15 Summer Leadership Programs for High School Students in Georgia
- Stephen Turban
- 4 days ago
- 10 min read
If you're a high school student in Georgia looking to grow your leadership skills, summer leadership programs can be a smart and accessible next step. These programs are designed to help you move beyond traditional academics by focusing on real-world applications of leadership—like problem-solving, communication, decision-making, and collaboration.
Many programs are hosted by colleges, nonprofit organizations, or leadership-focused institutes, and typically run during the summer break. They often include a mix of workshops, team projects, simulations, and speaker sessions led by professionals or faculty. Whether you're interested in business, public service, STEM, or community activism, you'll find programs tailored to different interests.
One of the biggest advantages of leadership programs in Georgia as a resident is affordability. Many are either free or low-cost, especially those supported by local universities or civic organizations. Some even offer residential experiences where you can live on a college campus for a few days or weeks—giving you a preview of college life.
Beyond skill-building, these programs are also a chance to meet other driven students from across the state, expand your network, and gain experiences that can strengthen your college applications. Participating shows initiative and a willingness to engage deeply with challenges—qualities that admissions committees and future employers value.
Here’s a list of 15 Summer Leadership programs for high school students in Georgia!
Location: Milton, GA
Cost: None
Eligibility: At least one spot each round is reserved for a Milton student in the Fulton County Schools; other spots are open to any Milton student in public or private school.
Program Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: Rolling
Milton’s Youth Government Leadership Program is designed to help students learn how local government works and how to create positive change in their community. You will explore important city issues, develop problem-solving skills, and work on finding real solutions that make a difference. As a high school junior or senior from Milton, you can apply to join the program by submitting the form below. If selected, you will be paired with a mentor who shares your interests and will also have opportunities to spend time with different city departments to gain a deeper understanding of how government operates.
If you have any questions or want to learn more, you can contact Community Outreach Manager Emily Salerno at Emily.Salerno@miltonga.gov. This is not a typical summer program.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2900. There is need-based financial aid.
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
Program Dates: June 2 (Individual Program) | June 9-29 (Group Program, Summer 1) | August 4-24 (Group Program, Summer 2)
Application Deadline: Early Summer II Deadline: May 30 | Final Summer II Deadline: June 23
The Young Founder’s Lab is a hands-on start-up boot camp created by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you’ll work on building a real, revenue-generating business that solves a real-world problem. You’ll also be mentored by professionals from top companies like Google, Microsoft, and X.
Along the way, you’ll take part in interactive classes on business basics, brainstorming sessions, workshops, case studies, and panel discussions. It’s a great chance to explore the world of business in high school and learn both the theory and practical skills needed to launch a successful start-up. You can check out the program brochure for more details.
Location: Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, GA
Cost: Free for all accepted participants.
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in Georgia can apply.
Program Dates: June 8–June 13
Application Deadline: March 1
EarthCare: The Leadership Challenge for the 21st Century is a one-week, residential program for high school students focused on STEM, the environment, and leadership. During the program, you'll take part in workshops on topics like sustainability, energy, and the environment. You'll also join team-building activities, communication exercises, and leadership sessions led by business professionals. Students get the chance to meet and learn from leaders at Georgia Power, attend panel discussions, and take part in hands-on experiences—past participants even visited a nuclear power plant.
Location: UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens, GA
Eligibility: Students aged 15–17 years who belong to underrepresented and underserved backgrounds can apply.
Application Deadline: The deadline is generally at the end of March
Program Dates: June 9–June 13
Cost: Free for all accepted participants.
The University of Georgia offers several summer academy camps for high school students, including the B.L.A.C.K. Engineering Camp, a week-long residential program that combines engineering and leadership development. In this immersive camp, you'll tackle a hands-on project that follows the full engineering design process.
As you work to develop a creative and ethical solution to a real-world problem, you'll strengthen key leadership skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication. Along the way, you’ll enhance your knowledge of math, physics, and science while learning how to apply it in practical and meaningful ways. This experience not only deepens your understanding of engineering, it also helps you develop as a leader.
Location: Various nonprofit organizations across Georgia; the summit takes place in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: The program includes a paid internship and a fully funded trip to the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors with U.S. work authorization and permanent residence in one of the eligible locations
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer, including the summit from July 21 - 26
Application Deadline: January 15
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is an 8-week paid summer internship for high school juniors and seniors. It gives you the chance to work with local nonprofits, like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America or Habitat for Humanity, and gain real-world experience in community service and leadership.
You’ll also attend a National Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you'll meet other students, build leadership skills, and learn how nonprofits, businesses, and government work together to solve community issues. Many students return home inspired to make a difference in their own communities. The program is very competitive—only about 300 students are selected each year, out of thousands who apply.
Location: University of Georgia
Cost: $295. A limited number of need-based financial scholarships are available upon acceptance.
Eligibility: high school rising juniors and seniors
Dates: June 8 - 11
Application Deadline: March 23
The Accelerated Business Program is a selective, pre-college program designed for high school students, specifically rising juniors and seniors. Held at the University of Georgia’s Athens campus, the program offers a close-up look at various fields within business, with a focus on high-demand career paths.
As a participant, you’ll develop key leadership skills by learning directly from business leaders at top organisations like PricewaterhouseCoopers. You’ll also attend lectures by UGA professors and gain exposure to real-world business practices. Beyond the classroom, you’ll experience college life by living in residence halls, dining on campus, and connecting with peers through evening activities such as tours, social events, and group outings.
Location: Emory University, Georgia
Cost: $395
Eligibility: Must be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior in high school and live in the state of Georgia.
