10 International Leadership Programs for High School Students

If you’re a high school student looking to challenge yourself beyond the classroom, leadership programs can open up many possibilities. These programs are designed to build critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, all while exposing you to new cultures and perspectives. Whether you're interested in community service, business, sustainability, or diplomacy, there’s likely a program that aligns with your interests. 

Many leadership programs for high school students are hosted by prestigious universities or global organizations and often include projects, team challenges, and mentorship sessions. Having one of these programs on your resume is a great way to stand out to college admissions officers. These programs also give you the chance to explore your preferred career path while still in high school.

Here are 10 standout international leadership programs for high school students to explore. 

10 International Leadership Programs for High School Students

1. Wharton Global Youth Program

Location: Online

Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12

Cost: $4,099

Dates:

• June 16 – June 27

• July 7 – July 18

Application Deadline: April 2 (Priority Deadline); May 1 (Final Deadline)

UPenn offers leadership programs for high school students, including the Wharton Global Youth Program. Wharton’s Essentials of Leadership program is designed for high school students looking for an early introduction to entrepreneurial studies. This intensive two-week program combines rigorous coursework and activities where you’ll learn skills like interpersonal communication, emotional intelligence, effective teamwork, and collaboration. While the sessions are conducted virtually, you’ll work in small groups on a final capstone project, which may involve additional live meetings outside of class hours. Upon completion, you will receive a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion. 

2. Young Founder’s Lab

Location: 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops

Eligibility: High school students

Cost: $2,900; Need-based financial aid available

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year

Application Deadline: Based on cohort; Apply here

The Young Founder’s Lab is an immersive start-up development program for high school students founded and led by Harvard entrepreneurs. As a participant, you will work towards establishing a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a genuine, real-world challenge. In addition, you will attend classes on business fundamentals and ideas, workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, panels, and more. You’ll also receive mentorship from established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.The program provides a valuable opportunity to explore the field of business during high school and offers a space to examine various theoretical and practical frameworks that contribute to building a successful business. You can find more information here.

3. University of Notre Dame – Leadership Seminars

Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN

Eligibility: 

• High school juniors entering their senior year in the fall 

• 16+ by August 1

• In the top 10% of their class

• Demonstrated leadership in school, community, or extracurricular settings

• SAT/ACT scores are optional but recommended (mid-range: SAT 1300-1500 or ACT 31+)

Cost: $60 non-refundable application fee + $150 enrollment fee upon admission; Financial aid available 

Dates: July 19 – July 30

Application Deadline: October 14 – January 22

Leadership Seminars by the University of Notre Dame is a highly competitive residential program designed for academically gifted high school students who show strong leadership within their schools or communities. Held on the university’s campus for 10 days, the program brings together around 150 students from around the world for thought-provoking classes, collaborative projects, and engaging discussions on global issues. You might also be eligible to earn one transferable college credit upon completion. One of the top leadership programs for high school students, Notre Dame covers all tuition, housing, and meal costs for admitted students, making this an exceptional opportunity for those seeking a fully funded and immersive college experience. 

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote  

Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students with a high level of academic achievement

Cost: $2,990 onwards; Full financial aid is available

Dates: Varies by cohort

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort

Lumiere Research Scholars is an intensive research program for high school students. It provides extensive one-on-one research opportunities across a wide range of subject areas. This includes, but is not limited to, psychology, economics, data science, computer science, chemistry, international relations, and more. As part of the program, you'll work with Ph.D. mentors on an independent research project. At the end of the program, you will get to present your research at the Lumiere Research Symposium. Additional details about the application process can be found here.

5. Fordham University: Summer Leaders Academy

Location: Fordham University, Rose Hill Campus, Bronx, NY

Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen; International students are recommended to have an intermediate mid-B2 level proficiency in English (TOEFL 80, IELTS 6, DET 115); More details here

Cost: 

• Residential: $1,939 

• Commuter: $1,358 

Dates: 

• Immersion 1: June 23 – 27

• Immersion 4: July 21 – 25

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines 

The Future Leaders of AI program at Fordham’s Summer Leaders Academy offers high school students an engaging and hands-on introduction to the world of artificial intelligence. Led by Dr. Craig Vezina, a global expert in education and sustainability innovation, the course includes a mix of AI theory, coding basics, real-world applications, ethical discussions, and group-based project development. By the end of the week, you will present original project ideas that apply AI concepts to solve real-world challenges. The Academy also features a range of other leadership-focused programs, such as Business Communication in Leadership, Community Consulting for Young Changemakers, Change Leaders: Impact Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, and Writing for Leadership. Whether residential or commuter, you will benefit from a holistic program designed to build leadership, community, and confidence for college and beyond. 

