If you’re a high school student who enjoys taking initiative, you may already be developing important leadership skills. But leadership goes far beyond holding a position or managing a group. One of the most engaging ways to strengthen these abilities is by attending a leadership summer school.

Imagine spending your summer participating in interactive workshops, tackling team-based challenges, and analysing real-world leadership scenarios alongside motivated peers. Picture collaborating on group projects, learning how leaders navigate complex decisions, and practising skills such as public speaking, negotiation, and problem-solving. Leadership summer schools for high school students offer structured environments where you can explore what effective leadership truly looks like.

How do you choose the right leadership summer schools for high school students?

With many programs available, it’s important to distinguish between those that offer meaningful skill development and those that focus mainly on motivational sessions. Careful research can help you find a program that aligns with your interests and goals.

Leadership summer schools may include workshops, collaborative challenges, leadership simulations, and presentations. You might work with a team to solve real-world problems, develop strategic proposals, or present ideas that demonstrate effective teamwork and communication.

You’ll learn from experienced instructors and mentors, collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, and strengthen important skills such as confidence, adaptability, and strategic thinking. Along the way, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how leadership works in different fields.

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 Leadership Summer Schools for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their engaging learning environments, mentorship opportunities, and ability to help you grow into a confident and capable leader.

For more options, you can check out online leadership programs.

15 Leadership Summer Schools for High School Students

1. TED Summer School 

Location: London, New York, Singapore, or Online
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through ourbursary programme
Dates: Summer 2026 (multiple two-week sessions across locations and formats)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; places are limited
Eligibility: Students aged 15-18 (14-18 for the virtual programme); strong English proficiency recommended; Open to students worldwide

TED Summer School is a two-week public speaking, communication, and leadership programme developed in partnership between Immerse Education and TED. Designed for motivated high school students, the programme helps participants discover meaningful ideas, develop them through structured reflection and practice, and communicate them with clarity and confidence. 

Across small-group sessions guided by expert tutors trained by the TED team, students learn core frameworks for idea development, storytelling, and presentation. The programme culminates in each student delivering a TED-style talk, which is recorded and shared as part of a personal portfolio, alongside a formal certificate and individual feedback. TED Summer School is ideal for students looking to build confidence, sharpen their thinking, and develop communication skills valued by universities and future careers.

Why it stands out: The programme combines structured academic mentorship, small-group learning, and a final portfolio-based outcome, allowing you to develop transferable skills in communication, critical thinking, and idea development.

2. American Legion Boys State & Boys Nation

Location: Multiple locations. More information available here
Cost: Free
Dates: July 18-26
Application Deadline: Varies by locations
Eligibility: High school students; Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents 

American Legion Boys State & Boys Nation offers a one-week selective education experience to high school students. You’ll gain hands-on experience in understanding the workings of the government, engage in civic leadership, and run mock governments. You’ll serve as a U.S. senator through mock sessions, attend party conventions, and go on visits to national landmarks.

The program participants are usually selected or recommended by their schools. If you’re a high school student with leadership qualities, academic knowledge, and community commitment, this program could be a good option to consider. 

Why it stands out: You’ll gain firsthand experience of how government functions by participating in mock legislative sessions, attending party conventions, and exploring civic leadership.

3. Subiendo Academy Program

Location: University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost: Free
Dates: June 14-18
Application Deadline: January 31st
Eligibility: Current Texas high school juniors 

Subiendo Academy Program offers a five-day leadership opportunity for high school students. You’ll receive training, participate in team- building exercises, and develop leadership skills. You’ll analyse current policy issues through project-based learning, engage in networking opportunities with renowned professionals from business and political fields, and receive mentorship from a supportive community and student leaders.

The program aims to encourage higher education and participation in critical fields. If you’re a high school student interested in addressing real-world challenges along with educational, political, and business leaders, this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: It lets you develop leadership skills through team activities and policy projects while connecting with professionals from business and politics.

4. National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp)

Location: Monongahela National Forest, WV
Cost: Free
Dates: July 11th – August 1st
Application Deadline: March 15th
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors; Open to international students 

National Youth Science Camp offers a residential learning opportunity in STEAM for high school students. You’ll engage in interesting outdoor activities and interact with professionals in STEAM careers. You’ll join a lecture series, gain knowledge from STEM experts on present-day topics, and gain an in-depth understanding of subjects through mini-courses offered in the directed series.

You’ll attend interactive and fun-focused seminars, participate in a range of outdoor adventures, including biking, caving, rock climbing, and more. Apart from the STEAM topics, NYS also offers an arts program where you’ll have the opportunity to learn and create in multiple art media. The program offers a supportive, scientific, and cultural learning environment.

