15 Leadership Opportunities for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Sep 10
- 8 min read
Updated: Sep 11
If you are in middle school and want to start building your leadership skills early, there are several opportunities you can explore. These can include programs, internships, courses, bootcamps, or competitions. They give you a chance to learn in ways that go beyond your school classes, such as exposure to advanced academics, practical life skills, and sometimes even an introduction to industries and professional spaces.
Leadership opportunities at this stage are not only about preparing for future careers, but also about helping you understand how to work with teams, manage responsibilities, and communicate effectively. Many of these options are more cost-effective, making them a good choice if you want solid experiences early on without a huge expense.
To make things easier, we’ve narrowed down a list of 15 leadership opportunities for middle school students!
15 Leadership Opportunities for Middle School Students
Location: American University and University of California, Berkeley
Cost: Varies by program
Program Dates: Varies by the program. Typically June - July
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students currently in Grades 6 - 8
The National Student Leadership Conference Middle School Summer Programs use leadership as the foundation of every experience. You choose one focus from Art & Design, Business, Engineering, Medicine & Health Care, or Government & Law, but every program includes a full leadership curriculum. You take part in workshops on goal-setting, communication, listening, empathy, and personality styles. You live on a college campus, work with students from different places, and participate in career simulations and site visits. You learn how to lead in teams, speak clearly, and understand others.
Location: Boston, Atlanta, San Francisco, or Washington, D.C.
Cost: Residential: $3,199 - $3,299 | Day: $2,699 - $2,799
Program Dates: June - July, varies based on location
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students entering 7th - 8th grade
The Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC) is a six-day program where you study leadership through history, civic engagement, and group work. You take part in workshops, simulations, and projects that focus on communication, decision-making, and problem-solving. You write a leadership mission statement and participate in activities like the Roots of Leadership seminar, the Facing the Music simulation, and the Peace Patch Protest. You also work with other students to create a Public Service Announcement.
Location: Over 800 locations nationwide
Cost: Starting at $175, varies by location
Program Dates: Varies by location
Application Deadline: Register via the site
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–9, depending on the location
The Leaders-in-Training (LIT) Program at Camp Invention is a one-week experience for middle school students in grades 7–9. You support younger campers in grades K–6 during STEM activities while building your leadership skills. You receive training from staff and learn from National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees. You help lead small groups, assist with hands-on challenges, and guide campers through daily tasks. You practice communication, teamwork, and goal-setting while working alongside counselors.
Location: Cispus Learning Center, Randle, Washington
Cost: AWSL Member School: $405; Non-Member School: $455
Program Dates: Chinook Camp: August 5-8; Columbia Camp: August 9-12; Cascade Camp: August 13-16
Application Deadline: Space is limited, early sign-up recommended
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7–9
The Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) Summer Programs are designed to help you build leadership skills before the school year begins. You take part in workshops and activities focused on communication, teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving. You learn strategies to support a positive school climate. Each camp has its schedule and traditions, but all include group challenges, outdoor activities, and reflection sessions. You practice leadership in real situations and return to school with skills you can use in classes, clubs, and other activities.
Location: Black Diamond Camp, Auburn, WA
Cost: $200
Program Dates: July 7 - July 11
Application Deadline: May 10
Eligibility: Asian American middle and high school students
The Youth Summer Leadership Institute, hosted by the Korean Community Service Center, is a five-day program for Asian American middle and high school students. You take part in team-building activities, presentations, and games that focus on communication, problem-solving, and advocacy. You receive mentorship from staff and work with other students in small groups. You learn leadership skills through hands-on activities and community engagement. The program includes 15 middle school and 15 high school students, creating a small group setting.
Location: Online
Cost: $700
Program Dates: Winter: January 15 - March 19; Summer: June 11 - August 13
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 - 10
The Leadership Intensive series from Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development is an online program for students in grades 7–11. You study leadership by examining your strengths, learning from professionals, and working with other students. You take part in weekly live classes and complete independent assignments. You practice communication, collaboration, and goal-setting. You reflect on leadership traits and build skills for school and community involvement.
Location: Greater Boston, MA
Cost: $615 - $825
Program Dates: June 16 to August 8
Application Deadline: Registration is open until the day before each session, but most weeks fill months in advance
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 6–12, with age-appropriate groupings and advanced tracks for grades 9–12.
The Summer Institute in Global Leadership, hosted by the United Nations Association of Greater Boston (UNAGB), offers week-long Model UN programs for students in grades 6–12. You take on the role of a diplomat to debate global issues, practice negotiation, and draft solutions. Each week focuses on a different topic, such as global health, human rights, or climate change. You participate in public speaking activities, team projects, and workshops led by staff and guest speakers.
Location: San Francisco, CA
Cost: $300 education stipend
Program Dates: June 17 - August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 6–8 who attend San Francisco public middle schools.
