Leadership Development
An intensive program that immerses ambitious high school students in the dynamic, people-centered world of leadership.
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.
Curriculum
Over four immersive weeks, students will connect with peers who share their ambition, gain insights from accomplished leaders, and develop a personal leadership vision that reflects their values and goals. Through lectures, hands-on activities, coaching sessions, company visits, and culminating TED-talk style presentations, they’ll leave with not only a toolkit of practical leadership strategies but also the mindset to inspire change in any setting.
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.
Faculty Bio: Rubab Jafry O’Connor
Rubab Jafry O’Connor is a Distinguished Service Professor of Management at the Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University, 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 Behavior, 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 social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) skills in public speaking and confidence building.
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 Carnegie Mellon University. In addition, she earned a Master’s in Economics and a Bachelor’s in Economics and Statistics internationally.
Rubab lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and two children. Outside of work, she enjoys running, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, reading, cooking, traveling, and time with family. Learn more.
Application Details
Program Length
June 20 to
July 18, 2026
(4 weeks)
June 20, 2026: 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 submission.
- Have a desire to learn and grow.
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)
-
What excites you about joining the Leadership Development program? How can this program help you shape your future goals? (min. 500 words)
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 or interpersonal 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, pencil, 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.