Why it stands out: You’ll attend STEM lectures and mini-courses, learn from experts, and take part in outdoor adventures like rock climbing and caving while exploring both science and the arts

5. FBI National Academy Associates Youth Leadership Program

Location: FBI Academy, Quantico, VA
Cost: Free
Dates: July 9-17
Application Deadline: February 2nd
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors ages 14-16; Open to students worldwide 

The FBI National Academy Associates Youth Leadership Program offers an immersive summer school for high school students where you’ll engage in hands-on and academic learning. You’ll develop real-world leadership skills through a range of core and personal development courses. The courses are focused on leadership fundamentals, ethical leadership, business leadership, situational leadership, time management, fitness, nutrition, and resiliency.

You’ll gain knowledge from law enforcement professionals, participate in safety demonstrations, and go on field excursions to local battlefields and landmarks. The program will allow you to develop an in-depth understanding of American as well as World history while also gaining leadership skills.

Why it stands out: It will help you develop leadership skills. You’ll also learn from law enforcement professionals and visit historic landmarks during field excursions.

6. Caminos al Futuro Pre-College Program at George Washington University

Location: George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: June 22nd – July 10th
Application Deadline: March 1st
Eligibility: Rising U.S. high school seniors 

Caminos al Futuro Pre-College Programs at George Washington University offers a three-week fully-funded learning experience to high school students. You’ll have the opportunity to live on-campus and observe and understand the social, economic, and political transformations impacting the Hispanic/ Latino community. You’ll develop a real-world understanding of policymaking and go on visits to the Congress, non-profits, and government agencies.

You’ll work on community action projects, attend a university-level lecture series, attend writing labs, and engage in academic reading discussions. The program also offers a workshop series to prepare you for college and university applications.

Why it stands out: You’ll live on campus, study social and political issues affecting Hispanic/Latino communities, visit Congress and nonprofits, and work on community action projects while preparing for college applications.

7. University of Colorado Boulder – Business Leadership Program

Location: Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder, CO
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,000 scholarship opportunity
Dates: June 21-27
Application Deadline: March 13th
Eligibility: Current high school juniors, living or attending high school in Colorado

University of Colorado Boulder- Business Leadership Program offers a free, week-long learning experience to high school students. You’ll work on a case challenge, gain hands-on experience, and participate in solving real-world business problems. You’ll get to interact with the faculty, corporate partners, and staff at the Leeds School of Business.

The program is hosted by the Opening Doors to Achievement (ODA) office and includes EY, Deloitte, and KeyBank as some of its corporate partners through the years. The winning marketing campaign and team will win a $1,000 scholarship.

Why it stands out: You’ll solve real business challenges, design a marketing campaign in teams, and learn from business faculty and corporate partners while competing for a $1,000 scholarship.

8. Notre Dame Leadership Seminars

Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Cost: Free
Dates: July 18-29
Application Deadline: January 21st
Eligibility: Current 11th grade high school students; Minimum age: 16 years; Open to students worldwide 

Notre Dame Leadership Seminars offer a 10-day on-campus learning opportunity to high school students. You’ll get to explore and select from six interesting topics, including Global Issues, Inequality in America, RADIANT, Liberty for All, The Power of Investing, and Business. Through these seminars, you’ll understand market economy, moral challenges associated with market and business, climate change-related conflict, peacebuilding strategies, racial disparities, residential segregation, and many more concepts.

The program offers an applied learning experience, allowing you to learn about real-world problems and develop an in-depth understanding of controversial issues. You’ll have the opportunity to earn one transferrable college credit upon the successful completion of the program.

Why it stands out: You’ll spend 10 days on campus exploring topics like global issues, inequality, and business through discussions and applied learning while earning transferable college credit.

9. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)

Location: Rotary Clubs across the U.S. and internationally
Cost/Stipend: Free/Low cost
Dates: Vary by location
Application Deadline: Varies by specific rotary district
Eligibility: Students ages 14-18 nominated by a local Rotary Club

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) offers an intensive leadership experience to high school students. You’ll develop dynamic leadership skills and strategies, listen to inspirational speakers, and receive guidance from peer mentors and community leaders. Based on the needs of the community, the program offers either a one-day seminar, a three-day retreat, or a weeklong camp.

You’ll explore different topics through workshops, presentations, and other activities. Along with academic learning, you’ll also have the opportunity to interact with like-minded peers and form meaningful connections.

Why it stands out: You’ll build leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills through workshops, activities, and talks from community leaders while connecting with other motivated students.

10. Sadie Nash Leadership Project Summer Institute

Location: New York City, New York, and Newark, New Jersey
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: July 6th – August 13th
Application Deadline: Rolling until March 27th
Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive youth living and attending  high school in New York City or Newark

Sadie Nash Leadership Project Summer Institute offers a six-week summer learning opportunity to high school students. You’ll participate in workshops and develop critical thinking and a sense of community through exploring a range of topics, including social justice, leadership, and identity.

