15 Virtual Leadership Activities for Middle School Students
- Lydia Park
- Jun 24
- 11 min read
Exploring virtual leadership activities is a practical and accessible way for middle school students to develop critical skills early on. These programs often provide exposure to college-level discussions, real-world challenges, and professional mentorship without the travel or high price tag of residential programs. For students curious about public speaking, team collaboration, or social impact, these programs offer a meaningful step toward understanding leadership in real-life contexts. Beyond academics, many options also integrate community projects, entrepreneurship, or STEM innovation, giving students a chance to see how leadership applies across different fields.
For those already interested in leadership programs for middle school students, an online summer program can be a good starting point. Many of these programs are selective, intensive, and hosted by reputable universities or national organizations. We’ve carefully curated a list of virtual leadership activities based on criteria like program rigor, network-building opportunities, cohort size, and institutional prestige.
Subject Areas: STEM (e.g. Computer Science, Biology, Physics, AI & Data Science), Humanities (e.g. History, Sociology, Economics, International Relations), and Engineering
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8; no prior experience required, but best suited for motivated and academically curious students
Application Deadline: June 23 (Summer Cohort II); other deadlines vary by cohort
Program Dates: July 14–September 6 (Summer Cohort II); sessions also available earlier in the summer and spring
Cost: $2,400; need-based financial aid available
In Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program, you’ll work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor from institutions like Harvard, Oxford, or MIT to dive deep into a subject you’re passionate about. Over eight weeks, you’ll explore a variety of academic topics before narrowing your focus and developing an independent research project. Each session is tailored to your interests, whether you're drawn to gene editing, climate justice, game theory, or financial markets. You’ll learn research and writing techniques typically taught at the high school or college level, with personalized guidance throughout. The final project could take the form of a paper, presentation, or exploratory portfolio, and alumni have even published their work in academic journals.
Subject Areas: Leadership, Civic Engagement, Social Responsibility, Communication, Public Policy
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–11; must meet eligibility through test scores, past CTD course completion, or admission portfolio
Application Deadline: Rolling until the start of each session; tuition increases after the early bird deadline (10 days before start)
Program Dates:
Summer Session: June 11–August 13
Winter Session: January 15–March 19
Cost: $700; need-based financial aid available
Northwestern’s Online Leadership Intensive introduces you to leadership theories, practices, and real-world applications through live sessions and flexible online coursework. You’ll analyze your personal leadership style, explore current issues, and engage with peers in collaborative projects. Weekly 105-minute live classes are paired with independent assignments designed to build critical thinking, self-reflection, and communication skills. Throughout the course, you’ll also hear from guest speakers across sectors such as government, business, and nonprofit work, offering a variety of perspectives on leadership in action. The program includes community-building activities and culminates in a final evaluation that highlights your strengths and areas for growth.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Python Programming, Data Science
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8; no coding or technical background required
Application Deadline: June 22 (Summer Cohort II); other sessions may be offered throughout the year
Program Dates:
Weekend Track: 25 hours over 10 weekends
Summer Track: 25 hours over 2 weeks (weekdays)
Cost: $1,990; full financial aid available for students with demonstrated need
Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers program introduces you to core concepts in artificial intelligence and machine learning through live instruction and group collaboration. Over the course of 25 hours, you’ll learn Python programming, explore data analysis, and build models using regression and classification techniques. The program includes small-group mentoring (5:1 ratio), ensuring personalized guidance as you move through increasingly advanced topics, including neural networks and AI ethics.
A major component is the team-based capstone project, where you and a few peers apply your new skills to a real-world challenge and present your findings. While the environment is designed for beginners, the curriculum pushes you to think critically about how AI works—and how it should be used.
Subject Areas: Creative Writing, Literary Editing, Language Arts, Publishing
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–9; must have completed Master Class I: Writing, Editing, and Publishing and qualify at the CTY-Level in verbal reasoning
Application Deadline: June 17 for July 14 start; rolling thereafter as space allows
Program Dates: July 14–October 27 (15-week session, starting the week of July 14)
Cost: $1,100; need-based financial aid available
In Master Class II: Writing, Editing, and Publishing, you’ll deepen your writing skills while taking on leadership roles in producing Lexophilia, CTY’s student literary magazine. Building on the foundations from the first master class, this course guides you through developing, revising, and preparing your own creative or informative writing for potential publication. You’ll also participate in editorial boards—like poetry, prose, or design—where you'll collaborate to review submissions and shape the final publication. Through weekly online interactions and feedback sessions, you’ll improve your editing, peer review, and storytelling abilities. By the end, you'll have contributed to a full literary journal and crafted a writing portfolio that reflects your growth as both a writer and editor.
