25 Summer Leadership Programs for High School Students in 2026
What’s Covered:
- 25 Summer Leadership Programs for High School Students
- How Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
When admitting students, colleges look for applicants with drive, passion, and strong leadership skills. If you’re looking for a summer experience where you’ll gain valuable skills and become a better leader, look no further than this article. The lessons you learn at a summer leadership program are skills that you can apply at school and beyond.
25 Summer Leadership Programs for High School Students
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Dates: N/A
Location: Varies
Application Deadline: March 9
Cost: Free
The Bank of America Student Leaders program prepares a diverse group of community-minded young people for success in the workforce through leadership training. While employed in paid internships, high schoolers gain real-world experience working with nonprofits such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity.
Participants leave the program with an up-close look at how nonprofits, governments, and businesses collaborate to meet local needs, as well as the skills needed to bring about positive change. The program includes an in-person summit in Washington, D.C., where students will come together and continue developing their skills.
Students are expected to commit to 35 hours a week over six weeks to participate in this program.
2. University of Notre Dame Leadership Seminars
Dates: July 18 – 29
Location: University of Notre Dame
Application Deadline: January 21
Cost: $225 (a $75 application fee and a $150 enrollment fee upon acceptance)
The University of Notre Dame hosts a competitive summer leadership seminar for high school juniors—only about 150 students are admitted annually. During the program, students will gain an introduction to collegiate academics, develop a commitment to community service, and explore college life, developing stronger leadership skills and gaining insight into higher education.
To apply, students must submit a comprehensive online application that includes their transcript, a counselor report, and one letter of recommendation from a teacher, with the option to submit standardized test scores as well.
The university covers the cost of tuition for the program, housing, and meals.
3. Sadie Nash Leadership Project Summer Institute
Dates: July 16 – August 13
Location:
- New York City, NY
- Newark, NJ
Application Deadline: March 13
Cost: Free
The Sadie Nash Leadership Project Summer Institute is a special leadership program for women and gender-expansive high school students who want to learn more about diversity and inclusion related to leadership.
The program is six weeks long, and students go on field trips, participate in workshops, and listen to guest speakers and leaders around the greater NYC area.
4. University of Pennsylvania Wharton School | Leadership in the Business World
Dates:
- Session 1: June 7 – 27
- Session 2: June 28 – July 18
- Session 3: July 19 – August 8
Location: University of Pennsylvania
Application Deadline: March 18
Cost: $11,899
The University of Pennsylvania’s business leadership program is among the most reputable and selective programs in the country. Offered to high school juniors, the program teaches business fundamentals and leadership through modules on negotiation, organizational strategy, business models, and management.
During the 20-day program, students will attend a multitude of lectures from esteemed faculty, conduct research and speak with business leaders, and participate in a variety of simulations and field trips, all while staying on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus.
5. Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute
Dates: Varies
Location: Indiana University and online
Application Deadline: Varies
Cost: Free
The Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute at IU is sponsored through the IU Kelley School of Business. This program explores business careers and the college experience. During the programs, students participate in workshops, interact with Kelley alumni and staff, explore a business case project, and build valuable leadership and communication skills.
6. Yale Young Global Scholars
Dates:
- Session 1: June 21 – July 3
- Session 2: July 5 – 17
- Session 3: July 19 – 31
Location: Yale University
Application Deadline: January 7
Cost: $7,000
The Yale Young Global Scholars program is a competitive summer experience for current high school sophomores or juniors. YYGS offers sessions covering topics such as politics, STEM, and solving global challenges. During the program, students attend lectures and discussions as well as work on an overarching capstone project culminating in a final student showcase.
7. Mercy University | Summer Leadership Academy
Dates:
- Session 1: July 5 – 11
- Session 2: July 19 – 25
- Session 3: August 2 – 8
Location: Mercy University
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $695
The Mercy University Summer Leadership program is an intensive one-week session for rising high school seniors interested in learning about careers in management and business. Admissions are selective, and students must have a cumulative, weighted GPA of 90 or higher to apply.
Throughout the program, students learn about successful team building, professional development, and explore a variety of careers while staying on campus. Students even visit different companies in NYC during the program.
