Rising Leaders Program

Build your leadership skills through the Rising Leaders Program

Designed for high school students who want to understand the impact they can have on society. Find your voice and learn how to use it to lead for the greater good.

Through this multi-day, on-campus precollege program, you can:

  • Participate in classes taught by faculty from the top-ranked IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
  • Interact with current IU students and other high school students interested in making a difference
  • Build your leadership and communication skills
  • Explore academic programs, internships, and career opportunities

Summer 2026

  • The program will take place June 21–25, 2026
  • Application deadline: March 1
  • Decisions will go out by March 25

Apply now

How to apply

You may apply to be Rising Leader if you:

  • Are currently a high school student finishing up your junior year
  • Have maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and
  • Are interested in leadership and civic engagement

We’ll also consider extracurricular involvement and your application essays with our selection criteria.

Cost to attend

Rising Leaders is free to all students accepted into the program. You are responsible for travel costs to and from Bloomington and your personal spending money. Scholarships to cover travel costs may be available—indicate your interest on the application.

Headshot

Rising Leaders gave me the building blocks I needed to step into university life in a challenging yet supportive environment.

—Noah Bootcheck, law and public policy major and RLP alumna

Questions about the Rising Leaders Program?

Your program director