15 Summer Leadership Programs for High School Students in Georgia

Do you see yourself leading change, inspiring others or making a difference in your community? In today’s fast-changing world, where technology and AI are changing every career, its people-centered skills such as leadership, empathy and communication that truly set you apart. If you’re passionate about governance, civic duty, community service or leadership, Georgia offers plenty of opportunities to help you get there. 

If you want to check out other summer programs, here’s a list of free leadership programs & here’s a list of some STEM-specific internships!

Why should you do a Summer Leadership program in Georgia?

Georgia has a range of colleges, universities, and organizations that offer leadership programs and help build real world skills. Through hands-on projects,  civic education, team challenges, and residential campus life, high school students can develop their leadership skills and make it a productive summer preparing themselves for the year ahead. These programs are a good fit for anyone looking to boost their academic profiles and get started on building a bright future ahead!

Here’s a look at 15 amazing summer leadership programs for high school students in Georgia – these will help you learn, lead, and shine.

1. 21st Century Leaders — Summer Leadership Institutes (SYLI)

Acceptance rate / cohort size: Selection is competitive and by application
Location: Various Georgia college campuses (residential)
Cost / Stipend: Varies by institute
Dates: Summer (typically June–July)
Application Deadline: January–March
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors who live in Georgia (varies by institute)

The Summer Leadership Institutes (SYLI) by 21st Century Leaders brings together high school sophomores and seniors for a one-week residential experience on college campuses. During the program, you will dive into hands-on leadership training – learning civic leadership, ethics, communication, and project design. You will get to design and present your own school or community projects, putting your leadership skills to the test in the real world. With the support of mentors, you’ll build leadership skills that go beyond the classroom – skills that will empower you for college and life. 

2. American Legion — Georgia Boys State

Acceptance rate / cohort size: Cohort is selective and limited
Location: Valdosta State University
Cost / Stipend: Varies by sponsoring post / scholarship
Dates: Typically one week in June
Application Deadline: Deadlines set locally by sponsoring American Legion post
Eligibility: High school rising seniors (boys); nominees selected through schools / posts

The Georgia Boys State, hosted by the American Legion, gives high school students a close look at what it is like to run a government. This week-long residential civic and leadership program places you right at the heart of a simulated state government, where you’ll take on roles in legislative sessions,  political campaigns and even mock court proceedings.  You will thus sharpen your skills in debate, campaigning, and public speaking, while working with others to build cities, elect leaders and pass legislation. The program  wraps up with ceremonies and awards, celebrating your achievements. 

3. American Legion Auxiliary — Georgia Girls State

Acceptance rate / cohort size: Selection is by nomination and local sponsorship
Location: Valdosta State University
Cost / Stipend: Many delegates are sponsored by local ALA units
Dates: One-week mid-June session
Application Deadline: Determined by local ALA units / school nomination timelines
Eligibility: High school juniors (nomination via school / ALA); applicants must follow local ALA guidance.

Georgia Girls State program, run by the American Legion Auxiliary, is a week-long residential program focused on leadership, responsible citizenship, and hands-on government experience. You will experience how the government works by creating your own mock state, complete with political parties, elections and legislation. As a delegate, you will run for office, draft legislation, and collaborate with other students to shape a functioning government. Along the way, you’ll learn skills in teamwork, leadership, and public speaking. The program culminates with a graduation ceremony on campus, celebrating your growth as a leader.

4. Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP)

Acceptance rate / cohort size: Historically competitive; cohorts historically numbered several hundred
Location: Host campus (recent sessions held at Georgia Southern University)
Cost / Stipend: No cost to students — tuition, room, and board are state-funded; GHP documents clarify materials students should bring
Dates: Mid-June to mid-July
Application Deadline: Semifinal events in Feb–Mar, finalists notified in March
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders nominated by schools (nomination quotas per district); selection via multi-stage audition/interview process

If you are a rising junior or a senior with academic and artistic talent, the Georgia Governor's Honors Program (GHP) is your chance to take your skills to the next level.  This four-week residential enrichment program brings together students from across the state for leadership and learning.  At GHP, you will dive into your chosen major subject in the morning – whether that is science, music, literature or the arts – and explore electives or seminars in the afternoons and evenings. These courses often include leadership, counseling, and student governance responsibilities. The program faculty are experts in their fields and the program is entirely residential, placing a strong emphasis on peer collaboration, community service, and independent learning.

5. Georgia 4-H — Leadership in Action & 4-H Summer Camps (Rock Eagle, Fortson, Wahsega, Jekyll)

Acceptance rate / cohort size: Many 4-H camps run multiple weeklong cohorts with capacity limits
Location: Georgia 4-H centers across the state (Rock Eagle — Eatonton; Fortson — Perry; Wahsega — Dahlonega; Jekyll Island)
Cost / Stipend: Fee schedules vary by county and camp
Dates: Multiple week-long sessions across June–July (counties register for specific weeks)
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: Youth in appropriate grade ranges (4-H lists programs for 7th–12th graders for leadership tracks)

Georgia 4-H's summer camping program is a week-on summer program to inculcate leadership qualities in young students, through a mix of adventure, teamwork and leadership training. Through the Leadership in Action and teen leadership tracks, you’ll take on real responsibility – planning community projects, managing teams, and engaging in civic duties. Each day blends ropes courses, outdoor team challenges and project planning sessions, helping you strengthen your problem-solving and leadership skills. As a teen leader or counselor - in- training, you’ll gain practical experience for college and life. The program places a strong emphasis on service and practical leadership training, preparing you for future success. 

