11 Summer Leadership Programs for High School Students in California
- Stephen Turban
- Jul 7
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 11
If you are a high schooler in California who is interested in building skills to take on leadership roles in your school, community, future workplaces, and beyond, leadership programs can be a great way to spend your summer break.
Leadership programs often offer leadership training combined with exposure to college-level coursework, practical skills workshops, and industry networking, often at an affordable price. Many of them are hosted at well-known institutions or organizations, offering you a balance of academic rigor, hands-on projects, and community engagement.
Attending a summer leadership program can offer you more than just an extracurricular boost. It is an opportunity to work alongside motivated peers, connect with mentors, and get a realistic preview of college life in California.
To help you get started, here is our list of 11 summer leadership programs for high school students in California. Our list prioritizes programs that offer in-depth projects, networking opportunities, competitive selection processes, leadership simulations, and professional development workshops. We also focus on programs hosted by respected California universities or nonprofits.
Cost: Free; paid internship—travel and summit costs are covered
Location: Local nonprofit placements across California + Washington, D.C. Summit. You can find the locations here.
Dates: Internship runs for 8 weeks, including the summit, which is held from July 21– 26
Application deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Current juniors and seniors residing in eligible California counties who are authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship till the end of September | Participation in both the internship and the summit is mandatory.
As a participant in the Bank of America Student Leaders Program, you will spend eight weeks working at a nonprofit organization in your local California community. This paid internship gives you a chance to gain real-world work experience while developing leadership, civic engagement, and workplace skills. Through this experience, you will also get some insights into the daily operations of a nonprofit. During the internship, you will also get to attend the national Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you will explore how government, business, and nonprofits collaborate to address societal issues. The program also includes workshops, networking with peers from across the country, and mentoring from nonprofit and civic leaders.
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here!
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a real-world start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.
Apart from building the start-up itself, you will also participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideations, workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and more.The program is an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of business in high school and have a space to explore multiple theoretical as well as practical frameworks that lead to a successful business. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
Cost: $2,300 | Scholarship assistance available
Location: UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
Dates: July 28 – August 3
Application deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who are enrolling in the summer before their junior and senior year, respectively
In the Environment & the Economy program, you will spend a week exploring the intersection of environmental challenges and economic decision-making. This residential program combines leadership development with hands-on simulations, critical discussions, and economic analysis of real-world environmental issues. You will also explore topics such as climate change, land use, endangered species protection, and the tragedy of the commons, using economic frameworks to assess potential solutions. The program included a field trip, where you will get to see local environmental policy in action and apply your learning to evaluate real scenarios. Leadership instruction is woven throughout the program, using the Hero’s Journey model to help you strengthen your teamwork and leadership abilities.
Cost: $1,999; scholarships available on a first-come, first-served basis
Location: Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA & Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA
Dates: July 12 – 15
Application deadline: Rolling admissions (early application recommended)
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders
The Great American Leadership Program is a four-day, immersive leadership experience. Here, you will develop leadership knowledge and skills through historical case studies, public speaking workshops, and service learning, all inspired by President Ronald Reagan's leadership legacy. Held at Pepperdine University and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, the program focuses on developing your leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and civic understanding through simulations, expert-led sessions, and interactive workshops. During the program, you will engage in activities such as the Operation Urgent Fury simulation, leadership communication master classes, and service-oriented projects. The program also features keynote speakers, including Medal of Honor recipients and global advocates for freedom, providing insight into leadership under pressure and in complex environments.
Cost: Varies by local YMCA; financial aid is available at local chapters
Location: Local delegations across California + statewide in-person conferences in Sacramento, CA
Dates: Program runs from fall through February; key conferences in November and February
Application deadline: Registration opens in July; local deadlines vary by YMCA chapter
Eligibility: 9th to 12th grade students attending high schools in California; students must participate via their local YMCA
In the YMCA Youth & Government Model Legislature & Court program, you will step into the roles of legislators, lobbyists, and justices, gaining first-hand experience with California’s legislative and judicial processes. Over several months, you will meet weekly with your local delegation, developing legislation, preparing court cases, and refining your public speaking and advocacy skills. The program culminates in two in-person conferences where you will debate bills, participate in court proceedings, and collaborate with over 1,800 peers from across California. Leadership roles, such as Youth Governor, Secretary of State, and Chief Justice, offer additional opportunities for civic engagement and personal development. Throughout the experience, the program emphasizes civic responsibility, servant leadership, and community awareness.