Subject Areas: Leadership, Strategic Management, Career Development, Professional Skills
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Open to all; no prerequisites or grade level requirements
Application Deadline: None; available for enrollment anytime
Program Dates: Self-paced; course available on demand
Cost: Free
Resilient Leadership is a short, self-paced course from Harvard Business School Online that explores how to lead effectively during difficult situations. Using the historic survival story of Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition, you’ll analyze key strategies in leadership such as fostering team morale, maintaining engagement, and building trust during times of crisis. The course emphasizes practical takeaways, encouraging you to reflect on how leadership under pressure applies to your own school or community challenges. Though brief—lasting just 35 minutes—it’s structured around real-world insight and supported by a Harvard Business School faculty member, making it a quick yet meaningful introduction to leadership concepts.
Subject Areas: Civic Engagement, Humanities, Mathematics, Critical Thinking, College Prep
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA (Online)
Eligibility: Current 6th or 7th grade students in the U.S. from low-income households (typically under $90,000/year); must be available for both summer and fall components
Application Deadline: March 20
Program Dates:
Summer Course: July 7–25
Fall Semester Meetings: August 27–December 10
Cost: Free; tuition and instructional materials provided at no cost to families
The Stanford Middle School Scholars Program helps you develop foundational leadership qualities like critical thinking, communication, and civic responsibility through advanced coursework and structured peer interaction. You’ll join a cohort of 12 students in a live, online summer class that explores topics such as social justice, historical analysis, and real-world math applications—all designed to help you think deeply and act thoughtfully in your community. Weekly sessions in the fall expand on these experiences, encouraging self-reflection, long-term planning, and goal setting. Through instructor guidance and student-led discussions, you’ll strengthen your voice and decision-making skills—essential traits for emerging leaders. Whether you're participating in debates, collaborating on ideas, or analyzing the impact of dissenters in history, the program frames academic enrichment as a pathway to meaningful, ethical leadership.
Subject Areas: International Relations, Global Leadership, Sustainable Development, Diplomacy, Communication
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Open to middle school students (typically age 13+), high school and university students, and early-career professionals interested in global leadership; no prior experience required
Application Deadline: Rolling until full (30 participants per cohort); early registration recommended
Program Dates:
January Edition: January 6–February 1
April Edition: April 14–May 9
June Edition: June 9–July 4
August Edition: July 28–August 22
Cost: Approximately €500 EUR (about $540 USD)
The United Nations Young Leaders Training Programme gives you a global perspective on leadership by connecting your learning to real-world diplomacy and the United Nations system. Over four weeks, you'll explore how international institutions address global challenges through modules on the UN structure, sustainable development, and intercultural communication. Live webinars with UN officials and weekly leadership workshops build your confidence in negotiation, public speaking, and decision-making—key competencies for aspiring global leaders. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with Model UN simulations and UN career development sessions. By participating in discussions with a diverse international cohort, you’ll refine your ability to lead in collaborative, multicultural settings—an essential quality for future changemakers.
Subject Areas: Leadership, Community Engagement, Service Learning, Social-Emotional Skills
Location: Lead4Change (Online, Remote)
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 6–12; participation requires an educator or adult sponsor
Application Deadline: Rolling; submissions accepted throughout the school year
Program Dates: Flexible and self-paced (recommended: 6–10 weeks)
Cost: Free
The Lead4Change Student Leadership Program is designed to teach you how to lead with purpose through a hands-on service learning experience. You'll work in small teams to develop and implement a community-based project, using a structured leadership curriculum that includes goal setting, team collaboration, and strategic thinking. Each lesson connects leadership skills with real-world action, helping you learn how to create positive change while developing your voice as a leader. The program includes a national challenge where your team can pitch your service project for a chance to win up to $10,000 for your school or nonprofit. More than just theory, Lead4Change puts leadership into practice—helping you grow by doing.
9. Dartmouth Online Course – Strategic Leadership: Impact, Change, and Decision-Making Specialization
Subject Areas: Strategic Leadership, Organizational Management, Decision-Making, Talent Development
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Open enrollment; suitable for middle and high school students seeking early exposure to leadership (recommended for mature learners ready for self-paced college-level content)
Application Deadline: Rolling; available on demand
Program Dates: Flexible; approximately 2 months to complete at 10 hours per week
Cost: Free to enroll; fee required for certificate
This four-course Strategic Leadership specialization from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business introduces you to the mindset and skills needed to lead with intention, especially in high-stakes environments. You’ll examine why even smart leaders fail, how to make balanced decisions, and how great leaders—called “Superbosses”—develop talent around them.
Each course includes applied exercises that challenge you to reflect on your leadership choices, making this experience practical and introspective. If you're interested in how leadership works in real organizations and want to improve your ability to think strategically, manage others, and communicate with impact, this program is a strong introduction. While it’s not designed specifically for middle school students, motivated learners with an interest in leadership development will find value in its emphasis on personal growth and real-world application.
