15 Youth Leadership Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Sep 26
- 11 min read
If you're a high school student looking to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and get a head start on college life, a youth leadership program is a smart way to do it. These programs often take place on university campuses, offering a taste of college academics along with hands-on workshops, team projects, and mentoring from professionals. Whether you're interested in public speaking, social impact, business, or civic engagement, youth leadership programs help you grow practical skills like communication, critical thinking, and decision-making. Many also offer site visits, guest speakers, and opportunities to work with like-minded peers from around the country, all at little to no cost.
We've carefully selected 15 top youth leadership programs for high school students that stand out for their academic rigor, competitive selection, and strong networking opportunities. Several are fully funded or offer scholarships, ensuring access to students from diverse backgrounds. Most importantly, each is hosted by a prestigious organization or university, making them not just a summer activity, but a valuable investment in your future. Dive in!
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; over 300 students from nearly 100 communities are accepted each year
Location: Internship is local to each participant’s community; summit held in Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free to participate; includes paid internship and all expenses for the summit
Dates: July 21–26 (Student Leaders Summit); 8-week summer internship; internship dates vary by location
Application Deadline: October 14 - January 15
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors and seniors; must reside in an eligible location and be legally authorized to work in the U.S. through September; prior recipients ineligible to reapply
Through the Student Leaders® Program, Bank of America offers high school juniors and seniors a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills through an eight-week paid internship at a local nonprofit, along with a fully funded trip to a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C. This hands-on experience helps you build civic engagement, social impact, and professional communication skills by working with nonprofit organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity. The summit exposes you to key societal issues and how government, business, and nonprofits intersect to create change. Throughout the program, you will work 35 hours a week, contributing meaningfully to your communities while gaining leadership training and mentorship. The program stands out for its paid structure, national-level exposure, and emphasis on youth civic leadership.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 150 students selected annually
Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Cost: Free; tuition, housing, and meals are fully covered by the university
Dates: July 19–30
Application Deadline: October 14–January 22
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (current juniors); strong academic record and demonstrated leadership in the community
Hosted on the University of Notre Dame’s campus, this 10-day, fully funded summer program offers high-achieving high school students the chance to engage with critical global issues through a leadership lens. You can choose one of six seminar tracks from topics like inequality, investing, and global conflict, and attend college-level lectures and discussions led by Notre Dame faculty. In addition to the academic rigor, the program focuses on ethical leadership, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving. You also have the opportunity to earn one transferable college credit upon successful completion. With only 150 students selected nationwide, Leadership Seminars is a highly competitive, intellectually engaging, and socially immersive experience.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact numbers not published
Location: Multiple locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Newark, NJ
Cost: Free; students receive a stipend
Dates: June 28 orientation; program runs 6 weeks from early July through mid-August; the exact dates are yet to be announced
Application Deadline: Priority: March 24; Final: April 14
Eligibility: High school students identifying as young women or gender-expansive, residing in NYC or Newark
Held across New York City and Newark, the Sadie Nash Summer Institute is a 6-week leadership program for young women and gender-expansive high school students. The program centers around social justice, identity, and empowerment, blending academic workshops with art, field trips, and community engagement. As a "Nasher," you’ll explore real-world issues through creative expression and critical thinking, and meet professionals from diverse backgrounds, including artists, politicians, and educators. You will also attend themed classes and self-defense workshops, and receive a stipend based on your participation. The program fosters a strong peer community and emphasizes leadership as a lived, present-tense skill, not just a future aspiration.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Medium selectivity; size varies by session and location
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, DC; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: $3,095–$3,195; scholarships and flexible payment plans available. Learn about the scholarships in detail here
Dates: June 13–18, June 20–25, June 28–July 3 (Georgetown); July 15–20, July 25–30 (Michigan)
Application Deadline: Rolling until seats are filled; early application recommended
Eligibility: High school students; no specific prerequisites listed
The National Student Leadership Conference’s Leadership & Service program offers high school students an immersive, pre-college experience designed to build leadership capacity through workshops, service projects, and real-world exposure. Held on university campuses like Georgetown and the University of Michigan, you will engage in public speaking, team-building, empathy training, and goal-setting. Each cohort also participates in hands-on community service with organizations such as the Capital Area Food Bank and the Salvation Army, building both civic awareness and volunteer hours. You’ll live in supervised dorms, attend sessions in college classrooms, and explore the host cities through organized tours. You will also have the option to earn college credit through a partnership with American University.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by club; workshops typically capped at 25 students
Location: Offered through local Toastmasters clubs across the U.S.