Cost: Free
Location: San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, Stockton, CA
Dates: June 9 – 27
Application deadline: April 25
Eligibility: High school students residing in San Joaquin County
The San Joaquin County Youth Leadership Academy is a three-week opportunity to engage with professionals from the justice system and local government while developing leadership and civic awareness skills. The program is designed to help you become a thoughtful, ethical, and service-oriented leader within your community. Through interactive sessions, you will explore topics like criminal law, substance abuse, social media safety, domestic violence, and the importance of education. You will also participate in discussions with law enforcement officers, judges, public defenders, and other justice system leaders. The academy emphasizes inclusivity, welcoming students from all backgrounds and career interests, and offers a chance to connect with peers from across San Joaquin County.
Cost: $600
Location: Concordia University Irvine, Irvine, CA
Dates: June 9 – 13
Application deadline: May 16
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th grade students
At the High School Leadership Academy, you will spend a week at Concordia University Irvine exploring servant leadership, personal character development, and team-building strategies. The program is provides immersive workshops on leadership communication, professional etiquette, teamwork, and goal setting. Throughout the week, you will participate in keynote sessions, hands-on activities like a ropes course, service projects, and team competitions, while living on Concordia’s campus. A leadership coach will be assigned to you, offering you guidance as you create a personal leadership plan. The academy emphasizes community-building and reflection and blends leadership development with faith-based values.
Cost: Free
Location: Temecula Valley Entrepreneur's Exchange, Temecula, CA
Dates: July 2 – 11
Application deadline: Opens in April (exact date TBD)
Eligibility: High school students who are 14 to 18 years old and live in the Inland Southern California region; commitment to full participation required
At the Temecula Leadership Academy, you will spend two weeks participating in workshops and activities focused on essential life, college, and career skills. The program is designed to help you transition from high school into adulthood with confidence by covering topics like job interviews, resume writing, college applications, financial aid, and personal wellness. In addition to practical skills training, you will also complete certifications like CPR/First Aid and the Food Handler’s Card. Held at the Temecula Valley Entrepreneur's Exchange, the program features guest speakers, interactive activities, and opportunities to earn community service hours. The program also focuses on helping you build leadership and power skills such as public speaking and time management.
Cost: $999
Location: California State University, Fullerton, CA
Dates: July 7 – 11
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
At the Summer Leadership Institute hosted by Cal State Fullerton’s Center for Leadership, you will engage in a week of workshops, group activities, and leadership exercises designed to build your skills for school, community, and future careers. The program focuses on core topics such as emotional intelligence, resume building, public speaking, and career planning. As a participant, you will also explore topics like diversity, innovation, and personal finance. You will also participate in hands-on learning and networking activities, and get the opportunity to develop your leadership approach in a supportive, peer-based environment. On completing the program, you will get a certificate from the Center for Leadership recognizing your involvement and achievements.
Cost: Free; the program offers a $1,000 stipend to cover transportation and participation.
Location: San Francisco, CA
Dates: June 23 – July 31
Application deadline: January 17
Eligibility: 9th to 11th grade students who will be able to commit to the full-time summer program schedule
The Coro Exploring Leadership Youth Program is a six-week leadership experience that focuses on civic engagement, workforce development, and community action. As a Youth Fellow, you will participate in leadership training workshops, complete an internship at a nonprofit, government agency, or business, and design and implement a community action project. The program emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and project management, helping you grow as an active leader in your school and community. This experience can also provide you with real-world work experience and a better understanding of community issues. You will also get access to a network of community leaders and a stipend to support your engagement in the program.
Cost: Free
Location: California State University, Los Angeles, CA
Dates: June 27 – 29
Application deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th graders enrolled in a California high school and residing in Los Angeles County; students who have previously attended LAI or the Statewide Leadership Conference are not eligible
At the CLYLP Los Angeles Institute, you will spend three days immersed in leadership workshops, civic engagement activities, and college readiness sessions. The program focuses on empowering students from Los Angeles County through exposure to public service careers and the region’s political and cultural systems. This program can also help you develop a better understanding of Los Angeles County’s cultural and political landscape. The key highlights of the program include Civic Day, where you will participate in mock legislative hearings, and College & Careers Day, during which you will attend workshops on college admissions and financial aid. Here, you will also network with community leaders, educators, and peers, all while developing your leadership potential in a supportive environment.
One other option—Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you are interested in conducting university-level research in STEM or other subjects, then you can consider checking out the Lumiere Research Scholar Program. This is a selective online high school program founded in partnership with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we received 4,000 student applications for just 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
You can also explore Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, which is a non-profit research program designed for talented, low-income students. In the past, it accepted 150 students on complete need-based financial aid.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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