16 Summer Leadership Programs for High School Students in California
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 6
- 10 min read
Updated: Oct 11
If you are a high school student in California interested in leadership, a summer program in the state can be a practical way for you to build skills, explore careers, and experience college life without the high cost of longer or full-time programs. These leadership programs give you access to college-level academics, professional networks, and training in public speaking, group work, and problem solving.
If you are serious about leadership, you might be looking for programs that push you to think clearly, take action, and lead with others. Whether you are interested in public service, business, law, or advocacy, a summer program can help you build experience and make useful connections.
To help you find the right fit, here’s a list of 16 summer leadership programs in California for high school students!
16 Summer Leadership Programs for High School Students in California
Location: Berkeley Business Academy for Youth, California
Cost: California Resident $6,292; Out of State Resident $7,332
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: Session I: Saturday, July 5 – Saturday, July 19; Session II: Saturday, July 19- Saturday, August 2
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school students. California residents get a discount in the tuition fee but students from around the globe are welcome to apply
Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY) is a two-week summer program run by the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. You will learn how to take charge in team settings by building a startup from scratch. This includes doing market research, writing a full business plan, and presenting it to a panel. The focus is on helping you build leadership skills, like taking initiative, making decisions, and communicating clearly. Classes are taught by Haas faculty and guest speakers. You’ll also get help from undergrad mentors and PhD students while working in labs and doing independent work.
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
Program 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!
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.
Location: California State University, Sacramento
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: January 15 to March 23
Dates: June 21 to June 28
Eligibility: Students in high school are considered eligible to apply for this program
Boys State is a summer program where you take part in a simulation of local and state government. You take on roles like legislator, judge, police officer, or governor and go through activities such as elections, court trials, and legislative sessions. You learn how the government works by practicing it directly. The program helps you build skills in public speaking, decision-making, teamwork, and understanding how laws and policies are made. If selected, you can move on to Boys Nation, a similar program focused on the federal government, held in Washington, D.C. There, you meet U.S. senators and take part in national-level simulations.
Location: Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project, Los Angeles, California
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 23
Dates: June 27 - 29
Eligibility: You must be a 10th or 11th grade student currently enrolled in a California high school and living in Los Angeles County.
This is a three-day summer program in Los Angeles County for high school students interested in public service and community leadership. You take part in activities like mock legislative hearings, workshops on college admissions and financial aid, and sessions focused on how local and county governments work. The program includes Civic Day and College & Careers Day, where you meet government staff and community leaders. You learn how to speak clearly, lead group work, and plan for college. You also get a chance to connect with professionals in education, business, and public service.
Location: In person program at the Department of Political Science at UCLA
Cost: $2,456, however, a comprehensive needs and merit based scholarship fund exists for current 9th-11th grade California high school students to participate in the Summer Sessions
Application Deadline: June 13
Dates: June 23– July 11
Eligibility: You must be a California high school student in grades 9 to 11, at least 15 years old by June 23, returning in the fall, and have a family income under $100,000.
This three-week program, run by the UCLA Department of Political Science, is for high school students who want to study American politics and political science. You take classes on topics like political behavior, institutions, collective action, and the U.S. political system. You also explore areas such as International Relations, Political Theory, and Comparative Politics. You learn to analyze current political issues using social science methods and take part in discussions with professionals working in politics. The program includes a career panel and support from college mentors. You earn five units of college credit when you finish.
Location: Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA and The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, CA
Cost: $1999
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: July 12-15; Session 2: July 15-18
Eligibility: Applicants must be rising 9th – 12th grade students
The Great American Leadership Program is a summer program held at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, and run by the Ronald Reagan Center for Leadership Development. You will study leadership by looking at real historical case studies, learning about decision-making, civic duty, and public service. The program includes crisis simulations, public speaking workshops, and service projects. You also get to visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and meet leadership experts and public figures.
Location: Various camp locations in Berkeley California
Cost: None, Voluntary positions
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Applicants must have completed 9th Grade and range through 11th Grade
Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Leadership Program at UC Berkeley Youth Recreation is a volunteer summer opportunity for high school students aged 15 and up. You’ll join pre-camp staff training and help run youth camps like Explorer Camp, Blue Camp, and Science & Sports Camp. While working with campers and staff, you’ll build skills in communication, leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution.
Location: Both in person at UCLA Campus and virtual options
Cost: Varies from $1,845 to around $4,000
Application Deadline: May 1 for UCLA students; June 1 for international students
Dates: Various sessions from June 23 to September 12
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply as are international students
UCLA Pre-College Summer Courses let you take up to two college-level classes (up to 10 units) while still in high school. If you're interested in communication, you can choose courses like Principles of Oral Communication, Conflict and Communication, or Theory of Persuasive Communication. These courses help you improve your public speaking, understand how people communicate, and learn how to handle conflict. You’ll take part in live discussions, complete assignments, and get a feel for the pace of real college classes.
Location: Online
Cost: $750
Application Date: Rolling applications, Apply here
Dates: 28 Jul - 22 Aug
Eligibility: This program is open to all actors related to international affairs, including high school students
United Nations Young Leaders Online Training Programme is a four-week course by UNITAR for high school students interested in leadership, diplomacy, and global issues. You’ll learn how the UN works, study the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and build skills in negotiation, public speaking, and cross-cultural communication. The program includes weekly readings, videos, live webinars, and e-workshops led by UN experts. You’ll also explore topics like Model UN procedures and UN career paths.
