15 Nonprofit Networking Events & Conferences for Teen Leaders
Nonprofit networking events and conferences can be a great way for high school students to see how organizations work beyond volunteering or school projects. If you’re thinking about getting involved in nonprofit work, attending these events can give you a clearer picture of the roles you might want to take on and the causes you want to support.
Many nonprofits and youth organizations host events each year where high schoolers can participate in panels, workshops, and group activities. Some focus on community service, environmental work, or social entrepreneurship, while others explore leadership, advocacy, or program management. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 15 nonprofit networking events and conferences for teen leaders!
15 Nonprofit Networking Events & Conferences for Teen Leaders
1. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program; financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: About 19%, though the exact percentage varies by internship and cohort
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Dates: Programs run year-round in 8–12 week sessions during spring, summer, fall, and winter
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, or gap year students who can work 5–10 hours a week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a remote program that matches high school students with nonprofits and startups worldwide. Many of these organizations are supported by Y Combinator or run by professionals with experience at companies like Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey. Created by Harvard graduates, the program offers internships in various fields, including nonprofits, finance, consulting, health tech, mental health, software engineering, AI, environmental science, and journalism. As an intern, you’ll work on real projects for your host organization and share your results at the end of the program. You’ll also participate in group sessions with other interns, practice communication and time management skills, and get guidance from both a Ladder coach and site manager throughout the internship. If you’re interested, you can review the application form in advance to see which internships are currently available.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: Virtual, with live workshops
Cost: Varies depending on the program; need-based financial aid is available
Cohort Size: 6–12 students (group program)
Dates: Varies by the cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; you can access the application link here!
Eligibility: All high school students
The Young Founders Lab is a startup incubator created by Harvard and Stanford alumni for high school students interested in launching a business or nonprofit. In this program, you’ll work with a team to design a startup that tackles a real-world problem, with guidance from mentors at companies like Google, Microsoft, and X. You’ll learn about idea development, market research, business fundamentals, prototyping, and planning a launch, as well as network with professionals. The program wraps up with a Demo Day, where you’ll present your project to potential investors. You can join either a 45-hour online group program in the summer or a 12-week individual program during the school year, which includes 12 hours of one-on-one coaching. The individual track employs methods inspired by accelerators like Y Combinator and insights from alumni of Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford. For more details, you can check out the program brochure.
3. Healthy Teen Network Annual National Conference
Location: Atlanta, GA
Cost: $975 (General Attendee) | $389 (Student Attendee) + $165–$275 learning add-on + $173–$279 optional accommodation at Grand Hyatt Atlanta; you can check the additional costs here
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: October 6 – October 8
Registration Deadline: Rolling admissions till spots are available
Eligibility: Middle school, high school, undergraduate, and graduate students can apply; they must provide proof of enrollment
The Healthy Teen Network is a national nonprofit that supports the health and well-being of adolescents. Each year, they host a National Conference where you can build your professional skills, meet others working in teen health, and explore new ways to support young people through education and care. At the conference, you can take part in breakout sessions, roundtables, exhibitions, and other presentations. You also have the chance to share your own work and learn from others across the country. The event focuses on helping you create stronger programs for teens and gives you tools to make a real impact.
4. Broyhill Leadership Conference (BLC)
Location: Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs, NC
Cost: $325–$375, depending on when you register
Cohort Size: The student-to-staff ratio is roughly 1:12, though the exact cohort size isn’t specified
Dates: June 17 – June 21 | July 8 – July 12
Registration Deadline: April 15 (early registration); rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders or current high school graduates who will be at least 15 by June 1
Tomorrow’s America Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization, offers the Broyhill Leadership Conference (BLC), which helps teens develop leadership skills and foster personal growth. You’ll learn about leadership, goal setting, self-discovery, attitude, and communication through discussions, readings, and activities. You’ll be placed in a group of about 12 with an adult counselor. In your group, you’ll read the BLC handbook, participate in hands-on leadership and team-building exercises, practice goal-setting using the “mountain climbing” method, elect a peer leader, and prepare a presentation to share with the conference. The week will conclude with a semi-formal banquet, where the winning team will be announced.
