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Dartmouth, USA

Leadership Institute for High Schoolers at Dartmouth

age icon 14-18 years old

time icon 2 weeks

See Dates

Session Dates

Choose your preferred session from the options below and submit your details in order to complete your booking.

July - Boarding

Start 7/26/2026
End 8/7/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price $8,299

July - Day

Start 7/26/2026
End 8/7/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price $4,999

Course Description: Leadership Institute for High Schoolers at Dartmouth

Leadership Institute C: A Transformative Experience in Leadership Development

Are you ready to unlock your leadership potential and explore what it truly means to lead? Welcome to Leadership Institute C, an exclusive program designed to challenge and inspire future leaders. Guided by Professor Anna Mahoney, PhD, Executive Director of the Rockefeller Center for Public Policy at Dartmouth, this course delves into the core questions of leadership. Discover whether leadership is innate or learned, identify your unique strengths, and learn how to apply them to the causes you are passionate about.

Why It is a Great Choice

  • Engage in immersive outdoor leadership training in the stunning White Mountains.

  • Benefit from expert instruction by a distinguished leader in public policy.

  • Develop practical leadership skills through a blend of outdoor and classroom experiences.

  • Earn a branded Course Completion Certificate and a Letter of Recognition to enhance your academic portfolio.

Instructor:Anna Mahoney, PhD

Instructor Bio

Dartmouth Leadership Institute is led by Dr. Anna Mitchell Mahoney, the Executive Director of the Rockefeller Center for Public Policy and the Social Sciences at Dartmouth College and a Lecturer in the Government Department. Mahoney joined Dartmouth in 2023 after nine years at the Newcomb Institute at Tulane University. Mahoney conducts research centered on women's representation and gendered institutions. Her current intersectional working project (with co-authors) include: an investigation of Black women legislators as bridges between Black Caucuses and women's caucuses at the state and federal levels. Her work has been published in Politics and Gender, Legislative Studies Quarterly, Political Research Quarterly, and Representation. She has a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from Loyola University New Orleans, a masters in Women's Studies from the University of Alabama, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Rutgers University New Brunswick. Her hobbies include reading and attending her children's many sporting events.

Location

The Leadership Institute C begins with a two-day outdoor leadership training at the Appalachian Mountain Club's Highland Center. Nestled in the beautiful White Mountains, this venue offers a perfect setting for hands-on learning, with accommodations in comfortable bunk rooms and three hot meals provided daily. The journey continues at Dartmouth College, where students will engage in six and a half days of intensive instruction at the Rockefeller Center's Public Policy seminar room.

Course Description

Outdoor Leadership Training:

  • Dates: July 27 - July 28

  • Location: Appalachian Mountain Club's Highland Center

  • Immerse yourself in a two-day outdoor leadership experience, focusing on practical, hands-on development. No special gear or prior outdoor experience is needed. Please contact us regarding any physical mobility concerns.

Dartmouth Instruction:

  • Dates: July 30 - August 7

  • Location: Dartmouth College, Rockefeller Center

  • Transition to Dartmouth for an in-depth exploration of leadership theory and practice. Classes are held in the seminar room of the Rockefeller Center, providing a rigorous academic environment.

Admission Criteria

  • A keen interest in leadership is essential for success in this program.

  • Recommended GPA of 3.5 or higher in your field of study or a related discipline.

  • Completion of the Summer Institute application, including thoughtful responses to short-answer questions.

Who Should Attend

This course is tailored for students eager to explore leadership from multiple perspectives, including theoretical frameworks, real-world applications, and cultural contexts. It is particularly suited for those seeking to reflect on their personal leadership abilities and experience a blend of classroom and outdoor learning environments.

Benefits

Participants will gain unique insights from an interdisciplinary team of instructors, offering diverse perspectives on leadership across various academic disciplines, industries, eras, and cultures. Upon completion, students will receive:

  • A branded Course Completion Certificate, recognizing your achievement in the Dartmouth Summer Scholars program.

