10 Summer Leadership Programs for High School Students in Georgia
- Stephen Turban
- 4 hours ago
- 7 min read
If you want to get better at leading others, or demonstrate leadership skills in your college applications, summer leadership programs are a solid way to practice that while still in high school. These programs put you in situations where you have to work with a team, solve problems, and speak up. You’ll meet other students who want to lead too, and people who already do, like teachers, city officials, or business pros.
What makes these programs useful is that you don’t just learn leadership in theory. You get to try it out in real settings, like running projects or going to meetings. This kind of experience helps you understand what leadership means and what skills it takes. Plus, when you apply to college, you can show them concrete examples of your leadership. That stands out more than just saying you’re a leader.
In the list below, we’ve covered 10 summer leadership programs in Georgia for high school students!
10 Summer Leadership Programs for High School Students in Georgia
EarthCare is a week-long summer program for high school students in Georgia. You stay on a college campus and learn about the environment and leadership. The program is run by 21st Century Leaders with support from Georgia Power.
You will work on topics like energy and sustainability through hands-on workshops and group activities. You also get to talk with professionals who work in these fields. Before the summer, you must attend an in-person meeting in April to get ready and meet other students. Only 85 students are chosen.
Location: Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, GA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: June 8 – June 13
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors who attend high school and reside in Georgia
Working on a business of your own is a great way to demonstrate leadership! 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: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: The total cost to attend the 4-week program is $2900. There is need-based financial aid.
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here!
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
The Cobb EMC Youth Leadership Program is for students entering their junior year. The program runs from August to February with evening sessions focused on leadership, business, and community service. You’ll cover topics like teamwork, civic responsibility, safety, and professional skills.
To join, you apply and take part in “Quiz Night.” Students with good scores may be selected to represent their schools. The program includes workshops, guest speakers, and discussions. You can compete for scholarships, a paid summer internship, and spots on the Washington Youth Tour.
Location: Cobb EMC Headquarters, Marietta, GA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: July 31
Program Dates: August 21 – February 12 (monthly sessions); optional Washington, D.C. trip June 12–19
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors (including homeschooled students) whose primary residence is served by Cobb EMC
Embark Summer Pre-Collegiate Program helps high school students in foster care or who are on their own get ready for college and learn to lead. During this week-long program, you’ll stay on college campuses and join workshops that teach goal setting, teamwork, and how to communicate well.
You’ll meet college counselors, financial aid staff, and current students who can guide you. The program is meant to help you take control of your future and make smart choices about school and work.
Location: North Georgia Technical College (Clarkesville, GA) and University of Georgia (Athens, GA)
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 1
Program Dates: June 8 – June 13
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores or juniors in Georgia who are in foster care, wards of the state, or emancipated
At the Healthcare/IT Institute, you will learn about medicine and technology while working on your leadership skills. This one-week program happens at Emory University. Each day, you take part in workshops, listen to experts, and study real cases from the healthcare and tech fields.
You will live on campus with other students from Georgia. You will work in teams and take part in leadership tasks that help you grow. Before the program, you must attend an orientation in April to meet your group and start building your leadership skills.
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $395 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: June 22 – June 27
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors who attend high school and live in Georgia
The Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) is a four-week, residential program on a college campus. You’ll study one subject area in depth, chosen from more than 20 options like STEM or the arts. Each day has advanced classes, and evenings include activities to build skills in thinking, communication, and teamwork.
You’ll live and learn with students from across Georgia. The program also helps you grow socially and connect with others who share your interests. To apply, your school must nominate you. The process includes multiple steps and may require an interview or audition.
Location: Held at a Georgia college or university campus (recently hosted at Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA)
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: January 10 (after district-level nomination and application process)
Program Dates: June 15 – July 12
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors enrolled in a Georgia public school district, independent school, state charter, or homeschool
Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI@Goizueta) is a one-week, in-person program at Emory University that helps you explore different careers and build leadership skills. You’ll learn business ideas, join workshops, and hear from professionals in finance, media, and entrepreneurship.
During the week, you’ll work on group challenges, do team activities, and visit company sites. You’ll live on campus, meet students from across Georgia, and get a feel for college life. Before the program starts, you must attend an orientation in April.
Location: Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $395 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: June 1 – June 6
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors who attend high school and live in Georgia
21st Century Leaders Film & Entertainment Institute (FEI) is a one-week, residential program at Georgia Tech. It focuses on leadership in film and entertainment. You’ll join workshops led by production teams and industry professionals.
Each day covers the business side of film, media, and communications. You’ll work on group projects and connect with mentors and peers. This gives you a clearer idea of careers in the field. You must attend an orientation in April to meet others and prepare for the program.
Location: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: June 15 – June 20
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors who attend high school and live in Georgia
Georgia State University College of the Arts Summer Leadership Institute is a two-day program for high school musicians. You’ll join student leaders from across the Southeast for workshops led by music educators. Sessions cover communication, problem-solving, team dynamics, and public speaking.
The program includes keynote talks, like one from director Bobby Lambert, and breakout sessions for specific groups such as percussion, color guard, and brass. You’ll meet faculty and peers while getting ready to take on bigger leadership roles in your band, orchestra, choir, or ensemble.
Location: Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $90–$105 per student, depending on group size
Application Deadline: May 17
Program Dates: June 2 – June 3
Eligibility: High school music students (primarily grades 9–12); must attend with an adult chaperone if under 18
Mayor’s Youth Leadership Academy is a week-long program hosted by the City of Woodstock and the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership. You’ll learn how local government works through visits to departments like Fire, Police, and Parks & Rec. The program includes leadership training and talks with city directors and elected officials.
You’ll attend a city council meeting and join sessions on communication and community impact. To apply, submit a recommendation and a short video explaining your interest. Only twelve students are chosen, making this a focused chance to gain experience in local government and leadership.
Location: City of Woodstock, GA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 1 – April 30
Program Dates: June 9 – June 13
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; must reside in Cherokee County (Woodstock residents receive priority)
This program offers a paid summer internship with a local nonprofit and a trip to a leadership summit in Washington, D.C. Over eight weeks, you’ll work 35 hours per week, gaining experience in nonprofit work while building leadership, business, and civic skills.
During the weeklong summit, you’ll meet students from across the country and learn how government, business, and nonprofits can work together to solve community problems.
Location: Internship at a local nonprofit in your community; Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: October 14 – January 15
Program Dates: 8-week summer internship, including July 21–26 (Student Leaders Summit in D.C.)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors in good standing who permanently reside in an eligible U.S. county and are legally authorized to work in the U.S.
One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you are interested in doing university-level research in STEM or other subjects, which can become a topic to talk about in your college application, then you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! 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 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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