15 Summer Leadership Programs for High School Students in California
If you’re a high school student, building leadership skills can give you the confidence and tools you need to succeed in college, careers, and your community. Summer leadership programs help you develop your communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and civic engagement while connecting with other students who have similar goals. You’ll participate in experiences that prepare you to think critically, take initiative, and make an impact.
From workshops on public speaking and decision making to simulations of government, business, and community action, California has many opportunities for young leaders. Whether you are drawn to civic engagement, entrepreneurship, or personal growth, there is a program tailored to your goals. By joining such programs, you’ll not only build new skills but also expand your network of friends and mentors.
In this blog, we have picked 15 summer leadership programs for high school students in California that can help you prepare for the future.
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: You can find the locations here
Cost: Free. This is a paid internship
Program Dates: July 21 – 26
Application deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Eligible applicants are current juniors or seniors living in select California counties who can work in the U.S. without sponsorship through September. Participation in both the internship and the summit is required
If you’re looking for one of the most unique summer leadership programs for high school students in California, the Bank of America Student Leadership program is an incredible opportunity. As a Bank of America Student Leader, you will spend eight weeks working at a nonprofit in your community in California. This paid internship gives you the opportunity to build skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving while getting real-world work experience. You will also get a behind-the-scenes look at how a nonprofit runs and makes an impact each day. As part of the program, you will travel to Washington, D.C., for the national Student Leaders Summit. There, you will see how government, business, and nonprofits work together to solve problems. You will also take part in workshops, meet other students from across the country, and get guidance from mentors in nonprofit and civic leadership. By the end of the summer, you won’t just have an internship, but also walk away with new skills and confidence to become a leader in college and beyond.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project’s Los Angeles Institute
Location: California State University, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 27 – 29
Application deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Eligible students are current 10th or 11th graders at a California high school who live in Los Angeles County. Those who have already attended LAI or the Statewide Leadership Conference cannot apply
At the CLYLP Los Angeles Institute, you will spend three days building skills in leadership, public speaking, and teamwork through workshops and activities. As part of this summer leadership program for high school students in California, you will take part in civic engagement projects, where you’ll learn how public service careers work and explore the political and cultural systems in Los Angeles County. One of the highlights of the program is the Civic Day, when you will put your critical thinking and decision-making skills to the test by taking part in mock legislative hearings. On College and Careers Day, you will get guidance for the future – learning about college admissions, financial aid, and career options. Throughout the program, you’ll connect with community leaders, teachers, and fellow students, while strengthening your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school
Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a research program for high school students who are eager to explore their academic interests through independent research. The program pairs you 1-on-1 with a Ph.D. mentor, giving you the opportunity to dive deep into a subject of your choice, while receiving personalized guidance all the way. At the end of the program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from a variety of subject areas such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here. Lumiere offers flexible timelines, ranging from 12 weeks to a full year, so that you can fit the program to your schedule.
5. Coro Exploring Leadership Youth Program
Location: San Francisco, CA
Cost: Free. $100 stipend provided
Program Dates: June 23 – July 31
Application deadline: January 17
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 to 11 who can commit to the full-time summer schedule
The Coro Exploring Leadership Youth Program is a six-week experience that helps you grow as a leader. You’ll build skills in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving by taking part in training workshops, interning at a nonprofit, government office, or business, and creating a community action project. Along the way, you will build important practical skills such as project management, communication, and critical thinking. You will also gain real work experience, connect with community leaders, and better understand the issues in your community. You’ll receive a stipend to support your participation, so that you can focus on learning and leading.
6. Temecula Leadership Academy
Location: Temecula Valley Entrepreneur's Exchange, Temecula, CA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 2 – 11
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students who are 14 to 18 years old and live in the Inland Southern California region; commitment to full participation required
The Temecula Leadership Academy is a two-week learning program that helps you prepare for life, college, and future careers. You will practice real-world skills such as job interviews, resume writing, and college applications while receiving guidance on financial aid planning and personal wellness. You will also earn certifications such as CPR and First Aid, and the Food Handler’s Card – credentials that will set you apart. Hosted at the Temecula Valley Entrepreneur’s Exchange, the program includes guest speakers, interactive activities, and community service projects. Along the way, you will build leadership skills such as public speaking, time management, and teamwork. By the end of the program, you will leave with practical skills and the confidence to succeed as a leader.
7. California Youth Leadership Forum For Students With Disabilities
Location: California State University, Sacramento, CA
Cost: None.
Program Dates: July 14 - 19
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors in California who have a disability
This five-day California Youth Leadership Forum is for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities in California. Held each year in Sacramento, it helps you build self-advocacy skills, learn your rights under disability laws, and explore careers and college options. Throughout the week, you will take part in workshops, hear from guest speakers, and join mock legislative sessions to understand public policy. You will also meet adults with disabilities who share their own career and life experiences. You will practice communication, goal setting, and teamwork – skills that will help you lead with confidence in school and beyond.
8. UC Berkeley Business Academy for Youth: High School Entrepreneurship
Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA
Cost: Not specified.
Program dates: Not specified.
Application deadline: Not specified.