Program Dates: June 1 – 6
Application Deadline: March 1
High school students accepted to the Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI) will spend a week living on the Emory University campus. They will stay in dormitories, eat in dining halls, and participate in workshops held both on campus and at corporate partner offices.
Before the program, students attend an in-person orientation to learn about 21st Century Leaders’ programs, connect with peers from across the state, and begin developing their leadership skills.
During SYLI, students engage with diverse peers, professionals, and alumni, gaining valuable leadership experience through workshops and networking opportunities. This program focuses on helping participants grow and develop as leaders in a supportive environment.
Location: Georgia Southern University, GA
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors from Georgia
Program Dates: June 15 – July 12
Application Deadline: January 10
The Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) is a four-week, state-funded residential summer program for talented high school sophomores and juniors in Georgia. Held on a college campus, the program offers advanced instruction in academic, fine arts, and career/technical subjects through daily classes led by experienced educators. Along the way, you'll develop critical thinking and leadership skills.
Students spend mornings and afternoons in their chosen area of study, while evenings include workshops, guest speakers, and optional activities. Tuition, housing, and meals are covered; students are responsible for travel and basic supplies.
Location: Georgia State University, GA
Cost: Depending on group size; 1-9 students: $105.00 per student |10-19 students: $100.00 per student | 20-29 students: $95.00 per student | 30+ students: $90.00 per student
Eligibility: High school students who have a music program
Program Dates: June 2-3
Application Deadline: May 17
At the Summer Leadership Institute, you will develop leadership skills to help you guide your section and contribute to your full ensemble. Over two days, 400 students from across the Southeast come together to learn effective strategies for communication, teamwork, problem-solving, public speaking, and more.
You will hear from keynote speaker Bobby Lambert and take part in breakout sessions led by experienced educators. Music directors will also have special sessions to discuss new and practical teaching methods.
This institute is a great opportunity to get a head start on next year, make new connections, and discover fresh ideas to grow as a leader in your music program.
Location: Statesboro, GA
Stipend: $8.25/hour
Program Dates: May 27 – end of June (5-week summer session)
Application Deadline: March 24
Eligibility: High school students (grades 10–12) living in Bulloch County or children of city employees
Statesboro Youth Connect is a five-week, paid summer leadership and civic engagement program for high school students offered by the City of Statesboro. You’ll work 30 hours each week in City Hall and various municipal departments such as Public Works, Fire Services, and Parks. The program includes workshops on city government, soft and life skills, career exploration, civic responsibility, leadership, and diversity. Participants engage directly with city staff and community leaders. This experience helps build leadership, teamwork, and communication skills while offering insight into public service careers.
Location: Microsoft office at either Redmond, Washington, or Atlanta, Georgia
Eligibility: High school seniors who live in or around Atlanta, GA, can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close mid-March
Program Dates: July 7 - August 1
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend provided
Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program is a paid internship for high school students interested in computer science and technology.
During the program, you will take part in the design phase of product development, working closely with a team to understand customer needs and help create solutions. This hands-on project will help you build leadership skills such as communication, teamwork, collaboration, and problem-solving.
You will also have the chance to connect and work with Microsoft professionals, gaining experience and networking opportunities.
Location: Various law firms and organizations in Atlanta, GA
Stipend: $2,000
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors studying in Atlanta high schools
Program Dates: May 27 – July 18
Application Deadline: March 20
The Atlanta Bar Association’s Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP) offers high school students hands-on experience in the legal field while developing important leadership qualities.
As an intern, you will engage in weekly discussions with guest speakers and complete legal assignments, including the Terrence Croft Essay Competition—a 750-word analysis of a U.S. Supreme Court case. This rigorous program will help you build critical thinking, legal research, and writing skills.
Throughout the internship, you will also develop leadership qualities such as effective communication, analytical reasoning, and professional responsibility while working closely with legal teams and mentors. This experience prepares you to take initiative and solve complex problems.
Location: Reinhardt University, GA
Cost: $500
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors studying in Atlanta high schools
Program Dates: June 9-13
Application Deadline: April 30
The Georgia Teen Institute (GTI), held annually at Reinhardt University, is a youth leadership program designed for Youth Action Teams across Georgia. It focuses on developing leadership skills among middle and high school students through a four-day residential camp featuring workshops, team meetings, and team-building activities. Participants engage in planning and implementing peer-focused prevention and community service projects, particularly aimed at reducing underage alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. The program also provides year-round support with additional training, technical assistance, and networking opportunities to sustain youth leadership development.
Location: Emory College, GA
Eligibility: Current 10th or 11th graders in high school when completing the application
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted until all spots are filled.
High school students can choose from a wide range of academic courses at Emory, offered over two or six weeks. The two-week noncredit courses allow students to explore subjects alongside their peers in a supportive, pre-college environment. For those looking to earn transferable college credit, the six-week Summer College option offers courses taken with Emory undergraduates.
Courses in business, branding, and law are especially valuable for students interested in building leadership skills, as they focus on strategic thinking, decision-making, and understanding how systems and communication shape the world.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $ 2,500
Eligibility: High school students (9th- 12th)
Application Deadline: First-come first first-served basis
Program Dates: July 7 – July 25
BRIDGE (Business Research for Innovation, Design, Growth, and Entrepreneurship) teaches you business skills through online talks, real company stories, and step-by-step business methods from top universities. You learn how new businesses start, how they get funding, and how they grow over time. Through business simulations, you act as a founder, make decisions, work with a team, and face real challenges. You also study companies that began with simple ideas and grew bigger by getting support from investors.
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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