In the year 2025, there are 10 of the best teen leadership summits and bootcamps. As an organization you will get immersive experiences, hands-on workshops, and opportunities for networking with peers and mentors—all soup to nuts to give teens the confidence, the communication skills, and the efficacy to create lasting impact.
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Duration: 8 weeks (summer)
Location: Local nonprofits + 1-week summit in Washington, D.C.
Details:
Recognized and paid summer positions for rising high school juniors and seniors, Bank of America places students in the community to work with local nonprofits on real community challenges while learning business-civic responsibility leadership skills as they relate to social issues. As the summer culminates in a national summit in Washington, D.C., students participate in workshops, network with students from across the country, and engage actively in civic engagement projects. Students will learn first hand the intersection of business, nonprofits, and government and walk away with professional skills, a new assortment of friends, and a fantastic head start in their applications for college.
2. Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) Leadership Bootcamp
Duration: Several days (varies by session)
Location: Various locations in the US and virtual options
Details:
YLI's Leadership Bootcamp is a several-day program for high school students who have a passion for social justice, community organizing and leadership. In this bootcamp, participants participate in seminars on what advocacy means, public speaking, and team building before working on actual projects in their communities. The bootcamp enables students to establish relationships and support networks, while learning to use their voice and express their views. The bootcamp allows students to engage with peers and mentors with similar interests.
3. MIT Leadership Training Institute (LTI)
Duration: 3 months (Sundays, February–May)
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Details:
This opportunity develops leadership capacity among high school students through workshops, small group discussions and a community service project. The MIT student participants educate students about public speaking, emotional intelligence, and diversity in leadership as they mentor them. The experiential service allows participants to actively practice their newfound skills in real practice and make a tangible difference in their own communities.
4. Leadership in the Business World (LBW) by Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Duration:: 3 weeks (many summer sessions)
Location: Philadelphia, PA (on campus)
Details:
LBW is an interactive, experiential business and leadership development program for top-performing incoming seniors who have good academics and leadership background. Students are taught by Wharton faculty, experience simulations and teamwork projects, and work with business leaders. Strategic planning, negotiation, and collaboration are the focus areas, and every participant is awarded a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion.
5. Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit
Duration: 4 days (July 2025)
Location: Varies (2025 location TBA)
Details:
In this interactive summit, young leaders (ages 14-18), from all over the world can expand cross-cultural awareness and leadership skills. Students learn through hands-on learning experiences, global issue discussions, and form a dedication to peace and collaboration. The summit examines citizen diplomacy while building interconnections of friendships held a lifetime.
6. Global Student Leadership Summit (GSLS)
Duration: 3 days (October 29–31, 2025)
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Details:
GSLS is a premier conference for high school and college students that focuses on international leadership, self-awareness, and global diversity. Students will participate in leadership skill workshops, a thought-provoking discussion, and have up close experiences with their peers and global leaders. The summit empowers students to identify and discover more about their global skills, communication, and leading in a global context.
7. Rising Generations Summit – Aspen Institute
Duration: 1 day (June 7, 2025)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Details:
A one-day summit for young people, paid for, inclusive of leadership, advocacy, and policy engagement. Participants spent the day going to around workshops, meeting with policymakers and learning how to bring change to their own backyard. It is a great first way to get involved with civic leadership and policy for anyone who is interested in a career in public service.
8. World Heritage Young Professionals Forum – UNESCO HQ
Duration: 1 week (July 1–8, 2025)
Location: Paris, France
Details:
A fully-funded platform for 25 world youth leaders with experiential digital innovation and heritage training, site visits, and presentation opportunity at UNESCO. The attendees receive leadership, preservation of global heritage, and interaction with other world youth leaders. It is a great opportunity for individuals who have an interest in culture, history, and international collaboration.
9. Tufts Leadership for Social Change
Duration: 2 weeks (July–August, two sessions)
Location: Tufts University, Medford/Somerville, MA
Details:
This programming educates students in grades 10-12 (ages 15+) in civic education and leadership to tackle social issues. Members are informed that they are in fact agents of change within their communities and the world through workshops, group projects and community service. Public speaking and advocacy are also taught and students graduate with a network of peers that are like-minded and engaged in making a difference.
10. High School Leadership Conference (HSLC) – Western Kentucky University
Duration: 1 day (September 19, 2025)
Location: Bowling Green, KY
Details:
One-day retreat for high school students statewide in Kentucky and the region, with motivational, diversity, event planning, ethics, and leadership style workshops. Students engage in WKU staff- and student leader-led workshops, network with peers, and gain working skills for school and life. The conference is available to individuals and groups from schools, making it convenient for a broad spectrum of future leaders.
These summits and bootcamps work with high school students to develop real experience in leadership, opportunities to network, and opportunities to make an impact at their school and community. This is competitive so be sure to apply early!
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE Research helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
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