6. J.W. Fanning Institute — Youth Leadership In Action / Youth LEAD Georgia

Acceptance rate / cohort size: Cohort sizes vary by program and year; Youth LEAD features a selected cohort and summit participants
Location: University of Georgia / statewide
Cost / Stipend: Many Fanning youth offerings are low-cost or sponsored; Varies by program
Dates: Several weekend retreats throughout the year and a multi-day summer bus tour / summer summit
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: K–12 programs have tiers; many youth leadership tracks are targeted to middle and high school students

The J.W. Fanning Institute's Youth Leadership In Action and e Youth LEAD Georgia programs are designed to help young leaders like you to build confidence and emerge as leaders. These programs combine weekend retreats, a summer leadership tour, and a campus summit – giving you a strong grounding in leadership development. Through hands-on workshops and community projects, you’ll explore topics such as  civic issues, moral leadership, community involvement, and problem-solving. As a participant, you will interact with local leaders, and work on real-world projects to gain insights into how leadership works at the grassroot level.  

7. Embark — Summer Precollegiate Program (UGA & North Georgia Technical College collaboration)

Acceptance rate / cohort size: Cohorts limited; selection is by application
Location: North Georgia Technical College (Clarkesville) + University of Georgia sites (residential components)
Cost / Stipend: Certain programs targeted at youth in foster care include funded spots
Dates: June 8–13
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Certain Embark tracks prioritize youth who have experienced foster care or homelessness; other tracks are statewide

Embark's summer precollegiate programs aim to help high school students—particularly those who have been in foster care—to get a real taste of college. Through residential campus stays, interactive workshops, and mentorship, you’ll explore everything from college application and leadership development to creating your own transition plan for life after college. You should check out the program guidelines on the website if this sounds like a good fit for you!

8. Georgia State University — Summer Leadership Institute (College of the Arts: Music Leadership focus)

Acceptance rate / cohort size: SLI music leadership events can attract several hundred students (past events list ~400 participants for the two-day intensive)
Location: Georgia State University (Atlanta)
Cost / Stipend: Event pages list registration information; many SLI offerings are low-fee or free for participating music students
Dates: Institute formats include two-day intensives in early summer
Application Deadline: Registration windows get posted on the College of the Arts outreach page, stay tuned to not miss the deadlines!
Eligibility: High school music leaders (drum majors, section leaders) and other student leaders in school music programs

Georgia State's Summer Leadership Institute (College of the Arts) is a two-day program for band and choir student leaders. The program includes workshops, rehearsals, and leadership labs to help you sharpen your skills in conducting, communication, section leadership, and ensemble management. Hundreds of band and choir student leaders travel from all over the Southeast to attend this program! Beyond the music, the Institute also offers seminars on public leadership, rehearsal planning, and conflict resolution – all essential tools for leadership. If you are passionate about music and leadership,  don't miss out on this unique opportunity! 

9. Kennesaw State University — Summer Leadership Intensive & DiscoverU camps

Acceptance rate / cohort size: Enrollment caps vary by camp; many week-long sessions list specific seat limits
Location: Kennesaw State University (Marietta/Kennesaw campuses)
Cost / Stipend: Fees vary by program
Dates: Multiple weeklong sessions across June–July
Application Deadline: Registration windows awaited
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders depending on the program; some leadership intensives target older high-school students

SU's DiscoverU and Summer Leadership Intensive programs give high school students an opportunity to experience college life and gain leadership training, within a one-to-two week residential program.  The leadership intensives include workshops on teamwork, public speaking, project planning, and navigating the college transition. DiscoverU also provides leadership modules along with thematic pre-college experiences in areas such as entrepreneurship, engineering, and healthcare – helping you explore potential career paths while building real-world skills. 

10. Georgia Southern University — Southern Leaders & Youth University summer tracks

Acceptance rate / cohort size: Southern Leaders is cohort-based (scholarship awards limited; specific cohort counts vary)
Location: Georgia Southern University (Statesboro campus and other GS sites)
Cost / Stipend:  Fee schedules vary
Dates: Southern Leaders programming is year-round with summer components; Youth University weeklong camps run through June–July
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: High school students interested in leadership, service and early college exposure (grade requirements published per offering)

Georgia Southern University offers two leadership tracks for high school students to strengthen their leadership skills while getting a taste of college life. The Southern Leaders program is a structured leadership pathway that includes interactive leadership courses, service projects and applied team - based leadership experiences. And the  Youth University camps let high school students learn academic subjects firsthand while developing key skills in leadership and teamwork. Each session gives top priority to project work, hands-on problem solving, and campus immersion. The Southern Leaders program also offers leadership development certificate programs and leadership scholarships to selected students. 

