When it comes to college applications, grades and test scores are just one piece of the puzzle. Admissions officers are on the lookout for students who demonstrate initiative, leadership, and a real-world understanding of the fields they care about. That’s where internships and leadership opportunities come in—they can set your application apart and help you figure out what you're truly passionate about.

Here are some of the top internship and leadership opportunities that high school students can take advantage of—and yes, they look amazing on a college app.

1. Ctrl Alt Policy Leadership Program

For future change-makers and policy enthusiasts

Yastika Chouhan

Ctrl Alt Policy is a youth-led organization focused on civic education, public policy, and digital advocacy. It offers students the chance to lead real-world initiatives and gain hands-on experience in nonprofit operations, content creation, outreach, and political engagement. With open positions in leadership, writing, and outreach, teens can take the reins and make an impact on pressing social issues while building a solid portfolio of work.

Why it’s great for your college app:

• Shows leadership and initiative
• Tied to civic engagement and real-world problem solving
• Offers both collaborative and independent work experiences

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2. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

For students interested in business, government, and community leadership

Bank of America on Wikimedia Commons

This highly competitive summer program places high school juniors and seniors in paid internships with local nonprofits, plus a week-long leadership summit in Washington, D.C. Students gain firsthand experience in community work and policy discussions.

Why it’s great for your college app:

• Prestigious and selective
• Combines community service with leadership development
• Nationally recognized by colleges

3. The Riley's Way Call for Kindness Fellowship

For young social entrepreneurs and community builders

This fellowship awards teens with funding and mentorship to launch kindness-centered projects in their communities. Past projects have included mental health workshops, food insecurity initiatives, and educational equity campaigns.

Why it’s great for your college app:

• Empowers students to lead their own social impact projects
• Offers grant funding and professional mentorship
• Shows heart and initiative

4. Smithsonian Internships for Teens

For future historians, scientists, and museum lovers

Paul J. Scheips on Wikimedia Commons

The Smithsonian offers internship programs for high school students in fields like history, science, and arts education. Interns might assist with research, educational programming, or digital archiving, depending on the department.

Why it’s great for your college app:

• Offers direct experience with world-class institutions
• Shows depth of interest in academic subjects
• Provides opportunities for publishing or presenting work

5. LaunchX Entrepreneurship Program

For ambitious teens ready to build the next big thing

Institut Ramon Llull on Wikimedia Commons

LaunchX brings together high school students to build real startups over the summer. Students work in teams, conduct market research, pitch to investors, and learn the ins and outs of running a business from top entrepreneurs and mentors.

Why it’s great for your college app:

• Demonstrates entrepreneurial mindset and teamwork
• You can literally say you started a company in high school
• Highly regarded by business and tech programs

6. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes

For academic high-flyers and future scholars

Arthur Bridgemen Clark on Wikimedia Commons

Stanford offers intensive academic courses over the summer for high school students. From political science to biotechnology, these programs allow students to explore subjects in depth with Stanford professors and students.

Why it’s great for your college app:

• Shows intellectual curiosity and a commitment to learning
• Connects you with a network of high-achieving peers
• Recognized by top-tier schools

7. Girl Up Leadership Summit

For advocates and activists of all genders

Girl Up, a United Nations Foundation initiative, offers teens leadership training and advocacy tools to fight for gender equality around the world. Their Leadership Summit brings together teens from across the globe to collaborate, learn, and lead.

Why it’s great for your college app:

• Emphasizes global awareness and activism
• Offers public speaking, lobbying, and media training
• Backed by a major international organization

Whether you're into tech, politics, business, or community change, there's a leadership or internship opportunity out there for you. The earlier you start exploring, the more time you have to build experience, grow your skills, and show colleges who you really are. So find your passion, take that leap, and make your college app shine.