Location: Virtual and in-person options
Cost: $900 for virtual program. In-person program costs are below; $2,600 – UC Berkeley and UCLA
Application Deadline: April 30
Dates: In person: Various sessions from June 2 - July 20; Virtual: Various sessions from June 2 to Aug 8
Eligibility: Students who are currently in their sophomore or junior year of high school are eligible to apply. Students who are in their freshman or senior year of high school are not eligible.
Economics for Leaders is a summer program by the Foundation for Teaching Economics. It’s designed to help you improve your decision-making and leadership by learning core economic concepts like opportunity cost, supply and demand, trade, and government policy. You’ll take part in case discussions and simulations led by economics instructors and learn how economic ideas apply to real-world issues. The program also teaches leadership using a framework that focuses on personal skills, working with others, and understanding context
Location: University of San Diego, CA
Cost: Application Fee - $25 (required to complete application, non-refundable); Great Debate Deposit - $150 (required within 10 days of acceptance); Great Debate Program Tuition - $695
Application Deadline: Not specified. Apply here
Dates: 8 July to 13 July
Eligibility: Program is open to 9th grade students who have a minimum of a 3.0/4.0 grade point average (GPA) or better and are college bound
California Sol Great Debate is a six-day summer program run by the National Hispanic Institute and held on a college campus in California. It’s meant for high school students who want to build skills in public speaking, debate, and civic leadership. You’ll take part in debates, group problem-solving, and workshops that help you express your ideas and lead discussions on real community issues. There’s also a college day where you meet with university reps and learn about college options. After the program, you can join the National Hispanic Institute’s network for more leadership and civic opportunities.
Location: California State University, Long Beach
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: June 20 to June 22
Eligibility: This program is open to high school sophomores who have been nominated
HOBY Los Angeles Leadership Seminar is a multi-day program for high school sophomores, held on a college campus in California. Run by Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership, the program focuses on three areas: personal leadership, group leadership, and leadership for service. You’ll join workshops, team activities, and mentoring sessions to build skills in public speaking, decision-making, and working with others. You’ll also plan a community project and set personal goals. After the seminar, you’re expected to complete 100 hours of community service over the next year, applying what you’ve learned to real-world civic work.
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles
Cost: Ranging from $7,812 to $11,347
Application Deadline: Domestic Student: May 2; International Student: March 14
Dates: June 15 – July 12
Eligibility: Applicants must have completed at least the 9th grade and must be pursuing a rigorous high school curriculum
International Relations at UCLA is a pre-college summer course that introduces you to global conflict, diplomacy, and peacebuilding. You’ll take part in simulations, negotiations, and a Model UN while learning about topics like terrorism, genocide, human rights, and the role of culture in conflict. You’ll build a case study on a real conflict and propose a peace plan. The course also includes a visit to the Museum of Tolerance and chances to speak with professionals. Along the way, you’ll build skills in research, writing, and policy analysis in a college-level setting.
Location: Various Locations across California. Check for your city here
Cost: Free and a stipend will be paid to the Student Leaders
Application Deadline: January 15
Dates: 8-week paid internship between June – August typically
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school juniors or seniors, authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship through September, and not immediate family members of Bank of America employees.
Bank of America Student Leaders Program is an eight-week paid summer internship for high school students interested in community service and leadership. You’ll be matched with a local nonprofit like the Boys and Girls Clubs or Habitat for Humanity, where you’ll help with real projects and learn how nonprofits work. As part of the program, you’ll also travel to Washington, D.C., for the National Student Leaders Summit. There, you’ll meet other students from across the country, take part in workshops, and hear from leaders in government, business, and nonprofit sectors.
Location: Harvard University (Cambridge, MA or online options available)
Cost: $4,050 - $14,950 + $75 application fee; financial aid available for U.S. students and permanent residents
Program Dates: 4 weeks; July 13-August 9; 7 Weeks, June 21-August 9
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 by June 21, not turn 19 before July 31, and be entering college this year, next year, or the year after
In this course, you’ll learn how to use your values to make decisions in uncertain situations. Using design thinking, you’ll define problems that matter to you, test out possible solutions, and work on real-world challenges. You’ll look at how new technologies like generative AI affect these problems, and you’ll practice combining emotional awareness with clear thinking. Projects focus on community needs, not just academic tasks. Instead of following titles or roles, you’ll learn to lead by being clear, thoughtful, and focused on people.
Location: Hosted at various U.S. college campuses (see full list).
Cost: Ranges from $4,000 to $5,000 depending on the program.
Program Dates: Vary by program, typically held between June and July.
Application Deadline: Rolling admission; stays open until programs or waitlists are full.
Eligibility: Open to students in middle and high school
NSLC runs short summer programs that mix basic leadership training with hands-on experience in fields like law, medicine, engineering, and design. You’ll spend 6 to 18 days living on a college campus, attending sessions led by faculty, working on group projects, and visiting places related to your program. There are also workshops where you’ll practice public speaking and teamwork. You’ll stay in dorms, eat on campus, and follow a full daily schedule. These programs are expensive, but they offer a clear, structured way to explore a subject and pick up some early leadership skills.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also, check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full 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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