15 Summer Leadership Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Jun 24
- 9 min read
What does it take to become a confident, capable leader before even reaching high school? For middle school students with a passion for making an impact, summer leadership programs offer an early head start. These programs are designed to build core skills like communication, teamwork, and critical thinking–all while introducing students to college-style learning, industry insights, and meaningful mentorship. Many are available at low or no cost, making them an accessible way to grow both academically and personally during the summer break. Leadership programs for middle school students also create a space for young learners to explore real-world issues, collaborate with peers, and develop a stronger sense of purpose.
For those interested in shaping their communities or leading future initiatives, a middle school summer program is a convenient and effective starting point. With so many choices out there, we’ve listed down some of the most impactful leadership programs for middle school students that balance enrichment with accessibility and growth.
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,400
Program dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: June 23 (Summer Cohort II)
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an online mentorship-based research experience tailored for middle school students who want to create an academic project in a field they’re passionate about. You’ll work closely with a mentor (often affiliated with prestigious institutions like MIT, Harvard, or Stanford) who supports you throughout the research and project development process.
Throughout the program, you learn to conduct independent investigations, think critically, and complete a final project that reflects your area of interest. The program balances academic challenge with scheduling flexibility, featuring multiple application rounds during the year. Need-based scholarships are available, encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to participate.
Location: University of Maryland (Washington, D.C.), Emory University (Atlanta, GA), Bentley University (Boston, MA)
Cost: Residential - $3,145 | Day - $2,645
Program dates:
University of Maryland - Residential - June 22-27, July 5-10, July 13-18, July 20-25 | July 27-August 1 | Day - June 23-27, July 6-10, July 14-18, July 21-25, July 28-August 1
Emory University - Residential - July 20-25 | Day - July 21-25
Bentley University - Residential - July 12-17 | Day - July 13-17
Application deadline: Unspecified
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 7–8
The Junior National Young Leaders Conference is a weeklong experience aimed at middle schoolers eager to strengthen their leadership and communication abilities through immersive, history-inspired learning. Taking place in D.C., Boston, and Atlanta, the program turns historical landmarks and civic institutions into dynamic educational settings. You explore leadership by examining influential figures from American history and taking part in interactive activities like the “Peace Patch Protest” and “Facing the Music” simulations, which focus on advocacy and decision-making.
One of the highlights of this leadership program for middle school students is the “Voices of Change” team project, where students create actionable plans to make a difference in their schools or communities. The curriculum is designed to encourage personal reflection, public speaking, critical thinking, and mission development through engaging, hands-on experiences.
Location: Remote
Cost: $1,990
Program dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (on weekends) during the spring cohort and 25 hours over 2 weeks (on weekdays) during the summer cohort.
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines
Financial assistance: Need-based financial aid is available
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
The AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is a virtual program that teaches middle school students the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over 25 hours, you will learn the basics of Python as well as topics like data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. Students learn through lectures and group sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. Previous projects done by students have included building a machine-learning model to classify music genres and creating a machine-learning algorithm to provide a custom list of educational resources based on selected specifications.
Location: Anaheim, CA
Cost: $115 (approximately)
Program dates: June 29–July 2
Application deadline: Applications typically close in March
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 6-12
Middle school members of Future Business Leaders of America have the chance to attend the National Leadership Conference, a multi-day event that brings together students from across the country to showcase their business skills. Hosted in cities like Anaheim, the conference features competitive events in marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship, giving participants a platform to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. In addition to the competitions, the event includes skill-building workshops, leadership sessions, and networking opportunities with professionals and peers. You receive feedback from judges with industry experience and gain valuable insight into future career possibilities in the business world.
Location: Multiple locations in Boston, MA
Cost: $615–$825 per student per week (scholarships are available)
Program dates: Multiple week-long programs from June to August
Application deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 6-12
The Summer Institute in Global Leadership, organised by the United Nations Association of Greater Boston, is a one-week Model UN experience focused on global challenges such as human rights, climate action, or global health. You’ll act as country delegates, engaging in research, speech writing, and negotiations to collaboratively address real-world issues. The leadership program for middle school students includes expert-led sessions and structured simulations designed to foster public speaking, diplomacy, and leadership. Each week of the institute centers on a different global topic, and students may return for multiple sessions to expand their understanding of international affairs and collaborative problem-solving.
Location: New York City, NY
Cost: $50 commitment fee
Program dates: Multiple year-round events. See the full calendar here.
Application deadline: Applications open on August 1 and close in October
Eligibility: Open to Girl Scouts in grades 6-12 residing in the 5 boroughs of New York
The Girl Scouts Leadership Institute presents two distinct developmental tracks for middle school participants looking to expand their leadership capacity. The Exploration Path allows for a customizable experience with access to various career panels, college tours, and skill-building sessions that students can choose based on interest and availability. For those ready for a more intensive challenge, the Changemakers Path provides a structured experience featuring topic-focused seminars, professional site visits, and a group capstone project. This path promotes leadership in sectors like STEM, sustainability, and entrepreneurship while offering opportunities for scholarships and public service. Both tracks in this leadership program for middle school students include collaborative activities, peer mentoring, and involvement in signature initiatives such as the Girl Scout Cookie Program.
Location: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Cost: $350
Program dates: July 8–11 (based on the 2024 program)
Application deadline: Registration typically opens in December
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 7–12
Arizona State University's Logic, Leadership, & Life Skills program is a four-day camp designed for middle and high school students looking to strengthen their self-awareness and personal growth. The curriculum blends life coaching techniques with leadership training, guiding students through exercises in emotional management, self-discovery, and practical goal setting. Sessions focus on building logical reasoning, effective communication, and decision-making skills through interactive activities and group discussions. You are supported by trained teen coaches and are encouraged to apply what you learn to real-life scenarios. The program emphasizes growth in both confidence and character, equipping students with tools to become thoughtful and capable young leaders.
