10 Leadership Awards for High School Students

High school students who have exhibited exemplary leadership in their extracurriculars and academics have the opportunity to win prestigious awards and scholarships.

Leadership is a quality that is highly valuable for high school students, whether it’s in extracurriculars, academic pursuits, sports, or any other passion that a student may have. That’s why many organizations have set up an award to recognize outstanding student leaders and, in some cases, offer them a college scholarship.

Whether you’ve led a school club project, excelled in your debate club or sports team, or made a significant difference in your larger community, these awards may be a good fit for you. Here are some of the top scholarships and leadership awards available to high school students.

1. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship for High School Seniors

Award

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to students in their final year of high school. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. With the 37th class in 2025, the Foundation has provided over 7,000 Coca-Cola Scholars with more than $87 million in educational support. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship.

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

• Currently enrolled high school/home-schooled students attending school in one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or select DoD schools who will graduate high school during the 2025-2026 academic school year (students graduating from an American or expat school abroad are not eligible for this award; individuals who have already graduated from high school are not eligible)
• U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, U.S. Permanent Residents, Refugees, Asylees, Cuban-Haitian Entrants, or Humanitarian Parolees – based on the guidelines utilized by U.S. Department of Education for Federal Financial Aid eligibility
• Expecting to receive high school diploma during current academic year
• Planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution
• Able to verify a minimum overall B/3.0 GPA in high school coursework

Deadline

TBA — likely September/October 2026

2. Prudential Emerging Visionaries

Award

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States’ largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service.

Created in 1995 by Prudential and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the program honors middle-level and high school students for outstanding service to others at the local, state, and national level.

Eligibility

• Participants must be individuals between the ages of 14-18 when applying and not older than 18 by the end of the entry period. Groups and partners are not eligible.  
• Prudential Emerging Visionaries and Prudential Spirit of Community National Honorees and State Honorees are NOT eligible to apply. 
• Employees and their children and grandchildren of Prudential, Ashoka, Financial Health Network, or its affiliates and participating advertising and promotion agencies are NOT eligible to apply. 

Deadline

TBA — likely October/November 2026

3. U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

Award

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.

Eligibility

For the general component of the program, students who meet the following criteria:

• are or will be U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent U.S. Residents by the application deadline (Students who were not U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent U.S. Residents on the day they took SAT or ACT exam, or who requested that The College Board or ACT not release their scores to outside entities, should contact the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program at 507-931-8345 to ensure their scores are considered in the determination of the candidate pool.);
• graduate or receive a diploma between January and August of 2026, the current program year; and
• score exceptionally well on either the SAT of the College Board or the ACT of the American College Testing Program, based on tests taken during the year window that begins in August, 2022 and runs through October, 2025, (for the recognition cycle concluding in June, 2026), nominated by their Chief State School Officer (CSSO) or nominated by one of our partner recognition organizations based on outstanding scholarship.

For the arts component of the program, students who meet the following criteria:

• are or will be U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent U.S. Residents by the application deadline;
• graduate or receive a diploma between January and August of 2026, the current program year;
• demonstrate academic achievement and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts; and
• are nominated by their state’s Chief State School Officer.

For the CTE component of the program, students who meet the following criteria:

• are or will be U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent U.S. Residents by the application deadline;
• graduate or receive a diploma between January and August of 2026, the current program year;
• demonstrate academic achievement in career and technical programs; and
• are nominated by their state’s Chief State School Officer.

Application for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is by invitation only. Students may not apply individually to the program or be nominated (outside of the above process).

Deadline

If invited, students have until March 12, 2026, to submit requested materials.

4. Brower Youth Awards

Award

The annual Brower Youth Awards for Environmental Leadership, the signature event of the New Leaders Initiative, recognizes six outstanding and emerging youth leaders aged 13-22 who are transforming the environmental movement. The award celebrates accomplishments across the full spectrum of the environmental movement, from protecting our seas, cultivating food sovereignty and security, to improving the air quality in frontline communities, and mobilizing youth around the climate emergency. Our annual winners join a growing network of Brower Youth Awards alumni representing inspirational youth leaders recognized for their sustainable projects, innovative ideas, and determination to make positive change.

Eligibility

Youth environmental change leaders ages 13 to 22 (as of the application deadline) living in North America (including Mexico, Canada, and U.S. territories) are encouraged to apply.

Deadline

March 31, 2026

5. Diana Award

Award

The Diana Award is a global honour celebrating young social activists driving positive change in their communities and beyond. We recognise youth-led projects and initiatives that align with four key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Quality Education, Good Health and Wellbeing, Reducing Inequality, and Climate Action.

Rooted in the legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales, the Award celebrates young people who are working tirelessly to change the world — particularly those championing change for individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Each year, up to 200 exceptional young people are honoured with the Diana Award, spotlighting their contributions to creating a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future across diverse communities and cultures.

Eligibility

Young people aged 16-24 who have been leading sustained social action or humanitarian work for at least 12 months can be nominated for the Diana Award. Their work should align with one or more of the following Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs): Quality Education, Health & Wellbeing, Reduced Inequality, or Climate Action.

Deadline

TBA — nominations will likely be due in October 2026

6. Princeton Prize in Race Relations

Award

The Princeton Prize in Race Relations recognizes high school students who have demonstrated leadership in advancing racial equity or promoting racial understanding in their schools and communities. Prize recipients receive a cash prize of $2,500 and an all-expenses-paid weekend to a Symposium on Race at Princeton University, where they will meet and engage with other Prize recipients from across the country.