Some of the classes offered through the program in previous years include anthropology of gender, creating change: art and activism in America, and getting schooled or getting educated: education or liberation. Along with academic workshops, the program also offers enjoyable field trips. 

Why it stands out: You’ll build leadership and critical thinking skills through workshops on social justice, identity, and activism while learning from inspiring women and gender-expansive leaders.

11. Norwich University’s Future Leader Camp

Location: Norwich University, Northfield, VT
Cost: $2,000
Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August. More information here
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; Open to students worldwide 

Norwich University’s Future Leaders Camp offers a nine-day hands-on learning opportunity for high school students. You’ll engage in real-world leadership experiences, participate in team-building, and receive hands-on military training. You’ll participate in a range of new challenges, including rock climbing, rappelling, team-problem solving, and hiking.

You’ll develop and practice wilderness survival skills and apply those skills during the Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX). During the final days of the camp, you’ll compete through different challenges, including a platoon competition, a leadership exam, and a squad drill competition. The program is a great opportunity to develop confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.

Why it stands out: You’ll build leadership, resilience, and teamwork skills through military-style training, outdoor challenges, and problem-solving exercises.

12. 21st Century Leaders EarthCare

Location: Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, GA
Cost: Free
Dates: June 7-12
Application Deadline: March 1st
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in Georgia

21st Century Leaders Earthcare offers a week-long STEM and environment-focused learning opportunity for high school students. You’ll be introduced to environmental, sustainable, and leadership challenges. You’ll participate in interactive workshops, attend roundtable sessions, and engage in professional development experiences.

You’ll enjoy life on campus, interact with peers, form friendships, and gain knowledge about your individual leadership style. The program will also help you sharpen your public speaking skills and expand your professional network.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore environmental and sustainability challenges through workshops and discussions while developing leadership, public speaking, and networking skills.

13. UW-Whitewater Business and Leadership Camp

Location: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI
Cost/Stipend: Resident: $575; Commuter: $425; $100 non-refundable deposit
Dates: July 14-18 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: July 4th
Eligibility: High school students and incoming college freshmen, ages 14-19; Open to students worldwide

UW-Whitewater Business and Leadership Camp offers a five-day valuable experience for high school students. You’ll learn from experienced faculty and mentors and develop a range of skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.

You’ll have the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops and competitions to explore many different topics, including entrepreneurship, sales, finance, and marketing. The program will help you build your resume and learn the pitching of business ideas.If you’re a high school student interested in business, leadership, and business growth, this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore topics like entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing through workshops and competitions while developing communication, teamwork, and business pitching skills.

14. The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region Leadership Development Camp

Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, CA
Cost/Stipend: To Be Announced
Dates: August 3-7
Application Deadline: July 8th
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students; Minimum age: 16 years; Must be residing in the Red Cross LA region.

The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region Leadership Development Camp offers a one-week youth learning experience. You’ll develop a range of skills in leadership, including public speaking, teamwork, and cultural understanding. You’ll participate in leadership-focused sessions and activities, interact with peers, and have the opportunity to form meaningful friendships. You’ll gain knowledge about fundraising, time management, and marketing.

The program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make meaningful and positive changes at your school and in your community. If you’re a high school student interested in exploring the different forms of leadership, this program could benefit you.

Why it stands out: You’ll develop leadership skills through sessions on public speaking, teamwork, fundraising, marketing, and time management while working on projects that support community impact.

15. EUREKA! Leadership Camps: Counsellor in Training (CIT) Program

Location: EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum, Grand Junction, CO,
Cost: $50 per two-week camp member;  $60 per 2-week camp nonmembers
Dates: Multiple two-week camps between June and August
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th-grade students worldwide

EUREKA! Leadership Camps: Counsellor in Training (CIT) Program offers two-week-long, specific learning opportunities to high school students. Each camp will be focused on a different topic where you’ll develop many core leadership skills. You’ll receive guidance from an experienced STEAM instructor, work with kids, teach them science, and gain leadership skills to make a positive community impact.

Some of the leadership-focused topics include communication skills and teamwork, lesson plans and teaching, classroom management, and safety of campers and instructors. Through these camps, you’ll get to explore leadership styles, develop effective lesson plans in science, and more.

Why it stands out: You’ll train as a counsellor by helping teach science to younger students while learning leadership, classroom management, safety practices, and effective lesson planning.

Where Leadership Skills Become Life Skills

Leadership grows fastest when you practise it in real situations, not just talk about it. A summer programme can test your judgement, confidence, resilience, and voice.

Each leadership summer school in this guide offers a different way to build those strengths, through collaboration, challenge, reflection, and experiences that push you forward.

Over time, those moments shape more than leadership ability. They help you understand yourself, communicate with purpose, and carry greater clarity into everyday decisions.

Don’t let this growth stop when summer ends, and read our Personal Development blogs now to build the mindset, confidence, and self-awareness that will shape every next step.