Location: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Simi Valley, CA
Cost: $550 (financial aid is available)
Program dates: July 9–11
Application deadline: TBA. You can sign up for updates here.
Eligibility: Open to rising 6th–8th grade students
The Great American Leadership Program, held at Pepperdine University and supported by the Ronald Reagan Center for Leadership Development, is a three-day leadership-focused initiative for middle schoolers. This experience incorporates visits to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and includes activities that explore key leadership values such as courage, integrity, and civic duty. Through group workshops, historical case studies, and reflective discussions, you will analyze how President Reagan’s leadership style can be applied to contemporary issues. This leadership program helps you think critically about your role in the community and develop leadership rooted in ethical decision-making and personal responsibility.
Location: Cross Keys High School, Atlanta, GA
Cost: Free
Program dates: June 2–26
Application deadline: Unspecified
Eligibility: Open to all middle and high school students
The LYLA Summer Program offers middle school students a chance to develop leadership qualities while deepening their cultural understanding and academic readiness. Through workshops in digital literacy, leadership, and school success strategies, you’ll gain important tools to navigate both academic and personal challenges. The program, hosted in Atlanta, incorporates mentorship, career discovery, and field trips, creating a supportive environment for students to explore future opportunities. Group activities promote collaboration and cultural awareness, while guest speakers introduce real-world perspectives and encourage goal setting. Although the program is particularly designed to empower Latino youth, it is open to students of all backgrounds.
Location: Cispus Learning Center, Randle, WA
Cost: $405 (AWSL Member School)/$455 (Non-Member School)
Program dates: Multiple camps in August
Application deadline: Registration opens March 18
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 7–9
The Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) organizes summer camps that focus on developing leadership abilities in middle school students through engaging, collaborative activities. Held at the Cispus Learning Center, these leadership programs for middle school students include workshops and group projects aimed at strengthening communication, empathy, decision-making, and cooperation. Each camp offers a unique focus–some center on fostering inclusivity and school culture, while others emphasize project planning and team roles. Through this interactive format, you gain confidence, learn to lead effectively, and build meaningful connections with peers from around the region.
Location: The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free
Program dates: Workshops are held bi-monthly on Saturdays during the school year
Application deadline: Applications typically remain open till the program start date
Eligibility: Open to Philadelphia area students in grades 6–8
The Partnerships for Achieving Careers in Technology and Science (PACTS) program at The Franklin Institute allows middle school students to engage in STEM learning through a mix of project-based workshops and mentorship. You’ll participate in hands-on activities in areas such as robotics, forensic science, environmental studies, and urban planning. Whether programming a robot or exploring architectural design, each project encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and applied scientific inquiry. You are paired with high school mentors who offer guidance and support throughout the sessions, creating a collaborative and enriching environment focused on discovery and personal development in STEM.
12. Camp BizSmart
Location: Multiple locations in California
Cost: TBA
Program dates: 10 days in the summer (exact dates unspecified)
Application deadline: Rolling enrolment
Eligibility: Open to students ages 11–15
Camp BizSmart is an intensive ten-day program where middle school students work in small teams to tackle real business challenges posed by startup founders and industry professionals. During the program, you'll explore how companies innovate, analyze current business problems, and develop actionable solutions under the mentorship of seasoned entrepreneurs. Each team focuses on a unique case study, such as designing technology for secure access to the metaverse or turning seaweed waste into eco-friendly products, and presents its ideas to a panel of investors. The camp emphasizes entrepreneurial thinking, teamwork, leadership, and product development in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Along the way, you’ll gain confidence in decision-making, problem-solving, and public speaking while working on real-world business scenarios.
Location: Nashville, TN
Cost: $99
Program dates: June 17–28 (based on the 2024 program)
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to students ages 10–18 from the Nashville area
The Entrepreneurial Training Program by Youth About Business provides middle schoolers with a solid introduction to business concepts and leadership through twice-monthly sessions. You’ll learn about key topics like business organization, financial strategy, and investment principles, guided by professionals from the corporate world. As part of the hands-on experience, you’ll help manage operations at local training centers in Nashville, which operate as real small businesses, ranging from a tech lab to a retail store. You’ll take on responsibilities such as setting performance goals, tracking progress, and leading team efforts. The leadership program for middle school students concludes with a retreat where you study the strategies behind major corporations and analyze how these companies navigate competitive markets.
Location: San Francisco, CA
Cost: Free
Program dates: June 17–August 1
Application deadline: Applications open in March
Eligibility: Open to youth aged 11–14
The Urban Trailblazers program, led by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, is a six-week summer initiative that combines outdoor exploration with leadership training for middle school students. You’ll venture into regional, state, and national parks (including overnight trips to Rob Hill and other sites within the National Park system) while learning about environmental conservation, public service, and teamwork. The program accepts 44 students from various cultural and economic backgrounds, fostering collaboration and mutual learning. Activities emphasize leadership, environmental awareness, and civic responsibility, and those who complete all sessions receive a $300 educational stipend. Participation is free, making it an inclusive opportunity.
15. Camp Invention
Cost: Starts at $175
Location: Various locations across Atlanta
Dates: Multiple camps in June
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-9
Middle school students enrolled in the Camp Invention Leaders-in-Training program take on a guiding role by assisting younger children, from kindergarten through sixth grade, as they engage in hands-on STEM exploration. You’ll act as mentors, helping lead activities developed by experienced educators and inventors while also improving your leadership and communication skills. The program takes place in nearly 800 locations nationwide, typically in schools or community venues, where you’ll work alongside adult staff to support and manage group learning. This experience not only offers leadership coaching and team collaboration but also helps students gain experience in a dynamic educational environment.
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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