An intensive program that immerses ambitious high school students in the dynamic, people-centered world of leadership.

Non-credit

Residential

Commuter

Accepts International Students

Program Overview

In a rapidly evolving world, the Pre-College Leadership Development Program at the Tepper School of Business empowers students to rise to the challenges of leading with clarity, empathy, and purpose. Guided by Carnegie Mellon faculty, students will explore the art and science of leadership through a diverse set of interactive experiences - blending reflection, collaboration, and real-world application.

The program introduces core social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) skills - such as self-awareness, adaptability, communication, and ethical decision-making - through a matrix of learning experiences that fuel curiosity and confidence. Students will tackle complex leadership challenges, navigate team dynamics, and strengthen their public speaking abilities, all while building the habits that drive academic excellence and career readiness.

As artificial intelligence transforms the future of work, human-centered skills are more critical than ever. This program prepares students to lead with purpose and adaptability while laying a strong foundation for future academic and career success. By the end, students will leave with a clear leadership vision, practical tools for growth, and the confidence to make an impact in a rapidly changing world.

Learning Objectives

• Cultivate SEB-Driven Leadership Awareness: Understand how social, emotional, and behavioral skills like empathy and self-regulation shape effective, ethical, and inclusive leadership.
• Build Self-Awareness Through Reflective Practice: Use self-assessments, journaling, and feedback to identify your strengths, values, and leadership identity.
• Design and Implement a Personal Growth Strategy: Set SMART goals and develop leadership habits like resilience, time management, and self-discipline.
• Build and Strengthen Core Leadership Competencies: Practice confidence, communication, public speaking, and teamwork through interactive, real-world challenges.
• Apply Leadership in Real-World Contexts: Demonstrate growth through company visits, guest talks, team projects, and final presentations that connect learning to impact.

Program Structure

• Week 1: Understanding Leadership, SEB Skills, & Self-Awareness: In the first week, students will explore what leadership means and how SEB skills - such as empathy, emotional regulation, and interpersonal awareness - are central to effective leadership. Through self-assessments and guided reflection, students will begin to uncover their personal strengths, values, and areas for growth. They will also be introduced to the SMART goals framework to begin shaping their personal development journey.
• Week 2: Building & Practicing SEB Skills: Self-Discipline, Confidence, and Communication: This week focuses on developing the internal habits and external communication skills that support strong leadership. Students will explore strategies for self-discipline and time management, while also building confidence through public speaking and self-expression. Communication skills such as active listening, assertiveness, and feedback will be practiced through interactive activities.
• Week 3: Building & Practicing SEB Skills: Collaboration, Teamwork, and Relationship Building: In Week 3, students will shift their focus to interpersonal leadership. They will explore the dynamics of effective teamwork, learn how to navigate conflict, and practice building meaningful relationships. Through role-play and group challenges, students will develop collaboration and networking skills that are vital in both academic and professional environments.
• Week 4: Bringing it All Together: Leadership in Action: The final week is dedicated to applying everything students have learned. They will participate in company visits and hear from guest speakers who model leadership in real-world contexts. Students will reflect on their growth and present their final leadership development projects, showcasing their identity, goals, and personal growth strategy.

By the end of the program, students will walk away with a personal leadership vision, practical tools for growth, and a deeper understanding of how to lead with impact in a rapidly changing world.

Personal Growth

• Professional and personal development discussions led by faculty and industry experts.
• One-on-one mentoring from CMU faculty.
• Peer socialization.

Hands-on Experiences

• Individual leadership project.
• Field trips to various companies where students will learn about the day in the life of a professional!
• Final Ted-talk style presentations to showcase skills developed during the program and the final project.

Single Session

Jun 20 - Jul 18

4 weeks

Residential

9926 USD

Single Session

Jun 20 - Jul 18

4 weeks

Commuter

7574 USD

The cost includes:

• Tuition for college-level classes taught by accomplished Carnegie Mellon University faculty.
• Housing on a vibrant and welcoming college campus (residential students only).
• Dining Services that offer diverse eating options emphasizing health, wellness, and delicious food! Dining options include (but are not limited to) vegan, vegetarian, kosher, and Halal.
• CMU ID Card with an Arts Pass providing free admission to a number of museums and venues in the Pittsburgh area.
• Free transportation on the Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) system to attend organized program activities, extra-curricular Student Affairs events, or to explore all that Pittsburgh has to offer. 

Additional Fees

• Application Fee - $50
• Enrollment Deposit - $800

Application Fee and Enrollment Deposit are non-refundable.

Scholarships

Full scholarships covering tuition, housing, and dining are available to students demonstrating financial need. You can elect to be considered for a scholarship within the online application.

Please note: International students are not eligible for scholarship consideration.

Scholarship Eligibility

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Be available to attend the entirety of the program
• Demonstrate financial need

Financial Need

Students in any of the below categories are considered to demonstrate financial need:

• Students who have received or are eligible to receive an ACT or SAT testing fee waiver.
• Students who are enrolled in or eligible to participate in the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch Program (FRPL).
• Students whose family income falls within or near the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
• Students who are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g. TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
• Students whose family receives public assistance.
• Students who live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or are homeless.
• Students who are a ward of the state or an orphan.
• Students who can provide a supporting statement from a school official, college access counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader.

Documentation of financial need is required to be considered for scholarship opportunities in all available programs.

Documentation required includes tax documents or a completed NACAC Application Fee Waiver signed by your high school guidance department.