Leadership Development
A rigorous 5-week program that immerses ambitious high school students in the dynamic, people-centered world of leadership. Make your best better!
Program Overview
The Pre-College Leadership Development Program offers high school students a unique opportunity for personal and professional transformation as they discover their leadership potential while developing the human-centered skills that drive success in college, careers, and life. Students learn to lead with clarity, integrity, empathy, and purpose across a variety of contexts—including school, community, athletics, personal, and future professional environments.
This course explores the art and science of leadership through a rich blend of in-class and out-of-class learning experiences. In the classroom, students will engage in interactive faculty-led discussions, real-world scenarios, case studies, team challenges, and self-reflection to develop practical leadership skills. Beyond the classroom, students will explore the vibrant city of Pittsburgh through visits to leading organizations across a variety of industries. Students will also hear directly from industry leaders, gaining firsthand insight into the leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills that drive success in today's workplace. Most importantly, students will develop leadership through practice.
The program introduces core social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) skills—including integrity, self-awareness, adaptability, communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, ethical decision-making, resilience, stress management, and managing competing priorities while maintaining personal well-being. Students will challenge themselves by stepping outside their comfort zones, strengthening their public speaking and communication skills, navigating team dynamics, solving complex problems, and developing the habits that support academic achievement and long-term personal and professional success. Along the way, students will build meaningful connections with peers from diverse backgrounds, expanding their perspectives, strengthening their collaboration skills, and creating a supportive network that extends well beyond the program.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the future of work, human-centered leadership skills are more important than ever. Organizations increasingly seek individuals who can communicate effectively, collaborate across diverse teams, adapt to change, think critically, solve complex problems, and lead with integrity. This program prepares students to develop these future-ready skills while building a strong foundation for academic achievement, career success, and lifelong leadership. By the end of the program, students will leave with a clearer leadership identity, practical tools for continued growth, stronger communication and collaboration skills, an expanded network of peers and mentors, and the confidence to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Curriculum
The Leadership Development program will equip students with a deeper understanding of their leadership strengths, a personalized leadership development plan, meaningful connections with peers and mentors, and the mindset and tools to make a positive impact in their schools, communities, and future professions.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the program, students will be able to:
- Build a deeper understanding of their leadership strengths, values, and identity while developing the confidence to lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose.
- Strengthen the communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving skills that colleges and employers value most.
- Set meaningful goals, develop productive habits, and learn strategies for managing stress, balancing competing priorities, and pursuing continuous personal and professional growth.
- Apply their learning by collaborating with peers, tackling authentic challenges, engaging with industry leaders, visiting leading organizations, and strengthening their public speaking and presentation skills.
Program Structure
Week 1: SELF-DISCOVERY
In the first week, students explore what leadership means and how social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) skills—such as empathy, emotional regulation, and interpersonal awareness—are central to effective leadership. Through self-assessments and guided reflection, students begin to identify their personal strengths, values, and areas for growth. They are also introduced to the SMART goals framework to begin shaping their personal development journey.
Week 2: SELF-LEADERSHIP
This week focuses on developing the internal habits and skills that support strong leadership. Students explore strategies for self-discipline and time management while building confidence through public speaking and self-expression. Key communication skills—including active listening, assertiveness, and giving and receiving feedback—are practiced through interactive activities.
Week 3: RELATIONAL LEADERSHIP
In Week 3, students shift their focus to interpersonal leadership. They explore the dynamics of effective teamwork, learn strategies for navigating conflict, and practice building meaningful relationships. Through role-play, simulations, and group challenges, students develop collaboration and networking skills essential for both academic and professional success.
Week 4: LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
Week 4 is dedicated to applying and synthesizing learning. Students reflect on their growth and present their final leadership development projects, showcasing their evolving leadership identity, goals, and personal growth strategies.
Week 5: LEADERSHIP CAPSTONE
Week 5 is built for students ready to test their limits and sharpen their edge. Operating as an interactive leadership lab, Week 5 moves beyond fundamentals into case competitions, real-time crisis simulations, and high-stakes problem-solving. Working under tight deadlines, students analyze complex scenarios, build strategic pitch decks, and present their solutions directly to a panel of judges. Designed to elevate agility, persuasion, and public speaking, this week offers the ultimate platform to refine your pitch, push past your best, and lead with confidence.
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.