  • A Letter of Recognition from Summer Institute, acknowledging your academic success in this course.

Getting There

  • Arrival at AMC Highland Center: Sunday, July 26

  • Transit to Dartmouth: Wednesday morning, July 30

  • Departure from Dartmouth: Friday, August 8

Embark on this transformative journey and redefine your understanding of leadership. Join us at Leadership Institute C and take the first step towards becoming the leader you aspire to be.

🛂 Visa Requirements for International Students

🌎 Students NOT in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your home country is not one of the 40 countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, you will need a B-2 Visitor Visa to attend the program.

The B-2 visa is for tourism and short-term study (under 16–18 hours of classes per week).

After enrollment, you will receive a Letter of Introduction to help support your visa application.

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✔️ Students IN the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your country is on the Visa Waiver Program list, you do not need a visa.

However, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before entering the U.S.

Apply here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

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💼 What the International Program Fee Covers

  • 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

  • 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

  • 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

  • 🏥 International medical/health insurance while abroad

  • 📱 Help securing a local phone number or SIM card if needed

🌍 International Fees & Support

💵 International Registration Fee (U.S. Programs)

Students whose primary residence is outside the United States will be charged an International Registration Fee when attending a U.S.-based program.

This fee includes:

  • 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

  • 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

  • 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

  • 🏥 Medical/health insurance for international students

  • 📱 Help obtaining a U.S. SIM card or phone plan

Note: This fee is mandatory and non-refundable, even if the student does not use all services.

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📘 Academic Reports & College Credit

📝 Student Performance Reports

After the program ends, students receive:

  • Detailed course performance summaries

  • Instructor feedback

  • Recommendations for continued growth

Reports can be mailed to a student’s school upon written parent request.

🎓 College Credit Programs

Students enrolled in credit-bearing classes receive:

  • A grade report

  • Instructions for requesting a university transcript

Acceptance of credits depends on the receiving university’s policies.

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🌎 International Student Community

Programs welcome a diverse and global student population each summer:

  • 🌐 About 30% of students come from outside the U.S.

  • 🌍 Representing 50–60 countries

This creates a vibrant, multicultural learning experience.

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🏠 Housing & Roommate Matching

Students complete a personal profile in the spring to assist with roommate assignments.

Matching is based on:

  • Interests

  • Personality

  • Sleeping habits

  • Age group

Roommate Requests:

  • Must be mutual

  • Must be same age group and gender

  • Not guaranteed, though campus staff make every effort

Cultural diversity is encouraged, and many roommates come from different countries.

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🧳 What to Bring

Students should pack essentials for at least one week.

Recommended:

  • Clothing for warm and cool weather

  • Basic school supplies

  • Personal toiletries

  • Laundry supplies

Spending Money:

  • $100–$150 per week (snacks, lunches, souvenirs)

  • Debit card recommended for ATM withdrawals

  • Credit card for emergencies

  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Note: Some campuses provide bedding. A campus-specific packing list will be available after enrollment.

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✈ Travel & Airport Transportation

Programs do not arrange flights.

🚌 Airport Shuttles

Shuttle transportation (additional fee) is available to/from designated airports.

Details are included in the pre-summer transportation form.

Students must arrive/depart within scheduled shuttle windows to use this service.

  • For international students, the international registration fee is $379 (residential) OR $239 (commuter) – this fee covers a medical policy for the student and their airport transfers.

