experience provides both academic insight and practical exposure to the sports industry.

8. Brown Leadership Institute

Location: Virtual/ In-person at Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: $5,528 +  $65 - $100 application fee
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until capacity is full
Dates:  June 23 - July 18 (Virtual program)
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18 by June 15

Brown Leadership Institute provides you with an opportunity to explore social change through either a two-week on-campus program or a four-week online session. You select one interdisciplinary course, such as leadership in law, sports, or social entrepreneurship, and examine complex social issues while developing skills in public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving. You also enhance your leadership skills through collaborative projects and presentations, and create a personalized Action Plan for driving social impact. If you are enrolled in sessions lasting two weeks or more, you will receive a Digital Certificate of Completion and a Course Performance Report.

9. Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Changing the World via Venture Creation

Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,965 per session + $80 application fee
Application Deadline: Open until full
Dates: Summer A (online): July 7 - July 18, Summer B (online): July 21 - August 1
Eligibility: Students who will be enrolled in grades 9–12 in the fall, and students currently enrolled in grade 12 

Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Changing the World via Venture Creation is a Columbia Pre-College Summer Program course that teaches you the fundamentals of starting and growing a venture. You will explore the entire process from concept to execution, emphasizing innovation and social impact. The course incorporates lectures, case studies, and team projects to simulate real-world decision-making. You will also analyze startup examples, evaluate business models, and apply structured tools for assessment. You also gain skills in market research, defining value propositions, and pitching to stakeholders, building a solid foundation in entrepreneurship.

10. Art & Environmental Leadership at Brown University

Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,218 +  $65 - $100 application fee
Application Deadline: Rolling basis till capacity is full
Dates: July 14 - July 25
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18 by June 15

Environmental Leadership and Art is an online course through Summer@Brown that examines how art can drive environmental awareness and leadership. You learn about the history of environmental art and its influence on ecological literacy and public engagement. The course introduces tools for science communication, advocacy, and leadership using interdisciplinary approaches. You will study topics such as environmental justice, climate change, and the effects of human activity on ecosystems. The course concludes with an Action Plan project where you will apply artistic strategies to address an issue of your choice in a final proposal.

11. Wharton Global Youth Program - Essentials of Leadership

Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,099 + $100 application fee
Application Deadline: April 2 (Priority deadline) | May 1 (Final deadline)
Dates: June 16 - June 27 | July 7 - July 18
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in grades 9-12 with demonstrated leadership ability

Essentials of Leadership is a two-week online summer program from the Wharton Global Youth Program designed for high school students. You’ll participate in daily live lectures on key leadership concepts and join TA-led recitations to develop business skills. The program features simulations and group projects that enhance problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. Through structured lessons, you will explore topics such as emotional intelligence and interpersonal leadership. The experience helps you build practical skills for future academic and professional settings.

12. FTE Economics For Leaders (Virtual)

Location: Virtual
Cost: $900
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: Multiple sessions running from June - August; click here to know more
Eligibility: Students who are currently in their sophomore or junior year of high school 

Economics for Leaders (Virtual) is an online summer program from the Foundation for Teaching Economics designed for high school students. You get to explore key economic concepts through ten topics, including opportunity cost, inflation, labor markets, and property rights, while applying what you learn through simulations and the Five Economic Reasoning Propositions. The leadership component incorporates the Leadership Pyramid Matrix to develop personal, relational, and contextual leadership skills. Throughout the program, you’ll strengthen your teamwork and decision-making abilities as well as gain a deeper understanding of how economics ties into public policy.

13. Building Leadership Strategies Summer Academy

Location: Rutgers–New Brunswick campus, NJ
Cost: $3,648.50 - $4,754
Application Deadline: January 6 - May 23
Dates: Session I: July 13 - July 19; Session II: July 27 - August 2
Eligibility: High school students completing their sophomore and junior year, ages 16 to 18 by Summer; Minimum 3.0 grade point average

The Building Leadership Strategies Summer Academy is a one-week program focused on leadership development and communication. You’ll take part in lectures, public speaking workshops, and group activities designed to help you understand your leadership style. The curriculum explores emotional, social, and cultural intelligence and their impact on effective leadership. You’ll analyze ethical dilemmas, study trends in organizational leadership, and reflect on your personal growth. Your final presentation will provide an opportunity to demonstrate your learning and communication skills. 

14. New Jersey Youth Leadership Corps (NJYLC)

Location: Philadelphia Outward Bound School, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Cost: $50
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Dates: July 6 - July 19
Eligibility: Rising sophomores and juniors (entering grades 10-12) in the Northern New Jersey area

NJYLC is a 14-day outdoor leadership expedition for selected high school sophomores and juniors in Northern New Jersey. You’ll join a group of peers to explore the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area through activities such as rock climbing, backpacking, and canoeing. The program spans over 40 miles of Appalachian terrain, providing challenges that build problem-solving and teamwork skills. You’ll also grow personally through experiences in wilderness areas such as the Kittatinny Ridge and Mt. Tammany. Most camping takes place in protected zones untouched by development or logging. 

15. The Foundation for Free Enterprise Education, Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW)

Location: Lycoming College or Pennsylvania College of Technology, depending on the program 
Cost: $295 registration fee
Application Deadline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis
Dates: Week 1: June 29 - July | Week 2: July 6-11 | Week 3: July 20-25 | Week 4: July 27 - August 1
Eligibility: Students who have completed their sophomore or junior year by June of the year they wish to attend PFEW and are recommended by a high school representative

Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW) is a summer program that gives you firsthand experience with business leadership. You’ll join a team of 16 students, guided by a business mentor, to manage a simulated manufacturing company. Using a college-level business simulation, your team will take charge of an underperforming company and make strategic decisions over 12 simulated quarters, covering areas like pricing, marketing, production, R&D, and finance, while competing with other teams to maximize Return on Equity. Expert speakers throughout the week lead sessions on topics such as ethics, leadership, and entrepreneurship. The program helps you gain insight into the free enterprise system while building essential business skills.

Looking for an immersive internship experience?

Check out Ladder Internships!

Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. Apply now!

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