8. Bella Abzug Leadership Institute Summer Program
Dates:
- Session 1: June 29 – July 10
- Session 2: July 13 – 24
- Session 3: July 27 – August 7
Location: Bella Abzug Leadership Institute
Application Deadline: May 1
Cost: Free
The Bella Abzug Leadership Institute is an institute for female-identifying, LGBTQI, and gender-expansive youth aged 13 to 21. During the program, participants will meet female leaders, learn the skills needed to win debates and influence audiences, and participate in a series of leadership-building workshops.
Priority admission is reserved for youth coming from underserved schools or areas.
9. Lott Leadership Institute at the University of Mississippi
Dates:
- Session 1: May 24 – June 25
- Session 2: June 21 – July 23
Location: University of Mississippi
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $1,550
The Lott Leadership Program is a competitive, month-long summer program for rising seniors. Students participate in debates about current events, explore careers in the federal government, and learn skills to become more effective leaders in their high schools.
During the program, students will take two courses, participate in a service project, and visit Washington, D.C., meeting with leaders in politics and the nonprofit sector. To apply, students must be nominated by their school. Applicants are selected based on their interest in public service and community service, as well as their academic achievement.
10. Brown University Pre-College Leadership Institute
Dates:
- On-campus session 1: June 21 – July 2
- On-campus session 2: July 12 – 24
- Online: June 22 – July 17
Location: Brown University
Application Deadline: May 8
Cost: $4,748 – $6,052
The Brown Leadership Institute is a highly selective two-week in-person program or four-week online program for 9th- through 12th-grade students who want to learn how to become empowered leaders in their communities.
Students explore topics such as social movements, educational equality, restorative justice, and activism. Students in the in-person section experience college life through additional activities, like playing soccer on the green or attending a campus block party.
11. Global Leadership Adventures
Dates: Varies
Location: Varies
Application Deadline: Programs fill on a first-come, first-served basis
Cost: $2,899 – $6,599
Designed for students ages 14 to 18, Global Leadership Adventures (GLA) is a program for student travelers who want to learn to become global leaders through international cultural travel and immersion in a foreign country of their choosing. During GLA’s programs, students gain leadership skills through language learning and volunteering in a foreign country.
Students can choose from a wide variety of global programs, each of which will let them engage in service learning and adventure. Students can apply online at any point during the application window. However, most programs reach capacity by March.
12. Subiendo: The Academy for Rising Leaders
Dates: June 14 – 18
Location: University of Texas at Austin
Application Deadline: January 31
Cost: Free
Subiendo is a competitive program hosted by UT Austin for high school juniors. The program introduces students to the well-regarded McCombs School of Business through leadership seminars, case studies, campus visits, and tours with current students.
During the program, students stay on campus and all educational, food, and boarding costs will be covered by the University.
13. Barnard College NextGen Leadership Institute
Dates:
- Session 1: June 29 – July 17
- Session 2: July 20 – August 7
Location: Barnard College
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $8,160 – $10,171
The Barnard College NextGen Leadership Institute helps develop female leaders by dividing students into interest-based “tracks” and having them complete small group projects throughout the program. Open to all rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, participants can choose one of four tracks:
- STEMinist
- Writing and Literature
- Global Humanities
- Leadership in Action
14. Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project | Los Angeles Institute
Dates: June 27
Location: California State University, Los Angeles
Application Deadline: March 8
Cost: Free
The Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project hosts a summer leadership program for sophomores and juniors from Los Angeles County enrolled in a California high school. Just 50 participants are selected each year to network with leaders in education, business, and political roles—helping them better understand the role of public service in society.
Students also learn about college and post-high school opportunities during the program.
15. Tufts Leadership for Social Change
Dates: July 5 – 17
Location: Tufts University and online
Application Deadline: May 1
Cost: $5,750
Open to rising juniors, seniors, and recent high school graduates, the Tufts Leadership for Social Change pre-college program offers students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills. Participants discuss issues including educational inequities, environmental justice, public policy, and more.
Students receive a single Tufts credit upon completion of the program. Social activities are a major part of the program, enabling students to make friends with a shared passion for social change.
16. MIT Leadership Training Institute
Dates: February – May
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
MIT offers its Leadership Training Institute annually over 12 Sundays in the spring. Students are separated into small groups led by Leadership Development Mentors. Participants reflect on what it means to be a leader before embarking on a large-scale community service project tackling a problem in the community. The program culminates in a final presentation of each student’s project.
