14 Winter Leadership Programs for High School Students
Winter leadership programs offer high school students leadership development and exposure to industries such as business, science, and technology. Many of these programs are offered by colleges and established organizations, ensuring quality instruction and meaningful networking opportunities. By participating, you’ll gain skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and communication, critical for your future studies and career.
Participating in a leadership program can boost your self-confidence and resilience, helping you lead community projects. Moreover, these programs often give you mentorship from professionals, which can help you explore potential career paths. A leadership program can also strengthen your college applications by showcasing your leadership potential and commitment to civic engagement, helping you stand out in competitive admissions processes.
Below, we’ve listed 14 winter leadership programs for high school students.
14 Winter Leadership Programs for High School Students
1. Leadership Institute's Youth Leadership School (YLS)
Location: Different U.S. cities throughout the year
Cost: Registration fee varies by location and is not consistently listed publicly; financial aid is available
Dates: December 6 – 7
Application Deadline: Specific to each event/location, and is generally handled on a rolling basis
Eligibility: All high school students
The Leadership Institute's Youth Leadership School (YLS), often dubbed "the boot camp of politics," is a two-day intensive training focused on comprehensive campaign activism for young conservatives. The program's core purpose is to transform students into effective youth leaders capable of running successful, mass-based efforts for political candidates and causes they support. Topics covered include organizing large numbers of volunteers and voters, conducting media relations, and grassroots organization. You will develop crucial skills like strategic planning, public relations, and motivating teams by participating in activities such as learning how to host successful speaker events, developing eye-catching literature, and organizing activism projects that they can implement immediately.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
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: 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 competitive program that connects high school students with fast-growing startups in fields like AI/ML, deep tech, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. Partner companies are typically well-funded, providing interns exposure to the operations of active, growth-stage businesses. Over eight weeks, you’ll work virtually with company managers on real-world projects. The program culminates in a final presentation showcasing your work and learning outcomes. It offers a structured introduction to the startup world and practical professional experience.
3. Yale Model United Nations (YMUN) LII
Location: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
Cost: Delegate Fee: Approximately $90 per student
Dates: January 15 - 18
Application Deadline: January 1
Eligibility: All high school students
The Yale Model United Nations (YMUN) LII program is a four-day international relations simulation for high school students held annually on the Yale University campus. Organized entirely by Yale undergraduates, it challenges delegates from across the globe to step into the roles of international policymakers. You debate a wide array of global issues in various committees, which may range from historical crises and political conflicts to economic development and human rights concerns. Key activities include drafting resolutions/legislation, engaging in collaborative debate using parliamentary procedure, and participating in "Yale Day", a unique feature offering lectures by Yale faculty and tours of the historic campus.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote , you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC) Program
Location: Florida's 22nd Congressional District (Hybrid meetings)
Cost: No cost or stipend
Dates: Mid-December – April
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: Junior or senior in high school and reside in Florida's 22nd Congressional District | Must attend at least 5 out of 7 meetings
The Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC) offers dynamic, experiential education programs designed to foster leadership development and civic engagement in high-achieving high school students. Key topics covered include American government procedures, public policy, leadership philosophy, and current social issues facing the nation and the world. You engage in hands-on activities like Mock Congress or Mock Supreme Court simulations, meet with Members of Congress and other high-ranking officials, and participate in policy debates or legislative drafting sessions. A unique feature is the opportunity for students to gain unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to venues like Capitol Hill and interact directly with policymakers.
6. HCUS Young Global Leaders Winter Camp
Location: Harvard University (Academic sessions held on campus)
Cost: $4,650
Dates: Cohort 1: January 4 - 11; Cohort 2: January 11 - 18
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: Students in grades 8 through 12
The Harvard College Union Society (HCUS) Young Global Leaders Winter Camp is a week-long, immersive program for high school students (Grades 8-12) focused on developing essential leadership and global citizenship skills. The curriculum covers topics like strategic leadership, ethical decision-making, global issues, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. You engage in hands-on activities such as developing a plan to solve global challenges (Group Work), participating in workshops on Public Speaking and Communication, and attending a College Admissions Mentor Panel led by current Harvard undergraduate students. Through the experience, you develop critical thinking, public speaking, collaboration, and project management skills.
7. Harvard Model Congress (HMC) Boston
Location: Downtown Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Cost: Delegate Fee: Varies, typically in the range of $150 - $200+ per student
Dates: February 19 – 22
Application Deadline: No information available
Eligibility: All high school students
Harvard Model Congress (HMC) Boston provides an immersive, four-day opportunity for students to experience the American legislative and executive processes firsthand by portraying real governmental figures in simulated bodies like the House, Senate, and Special Programs (e.g., Presidential Cabinet or Supreme Court). You engage with complex real-world topics ranging from domestic issues like healthcare, climate change, and education, to international challenges like the U.S.-China relations and cyber threats. Key activities include writing bills/resolutions, debating in committee sessions, caucusing to form alliances, and participating in full chamber sessions to vote on legislation. You develop crucial skills in public speaking, negotiation, research, critical thinking, and collaborative leadership.