Subject Areas: Civic Engagement, Public Policy, Leadership, Community Action, Critical Thinking
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 7–8; minimum of 3 students per school required for group participation
Application Deadline: Typically early October (based on past sessions); space is limited and filled on a rolling basis
Program Dates: October 18–November 1
Cost: $275 per student or $1,650 per cohort of six; financial assistance available upon request
The IMPACT: Active Citizenship – Civic Ambassadors Program equips you with foundational leadership skills by guiding you through real-world issues, from justice and equity to public policy. Over five live, online workshops, you'll collaborate with peers nationwide to explore how your personal experiences connect to national challenges, and you'll learn to evaluate policy solutions through deliberation and critical analysis. The program emphasizes actionable leadership—ending with a school-based civic engagement initiative you plan and lead, such as a root cause analysis or peer discussion. With mentorship from trained facilitators, this program helps you practice the kind of leadership rooted in empathy, problem-solving, and inclusive dialogue—key traits for effective changemakers.
Subject Areas: Entrepreneurship, Business Strategy, Social Impact, Artificial Intelligence
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 6–8; no prior business experience required
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended
Program Dates:
Gold Cohort: February 3–April 16
Blue Cohort: February 4–April 15
Cost: $1,768
The Berkeley Business Academy for Youth Middle School After School (MSAS) program focuses on leadership through the lens of entrepreneurship and innovation. You'll collaborate in small teams to explore the fundamentals of business while working on a social impact challenge tied to a key theme—in 2025, that theme is Artificial Intelligence.
Guided by UC Berkeley faculty, industry experts, and college mentors, you’ll use tools like the Business Model Canvas to structure your ideas and pitch your solutions. The emphasis on teamwork, communication, and real-world problem solving helps you build the confidence and mindset needed to lead in uncertain or fast-changing environments. Whether you're brainstorming with peers or presenting your project, the program encourages you to lead with curiosity, initiative, and purpose.
Subject Areas: Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Communication, Business Strategy, Technology
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Students ages 9–13; no prior experience required
Application Deadline: Rolling; sessions begin October 1
Program Dates: Weekly 90-minute sessions over 8 months; multiple time slots available
Cost: $425/month or $2,975 for full 8-month program
Prequel’s Explore – Launchpad program is designed to introduce you to real-world leadership through entrepreneurship and action-based learning. You’ll launch a small business with a goal of making $100 in profit, gaining practical skills in problem-solving, communication, and resilience. Each project is paired with leadership milestones—like passing a teamwork simulation used at Harvard Business School or conducting a live interview with a professional you admire. The hands-on format pushes you to take initiative, make decisions, and lead within a group setting. Supported by mentors with startup experience, you’ll not only build a business but also develop the mindset and habits of a leader who learns by doing, adapting, and taking bold steps forward.
Subject Areas: Leadership, Communication, Community Engagement, Personal Development
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11; 8th grade students may apply and be placed on a waitlist
Application Deadline: February 1 (rolling admissions until full)
Program Dates: January–May (two live sessions per month with additional independent and mentor-led activities)
Cost: Free
The Young Women Leaders Program is a virtual initiative designed to help you build leadership skills through reflection, mentorship, and service-oriented projects. Over five months, you’ll join live group sessions and small mentor meetings where you'll explore topics like goal setting, stress management, self-awareness, and inclusive communication. The program emphasizes leadership as a tool for local impact, encouraging you to take action in your own community while developing confidence and clarity about your strengths. Through hands-on learning and peer collaboration, YWLP supports your growth as a thoughtful, purpose-driven leader ready to navigate challenges and make meaningful contributions.
Subject Areas: Economics, Business Strategy, Finance, Marketing, Leadership, Entrepreneurship
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Students ages 12–14; no prior experience required
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Program Dates: June 9–June 20
Cost: $2,995 USD; includes live instruction, one-on-one tutorials, and post-program materials
The Discover Business Academy introduces you to core concepts in leadership and business through a structured two-week online course led by a PhD instructor from the London School of Economics. The program combines small-group classes with personalized mentoring and features sessions on topics like market competition, finance, branding, and macroeconomics. You'll apply what you learn in a business startup challenge and explore leadership specifically through a dedicated session on decision-making, influence, and responsibility. With only six students per class, you'll get individualized attention and develop your communication and collaboration skills. The program is designed to help you think critically about leadership in business and whether it’s a path you want to pursue further.
Subject Areas: Leadership, Career Development, International Relations, Social Impact, Public Health, Sustainability, Education, Human Rights
Location: Virtuaf
Eligibility: Students ages 14–19 with access to a computer and internet; English proficiency required
Application Deadline: June 1
Program Dates: June 19 – August 4 (6 weeks)
Cost: $1,999; scholarships available
The Global Impact Virtual Internship connects you with international nonprofits and social enterprises, allowing you to explore leadership and global issues through real-world projects. Designed for motivated teens, the program includes core training in project management, branding, and digital communication alongside soft skill development like cross-cultural collaboration, problem-solving, and initiative. You’ll choose a thematic focus—such as public health or social justice—and complete team-based work with guidance from professional mentors. Leadership is at the center of the experience, as you’ll identify your personal leadership strengths and build a portfolio of work that demonstrates your growth. A certificate of completion and a professional letter of recommendation are provided at the end.
Lydia is currently a senior at Harvard University, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She aims to become a life sciences consultant after graduation.
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