17. FBI NAA Youth Leadership Program
Dates: July 9 – 17
Location: Quantico, Virginia
Application Deadline: February 2
Cost: Free
This Youth Leadership Program is an eight-day intensive program during which students engage in extensive coursework and instruction focused on the issues facing today’s youth and their talents. The program is offered to high school sophomores or juniors. Just 62 students are selected annually to participate.
18. West Point Summer Leaders Experience
Dates:
- Session 1: May 30 – June 3
- Session 2: June 5 – 9
- Session 3: June 11 – 15
Location: United States Military Academy, West Point
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost: $495
The Summer Leaders Experience at West Point is offered to rising high school seniors. The program provides students insight into the lives of cadets in the U.S. Military Academy. Students receive mentorship from current West Point cadets to develop their leadership skills through problem-solving and team-building challenges, academics, and tests of athletic caliber.
19. Economics for Leaders
Dates: Varies
Location: Varies
Application Deadline: Varies
Cost: $2,800
The Foundation for Teaching Economics offers leadership seminars to high school sophomores and juniors at some of the nation’s most prestigious colleges. Over the course of a week, students will learn the basics of economics, engage in leadership exercises, and take on various challenges. The program’s goal is to inform students about various concepts in the global economy and to help them develop new leadership skills.
20. Fordham Summer Leaders Academy
Dates:
- Session 1: June 21 – 27
- Session 2: July 5 – 17
- Session 3: July 19 – 31
Location: Fordham University
Application Deadline: Varies
Cost: $1,418 – $6,173
This summer leadership program blends academic coursework, college preparation, career exploration, and activities outside of the classroom, such as excursions in New York City. Participants will develop their leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills and gain firsthand experience with the Jesuit tradition of educating people so they can contribute to the future well-being of the world.
The program is open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
21. Boston Leadership Institute
Dates: Varies
Location: Boston, MA
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $699 – $2,097
The Boston Leadership Institute offers a variety of programs ranging from week-long dives into single subjects to three-week research projects in fields including:
- Science
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Business
Students can participate in the programs as either residents or commuters.
22. Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership High School Leaders Program (HSLP)
Dates: July 11 – 25
Location: University of Virginia
Application Deadline: March 16
Cost: $3,700 – $4,100
This program for Virginia high schoolers aims to prepare them for civic leadership and public service. Students connect with other leaders and peers, promote civic engagement, and develop the skills needed to become effective advocates in their communities.
Participants spend the majority of their time during this two-week program on the University of Virginia’s Charlottesville campus, living and learning like a college student.
23. Indiana University Rising Leaders Program
Dates: June 21 – 25
Location: Indiana University Bloomington
Application Deadline: March 1
Cost: Free
Rising high school juniors who understand the impact they can have on society—and who are interested in learning how to find their voice and use it for the greater good—will want to check out this summer program.
Participants build their leadership and communication skills while exploring academic programs, internships, and career opportunities in this free residential summer program.
24. Maryland Leadership Workshops Senior High Workshop (SHW)
Dates: July 19 – 24
Location: Washington College
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $1,250
Participants in this program enjoy an immersive college experience. Students live in college housing and eat in dining halls while learning about everything from leadership styles to advocacy to conflict management.
The program is open to high schoolers in grades 9 through 12.
25. Ronald Reagan Great American Leadership Program
Dates:
- Session 1: June 14 – 17
- Session 2: June 28 – July 1
- Session 3: July 13 – 16
Location: Pepperdine University and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: N/A
This program fosters tomorrow’s leaders by engaging with the history and values of Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. Students will build foundational leadership skills and put them into practice, interacting and collaborating with their peers. The program culminates with the creation of a Leadership Action Plan, a roadmap designed to foster positive change within the community.
How Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
Summer programs can be a great way to boost your chances of college admission. Generally, the best programs to attend are free and selective. There are four tiers of extracurricular activities that colleges consider when reviewing applicants’ activities.
Tier 1 and 2 activities are the most impressive as they represent the most unique and impactful activities, such as being a highly recruited athlete or an award-winning science fair competitor.
Tier 3 and 4 activities generally include more common extracurriculars, such as holding school leadership positions or being on a debate team. Selective summer programs often fall into Tiers 3 and 4, but extremely selective programs can sometimes be considered Tier 1 or 2 programs.
Are you curious about how a summer leadership program might affect your chances of college admission? Using our free chancing calculator, you can estimate your odds of getting into hundreds of colleges and universities! This innovative tool can help you calculate your chances of admission using your test scores, extracurricular activities, GPA, and more.
