15 Leadership Programs for Teens
Participating in leadership programs for teens allows you to develop essential skills such as communication, decision-making, and teamwork, capabilities that are relevant across academic, professional, and personal contexts.
What do leadership programs involve?
Leadership programs move beyond theoretical learning by giving you opportunities to lead projects, collaborate with peers, and navigate real-world challenges. Through structured experiences, you gain insight into how leadership functions in areas like business, public policy, research, and community initiatives. Engaging in leadership programs for teens also helps you explore potential career paths by exposing you to different industries and leadership styles.
Why participate in leadership programs as a teenager?
Most programs combine workshops, mentorship, and hands-on projects, enabling you to apply concepts like strategic thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making. You also build transferable skills that can support your own ventures, whether that involves launching a project, leading a team, or organizing initiatives. In addition, these programs often provide access to mentors and peer networks, helping you expand your perspective and build meaningful professional connections early on.
In addition to leadership camps, you can consider leadership pre-college programs, or have a look at leadership programs abroad for an international and globally-focused experience.
15 Leadership Programs for Teens
1. Harvard Pre-College Program: Business and Leadership Track
Location: Harvard University, USA (residential)
Cost/Stipend: $6,100 (includes tuition, housing, meals, and insurance); limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small classes of 12–18 students
Program Dates: Session I: June 21–July 2; Session II: July 5–July 17; Session III: July 19–31
Application Deadline: Typically early spring
Eligibility: High school students
The Harvard Pre-College Program offers academically rigorous courses that help you develop leadership-related skills through discussion-based learning. You enroll in one course per session, with options across fields like business, government, economics, and public policy. Small class sizes ensure that you actively participate in debates, presentations, and collaborative problem-solving. You engage with complex material, including research articles and case-based assignments, which strengthens analytical thinking and communication. The program requires consistent attendance and includes daily coursework and homework, reinforcing discipline and time management. At the end of the session, you receive a written evaluation and a Harvard transcript (AR/NM), which can supplement your academic profile.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: 100% virtual, with live interactive workshops
Cost/Stipend: $2,900; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: 4-week program, tentatively starting June 5
Application Deadline: Early Decision: March | Regular Admission 1: April | Regular Admission 2: May
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
The Young Founders Lab is a startup-focused program designed to help you build and launch a real-world business idea. You work on identifying a problem, validating your concept, and developing a revenue-generating solution with guidance from experienced mentors. The curriculum includes live workshops on business fundamentals, ideation, and market strategy, as well as case studies and panel discussions. You also gain exposure to professionals from organizations like Google, Microsoft, and X, which helps contextualize how startups operate in practice. Along the way, you will engage in case studies, skill-building workshops, and panel discussions that help you build leadership, time management, and teamwork skills. The structured format ensures that you balance theoretical learning with practical execution.
3. Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute (KWLI)
Location: Indiana University, Bloomington (in-person) + virtual option
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited seats
Program Dates: Virtual: April (2 sessions); In-person: June–July (multiple one-day sessions)
Application Deadline: January - March 20
Eligibility: High school students (sophomores, juniors, seniors); minimum GPA of 3.5 required
The Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute (KWLI) is a short-term leadership program that develops business-oriented leadership skills in a collaborative environment. You participate in faculty-led lectures from the Kelley School of Business, gaining exposure to foundational business concepts and leadership frameworks. The program includes hands-on case-study work in which you analyze real-world business challenges and propose solutions. You also engage in group discussions and activities that strengthen communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills. Through these interactions, you connect with peers who share an interest in business and leadership, building early professional networks. The program also helps you explore different business fields, allowing you to align your interests with potential career paths.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Starting at $2,490; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder Internship Program places you in a real startup environment where you contribute to ongoing projects across fields like technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, and consulting. You work directly with startup teams, gaining exposure to how early-stage companies operate and scale. Throughout the internship, you receive guidance from both a company manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach, ensuring structured mentorship and feedback. You are expected to take ownership of tasks, collaborate with teams, and deliver measurable outcomes. The program concludes with a final presentation where you showcase your work and insights. By participating in internships with leading organizations, you’ll build business management, leadership, and communication skills.
