Emerging Leaders Summer Academy

Harvard Radcliffe Institute's Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) engages promising high school students to learn from those on the forefront of social change, historically and today, as they develop the skills and confidence to become leaders in their own communities.

This two-week intensive experience is designed for high school students interested in social change who want to deepen their knowledge, skills, and confidence to become leaders in their own communities.

Participants work with Harvard College students and ELP staff in an immersive experience to:

• learn about leaders and social change movements using the archives of the Schlesinger Library;
• explore social issues important to them;
• meet with leaders working to address these issues locally;
• develop their own leadership identity, values, and style; and
• cultivate tools for social change.

At the conclusion of the program, students use what they have learned to develop a social change action plan to effect positive change in their own communities.

All programing takes place on the beautiful Harvard Radcliffe Institute campus in the heart of Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Program Highlights 

• Develop leadership skills 
• Meet like-minded peers who care about social change 
• Work with a team of Harvard undergraduate mentors 
• Meet with community leaders 

Dates

• Program dates: July 13–24, 2026, Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM

Fee

• Early bird registration fee: $3,800 for full payment by March 27, 2026
• Regular registration fee: $4,000 after March 27, 2026
• Fee includes lunch, snacks, and program materials. 

Transportation

• Radcliffe can provide students with MBTA passes if needed to commute to the program.

Eligibility

• Student must be entering grades 10, 11, or 12, and
• Must be at least age 15 at program start 

How to Apply

• We will accept applications from December 12, 2025, through March 20, 2026, and admit student participants on a rolling basis.
• Application requirements: basic information, statement of interest, letter of recommendation (from a teacher, coach, supervisor—not a family member or friend)

Questions?

We are happy to answer any questions and connect!

Please reach out to emergingleaders@radcliffe.harvard.edu.

Emerging Leaders Program Summer Academy

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