Top 10 Best Leadership Training Programs for Students

Developing leadership skills is essential for students who aspire to become future leaders in their chosen fields. Leadership training programs for students provide an opportunity to hone these skills, enhance personal growth, and prepare for academic and professional success. In this guide, we will explore a variety of leadership programs for high school and college students, covering different domains, objectives, and formats. By understanding the available options, you can choose the most suitable program that aligns with your goals and interests.

Why Participate in Leadership Training Programs for Students?

Leadership training programs offer students the chance to:

Develop essential skills for academic and professional success, such as communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Learn how to work effectively with others, lead projects, and develop strategies for success.
Gain exposure to diverse perspectives and insights from experienced mentors and peers.
Build a strong foundation for future leadership roles and career opportunities.
Enhance personal growth and self-awareness through experiential learning and self-reflection.

How to Choose a Leadership Training Program?

When selecting a leadership training program, consider the following factors:

The credibility of the program: Evaluate the program's acceptance rate, hosting/affiliated organizations, type of mentors, and the rigor of the application process.
Cohort Size & Mentorship: Assess the accessibility of the program's facilitators, as smaller cohort sizes or personalized mentorship can maximize learning and interaction.
The mission of the program: Ensure the program's mission aligns with your goals and interests by researching its focus, objectives, and approach to leadership development.

Top 10 Leadership Training Programs for Students

1. American Legion Boys State and Girls State

These respected and selective educational programs offer government instruction for U.S. high school students. Participants learn about the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of franchised citizens. Students engage in a week-long, immersive experience where they create and run a mock government. These programs are ideal for students with a keen interest in politics and strong leadership abilities.

Eligibility: Male and female high school juniors in the USA
Dates: State dates may vary
Cost: Varies based on the state
Selectivity: High

2. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

This competitive program admits hundreds of community-minded high school students each year. Selected participants engage in a paid eight-week internship with nonprofits such as Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, students attend the National Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., to learn about collaboration between nonprofits, governments, and businesses.

Eligibility: Current junior or senior high school students legally authorized to work in the USA
Dates: 8 weeks (including the week of July 17-24 in D.C)
Cost: Fully funded, stipend provided
Application Deadline: To be announced
Selectivity: High

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3. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)

YYGS is a globally diverse academic enrichment program for outstanding high school students worldwide. Students can choose from interdisciplinary, two-week sessions at Yale's historic campus each summer. The program fosters intellectual curiosity, deepens understanding, and inspires creative action across all borders.

Eligibility: At least 16 years old by July 16, 2023
Dates: Three sessions with varying dates in June and July
Location: Yale University Campus
Cost: $6,500 with a need-based scholarship
Application Deadline: January 10, 2023
Selectivity: Moderately High

4. Brown University Pre-College Leadership Institute

This program brings passionate students worldwide to engage with complex issues such as racial justice, educational access, and gender equity. Students study courses on Women and Leadership, Social Entrepreneurship, and The Future of Science and Technology. The program aims to empower participants to be collaborative leaders by increasing their ability and effectiveness in advancing social justice.

Eligibility: Students completing grades 9-12, ages 14-18 by June 19, 2022
Dates: June 27 - July 8 on-campus, July 11 - August 5 online
Location: On Campus or Online
Cost: $5,171
Application Deadline: May 12, 2023
Selectivity: Moderate

5. Harvard Secondary School Program

This prestigious program offers high school students the opportunity to take college courses for credit in a rigorous academic environment. Students can explore a wide range of subjects and gain exposure to college life, networking, and extracurricular activities.

Eligibility: Students who graduate high school and enter college in 2023, 2024, or 2025 and are at least 16 years old by June 17, 2023, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2023.
Dates: June 20, 2023 - August 5, 2023
Location: On Campus or Online
Cost: $3,600 - $13,750 with a $75 application fee
Application Deadline: Early Application Deadline: January 25, 2023; Regular Application Deadline: February 22, 2023; Late Application Deadline: April 26, 2023
Selectivity: Moderate

6. MIT Leadership Training Institute

This competitive program focuses on the principle that all students have the potential to become leaders. The institute offers leadership development sessions and a community service project, helping students develop confidence, creativity, and determination. The program has a strong track record and has mentored nearly 1,000 students, many of whom are now college students or working professionals.

Dates: Sundays from 1-4 pm EST between February 5, 2023, to May 7, 2023
Location: On-campus
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: November 19, 2022, and December 10, 2022, 11:59 pm EST
Selectivity: High

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7. Wharton Leadership in the Business World (LBW)

This summer program is designed for high school seniors to introduce them to business education, leadership in 21st-century organizations, teamwork, and communication skills. Students engage in a dynamic mix of classes with Wharton professors and business leaders, real-time business simulations, and case competitions.

Eligibility: Seniors with demonstrated leadership experience and a minimum GPA of 3.5
Dates: Three sessions with varying dates in June, July, and August
Location: On Campus, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: To be announced
Application Deadline: January 25, 2023, and April 5, 2023
Selectivity: High

8. Boston Leadership Institute

The Boston Leadership Institute offers a variety of summer programs for high and pre-high-school students, focusing on STEM and business fields. Students can choose from three-week programs, one-week programs, and EDGE programs, which provide a head start on the material they will encounter in their fall classes.

Eligibility: Students entering grades 10-12
Dates: Varies from program to program, usually spanning 9-18 days
Location: Boston Leadership Institute campus
Cost: Varies from program to program
Application Deadline: Varies from program to program
Selectivity: Moderate

9. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by researchers at Harvard and Oxford, is a selective online high school program for students passionate about research. Students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

Dates: Flexible
Location: Online
Cost: Varies
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Selectivity: High

10. National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC)

The NSLC offers a variety of multi-subject summer programs for high school students, with over 20 courses across various disciplines. Students engage in hands-on simulations, learn from guest speakers, gain leadership skills, and network with like-minded peers. Programs are held at prestigious university campuses across the United States.

Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
Dates: Varies from course to course, usually spanning 9-18 days
Location: Varies; affiliated campuses include UPenn, University of Miami, University of California, Berkeley, Yale University, and Virginia Tech
Cost: Varies from course to course, ranging from $3,000 - $6,500
Application Deadline: Varies; mid-March deadlines are common
Selectivity: Moderate

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Conclusion

Leadership training programs for students offer invaluable opportunities to develop essential skills, enhance personal growth, and prepare for academic and professional success. By understanding the available options, you can choose the most suitable program that aligns with your goals and interests. Invest in your future and become a leader in your chosen field by participating in one of these top leadership training programs.