Eligibility

This program is open to all students who meet the requirements regardless of identity. You must be currently enrolled in grades 9-12 in the United States. If you are selected as a prize winner, it may be necessary for you to provide a U.S. taxpayer identification number. 

You must complete the first part of your application, then a sponsor must complete the second part. Your sponsor must be a teacher, advisor, community or religious leader, or other responsible adult — who is not related to you — and who oversaw your project or who has directly witnessed your project’s outcome.

Deadline

TBA — likely Jan 2027

7. The Congressional Award

Award

The United States Congress established The Congressional Award in 1979 to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people. It began as a bipartisan effort in both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. The original bill was sponsored by Senator Malcolm Wallop of Wyoming and Congressman James Howard of New Jersey.

The enabling legislation (Public Law 96-114) established The Congressional Award as a private-public partnership, which receives all funding from the private sector. The legislation was originally signed into law by President Jimmy Carter. Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald J. Trump have each signed continuing legislation.

Eligibility

• Age: Must be 14-24 years old (can register at 13.5).
• No minimum GPA required, and there’s no nomination process.
• Requirements by Level — Participants set goals and log hours in four areas, with increasing targets for each medal:
  • Voluntary Public Service: Hours spent helping the community (e.g., tutoring, volunteering).
  • Personal Development: Developing new skills (e.g., learning an instrument, leadership).
  • Physical Fitness: Achieving fitness goals (e.g., sports, running).
  • Expedition/Exploration: A challenging trip (e.g., 4 nights/5 days for Gold).
• Example Hour Requirements:
  • Bronze: Lower hours/days in each category (e.g., 20 service, 10 dev, 10 fitness, 1-day expedition).
  • Silver: Intermediate hours (e.g., 100 service, 50 dev, 50 fitness, 2-day expedition).
  • Gold: Highest hours (e.g., 400 service, 200 dev, 200 fitness, 4-night expedition).

Deadline

• Bronze/Silver Medals: Work at your own pace, finish by age 24.
• Gold Medal Ceremony: Submit Record Book by February 1st (local time) for that year’s class.
• Gold Medal Revisions: Must be submitted by March 15th (local time). 

8. National Association of Student Councils (NASC) National Council of Excellence (NOCE) Award

Award

The National Council of Excellence is a national award program created by NASC to recognize student councils that maintain strong year-round programs and work to improve their schools and communities through their leadership activities. The award is founded on the four tenets of NASC: Leadership, Service, Engagement, and Student Voice. Unlike scholarships and other recognitions that have limited numbers of winners, all councils meeting the determined criteria in this application will receive the appropriate award.

Eligibility

1. Active NASC Membership: Your school must have a current, active affiliation with the National Student Council (NASC).
2. Project Submission:
   1. Submit at least two projects (three for Gold level) in the online application, with details on purpose, organization, highlights, and impact.
   2. Projects must occur between January 1 and December 31 of the application year.
   3. Avoid submitting routine meetings, elections, or events where the council has no significant role.
3. Operational & Evidence Criteria:
   1. Council Operations: Provide evidence of a budget, financial reports, membership rolls, a scrapbook/history, and participation in school/district committees.
   2. Leadership: Show evidence of training and development for council members.
   3. Service & Engagement: Include activities that foster positive school climate, faculty/student relations, and community/parent involvement.
   4. Civic Engagement & Student Voice: Demonstrate community leader involvement or officer presentations to civic boards/school boards.
   5. Local/State Involvement: Show participation in district/state events and sharing of learned ideas.
   6. Responsible Social Media: Provide examples of effective social media use for communication.
4. Adviser Verification: Your student council adviser verifies your school’s membership and reviews the evidence collected for the application.

Deadline

February 13, 2026

9. Bank of America Student Leaders

Award

Every year, hundreds of community-minded high schoolers are accepted into the Student Leaders program. They get first-hand experience in serving their communities through a paid eight-week internship with nonprofits like Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity.

They also get to see how nonprofits, governments and businesses collaborate to meet local needs by participating in the national Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. Many of the students use their newfound skills to create more change and improve more lives, with inspiring stories of enthusiasm and commitment.

Eligibility

To become a Student Leader, you must:

• Currently be a junior or senior in high school
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship through the end of September 2025
• Be able to participate in an 8-week paid internship at a local nonprofit/charitable organization and work 35 hours a week
• Be able to participate in a week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC (July 21-26, 2025)
  • Note: All expenses paid as part of the program and the week is counted within the 8-week experience
• Be a student in good standing at your school
• Permanently reside in one of the eligible locations
• Have not been previously selected for the program
  • Note: Students who applied in a previous year and were not selected can reapply if they meet other eligibility criteria
• Not be a Bank of America employee or immediate family member of a Bank of America employee (e.g., children, siblings, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc.)

Deadline

TBA — likely January 2027

10. Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship

Award

The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships. Ranging from $1,000 per year to $7,500 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), in a U.S. college or university. All scholarships are in the form of certificates of award, conditional upon the full-time enrollment of the winner in an accredited U.S. college or university.

Eligibility

• Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
• Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks.
• High school graduates are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are submitted; permanent legal resident status does not qualify.
• Scholarships are available only to students who enroll in four-year undergraduate degree programs at accredited U.S. American colleges or universities.

Deadline

TBA — likely November 2026

 

If you’re looking for help editing your scholarship applications or general college admissions consulting, don’t hesitate to set up a free consultation today.