5. Points of Light Social Impact Conference
Location: Washington Hilton, Washington, DC
Cost: $525–$825 + an optional $323/night and tax at the Washington Hilton if booked by May 20
Cohort Size: 1,000–1,200 participants
Dates: June 22 – June 25
Registration Deadline: June 30 of the previous year (Early Bird Deadline); rolling admissions until spots fill
Eligibility: Individuals involved in volunteer work, nonprofits, national service, or corporate social impact are eligible; students under 18 can also apply
The Points of Light Conference is a major event for anyone interested in social impact, volunteer leadership, and nonprofit work. You get practical tools, fresh ideas, and new connections to help you lead with purpose and respond to change. Speakers include past attendees and leaders from volunteer programs, nonprofits, national service, and corporate social impact. People from all 50 states and many countries attend, whether they’re just starting or have years of experience. If you’re working toward CVA certification, the only international credential in volunteer administration, this conference can count toward your education requirement.
6. The UNITY Midyear Conference
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Cost: $375–$550, depending on when you register
Cohort Size: Over 700 participants
Dates: January 17 – January 19
Registration Deadline: January 1
Eligibility: Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native youth aged 14–24
UNITY (United National Indian Tribal Youth) is a nonprofit that supports Native youth by helping them build leadership skills and make a positive impact in their communities. The UNITY Midyear Conference is a three-day event focused on “Collective Impact: Building Power Through Purpose.” You’ll get hands-on training in community organizing, youth council development, and Indigenous leadership practices. The program will help you create a 10-step action plan for a future community service project in one of four areas: Mental Health & Wellness, Cultural Revitalization, Social Justice, or Climate Action. You’ll participate in cultural activities, peer networking, speed workshops, and breakout sessions that honor Native traditions.
7. Independent Sector’s National Summit
Location: Atlanta, GA
Cost: $595–$1,695, depending on the type of participant
Cohort Size: Around 1,500 participants
Dates: October 27 – October 29
Registration Deadline: Rolling admissions until all spots are filled
Eligibility: Nonprofit and philanthropic leaders, as well as individual participants, including students
The Independent Sector’s National Summit is a conference where you work with others to explore solutions to local and national challenges. It’s a great opportunity if you’re thinking about starting a nonprofit or want to gain experience by volunteering or working with one. At the summit, you connect with nonprofit leaders and policymakers who are making a difference in their communities. You join expert-led sessions to build your skills and learn practical tools you can use right away. You also meet people from different backgrounds, form new partnerships, and visit local nonprofits to see how real projects work. Along the way, you learn how to build trust, support your community, grow your organization, and speak up for the causes you care about.
8. FBLA National Fall Leadership Conference
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ
Cost: $125 per person for Friday & Saturday | $80 for Friday Only Pass (Arizona members only) | $25 for Thursday Optional Pre-Conference Activity; accommodation is available for $292 per night at Hyatt Regency Phoenix
Cohort Size: Each fall, 8,000 new leaders and advisers, from chapters across the nation, attend the conference.
Dates: November 7 – November 8
Registration Deadline: August 15 – October 7
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
The FBLA National Fall Leadership Conference is an exciting annual event for middle and high school students who want to grow as leaders and explore the world of business. As a participant, you’ll join interactive workshops that give you hands-on experience and practical skills to help you succeed in future careers. You’ll visit the Future Leaders Expo Hall, attend workshops, go on business tours, and have the option to enjoy The Hypno Zone, a fun comedy hypnosis show where audience members take the stage.
9. Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference
Location: Founding Forward Valley Forge campus, Valley Forge, PA
Cost: $750
Cohort Size: There’s no fixed cohort size; it varies with each session
Dates: October 23–26 | November 6–9 | February 19–22 | February 26 – March 1 | March 5–8 | March 26–29 | April 16–19 | April 23–26 | June 18–21
Registration Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
The Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference is a four-day event for U.S. high school students. It’s hosted by Founding Forward, a nonprofit that helps promote leadership development, civic education, and community engagement. You’ll participate in mock congressional debates at the Freedom Summit, take part in the Free Enterprise Challenge, where you develop and pitch a product as a team, and explore key historical sites like Independence Hall, Elfreth’s Alley, the Liberty Bell, and Ben Franklin’s grave. You’ll develop leadership and critical thinking skills, learn about civic responsibilities, and connect with peers from around the country. You’ll participate in interactive activities, practice teamwork, and learn about the historical context to help you grow as a leader and understand your role as an engaged citizen.
