Summer Leadership Opportunities for High School Students
Interested in summer leadership opportunities for high school students? Check out our list of exciting programs that can help you develop critical skills.
Summer is not just a time to rest and recharge — it is also an opportunity for high school students to grow as leaders, deepen their skills, and make a real impact. For many young women, in particular, the summer break presents opportunities to develop leadership skills, foster confidence, and prepare for future careers.
If you’re looking for ways to stand out, explore extracurricular activities, and serve others, consider participating in summer leadership opportunities for high school students. These types of programs combine service learning, team building, and professional development, offering unique opportunities that go far beyond the classroom.
Today, we’ll explore the benefits of these programs, highlight some of the best options available, and share how students gain valuable experience through leadership development. Whether you’re a 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade student, you are encouraged to apply to one of these exciting programs!
Why Summer Leadership Programs Matter
Summer leadership programs help high school students discover their potential. Through hands-on projects, workshops, and mentorship, students develop critical skills such as communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and decision-making.
These programs are designed to teach participants how to lead in their schools, communities, and future workplaces. Many programs also emphasize service learning, providing students with the opportunity to serve others while developing their own capacities as student leaders.
Why is this so important? According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), leadership is among the most valued qualities sought by colleges and employers. Joining a leadership institute or program shows initiative and dedication — qualities that help students stand out in college admissions and job applications.
What Students Gain from Leadership Development
Here are some benefits students gain from summer leadership opportunities during their high school years.
- Leadership Skills: Workshops and activities focus on goal-setting, decision-making, and motivating others.
- Professional Development: Students can attend seminars on topics like networking, public speaking, and career planning.
- Team Building: Collaborative projects help students learn how to work effectively in groups and lead diverse teams.
- Service Learning: Many programs include community service components to instill a sense of leadership and social responsibility.
- Confidence and Independence: It’s an opportunity for students to live on a college campus, manage time, and take initiative to grow personally.
7 Notable Summer Leadership Opportunities for High School Students
There are many outstanding summer leadership programs for high school students, each offering its own focus and benefits. Below are some well-respected options you can explore, drawn from trusted resources like CollegeVine, Boston Leadership Institute, and the Reagan Foundation.
1. Bank of America Student Leaders® Program
Bank of America’s Student Leaders program empowers juniors and seniors through an eight-week paid summer internship at a nonprofit, combined with a leadership development summit in Washington, D.C.
Participants engage in service learning while developing crucial leadership skills. Students are strongly encouraged to apply if they are passionate about making a difference in their communities.
2. National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC)
The NSLC offers a wide range of leadership institutes focusing on everything from business and law to medicine and engineering. Students participate in hands-on simulations, interactive workshops, and team-building exercises. Sessions are held on college campuses throughout the United States.
3. Reagan Foundation Student Leadership Program
Located in California, the Reagan Foundation’s program emphasizes the importance of civic engagement, ethics, and student leadership. Through problem-solving activities and public speaking practice, students enhance their ability to lead with integrity.
4. Wake Forest University Leadership Institute
Wake Forest’s summer Leadership Institute invites students to campus to develop practical leadership skills through workshops, discussions, and real-world projects. Students focus on personal growth and how to lead effectively in diverse environments.
5. Boston Leadership Institute
The Boston Leadership Institute offers programs that merge academic rigor with leadership development. Their courses are perfect for high school students interested in science, business, or healthcare who also want to build student leadership experience.
6. Knóva Learning Leadership Programs
Knóva provides international and online programs emphasizing global perspectives, cultural understanding, and effective student leadership. Their leadership institute programs often include debates, collaborative projects, and cultural exchange.
7. Mount Mary University Women’s Leadership Institute
For young women seeking an empowering experience, Mount Mary’s Women’s Leadership Institute offers a summer program tailored to help students grow as leaders through workshops, mentoring, and team-building activities.
Tips for Applying for a Summer Leadership Program
Many of these programs are competitive, so we recommend that students start researching early and pay close attention to application deadlines. Here are a few tips:
- Highlight your extracurricular activities, particularly those showing leadership or service.
- Explain how the program aligns with your goals and how you plan to use what you learn to help others.
- Ask a teacher, counselor, or mentor for a recommendation letter if required.
- Proofread your application carefully to make the best impression.
Remember, most programs welcome students from all grades — freshmen through seniors. You are strongly encouraged to apply, even if you’re just beginning to explore your interests.
Bringing It Back Home: Why Leadership Matters at St. Agnes
At our all-girls Catholic high school, we believe leadership is not just about titles – it is about service, faith, and character. Programs like these help students discover how to use their gifts to serve their communities and lead with compassion and courage.
By participating in a leadership institute or summer leadership program, students can prepare for college and careers while also deepening their faith and strengthening their commitment to others. Many programs integrate service learning, reflecting the values we hold dear at St. Agnes to serve, lead, and love.
Get Ready to Find a Summer Leadership Program
If you’re a high school student eager to grow, we invite you to explore summer leadership opportunities for high school students. These programs help students gain confidence, develop practical leadership skills, and form lasting friendships.
These experiences can shape the kind of leader you will become — a leader who serves with integrity and vision. This summer, take the leap. Seek out programs that challenge and inspire you.
Need some inspiration? Take a look at how St. Agnes Academy students spend their summer as leaders in and outside our community. Embrace the chance to grow as a leader and make a difference in the world!