The Urban Trailblazers (UTB) program is a free six-week summer experience for middle school students in San Francisco public schools. You explore leadership through outdoor activities, environmental education, and teamwork, and take part in restoration projects, workshops, and field trips to local, state, and national parks. You participate in overnight camping trips at Rob Hill Campground and a National Park. You work in small groups, learn about environmental issues, and practice leadership through hands-on experiences.
Location: Arizona State University
Cost: $350
Program Dates: multiple 4-day sessions from May 27 - July 25
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to students ages 12–18, entering grades 7–12
The Logic, Leadership & Life Skills program at Arizona State University is a four-day summer camp for students ages 12–18. You work with certified teen life coaches to set goals, practice communication, and build leadership skills. You attend live workshops, join small group mentorship sessions, and complete a 20-hour professional development curriculum. You receive a Leadership Training Certificate and printed materials. The final day includes a Family Night Award Ceremony.
Location: Online
Cost: $30
Program Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Enrollment is open year-round; students can purchase and begin the course at any time
Eligibility: Open to middle school students in grades 6 - 8
The Lead Like a President course from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation is an online leadership program for middle and high school students. You study three core leadership principles: face-to-face diplomacy, bold decision-making, and thoughtful restraint. Each lesson uses examples from President Ronald Reagan’s leadership to show how communication, patience, and confidence work together. You reflect on your leadership style and learn how to apply these skills in school and other activities.
Location: Metro Atlanta
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Year-round, including summer sessions
Application Deadline: Enrollment is managed through each participating school, with timelines and processes that vary.
Eligibility: Open to Latino students in grades 6–12
The Latino Youth Leadership Academy is a year-round program for Latino middle and high school students in five metro Atlanta schools. You take part in after-school and summer sessions that include academic support, leadership development, cultural enrichment, physical education, and digital literacy. You also receive test prep, mentorship, and attend field trips to colleges and workplaces. Parent involvement is a key part of the program, with Parent Advisory Committees offering feedback, joining workshops, and participating in a yearly Latino Youth Leadership Conference.
Location: Kent Place School, Summit, New Jersey
Cost: Rising 6th graders: $965 | Rising 7th - 8th graders: $1,890
Program Dates: Rising 6th graders: June 23 - June 27 | Rising 7th - 8th graders: July 7 - July 18
Application Deadline: Enrollment is first-come, first-served
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6 - 8
The Girls Leadership Institute Middle program offers two summer institutes for students entering grades 6–8. You build leadership skills through self-assessments, journaling, and communication workshops. You take part in public speaking exercises, ethical decision-making activities, and service projects like volunteering at a food bank. You work in small groups to explore empathy, cultural awareness, and community responsibility. You are paired with high school mentors and adult role models who guide you through the program. You also complete a high-element ropes course and create a personal action plan to apply what you’ve learned in your community.
Location: Carlsbad, California
Cost: Ranges from $3,000–$4,500, depending on session length and electives
Program Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: first-come, first-served
Eligibility: Rising 7 - 12
The Summer Leadership Camp at Army and Navy Academy is a two-week program for middle and high school boys. You take part in leadership classes and outdoor activities that focus on accountability, teamwork, and decision-making, and also learn about American heritage and values like service and integrity. Daily activities include group challenges, community service, and recreation such as surfing, sports, and ropes courses. You can choose electives in areas like aviation, cybersecurity, and computer science. The camp offers basic and advanced leadership tracks, and you can complete both in a four-week option.
Location: Michigan
Cost: $250
Program Dates: July 15–18
Application Deadline: May 12
Eligibility: Open to middle school students entering grades 7 and 8
The Summer Leadership Camp at Albion College is a one-week program for middle school students entering grades 7 and 8. You take part in daily leadership lessons, team-building activities, and small-group mentoring. You join a leadership council led by an educator and a college mentor. You practice communication, goal-setting, and group dynamics. Camp traditions include large group mixers, personal reflection, and a final celebration.
Location: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Cost: Member: $450; Non Member: $500
Program Dates: June 22 - June 26
Application Deadline: June 6
Eligibility: Students entering grades 7-9
The Ohio Association of Student Leaders (OASL) Summer Leadership Workshop is a five-day residential program for students entering grades 7–9. You take part in small council groups, team-building activities, and large group sessions focused on leadership, communication, and collaboration. You engage in service learning, meet local leaders, and reflect on your leadership style. The workshop is held at The Ohio State University and includes meals, lodging, and materials.
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an 8-week experience where you work one-on-one with a mentor to explore your academic interests and create a project that matters to you. Your mentor will be a scholar from top research universities like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, or LSE. In weeks 1 to 4, you explore four different topics within your chosen track. In weeks 5 and 6, you focus on one specific area. During weeks 7 and 8, you put your project together with direct support and guidance from your mentor.
You can find the application form here.
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 research mentor to develop a research paper.
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