8. MREACH - Michigan Ross Enriching Academics in Collaboration with High Schools
Location: Michigan Ross campus
Cost: None
Dates: August - March on select Saturdays
Application Deadline: July 15
Eligibility: High school students who reside in Southeast Michigan | Must be in 10th- or 11th-grade by the program’s start | Minimum GPA 2.5
The Michigan Ross MREACH program offers high school students ongoing exposure to business education through regular sessions at the Ann Arbor campus, focusing on core concepts like business communication, leadership, and career planning. These sessions include faculty-led seminars, mentorship from university students, interactive workshops, and opportunities to engage with industry professionals and university resources. The program aims to prepare you for college applications, financial aid, and standardized tests, while providing hands-on activities and insights into the academic and professional expectations of a business education. You also benefit from college visits, networking with business leaders, and personal development activities.
9. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) High School Business Internship
Location: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (WA); some virtual roles offered
Stipend: Paid, amount unspecified
Dates: August – May (school-year internship)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors | Must attend a partnering local high school (Tri-Cities, WA) and be able to attend in-person | U.S. work eligibility required
The PNNL High School Business Internship offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience in business operations within a major national research laboratory while balancing their academic classes during the school year. You typically spend up to four hours each weekday working alongside mentors in PNNL’s business and administrative departments. Your duties may include financial research, operational support, communications assistance, and contributing to lab demonstrations, providing a well-rounded exposure to business functions. The program emphasizes workplace readiness and technical skills development, supplemented by leadership activities, career workshops, and networking opportunities. Additionally, students can earn elective credits through their school’s work-based learning programs.
10. UC San Diego’s Ocean Literacy, Climate, and Conservation Leadership Course
Location: Virtual sessions along with in-person sessions at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, CA
Cost: None
Dates: Cohort I: February 10 – March 22 | Cohort II: March 24 – May 3
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students between grades 9 – 12 who are at least 14 years old
The Ocean Literacy, Climate, and Conservation Leadership course explores the relationship between ocean systems, climate change, and human well-being. You’ll participate in four in-person Saturday workshops at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, along with live online sessions. The program blends virtual learning with hands-on field instruction using tools like ArcGIS, scientific diving equipment, and remote sensing technologies. It focuses on developing scientific knowledge, environmental leadership, and stewardship skills. After completing the course, you become eligible to apply for the selective Conservation Leadership Dive Program for advanced marine conservation research.
11. Georgetown University’s Becoming a Leader: Motivate, Inspire, and Persuade
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,895 (Enrichment course); $3,995 (College credit course); need-based scholarships are available
Dates: Available year-round in 3 formats: 1-week intensives, 2-week sessions, and 4-week sessions
Application Deadline: One week before the program start date
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and above
This program’s curriculum covers identifying different leadership styles, understanding conflict resolution and bias in decision-making, exploring motivation techniques, and reviewing the dynamics of power and persuasion (including the seven principles of persuasion). You will engage in activities like analyzing real-life leadership scenarios, receiving guidance from a dedicated mentor, and completing a significant Final Capstone Project, which is a four- to five-minute campaign presentation to motivate an audience to action on a passionate topic. A unique feature is the flexible, 100% online format using dynamic video lessons from Georgetown faculty, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
12. Lead4Change Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Dates: Flexible; educators can begin anytime during the school year
Application Deadline: Rolling basis throughout the year
Eligibility: All high school students
The Lead4Change Student Leadership Program is a free, curriculum-based service-learning initiative designed for middle and high school students to develop practical leadership skills. The program covers topics like self-awareness, problem-solving, teamwork, goal-setting, and effective project management through a structured leadership framework. You will engage in activities such as identifying a community need, creating an action plan for a service project, partnering with a non-profit, and finally executing and documenting your project for measurable impact. A unique feature is the Lead4Change Challenge, an optional competition where student teams can win grants of up to $10,000 for their school or charity. By participating, you develop essential skills like leadership, adaptability, and communication.
13. Georgetown University’s Pre-College Online Program in Entrepreneurship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,895 (Enrichment course); $3,995 (College credit course); need-based scholarships are available
Dates: Available year-round in 3 formats: 1-week intensives, 2-week sessions, and 4-week sessions
Application Deadline: One week before the program start date
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and above
Georgetown University’s Becoming an Entrepreneur: An Inside Look at Innovation program helps high school students understand how to turn ideas into viable businesses. You’ll learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, including how to spot market gaps, build connections, and explore funding options. The course examines business models, effective pitching strategies, and the role of failure in growth. It concludes with a Capstone Project, where you’ll develop and present a video pitch describing your business idea, audience, value proposition, and revenue plan.
14. More Spark! – Colorado State University Institute for Entrepreneurship
Location: Virtual (hosted by CSU’s Institute for Entrepreneurship)
Cost: None
Dates: Offered in multiple sessions throughout the year; includes a December session with pitch practice
Application Deadline: Registration typically opens in early fall; deadline not specified
Eligibility: High school students, educators, and school clubs who have previously completed Spark! or Venture Validator
More Spark! is a free, virtual program designed to help middle and high school students refine their entrepreneurial ideas and transform them into actionable ventures. It covers topics such as the Business Model Canvas, marketing strategies, and project management. You learn directly from CSU’s Venture Development Specialists and undergraduate mentors, and gain access to exclusive entrepreneurship events hosted by the College of Business. A key feature is the Venture Rams Showcase, where students present their ideas to a wider audience. Additionally, the Spark! Pitch Practice session prepares participants to pitch for potential seed funding from OtterCares, providing real-world opportunities to launch their ventures.
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