6. University of San Diego: Global Leadership Summer Program for Teens

Location: University of San Diego, San Diego, CA

Eligibility: Non-native English speakers between 13-17 years old

Cost:

• 2 weeks: $4,725

• 3 weeks: $6,680

• 4 weeks: $8,500

Dates: Multiple 2-, 3-, 4-week cohorts from July 6 – August 3

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; Early application is encouraged due to limited capacity

USD’s Global Leadership Summer Program offers an intensive academic and cultural experience for non-native English speakers. It is an immersive program that blends English language learning with leadership development, communication skills, and collaborative thinking. The program offers dynamic classes, debates, presentations, and teamwork-driven tasks to help students strengthen their English proficiency while building confidence as global citizens and future leaders. Afternoons and weekends are filled with field trips, social events, and excursions (including a trip to Los Angeles), ensuring that learning extends beyond the classroom. You’ll also stay in campus residences and engage with peers from around the world, making it a truly cross-cultural summer experience.

7. Georgetown University: Business & Leadership Academy 

Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

Eligibility: High school students interested in pursuing a business education at the undergraduate level; GPA of at least 2.0

Cost: 

• Residential: $7,700 

• Commuter: $5,800

Dates: July 20 – August 8

Application Deadline: January 31 (Early); April 15 (Final)

With the Business & Leadership Academy at Georgetown University, high school students gain a comprehensive understanding of basic business concepts in a dynamic and engaging setting. Through a blend of lectures, workshops, simulations, and group projects, you will gain practical skills and insights that are crucial for both college and future careers. Each day begins with a business briefing on current global and domestic issues, followed by immersive sessions exploring leadership, strategy, finance, marketing, ethics, and entrepreneurship. A highlight of the experience is a dynamic business simulation where you will work in teams to build and manage a startup. You will also engage with D.C.-based industry professionals and Georgetown faculty, making it a rich blend of academic rigor and real-world exposure.

8. Mercy University Summer Leadership Academy

Location: Westchester Campus, Dobbs Ferry, NY (includes visits to Manhattan Campus & Fortune 500 companies)

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a cumulative weighted GPA above 90

Cost: Tuition and board are free; A fee of $695 is required to cover the cost of food and activities

Dates: 

• Session 1: July 6 – 12

• Session 2: July 13 – 19

• Session 3: July 20 – 26

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (Early application encouraged due to limited spots)

This week-long program by Mercy University offers rising seniors a practical introduction to leadership and careers in business. As a participant, you will learn from Mercy’s Executive Faculty, who are seasoned professionals with backgrounds at top global companies, and gain exposure through visits to Fortune 500 offices. Some of the activities you’ll participate in include business simulations like Shark Tank, team-building exercises, and real-world insights into various business careers. The program fosters confidence, collaboration, and leadership in an exciting pre-college environment.

9. Brown University – Pre-College Leadership Institute

Location: Brown University, Providence, RI, or Online

Eligibility: Students completing grades 9-12; Should be 14-18 years old by June 15

Cost: 

• Residential (2 weeks): $5,788

• Commuter (2 weeks): $4,540

• Online (4 weeks): $5,528

Dates:

• On Campus: June 29 – July 11; July 13 – July 25

• Online: June 23 – July 18

Application Deadline: Rolling admission; January 15 – May 9

Brown University's Leadership Institute is a transformative experience for high school students who are passionate about social change and leadership. The institute offers a range of courses in leadership, encouraging students to explore issues such as gender equity, social justice, business ethics, and civic engagement through the lens of collaborative leadership. As a participant, you will choose a course topic from a wide range of interdisciplinary offerings like Women and Leadership, Leadership and Social Justice, Leadership and Intercultural Communication, and many more. Brown’s Leadership Institute emphasizes socially responsible leadership, diverse perspectives, and experiential learning, all without the pressure of formal grades. Students who complete the program receive a digital Certificate of Completion and a detailed Course Performance Report.

10. Tony Robbins Global Youth Leadership Summit (GYLS)

Location: San Diego, California, USA

Eligibility: First-time participants must be between 14-16 years old 

Cost: $850 (includes room, board, and all materials)

Dates: July 26 – July 31

Application Deadline: March (tentative); Waitlist for upcoming session open

Hosted by the Tony Robbins Foundation, the FYLS is a five-day program that brings together teens from all over the world for an immersive experience focused on leadership, personal growth, and community impact. Through small group discussions, simulation exercises, and real-world service learning, you will build confidence and uncover your unique leadership styles. The summit also features dynamic speakers, powerful workshops, and plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded peers. It’s intense, inspiring, and often a life-changing experience for those who show up ready to do the work on themselves and for their communities.

If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

With Veritas AI, which was founded by Harvard graduate students, you can work 1-on-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!

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