5. Leadership in the Business World (LBW) – Wharton
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA (on campus)
Cost/Stipend: $11,899
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Program Dates: June–August (multiple 3-week sessions)
Application Deadline: Priority: January 28 | Final: March 18
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
The Leadership in the Business World (LBW) program at Wharton is an intensive, three-week experience focused on developing leadership through business education. You explore core concepts such as organizational behavior, management frameworks, and strategic decision-making. The curriculum includes case studies, simulations, and group projects that mirror real-world business scenarios. You learn to analyze companies using tools such as SWOT analysis and Porter’s Five Forces, thereby building structured problem-solving skills. Throughout the program, you collaborate with peers on team-based assignments, strengthening communication and teamwork. The experience culminates in a capstone case competition where you apply your learning to a real business challenge. Upon completion, you receive a Wharton Global Youth Certificate, which can support your academic and leadership profile.
6. Brown Leadership Institute
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI (on-campus) + online option
Cost/Stipend: On-campus: $6,052 (residential) / $4,748 (commuter); Online: $5,778
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: On-campus: June–July (2-week sessions) | Online: June–July (4 weeks)
Application Deadline: Typically rolling until capacity (sessions may fill early)
Eligibility: High school students ages 14–18 (grades 9–12)
The Brown Leadership Institute focuses on developing leadership through the lens of social impact and civic engagement. You choose from interdisciplinary courses such as social entrepreneurship, intercultural communication, or leadership and social justice, allowing you to explore leadership in specific contexts. The program emphasizes collaborative learning, where you engage in discussions, group work, and problem-solving with peers from diverse backgrounds. You develop core leadership skills such as public speaking, active listening, and teamwork through structured activities and coursework. A key component is creating an “Action Plan,” in which you design a project to address a real issue in your community. By the end, you receive a certificate of completion and a performance report, making it a meaningful addition to your academic and leadership profile.
7. The Leadership Lab
Location: Columbia University, New York City
Cost/Stipend: Tuition varies; financial aid available. Check here.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: June 29 – July 17
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. Check here.
Eligibility: High school students
The Leadership Lab is an experiential program designed to help you develop practical leadership skills through both theory and application. You begin by exploring leadership frameworks and identifying your personal leadership style, which provides a foundation for growth. You also engage in conflict resolution scenarios, helping you navigate real-world interpersonal challenges. Guest speakers from various fields share insights into their leadership journeys, offering perspectives on both successes and challenges. Throughout the program, you refine communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills in structured settings. By the end, you will have created an actionable leadership development plan, giving you a clear pathway to apply these skills in academic, personal, or professional contexts.
8. Sadie Nash Summer Institute
Location: New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx) + Newark, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Free; $450 stipend upon completion (based on participation)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: July 6 – August 13
Application Deadline: Rolling until May 8 (priority processes may begin earlier)
Eligibility: High school students who identify as young women or gender-expansive youth living in NYC or Newark
The Sadie Nash Summer Institute is a leadership development program centered on identity, social justice, and community engagement. Over six weeks, you participate in interactive workshops that explore leadership, equity, and critical thinking, helping you understand how social systems operate. The program includes sessions with professionals such as elected officials, business leaders, and artists, giving you exposure to diverse leadership pathways. You also take part in field trips and community-based experiences that reinforce learning outside the classroom. Collaboration with peers is a core component, allowing you to build a strong support network while developing communication and teamwork skills. By the end, you gain practical tools and perspectives to initiate change and contribute meaningfully to social impact efforts.
9. Brown Environmental Leadership Labs (BELL)
Location: Alaska, Florida Keys (off-campus) + Brown University, Rhode Island (on-campus)
Cost/Stipend: $4,708 – $7,642 depending on location
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: June–July (8–12 days, depending on location)
Application Deadline: Typically rolling until capacity
Eligibility: High school students
The Brown Environmental Leadership Labs (BELL) program integrates environmental science with leadership development through immersive, place-based learning. You explore topics such as ecology, sustainability, and environmental policy, and examine how leadership plays a role in addressing global challenges. The program emphasizes experiential learning, with fieldwork and site-based activities forming a core component of the curriculum. You collaborate with peers who share an interest in environmental issues, building a strong sense of community and shared purpose. Through guided reflection and discussion, you develop skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making. The program also highlights the interconnectedness of environmental, social, political, and economic systems.
10. Leadership in the Real World
Location: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH + Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Highland Center
Cost/Stipend: $9,299
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: July–August (multiple session options)
Application Deadline: Priority: December 16 | Regular: January 27 | Extended: March 24
Eligibility: High school students, no prerequisites required
The Leadership in the Real World course is an intensive program that examines leadership through the lens of public policy, social change, and real-world decision-making. You explore key questions about what defines effective leadership and how different styles vary across contexts and environments. The curriculum is built around case studies in which you analyze real leaders and evaluate their impact on policy, governance, and global challenges. You are encouraged to approach these dilemmas as if you were the decision-maker, strengthening your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. A distinctive component of the program is the outdoor leadership experience in the White Mountains, where you apply leadership concepts in a team-based, experiential setting. This combination of classroom learning and fieldwork helps you reflect on your own leadership style and adaptability.