10. American Youth Foundation’s National Leadership Conference
Location: American Youth Foundation’s Miniwanca property, Shelby, MI
Cost: $1,000 (first- and second-year participants) | $700 (third- and fourth-year participants); scholarships are available
Cohort Size: 150–200 students
Dates: June 13 – June 20
Registration Deadline: Early Bird registration begins on October 14
Eligibility: Current high school students
The American Youth Foundation’s National Leadership Conference is an eight-day summer program that helps high school students grow as leaders and build strong communities. You join teens from different backgrounds to explore your values, speak up for yourself and others, and learn how to make a positive impact. The conference is part of a four-year journey, with each year offering new challenges and chances to grow. As a first-year participant, you help create and present a banner and songs to the community, a fun tradition that brings everyone together. You take part in hands-on activities, choose challenges that match your comfort level, and get support from trained staff as you build your leadership skills.
11. National Service-Learning Conference
Location: Saint Paul, MN
Cost: $395–$695 (Youth Rate) | $275–$375 (1-day Youth Rate)
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 3 days in March or April
Registration Deadline: October 31 (early deadline) | March 18 (regular deadline); late registration begins on March 26
Eligibility: Students, educators, nonprofit leaders, and changemakers
The National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing youth leadership through service-learning, hosts the National Service-Learning Conference. This year’s theme, "Rising Together: The Future of Leadership," focuses on how youth and adults can collaborate to create change. You’ll explore how service-learning helps build leadership skills, amplify youth voices, and leave a lasting impact on communities. You’ll get to share your ideas, step into leadership roles, and work toward building a fairer future. You’ll join workshops and hands-on sessions that show how courage, creativity, and teamwork can make real change happen. You’ll learn strategies to improve service-learning, back youth-led projects, and make a positive impact in your community.
12. NYLC Youth Leadership Summit
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: January 19
Registration Deadline: Rolling admissions until all spots are filled
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12
The Youth Leadership Summit, hosted by the National Youth Leadership Council, is a dynamic program that helps young people grow as leaders and changemakers. Whether you're just beginning your leadership journey or already making an impact, this summit gives you the space to learn, lead, and connect. You’ll join students from across the country in a youth-led environment where you take part in discussions, lead activities, and share your ideas. You’ll learn practical tools for service and civic engagement, work on real projects, and practice using those skills in your own school or community. Along the way, you’ll meet mentors and peers from many different backgrounds, build strong connections, and sharpen your critical thinking.
13. American Independence Youth Leadership Conference (AIYLC)
Location: Jamestown 4-H Education Center, Williamsburg, VA
Cost: $350 per student; scholarships and sponsorships are available
Cohort Size: Maximum 45 students per conference
Dates: February 26 – March 1 | April 23 – April 26
Registration Deadline: Registration closes in February for the first session and in April for the second session
Eligibility: U.S. high school students, including those who are homeschooled or in equivalent programs
The American Independence Youth Leadership Conference is a four-day, three-night retreat that helps high school students, including homeschoolers, grow as leaders while learning about government, history, and entrepreneurship. You work closely with a team on hands-on challenges, build leadership skills, and connect with students from across the country. You take part in interactive lectures led by instructors and community leaders, with support from trained counselors. About half your time is spent developing leadership skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. The other half focuses on learning about the U.S. government, the Constitution, the economy, and the free-enterprise system.
14. Fact Forward Influence For Good Youth Summit
Location: South Carolina State Museum, Columbia, SC
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: Around 100 participants
Dates: June 23
Registration Deadline: Rolling admissions until all spots are filled
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
The Influence for Good Youth Summit is a one-day event that helps students explore teen health, wellness, and leadership in a supportive and interactive space. Hosted by the nonprofit Fact Forward, the summit runs from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and brings together young people to learn, connect, and grow. This year’s theme, “The Power of Being Young,” focuses on how youth creativity and voice can lead to real change. You’ll join workshops and sessions on mental health, digital wellness, reproductive health, healthy relationships, and financial literacy. You’ll also receive tools and resources to make healthy choices, build resilience, and strengthen your leadership skills.
15. Youth Leadership Summit (Sister Cities International)
Location: Washington, DC
Cost: $1,795 summit fee
Cohort Size: 50 participants
Dates: June 15 – June 21
Registration Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Students aged 14–18 who are involved with a Sister City Organization as members, volunteers, or program participants
The Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit is a unique program that helps students grow as global leaders and citizen diplomats. Through this summit, you build leadership and professional skills while connecting with peers from across the world. You take part in interactive workshops focused on diplomacy, leadership, and global problem-solving. You learn how to work respectfully across cultures and explore what it means to be a citizen diplomat. The experience includes guided tours of Washington, D.C.’s historic landmarks and cultural sites, giving you a deeper understanding of the nation’s capital. One of the most exciting parts of the week is a diplomacy simulation in the U.S. Department of State.
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