15 Leadership Camps for High School Students

When in high school, boosting your leadership skills can prepare you for what comes next in your personal life, as well as in academics and career, and a leadership camp helps you do just that! Leadership camps are designed to blend learning, collaboration, and exploration in a way that traditional classes rarely can, offering practical, well-rounded ways for you to step outside your comfort zone. At camp, you will spend a few days or a week pitching ideas in a mock boardroom, analyzing business trends with university faculty, or working with a team on leadership challenges. Many of these camps even mirror college life, offering campus housing, faculty-led workshops, and networking events, but without the steep costs that often come with university-based pre-college programs. 

How are camps different from other programs in high school?

Camps are designed to be short, concentrated bursts of learning, unlike semester-long courses or intensive pre-college programs. Camps are designed to focus less on heavy, school-focused, theory-based curriculum and more on application-based experiences. So, as a participant, you won’t just join lectures; instead, you will participate in team projects, simulations, workshops, and other activities that challenge how you think and collaborate. The goal is to help you explore leadership through doing, rather than memorizing. 

To help you explore the options available, we have listed 15 leadership camps for high school students. We have focused on options that offer hands-on learning, professional insights, and a glimpse into the world beyond high school.

1. The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region Leadership Development Camp

Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, CA

Stipend: TBA; paid or course credit-based opportunities available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 40 students per year

Dates: June 2 – August 8 | June 16 – August 22

Application Deadline: March 31

Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students who are at least 16 years old

The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region LDC is a five-day residential program that helps high school and college students in LA strengthen their leadership and communication abilities. You will engage in structured workshops and group activities designed by Red Cross youth and staff members, focusing on teamwork, cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, and public speaking. Throughout the week, you will work alongside peers in small groups to complete challenges focused on collaboration and service, reflecting the Red Cross mission of empowering youth to create positive change. The camp’s environment focuses on helping you build confidence and resilience and explore different leadership styles while building lasting connections.

2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote

Cost: Varies by program type, financial aid available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Dates: Vary by cohort, offered in summer, fall, winter, or spring, running from 12 weeks to one year

Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort

Eligibility: High school students with strong academic achievement

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week mentored research opportunity where high school students work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor to complete an independent research project. You can choose a field of interest such as psychology, economics, computer science, or international relations (among other tracks) and receive expert guidance at every stage—from framing your research question to conducting analysis and writing your final paper. You will spend the course of the program managing your own research timeline and engaging deeply with your chosen topic. In the process, you will gain a clearer sense of how professional research operates in real-world contexts. Upon completion, you will have a research paper that you can use for future academic pursuits.

3. FBI National Academy Associates Youth Leadership Program

Location: FBI Academy, Quantico, VA

Cost: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: 62 students annually

Dates: June 19 – 27

Application deadline: February 3; applications are available from November 29.

Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (ages 14-16 as of the program start date)

Held at the FBI Academy in Quantico, the FBI National Academy Associates Youth Leadership Program is an eight-day residential experience designed for academically strong and community-minded high school sophomores and juniors. This tuition-free camp-like program combines classroom instruction with practical leadership training. You will take courses on ethics, decision-making, crisis management, and situational leadership under the guidance of experienced law enforcement professionals. Physical fitness sessions, safety demonstrations, and field excursions to Washington, D.C. landmarks add a hands-on dimension to the curriculum. 

4. Immerse Education’s Career Insights Pathway

Location: Various sites, including London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo

Cost: Varies according to program; financial aid available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Dates: Two weeks during the summer

Application deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions

Eligibility: High school students ages 15–18

Immerse Education’s Career Insights Pathway introduces high school students to professional industries through experiential learning in major global cities. Over the course of the two-week program, you will participate in interactive workshops, company visits, and hands-on projects that simulate real-world workplace settings. Industry mentors and professionals provide feedback and career advice as you explore sectors like business, journalism, medicine, law, or engineering. Weekly one-on-one coaching sessions will help you refine your goals and build confidence in presenting your work. The program concludes with a final presentation where you will share your findings and experiences with peers and professionals. You can find more details about the application here!

5. Norwich University’s Future Leader Camp

Location: Norwich University, Northfield, VT

Cost: TBA; the cost typically includes uniforms, room and meals, and all activities + $300 non-refundable deposit.

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by year

Dates: Three nine-day sessions in June, July, and August

Application deadline: Not specified

Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; high school graduates can apply if they have been accepted at and committed to attending Norwich University.