Cost: Usually free or low-cost, depending on the club and location
Dates: Varies by location; sessions typically span 8 weeks with 1–2 hour meetings
Application Deadline: Rolling, based on club or school scheduling
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18
Run by local Toastmasters clubs across the U.S., the Youth Leadership Program is an eight-session workshop designed to help high school students improve their communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. You will learn to write and deliver speeches, practice impromptu speaking, offer constructive feedback, and conduct formal meetings within a supportive, peer-led structure modeled after Toastmasters meetings. The program is coordinated by experienced Toastmasters members and may be hosted at schools, community centers, or club venues during or outside school hours. This program is a solid option for students seeking to build confidence in communication and leadership without the cost or time commitment of a residential program.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact cohort size is not disclosed
Location: Online; hosted by the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Cost: $4,099 + $100 non-refundable application fee; need-based scholarships available
Dates: June 16–27, July 7–18
Application Deadline: Priority: April 2; Final: May 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 with demonstrated leadership interest; international students are welcome
Hosted by the Wharton Global Youth Program, Essentials of Leadership is a two-week, intensive summer course designed to help high school students develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills through Wharton-style instruction. The program includes live lectures with Wharton faculty, daily TA-led recitations, business simulations, and collaborative group projects conducted in a highly interactive virtual setting. You can build skills in emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and problem-solving, while networking with global peers and receiving a certificate upon completion. This program could be a great fit for you if you’re looking to develop core leadership competencies in a high-caliber academic environment from home.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies; participants are nominated by local Rotary Clubs
Location: Offered by Rotary Clubs across the U.S. (and internationally)
Cost: Usually free or low-cost; sponsored by Rotary Clubs
Dates: Varies by location; typically held in summer or spring for 3–10 days
Application Deadline: Varies by Rotary district; contact local Rotary Club
Eligibility: Ages 14–18 for high school programs; must be nominated by a local Rotary Club
RYLA is a dynamic leadership development experience offered by Rotary Clubs across the U.S. and globally. Designed for young people aged 14–30, local RYLA events focus on building communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. High school participants are typically nominated to attend three- to ten-day retreats that feature workshops, outdoor team-building activities, speaker sessions with community leaders, and interactive leadership challenges. Each RYLA experience is specific to its host Rotary district. The program combines practical training with deep personal growth in a peer-driven environment.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not published
Location: McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Free; no tuition or fees
Dates: June 8–12
Application Deadline: Closed for 2025; check back in late fall for the 2026 cycle
Eligibility: Current high school juniors residing in Texas
Hosted by the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, Subiendo is a five-day summer leadership program for rising high school seniors in Texas. It brings together a diverse group of students to explore real-world policy challenges in healthcare, education, and the environment through workshops, team projects, and presentations. As a participant, you’ll engage directly with influential leaders in business and politics, practice public speaking and communication, and stay in on-campus housing to experience college life. Subiendo is entirely free and offers hands-on experience at the intersection of leadership, policy, and civic engagement while enabling you to build a network of like-minded peers.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~2 delegates per U.S. state + D.C.
Location: Monongahela National Forest, Davis, WV
Cost: Free; includes housing, meals, transportation, and materials
Dates: July 10–August 2
Application Deadline: Extended to March 7 (March 3 for California)
Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors (rising college freshmen) with strong STEM and leadership profiles
Hosted in the Monongahela National Forest of West Virginia, the National Youth Science Camp is a prestigious residential program for high-achieving high school graduates with a passion for STEM and leadership. Delegates from each U.S. state and the District of Columbia, plus select international students, are invited to participate in advanced lectures, research-based discussions, outdoor adventures, and immersive workshops designed to build not only scientific understanding but also resilience, teamwork, and leadership. The camp also includes a trip to Washington, D.C., and opportunities to engage with world-renowned scientists, innovators, and mentors. With all expenses covered and a competitive nomination-based selection process, NYSCamp is a prestigious STEM+Leadership program.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort sizes vary by state
Location: Held on college campuses across all 50 U.S. states
Cost: Varies by location; typically $225–$395; some schools or donors may sponsor students
Dates: Varies by state; most programs run from April to June for 3-4 days
Application Deadline: Varies by location; nominations usually occur during the school year
Eligibility: High school sophomores nominated by their school or community
HOBY State Leadership Seminars are 3- 4-day programs held on college campuses for high school sophomores nominated by their schools. The seminars focus on three areas: personal leadership, group leadership, and service leadership. You will participate in workshops, discussions, and team activities designed to build self-awareness, communication skills, and collaborative problem-solving. The curriculum is standardized across all U.S. states and emphasizes real-world leadership application. After the program, students are encouraged to complete 100 hours of community service as part of HOBY’s “Leadership for Service” initiative. The experience is designed to build practical leadership skills and motivate students to engage with their communities.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: The program is highly selective. Cohort size not officially published
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free (includes travel, lodging, meals, and activities)
Dates: June 8–14 or June 22–28
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: Open to current 10th and 11th-grade students residing in the U.S., D.C., or Puerto Rico. Preference given to students with financial need
The NextGen Latino Leadership Program offers high school sophomores and juniors an immersive, all-expenses-paid week in Washington, D.C., focused on civic engagement and leadership development. You will tour Capitol Hill, interact with Members of Congress, and participate in hands-on workshops on how government works and how to make a difference in your communities. The program brings together young leaders from across the U.S., helping you gain insights into top issues affecting the Latino community. Through leadership training, site visits, and networking with Latino changemakers, you’ll learn to strengthen your voice and confidence as emerging leaders. You will also become lifelong members of the CHCI Alumni Association, opening the door to future mentorship and opportunities. This program is especially valuable for students from underrepresented backgrounds seeking exposure to policymaking, advocacy, and public service.
