14 Free Leadership Programs for High School Students
Free leadership programs are a great way for high school students to build confidence and their communication skills. These programs often give you practical experience through projects, mentorship, and group work, helping you build skills like teamwork and problem-solving. Many are run by well-known universities, nonprofits, or organizations such as MIT or Bank of America.
Leadership programs give you concrete experiences, such as leading projects, coordinating with peers, or taking responsibility for outcomes, that look good on college applications. They provide specific examples you can reference in essays, activity lists, and interviews to show initiative, collaboration, and problem-solving. To help you get started, here are 14 free leadership programs for high school students.
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: United States (local nonprofit placements + Washington, D.C. summit)
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~300 students nationwide
Dates: Summer; 8-week internship + Student Leaders Summit (July 21 – 26)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are first-time applicants and legally authorized to work in the U.S., reside in an eligible location, and are in good academic standing
This program places students in paid internships at community nonprofits. It includes a one-week leadership summit in Washington, D.C. Through practical work and group projects, you will learn about social impact, community leadership, and public policy while building teamwork and communication skills. You also attend the week-long, all-expenses-paid Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you develop civic, social, and business leadership skills and learn how government, businesses, and nonprofits collaborate to address community issues. It’s one of the most prestigious youth leadership experiences available. The program aims to empower young people who show a strong commitment to service and community improvement.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Financial aid available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 – 25%; 70 – 100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and gap year students who can work for 10 – 20 hours/week, for 8 – 12 weeks
Ladder Internships is an eight-week-long, selective startup internship program for ambitious high school students. In the program, you work with a high-growth startup on an internship that ranges across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s startups are high-growth companies backed by Y Combinator, which raise over a million dollars on average, and have founders who have previously worked for the likes of Microsoft, Google, and Meta. In the program, you work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present your work to the company.
3. US Senate Youth Program (USSYP)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $10,000 scholarship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive; 104 students selected nationally
Dates: March 7 – 14
Application Deadline: October 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who have served in elected or appointed positions in which they actively represent a constituency in organizations related to education, public affairs, and community service | They must actively be serving in leadership positions, must be enrolled in high school, and reside in D.C. for their academic year
This program features an intensive, all-expenses-paid week in Washington, D.C., known as "Washington Week." During this time, you participate in activities like hearing major policy addresses from Senators and Cabinet members, meeting with a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, and attending briefings at the Pentagon. This experience provides a deep dive into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, helping you develop crucial civic engagement, leadership, and communication skills. The program's key feature is that the William Randolph Hearst Foundation fully funds the entire trip and also awards you a substantial $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship to encourage your pursuit of a public service career.
4. Young Founders Lab
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort; apply here
Eligibility: All high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a real-world start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X. Apart from building the start-up itself, you will also participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideations, workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and more. The program is an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of business in high school and have a space to explore multiple theoretical as well as practical frameworks that lead to a successful business.
5. MIT Leadership Training Institute
Location: MIT Campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Selective; approximately 50 students
Dates: February 9 – May 3 (12 Sundays)
Application Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) in the Boston area
This program, run by MIT student mentors, covers topics including personal leadership philosophy, group dynamics, conflict resolution, and the crucial role of emotional intelligence and diversity in leadership. You engage in activities like small group discussions led by Leadership Mentors, brainstorming community needs, and practicing public speaking through project pitches. The program's core feature is that students design and implement an original community service project in their community, guided by a personal Project Mentor. This practical application allows students to learn invaluable skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, confidence, and determination by translating theory into real-world impact.
6. McCombs School of Business: Subiendo - The Academy for Rising Leaders
Location: The University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business in Austin, Texas
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 80 – 100 students
Dates: June 14 – 18
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current Texas high school junior (rising senior) at the time of application
This program aims to develop future Texas leaders by immersing them in business and public policy concepts. Key topics covered include business ethics, entrepreneurship, public service, and effective organizational leadership. Your activities involve working in small teams on a policy challenge, participating in mock legislative sessions at the Capitol, engaging with current business leaders, and presenting solutions to faculty. The program combines business education with public policy exposure and strengthens crucial skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, public speaking, and ethical decision-making for both business and civic careers.
7. MREACH - Michigan Ross Enriching Academics in Collaboration with High Schools
Location: Michigan Ross campus
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically, small cohort size
Dates: August – April on one or two Saturdays per month
Application Deadline: July 15
Eligibility: High school students in 10th- or 11th-grade by the program’s start, who reside in Southeast Michigan, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA
The Michigan Ross MREACH program provides high school students with exposure to essential business concepts and pre-college readiness through sessions at the Ann Arbor campus. This initiative concentrates on developing vital professional skills, including business communication, leadership principles, and strategic career planning. You benefit from engaging with faculty-led seminars and interactive workshops, alongside receiving mentorship from current university students. A core feature is the direct engagement with industry professionals, offering real-world insights, while the curriculum extensively covers college application guidance, financial aid preparation, and standardized test resources. MREACH ensures a holistic experience by arranging college visits and networking opportunities to comprehensively prepare future business leaders.
8. Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project – Los Angeles Institute
Location: Cal State LA, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 50 students from Los Angeles County
Dates: June 27 – 29
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors who are currently enrolled in a California high school and live in Los Angeles County, and are first-time participants
The Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project’s (CLYLP) Los Angeles Institute offers an impactful three-day immersion into the nexus of leadership and civic engagement for high school students residing in Los Angeles County. A core feature is Civic Day, where you engage in mock hearings and dialogue with local government officials to understand the legislative process. Furthermore, College & Careers Day provides essential guidance through workshops focusing on higher education pathways, admissions strategies, and financial aid. Throughout this experience, you cultivate valuable peer and mentor networks while also exploring the intersection of your cultural identity and commitment to public service, connecting directly with professionals.
9. California Youth Leadership Forum For Students With Disabilities
Location: California State University, Sacramento, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 60 delegates
Dates: July 13 – 18
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: California residents who are high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors during the current school year | Must have an IEP, 504 plan, or identify as a student with a disability
This intensive, five-day California Youth Leadership Forum (YLF), annually convened in Sacramento, is designed for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities. The core mission is empowering delegates by cultivating crucial self-advocacy abilities and deepening their knowledge of disability rights and relevant legislation. You explore pathways to higher education and diverse career prospects. The agenda features dynamic workshops, inspiring addresses from guest speakers, and practical exercises like mock legislative sessions to grasp public policy. Furthermore, you connect with leaders who have disabilities, gaining valuable insights into their personal and professional success. You develop skills such as communication, goal-setting, and teamwork.
10. National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)
Location: Overseas (various countries)
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 15 – 40 students
Dates: Academic year or summer
Application Deadline: Typically, in November
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students between the ages of 15 and 18, who are U.S. citizens, and have a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) is a highly prestigious, fully funded scholarship sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, designed to immerse high school students in critical foreign languages and cultures overseas. The core topic is intensive language acquisition in languages like Chinese, Arabic, or Russian, alongside comprehensive cultural studies and diplomacy. Your activities typically include taking daily language classes, living with a local host family, participating in cultural excursions to historical sites, and attending lectures on local history or politics. You gain advanced linguistic proficiency, heightened cultural awareness, improved adaptability, and critical cross-cultural communication skills, preparing you for future global leadership.
11. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
Location: RYLA is hosted by local Rotary Districts, inclusive of university campuses, conference centers, or outdoor pursuit camps
Cost/Stipend: None; sponsored by local Rotary club
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Selective; 60 – 120 participants on average for a single district event
Dates: Spring (March – May) or Summer (June – July)
Application Deadline: Varies; deadlines are set locally by the local Rotary club
Eligibility: High school students nominated or sponsored by a local Rotary Club
The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is fully sponsored by local Rotary clubs and is highly focused on cultivating ethical leadership, community service, and effective communication in high school students. You engage in activities like team-building challenges, hearing from motivational guest speakers, and participating in group discussions on ethical dilemmas. A unique feature is its strong emphasis on "Service Above Self," fostering a sense of social responsibility. Throughout the intensive experience, you improve skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, public speaking, and conflict management, preparing you to lead positive change in your schools and communities.
12. Local Youth Advisory Boards (YABs) - Sandy Hook Promise
Location: Remote from across the U.S. + annual in-person National SAVE Promise Club Youth Summit
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 15 – 30 members
Dates: Academic year commitment
Application Deadline: Typically, April – May
Eligibility: High school students who are members of the Must be a SAVE Promise Club
The National Youth Advisory Board (YAB) brings together outstanding high-school leaders from SAVE Promise Clubs across the U.S. As a YAB member, you help guide the national movement for school safety, inclusion, and violence prevention. You work closely with other students and Trusted Adult Advisors to shape programs, represent youth voices in media and legislative spaces, and support SAVE Promise Clubs nationwide. Throughout the year, you contribute volunteer hours by leading training, planning national events, and collaborating on new initiatives. The program allows you to grow as a leader, advocate, and changemaker while creating safer, more connected school communities.
13. FEMA Youth Preparedness Council
Location: National/virtual with summit in D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 30 students
Dates: One-year term beginning in July
Application Deadline: Typically, early March
Eligibility: U.S. high school students in grades 8–11
The FEMA Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) is a national leadership program for students who want to strengthen disaster readiness in their schools and communities. As a member, you work with FEMA experts and other youth leaders to design and complete real preparedness projects, locally and nationally. You meet regularly with FEMA staff, participate in virtual training, and gain firsthand experience in emergency management, disaster planning, and community outreach. The program helps you build confidence, leadership skills, and the ability to support others during emergencies. You also collaborate with peers across the U.S. to raise awareness, share ideas, and create tools that help families and communities stay safe during disasters.
14. TeenSHARP – College Access & Leadership Institute
Location: Nationwide (Virtual)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 150 scholars
Dates: Year–round from August to May
Application Deadline: Typically, in March
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
TeenSHARP’s Striver Program is a year-long, college-preparatory experience built for high-achieving students who want to attend and thrive at top U.S. colleges. As a Striver scholar, you join a national virtual community where you take rigorous coursework, build strong study skills, and learn how selective admissions really work. Throughout the year, you participate in group advising sessions, receive academic support, and get expert guidance from educators who understand competitive college pathways. Your parents are also included through workshops that teach them how to navigate schools, financial aid, and the college admissions process.
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