Norwich University’s Future Leader Camp is a nine-day immersive program designed for high school students who want to challenge themselves physically and mentally while developing leadership and teamwork skills. The camp follows a military-style structure, with mornings dedicated to physical training and days filled with field exercises, map reading, rock climbing, and rappelling. Evening sessions will introduce key leadership principles, including communication, decision-making, and problem-solving. You will experience firsthand what it’s like to live and train as part of a team, guided by Norwich cadets and professional mentors. The program culminates in a series of team competitions and a graduation ceremony to recognize your progress. 

6. UW-Whitewater Business and Leadership Camp

Location: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI

Cost: Resident: $575, Commuter: $425, financial assistance available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Dates: July 14–18

Application deadline: July 4

Eligibility: High school-aged students and incoming college freshmen, ages 14–19

The Business and Leadership Camp is a five-day residential program for high school students interested in entrepreneurship, marketing, and management. The camp combines classroom instruction with interactive workshops and competitions, providing you with a hands-on introduction to business fundamentals. You will learn about resume-building, pitching, and digital marketing while working in teams to develop and present business ideas. Guided by UW-Whitewater faculty and student mentors, you will work on your teamwork, communication, and leadership abilities. The experience concludes with a business case competition and awards ceremony where campers present their projects to faculty and guests. Alongside academic learning, the camp offers a glimpse into college life through campus tours, dining hall experiences, and residence hall stays.

7. CU Boulder Business Leadership Program

Location: University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO

Cost: Free

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified 

Dates: June 21 – 27

Application deadline: March 30

Eligibility: Current high school juniors and incoming Leeds School of Business first-year students (starting the Fall semester)

The Business Leadership Program at the University of Colorado Boulder is a week-long camp-like experience designed to introduce high school students to collaborative business problem-solving. Working within a team, you will take on a real-world case challenge developed by corporate partners such as Deloitte and KeyBank. Under the guidance of Leeds School of Business faculty, you will learn how to design and present a marketing campaign while developing skills in leadership, communication, and strategic thinking. This leadership camp for high school students includes mentorship sessions with business professionals and hands-on workshops that simulate college-level business coursework. At the end of the week, each team will present its proposal to a panel of judges, with the top group earning a $1,000 scholarship to Leeds School of Business.

8. EUREKA! Leadership Camps: Counselor in Training (CIT) Program

Location: EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum, Grand Junction, CO

Cost: $50 for camp members, $60 for non-members

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Dates: Multiple two-week camps between June and August

Application deadline: Varies by camp

Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10 –12

The CIT Program, offered by the EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum, is a two-week hands-on experience for high school students interested in leadership, teaching, and working with children. Under the mentorship of instructors, you will help the museum run science-based day camps for younger students, gaining practical experience in communication, teamwork, and classroom management. Each session has a specific leadership focus, ranging from lesson planning and effective teaching to safety management and behavioral guidance. You will explore different leadership styles, practice teaching methods, and learn how to engage students in STEM activities. For many participants, the CIT experience also serves as a way to secure future paid internships at EUREKA! and other community-based youth programs.

9. UT Austin’s Subiendo Academy

Location: McCombs School of Business at UT Austin, Austin, TXCost: FreeAcceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Dates: June 14 – 18

Application deadline: January 31

Eligibility: High school juniors in Texas

Subiendo Academy is a five-day summer program hosted at the University of Texas at Austin. The experience focuses on leadership and public policy, challenging you to examine pressing issues in healthcare, education, and environmental policy. Working in a team, you will research, develop, and present policy proposals to community and industry leaders. The program incorporates communication and leadership workshops, mentoring sessions, and networking opportunities with professionals from business, government, and academia. You will also gain insight into college life through on-campus housing and activities, with guidance from university students and faculty. 

10. 21st Century Leaders EarthCare

Location: Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, GA

Cost: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 85 students per year

Dates: June 8 to 13

Application deadline: March 1

Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in Georgia

EarthCare: The Leadership Challenge for the 21st Century is a week-long residential program hosted at Georgia College & State University for high school students interested in environmental science and sustainability. Before the summer session, you will attend an in-person orientation in April to connect with peers and learn about 21st Century Leaders’ broader initiatives. Supported by Georgia Power, the leadership camp integrates STEM learning with leadership development through workshops, industry site visits, and team projects focused on sustainability challenges. Here, you will engage directly with business leaders, environmental experts, and fellow students to explore how science and leadership intersect in addressing real-world problems. The on-campus format will offer a college-like experience while helping you develop collaboration and communication skills. 

11. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute NextGen Latino Leadership Program

Location: Washington, D.C.

Cost: Free

Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~20% students selected each year

Dates: June 7 – 13 | June 21 – 27 

Application deadline: January 16

Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th graders residing in one of the 50 states, Washington, D.C., or Puerto Rico; preference is given to students with financial need.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s NextGen Latino Leadership Program is a fully funded, week-long leadership experience in Washington, D.C. You will explore civic engagement, public policy, and community leadership through workshops, Capitol Hill visits, and discussions with Members of Congress and national Latino leaders. You will learn about the legislative process, visit historic sites and museums, and gain firsthand exposure to how government functions. CHCI alumni and professionals also serve as mentors, offering you guidance that extends beyond the program. Upon completion, you will join the CHCI Alumni Association.

12. Marian University Leadership Institute

Location: Marian University, Indianapolis, IN

Cost: $295 with scholarships available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified 

Dates: June 23 – 27

Application deadline: Not specified 

Eligibility: Current high school students 

Marian University’s Klipsch Educators College offers a week-long camp, the Leadership Institute, that is designed for high school students interested in taking up leadership roles in their schools or communities. The camp focuses on practical, hands-on learning across areas like communication, team building, conflict resolution, and inclusive leadership. You will select from a range of workshops to personalize your experience, taking on roles such as peer mentors, student organization leaders, or section leaders in the arts. Guided by professional educators and college mentors, you will learn how to lead with empathy, manage change effectively, and motivate others through collaboration and problem-solving. You will also learn about leadership styles and instructional techniques at camp.

13. Mercy University’s Summer Leadership Academy

Location: Mercy University Westchester Campus, Dobbs Ferry, NY

Cost: $695

Acceptance rate/cohort size: 46 students/session (~140 students across three sessions)

Dates: July 5 – 11 | July 19 – 25 | August 2 – 8

Application deadline: Rolling 

Eligibility: High school juniors with a cumulative weighted GPA of 90 or higher and demonstrated leadership skills

Mercy University’s Summer Leadership Academy offers rising high school seniors an in-depth look into leadership and business through a week of immersive learning in New York City. Throughout the program, you will participate in themed sessions on entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and accounting while engaging in team-building exercises like a Shark Tank-style competition. Each day combines professional development with experiential learning, from personal branding workshops and communication challenges to company visits at global organizations such as Google, Disney, and Microsoft. The leadership camp for high school students also includes reflective activities that can help you identify your strengths and align them with your career goals. At the end of the week, you will showcase your learning through presentations and a leadership panel, concluding the program with a graduation ceremony.

14. Kansas State’s Leadership & Auxiliary Camp

Location: Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

Cost: Resident campers: $500, Non-resident campers: $325, Optional non-resident meal card: $125

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified

Dates: July 12 to 15

Application deadline: Not specified

Eligibility: Students in grades 8 to 11

Kansas State University’s Leadership & Auxiliary Camp brings together high school students from across the region for four days of leadership and performance training centered around the marching arts. Designed for drum majors, section leaders, percussionists, color guard members, and dance team participants, the camp focuses on conducting techniques, ensemble coordination, and performance leadership. You will take part in sectional rehearsals, full ensemble practices, and workshops on communication and teamwork led by K-State faculty and members of the university’s marching band. Each day combines music instruction with leadership development, culminating in a final showcase performance that will allow you to demonstrate what you have learned.

15. University of Notre Dame Leadership Seminars

Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN

Cost: $210

Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~150 students 

Dates: July 18 – 29

Application deadline: January 21

Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are planning to attend college immediately after high school, who will be at least 16 years old by or on August 1, and have demonstrated leadership abilities in school, church, community, and/or social organizations.

The University of Notre Dame Leadership Seminars is a fully funded 10-day residential program for academically strong high school students who show leadership potential. Limited to around 150 participants, the program encourages deep discussion and critical thinking through seminar-style courses led by Notre Dame faculty. Topics range from global peace and social inequality to financial literacy and data innovation, allowing you to explore how leadership intersects with complex societal issues. You will engage in debates, research projects, and collaborative workshops designed to refine analytical and communication skills. You will live in residence halls, interact with current students, and earn one transferable college credit upon completion.

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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