12. NHI Great Debate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 150–300 participants per regional session
Location: Multiple U.S. campuses (e.g., San Diego, Saint Francis University PA, Augustana IL, Texas sites). Check all locations here.
Cost: $695 tuition + $25 application fee + $150 deposit (payment plans and fundraising support available)
Dates: June–July 2025 (June 5–8 in Texas; June 10–15 Texas Star; June 28–July 3 Midwest; July 7–12 Northeast; July 8–13 California)
Application Deadline: Rolling, late applications accepted until full (first-come, first-served)
Eligibility: High school freshmen (9th grade), minimum GPA 3.0/4.0, first-time NHI participants
NHI’s Great Debate is a multi-day summer leadership and communication program for 9th-grade students, hosted on university campuses across the U.S. You will develop public speaking, critical thinking, and self-expression through debate competitions, mock trials, and extemporaneous speaking. This immersive program gives you the opportunity to live in dorms and interact with peers from diverse regions while refining leadership competencies. The rigorous curriculum is designed to empower young leaders, culminating in tournament-style contests judged by mentors and alumni. With a supportive network of NHI volunteers and coaches, you will gain the tools required to articulate ideas, collaborate under pressure, and understand community-focused leadership.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~100 students selected annually
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free; covers travel, housing, meals, and all program materials
Dates: 5–7 weeks during summer; exact dates to be announced
Application Deadline: Part I: December 11; Final Notification: Mid-April
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors from low-income backgrounds with strong academics and leadership potential
The Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA) Scholars Program is a rigorous, fully funded summer leadership experience for high-achieving juniors from under-resourced backgrounds. Held at Princeton University, the program offers 5–7 weeks of intensive instruction in writing, leadership development, standardized test preparation, and college admissions. You’ll gain access to mentorship, one-on-one college guidance, and a supportive cohort of driven peers from across the country. Workshops on identity, public speaking, and ethics are led by expert faculty and designed to empower you to become change-makers in your community. The program continues beyond the summer, offering four years of support through college and into early careers. LEDA is one of the most comprehensive and impactful leadership programs for high school students seeking to break barriers and access top-tier universities.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 62 students selected annually from the U.S. and abroad
Location: Quantico, VA (students also visit Washington, D.C. and other historic sites)
Cost: Free; includes all program expenses
Dates: June 19–27
Application Deadline: November 29–February 3 (varies by local FBINAA chapter)
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (ages 14–16 by program start date); strong academic and fitness performance required
Hosted by the FBI National Academy Associates, the Youth Leadership Program is a fully funded, 8-day immersive training that develops the next generation of community-minded leaders. You’ll participate in leadership coursework, physical training, and ethical decision-making workshops under the guidance of law enforcement professionals. The curriculum blends academic seminars on leadership styles and values with real-world learning through field trips to national monuments, safety demonstrations, and tactical activities. Students are nominated and selected through FBINAA’s regional chapters. The program focuses on resilience, service, and practical leadership in today’s complex world, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to grow among a cohort of like-minded peers.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; seats are limited for each session
Location: Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Cost: Free to attend; participants must cover travel, housing, and personal expenses; meals are provided
Dates: June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25 (one-day in-person sessions)
Application Deadline: Rolling; deadlines are May 13, May 27, June 11, and June 25, depending on session
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.5 GPA
The Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute is a selective, one-day summer program hosted by Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business that aims to empower high school women interested in business leadership. You’ll take part in workshops led by top Kelley faculty, interact with current students and alumni, and tackle a real-world business case study. The program emphasizes skill-building in communication, leadership, and decision-making while exposing students to the unique challenges women face in the business world. It offers a close-up look at college and career paths in business, with plenty of networking opportunities in a collaborative, high-energy environment.
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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