11. Emory University — Pre-College & LEADs (Leadership, Enrichment, Advocacy, Discovery) experiences

Acceptance rate / cohort size: Programs are selective (applications reviewed; cohort sizes vary by track)
Location: Emory University (Atlanta — residential and commuter options)
Cost / Stipend: Varies by program
Dates: Multiple sessions in June–July (some leadership retreats occur outside summer)
Application Deadline: Registration window awaited
Eligibility: Rising sophomores/juniors for many pre-college tracks; LEADs targets high-school seniors for college-readiness leadership experiences 

Emory's LEADs programs and Pre-College programs help high school students experience college life while developing their leadership skills. Through leadership retreats and enrichment tracks, Emory's LEADs programs focus on advocacy, leadership identity, and college application support.. Emory's Pre-College programs include two-week and multi-week residential programs that  combine academic study with workshops on leadership and college readiness. Students can benefit from specialized leadership modules on project design, mentorship, and communication, while learning from Emory’s faculty and living on campus.  You’ll strengthen key skills such as analytical thinking, effective communication, and ethical decision-making during the program, preparing you for college and leadership.

12. Georgia Tech — CEISMC Summer P.E.A.K.S. & Aspire Leadership Development modules

Acceptance rate / cohort size: P.E.A.K.S. sessions have grade limits and seat caps
Location: Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta) — campus programs and workshops
Cost / Stipend: Listed fee schedules vary
Dates: Multiple one- and two-week sessions across June–July
Application Deadline: Opens in late winter/early spring
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders for P.E.A.K.S.; Aspire targets a broader audience for leadership development 

Georgia Tech offers programs for high school students who are passionate about science, technology, engineering, the arts, or math (STEAM) and want to grow as future leaders. The CEISMC Summer P.E.A.K.S. programs are weeklong residential or day sessions that combine hands-on learning in labs and workshops with exposure to college campus. The Aspire Leadership Development program teaches the principles of leadership, emotional intelligence, and team performance. Students also take on  leadership roles through outreach initiatives, project teams, and presentations. 

13. National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) — Georgia campus offerings

Acceptance rate / cohort size: NSLC cohorts are limited
Location: NSLC holds sessions at major U.S. campuses
Cost / Stipend: Tuition varies by program; check NSLC full tuition, scholarship and financial on the website given above!
Dates: Multiple summer sessions (June–August)
Application Deadline: NSLC posts suggested seasonal deadlines but continues to accept applicants if space remains
Eligibility: High school students (typically ages 14–18; grade prerequisites vary by program).

The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC), a nationwide pre-college provider, offers a variety of career guidance and themed leadership programs hosted at top Georgia institutions. Each NSLC program includes a leadership curriculum, discipline-specific simulations, site visits, and leadership labs, so you get a taste of the actual professional world. As part of the programs, you’ll develop public speaking, decision-making, and project leadership skills, while connecting with other students across the country. 

14. YMCA Camp High Harbour — Advanced Leadership Academy (Lake Allatoona & Lake Burton)

Acceptance rate / cohort size: Program capacities posted per session; Advanced Leadership Academy cohorts are limited
Location: YMCA Camp High Harbour — Lake Allatoona (near Atlanta) and Lake Burton (Northeast Georgia)
Cost / Stipend: Varies by program
Dates: Multiple summer sessions
Application Deadline: Registration window awaited
Eligibility: Teen leadership tracks typically for ages 13–16 

YMCA Camp High Harbour's Advanced Leadership Academy (ALA) is an opportunity for students to grow as leaders while enjoying the great outdoors. This residential leadership program uses the SALT model (Service, Adventure, Leadership, Technical skills) to prepare teens for leadership roles at camp and in their communities. The ALA and LIT (Leader-In-Training) tracks incorporate mentor-led workshops, service projects, leadership workshops, and course experiences to foster communication, problem-solving, and team-work skills. You will get to engage in outdoor challenges, ropes courses, and structured leadership workshops that test and strengthen your creativity and confidence. As a result, you will develop skills ranging from conflict resolution and communication to practical team management. What makes ALA a distinctive leadership pathway is its focus on both adventure and hands-on leadership practice, all taking place in a camp setting!

15. Camp Ramah Darom — Gesher Leadership Program (teen leadership track)

Acceptance rate / cohort size: Gesher program is selective and designed for entering 11th graders; site lists program length and cohort structure
Location: Camp Ramah Darom — Clayton, North Georgia (Clayton campus / Atlanta office)
Cost / Stipend: Varies by program
Dates: Gesher runs as an extended summer leadership track
Application Deadline: Awaited
Eligibility: Typically entering 11th graders 

Camp Ramah Darom - Gesher Leadership Program is a capstone leadership track for older teens that combines Jewish learning, community leadership, and staff preparation. You’ll take on real leadership responsibilities such as program planning, mentoring other students, and group facilitation throughout the summer session. You’ll build crucial skills in event organization, communication, and responsibility, all in a supportive environment. What makes Gesher unique is that it lays dual emphasis on cultural identity and practical leadership. You’ll grow personally and professionally, and gain the confidence to manage programs, guide others and contribute meaningfully to the community.

Image source - 21st Century Leaders logo