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th and 12th grade students
UC B-BAY’s High School Entrepreneurship is a two-week summer program where you will learn the basics of business and leadership through hands-on projects and teamwork. Guided by Berkeley Haas professors, industry speakers, and PhD students, you’ll take an idea from concept to full business plan and final pitch. Along the way, you will study key topics such as marketing, finance, and strategy through classes, research, and computer lab work. Just as important, you’ll build practical skills in communication, leadership, and teamwork. You will also attend college workshops, meet Berkeley undergraduates, and practice writing a UC personal statement. At the end of the program, you and your team will present your plan in a final pitch session and receive a certificate from UC Berkeley in recognition of your work.
9. Environment & the Economy by Foundation for Teaching Economics
Location: UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $2,300. Scholarship assistance available
Program Dates: July 28 – August 3
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors entering their junior or senior year that summer
In the Environment and the Economy program, you will spend one week learning how environmental issues connect to the choices we make every day. You will build skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and teamwork through discussions, simulations, and activities. You will study important topics such as climate change, land use, endangered species, and the tragedy of the commons, while using economic tools to look at possible solutions. A field trip will take your learning outside the classroom, give you the opportunity to see how local policies work in action, and apply what you learn to real situations. Along the way, you will also build leadership and communication skills through activities based on the Hero’s Journey model, helping you grow as a student and future leader.
10. Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) State Leadership Seminars
Location: California State University, Long Beach and Thousand Oaks
Cost: $350 per student
Program dates: June 20 – 22 (Long Beach) and June 19 – 22 (Thousand Oaks)
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Open to all high school sophomores
The HOBY State Leadership Seminar is a three to four-day program for high school sophomores that helps you build personal, group, and service leadership skills. You will start by learning about your leadership style and values through reflection and guided activities. You will then work in teams to practice collaboration, goal setting, and understanding different perspectives. A big part of the program is learning how to use service leadership – leading by helping others – to make a difference in your community. After the seminar, you are encouraged to complete 100 hours of volunteer work through HOBY’s Leadership for Service program, which can qualify you for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
11. Economics for Leaders (EFL)
Location: UC Berkeley and UCLA
Cost: $2,600
Program dates: UC Berkeley: June 23–29, July 30 – August 6, and UCLA: June 23 - 29
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Open to current high school sophomores and juniors
Economics for Leadership (EFL) is a summer program that combines leadership training with the study of economic principles. You will study concepts such as scarcity, opportunity cost, markets, labor, and the role of government, and then apply them to real policy challenges faced by leaders today. What makes EFL stand out is the use of economic reasoning as a leadership tool. You will practice decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking with frameworks such as the Leadership Pyramid Matrix. By the end of the program, you’ll not just understand economics, but learn to use it in real-world situations as a leader.
12. Ronald Reagan Center for Leadership Development’s Great American Leadership Program
Location: Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA & Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA
Cost: $1,999
Program Dates: July 12 – 15
Application deadline: Not Specified
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students
The Great American Leadership Program is a four-day experience designed to help you strengthen your leadership, communication, and decision-making skills. You will learn leadership through historical case studies, public speaking workshops, and service projects that highlight President Ronald Reagan's style of leadership. The program takes place at Pepperdine University and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. You will take part in simulations, expert-led sessions, and interactive workshops, such as Operation Urgent Fury, where you’ll step into the shoes of decision-makers. Throughout the program, you’ll take part in leadership communication classes, work on service projects, and hear from keynote speakers such as Medal of Honor recipients and global leaders, who will share lessons on leading under pressure and in challenging situations.
13. College of Business and Economics Summer Leadership Institute
Location: California State University, Fullerton, CA
Cost: $999
Program Dates: July 7 – 11
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
The Summer Leadership Institute at Cal State Fullerton is a one-week program where you’ll gain the skills and confidence to lead in school, community, and your future career. You will dive into topics such as emotional intelligence, diversity, innovation, and personal finance, while also sharpening practical skills such as resume writing, public speaking, and career planning. Hands-on projects and teamwork give you the opportunity to apply what you learn and build connections with other students. By the end of the program, you will grow your own leadership style and receive a certificate from the Center for Leadership that recognizes your work and accomplishments.
14. USC Exploring Entrepreneurship Program
Location: Online | University of Southern California, CA
Cost: Commuter (domestic): $7,812, Residential (domestic): $11,347, and International: about $11,949 plus $535 in U.S. government fees and a $65 application fee
Program Dates: June 15 – July 12
Application Deadline: Domestic students: May 2, International students: March 14
Eligibility: Applicants who have completed at least 10th grade by June 15
Hosted by the University of Southern California, the USC Exploring Entrepreneurship Program gives you an inside look at Los Angeles’ entrepreneurial community. Over the course of the program, you will study accounting, ethics, creativity, and marketing while working in a team to design and pitch a business idea. You will also step out of the classroom and visit local startups and companies in areas such as Silicon Beach and Downtown LA to see different business models in action. Guest speakers, including entrepreneurs and business experts, will share advice on innovation, adaptation, and starting and growing a business. Along the way, you will practice teamwork, communication, and presentation skills, so that by the end of the program, you can share your ideas clearly and persuasively.
15. Brown Leadership Institute
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,528
Program dates: 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 is a four-week online program for high school students that focuses on leadership and social change. You will study topics such as civic engagement, gender equity, and educational access while working with students from around the world. You will practice skills in discussion, analysis, and teamwork as you explore social issues and create solutions. A main part of the program is building your own Action Plan – a project that you can take back to your school or community to make a change. When you complete the program, you will receive a digital certificate and a Course Performance Report from Brown.
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