Faculty Bio: Rubab Jafry O’Connor
Rubab Jafry O’Connor is a Distinguished Service Professor of Management at the Tepper School of Business, 糖心Vlog视频, where she developed and teaches Business Leadership Endeavor, a three-year leadership development course sequence for undergraduate business students. At CMU, she also teaches organizational design and Transformational Leadership. She has previously taught at the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, and ICN Business School in France. Her research interests include transformational leadership, student development, confidence, public speaking, and the impact of academic advising and career consulting. She is currently conducting a longitudinal study on the role of public speaking and confidence building in student development
Before entering academia, Rubab worked in management, career consulting, and academic advising for undergraduate and MBA students in the U.S. and abroad. She also has experience in investment banking (credit marketing) and served as a Research Assistant for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in New York. She earned her Doctor of Education with a concentration in Management from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Policy and Management from 糖心Vlog视频. In addition, she also earned a master’s in economics and a bachelor’s in economics and Statistics.
Recently, Rubab has completed Levels 1 & 2 Sound Practitioner training in the Mead Method™, a research-based approach to sound healing that integrates neuroscience, musicianship, and ancient healing traditions to create deeply restorative experiences.
Rubab lives in Pittsburgh, PA, with her husband and two children. Outside of work, she enjoys running, walking, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, reading, cooking, traveling, and time with family. Learn more.
Testimonials
The Pre-College Leadership Development program helped me grow both as a leader and a communicator. Between collaborating with driven peers, going on real-world company visits, and building my SEB skills, I gained a strong foundation for the business world. The whole experience was so engaging that I was left wanting more - Daran B, Leadership Development 2026
I thought I understood what leadership was until I attended this program. It showed me that a true leader needs to be resilient, to communicate, and to value every member of their team. The soft skills I learned during this program will provide advantages in many aspects of my future. - Elise D, Leadership Development 2026
Application Details
Program Length
June 26 to
July 31, 2027
(5 weeks)
June 26, 2027: Opening Day
Early Deadline
Scholarship and International applications must be submitted by this deadline. 11:59PM EST.
Fixed admissions. Decisions sent on March 15.
Final Deadline
Fixed admissions. Decisions sent on April 15.
Housing Options
Resident
or
Commuter
To be a commuter, the student and parent/guardian must have a permanent residence within approximately 30 miles of our Pittsburgh campus or within Allegheny County.
Eligibility & Application Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for Pre-College Leadership Development, students must:
- Be at least 16 years old by the program start date.
- Be a current sophomore or junior in high school at the time of application.
- Demonstrate a genuine desire to learn, grow, and develop as a leader.
- Be willing to step outside their comfort zone, embrace new challenges, and actively participate in all program activities.
- Demonstrate respect for others, a positive attitude, and a willingness to collaborate with peers and instructors.
Application Requirements
The complete application for Pre-College Leadership Development consists of the following:
- Completed online application
- Unofficial transcript
- Standardized test scores (optional)
- One letter of recommendation
- Responses to essay prompts
Application Essay Prompts
The following prompt is required of all applicants:
- What do you hope to gain from participating in Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Programs? (300-500 words)
- Leadership is not about having all the answers—it is about learning, growing, and positively influencing others. Tell us about a time you stepped outside your comfort zone, faced a challenge, or learned something important about yourself. How did the experience shape you, and how will it influence the leader you hope to become? (300-500 words)
- Imagine yourself five years from now. What kind of person do you hope to become, and what leadership qualities will help you get there? Why is this program an important part of that journey? (300-500 words)
Note: Essays must be the student's own original work and should not be written by artificial intelligence (AI). Write authentically and in your own voice. We are interested in learning about your experiences, thought process, and potential—not perfect writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do we mean by SEB skills?
Great question! The short answer is Social, Emotional, and Behavioral (SEB) skills are referred to as character traits/interpersonal skills/soft skills/power skills such as public speaking, confidence, teamwork, communication, presentation, integrity, networking, emotional intelligence, etc.
Do I need to bring my own computer? What other supplies do I need?
Yes, you will need your computer. Also, bring some notebooks and stationery such as pen, pencils, etc.
Will I earn college credit from this program?
No, Pre-College Leadership Development students do not earn college credit.
Are international students allowed to participate?
Yes, our program is open to international students if they can attend in person.
Will I receive a transcript?
No. However, you will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the program.