11. Ronald Reagan Center for Leadership Development Programs
Location: Primarily virtual (self-paced and guided formats)
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; some free resources available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment for most courses
Program Dates: Flexible, year-round access
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
The Ronald Reagan Center for Leadership Development offers a series of programs focused on building leadership skills through historical and practical case studies. Courses like Lead Like a President explore how leadership traits such as communication, vision, and decision-making were applied in real-world situations. You analyze historical examples and reflect on how similar strategies can be used in your own leadership experiences. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, encouraging you to connect theory with everyday decision-making. You also develop skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and problem-solving through structured lessons. Flexible formats allow you to progress at your own pace while engaging with leadership concepts.
12. Wake Forest Summer Immersion Leadership Institute
Location: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC (residential)
Cost/Stipend: $3,500
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective (waitlist for recent sessions)
Program Dates: Week of June 7–12 and June 21–26
Application Deadline: Opens November 1; rolling until filled
Eligibility: High school students, grades 9–12
The Wake Forest Summer Immersion Leadership Institute is a short-term residential program designed to help you build practical leadership and interpersonal skills before college. The curriculum focuses on areas such as team dynamics, communication, personal branding, and resilience, giving you a structured foundation in leadership development. You participate in hands-on activities, including team-building challenges and collaborative exercises, where you actively practice leading and working with others. The program also includes sessions with faculty and industry professionals, helping you understand how leadership applies in different career contexts. Community engagement is integrated through service with local nonprofits, allowing you to apply leadership in real-world settings. You also reflect on your strengths and develop strategies for personal growth and goal-setting. Upon completion, you receive a Wake Forest certificate, which can support your academic and extracurricular profile.
13. Tony Robbins Global Youth Leadership Summit (GYLS)
Location: San Diego, CA, USA
Cost/Stipend: $875, early bird: $775; includes accommodation, meals, and materials
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; global cohort, ~400 participants
Program Dates: July 7–12
Application Deadline: Rolling (early bird deadline typically late March)
Eligibility: Students ages 14–16
The Tony Robbins Global Youth Leadership Summit (GYLS) is a five-day immersive program focused on developing leadership through experiential learning and personal growth. You participate in small group discussions, leadership simulations, and service-based activities designed to help you identify your strengths and leadership style. The program includes keynote sessions by global speakers covering topics such as leadership frameworks, goal-setting, and community impact. You work collaboratively with an international cohort, gaining exposure to diverse perspectives and leadership approaches. A key component is setting personal and community-focused goals, encouraging you to apply what you learn beyond the program. The structured environment combines reflection, teamwork, and action-oriented learning.
14. Subiendo Academy
Location: University of Texas at Austin, TX (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: June 14–18
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Texas high school juniors
The Subiendo Academy is a five-day leadership program designed to prepare you to address real-world challenges in healthcare, energy, and education. You engage in project-based learning, analyzing current policy issues, and proposing solutions alongside peers. The program includes leadership training sessions and team-building exercises that help you develop collaboration and problem-solving skills. You also participate in communication workshops designed to improve your presentation and public speaking abilities. A key component is networking with business leaders, policymakers, and educators, giving you exposure to real leadership pathways. The residential experience introduces you to college life, including campus living and academic expectations.
15. FBI National Academy Associates Youth Leadership Program (YLP)
Location: Washington, D.C. and surrounding sites
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective, ~62 students annually
Program Dates: July 9 – July 17
Application Deadline: November - February
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (ages 14–16); strong academics, fitness, and community involvement required
The FBI National Academy Associates Youth Leadership Program (YLP) is an intensive 8-day leadership experience designed to develop discipline, resilience, and ethical decision-making. You participate in structured coursework covering leadership fundamentals, ethical leadership, and situational leadership, helping you understand how to adapt your approach in different contexts. The program includes hands-on exercises and simulations led by experienced law enforcement professionals, providing practical exposure to leadership under pressure. You also explore topics such as time management, crisis response, and maintaining integrity in challenging situations. Physical fitness and resilience training are integrated into the curriculum, emphasizing the connection between mental and physical preparedness. In addition, you engage in field visits to civic and historical sites, reinforcing how leadership operates in real institutions.