Leadership Programs for High School Students

Leadership is establishing right direction for a group. It is a skill on how to lead and manage other people or an organization. An ideal leader sets an inspiring vision for its team in order to reach a common goal, therefore management skill is needed so that he/she can help members to do the right thing effectively. As a whole, leadership means mapping out directions to make their vision become a reality.

Leadership is not without cons. Group isolation and accountability for any failure that may affect your influence and reputation are one of those risks of being a leader. Therefore, being an effective leader needs charisma, intelligence, and skills in terms of social, reasoning, and self-development. These skills can be learned and high school is the perfect time to expose  students to leadership trainings. It is not only an opportunity to bring out their leadership skills in order to face the challenging society in the future but it also an asset for college application. Getting into college is not just about GPA and test scores, they also gauge your leadership and sense of social responsibility. Why? Because most colleges are aiming for a mix of students to build a valuable campus community.

As a first crack to bring out your leadership skill, to manage the risks, and to be an effective leader, we listed below the commendable programs you can choose from with its application process, requirements, concepts and other details. This list is compiled from different sources and thorough research with no particular order.

1) Economics for Leaders

The organization behind this program is the Foundation for Teaching Economics which was established in 1975. FTE’s programs for students aim to blend economics content with leadership development. It works with the partnerships of education organizations and schools all over the nation. The site for the program depends on your chosen school which should be under the partnership of FTE. Economics professors and leadership instructors guide the participants throughout the program.

The objective of this program is to provide promising sophomores and juniors the skills to apply economic analysis when making a challenging decision while being an effective leader. 91% of attendees recommend the program to their peers right after the experience last 2016. Therefore, it makes EFL’s admissions competitive. Applicants are thoroughly reviewed before accepted on a rolling basis. Fee for this program is $1,700. There are only 30-40 slots available on each site, therefore applicants are advised to apply early so that they have a chance for admission to the site of their choice. If you wish to cancel, you will be refunded 50% of the total amount you paid for the tuition but there is a specific date until when the refunds will be offered.

This program can offer a fun-filled experience while discovering your potential as an effective leader plus new friendships will be possible.

2) The Brown Leadership Institute

A private Ivy League research university located in  Providence, Rhode Island, Brown University initiates this program. Brown University, founded in 1764, is known as the seventh-oldest college in USA. It is often known for its active community service programs.

The Brown Leadership Institute provides the students better understanding of socially responsible leadership. The program blends the three fundamental component: learning the academic topic, analyzing how socially responsible leadership works, and establishing an effective action plan. To develop their interpersonal communication, speaking in public, giving a solution to conflict and problem, and working as a team, students can actively participate in group projects, simulation, field trips, reflection activities, and group initiative tasks. Here are the requirements for a complete application:

1. Completed Application Form and an Essay telling your expectations, reason why you want to join the program, what you can contribute, and anything that you want to express.
2. An application Fee which is not refundable. The fee depends on how early applied. It ranges from $50 to $100.
3. Academic Transcript

The program is a two-week residential session which is available for completing grades 9-12, ages 15-18. It costs $4,391. To confirm the attendance of accepted students, they are required to submit a $300 program deposit (non-refundable).

3) Student Today Leaders Forever

STLF (Students Today Leaders Forever) is a non-profit organization founded in September 2003. Its national office is located in Minneapolis. STLF has been introduced in numerous colleges and high schools all over the country. Its High School Leadership program is led by promising college leaders in STLF. These talented leaders will provide you mentorship and  support.

This is an all-out learning experience for six days, full of activities for team-building and workshops. The camp is available for incoming grades 9-12 students from any schools. It aims to unfold leadership skills, teamwork, organizing and so on. Participants came from a diverse background that works together to create a valuable impact in the community. A different theme is introduced every day (Welcome, Teamwork, Service, Communication, Commitment).

The cost for this program is $380 which includes accommodation, foods, a t-shirt and leadership programming, excluding the transportation. $100 deposit is required to reserve a slot. If you cancel within 48 hours, a refund will not be possible. Leadership experience, location, and background don’t matter on this program, it will provide the participants the experience they won’t forget.