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🕒 A Typical Day on Campus (Residential Programs)

A structured, activity-filled day may look like:

  • 8:00 AM – Wake Up 🌅

  • 8:30 AM – Breakfast 🍳

  • 9:30–11:30 AM – Morning Course / Academy 📘

  • 11:45 AM – Lunch 🍽

  • 1:00–3:00 PM – Afternoon Course / Academy 🧪

  • 3:30 PM – Activities, Social Time, or Study Hall 🎉

  • 6:00 PM – Dinner 🍝

  • 8:00 PM – Evening / Primetime Activities 🌆

  • 10:30 PM – Return to Residence Halls 🏠

  • 11:30 PM – On Floors 🌙

  • 12:00 AM – In Rooms / Lights Out 😴

Activities may include:

shopping • sports • beaches • museums • movies • comedy shows • concerts • local events

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📚 Academic Experience (Enrichment & College Prep)

Programs emphasize:

  • Small, interactive classes

  • Supportive, enthusiastic instructors

  • Hands-on learning and real-world experiences

  • Field trips connected to course themes

  • A wide choice of enrichment or academic courses

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🚗 Day Students (Non-Residential)

Day students follow the regular campus schedule to align with meals and activities.

Standard Schedule (Monday–Friday):

  • Drop-Off: 8:30 AM

  • Pick-Up: 6:00 PM

Times may vary by campus.

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🍽 Special Dietary Needs

Special meals and dietary accommodations are available.

Requirements:

Parents must complete a dietary information form during pre-arrival.

Residential & Standard Programs:

Notify the Residential Life Dean of dietary restrictions.

Day Programs (Younger Students):

Parents should inform the Program Director on-site.

Common accommodations include:

  • Allergy-friendly meals

  • Vegetarian/vegan options

  • Gluten-free meals

  • Religious dietary needs

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🛡️ Campus Safety & Supervision

Student safety is the top priority.

Safety Measures:

  • Staff and counselors live on student floors

  • 24/7 supervision

  • Key-card residence hall access

  • Daily check-ins and room checks

  • Visitors must check in at the program office

  • Students may move only in small groups

  • Students may never leave campus alone

  • Older students (14–18) may have limited group movement privileges

  • 24/7 access to medical care

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📱 Emergency Communication & Response

Campus teams monitor:

  • Weather

  • Local events

  • Road closures

  • Any conditions that affect student safety

If needed, programs may:

  • Move classes

  • Adjust or reroute activities

  • Avoid specific areas

Students receive:

  • Daily notifications

  • Safety messages

  • Emergency push alerts

A dedicated Campus Emergency Line connects students to on-site directors.

International students receive support obtaining a local SIM card for reliable communication.

All students attend a mandatory orientation within the first 24 hours covering emergency procedures.

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🚫 Movement Policies & Program Rules

To maintain a safe, positive environment:

  • Students and staff may not participate in protests

  • All off-campus trips are fully chaperoned

  • Security may be increased with campus police or external teams if needed

  • Staff monitor all on- and off-campus locations and adjust plans immediately if necessary

📍 Dartmouth College – Campus Profile (Hanover, NH)

Dartmouth College, founded in 1769, is a distinguished Ivy League institution known for its deep academic tradition, research excellence, and strong sense of community. Set within the picturesque town of Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth offers an inspiring environment for motivated students seeking challenge, intellectual exploration, and personal growth.

Surrounded by quintessential New England beauty, the campus features a blend of historic and contemporary architecture, including iconic spaces such as the Baker-Berry Library. Hanover’s walkable Main Street adds to the experience with cafés, shops, restaurants, and a welcoming small-town charm. The region also offers abundant outdoor recreation, including trails, parks, and access to the Connecticut River.

Students join a vibrant community of learners, take part in a range of academic academies, and benefit from small class sizes led by experienced instructors. The program encourages both academic achievement and social development, offering a balanced schedule of coursework, activities, and excursions designed to help students grow as scholars and individuals.

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✨ Program Environment

  • Ideal for high-achieving high school students considering selective universities

  • Academically rigorous curriculum taught by knowledgeable instructors

  • Opportunities to explore multiple subjects across a wide variety of academies

  • Supportive environment that encourages independence, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity

  • Beautiful, safe, and walkable campus surrounded by natural landscapes

  • Perfect blend of academics, recreation, and community engagement

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🎒 Included in Tuition

  • 📘 Academic tuition

  • 🏨 Housing

  • 🍽 Three meals per day, 7 days per week

  • 🎡 Afternoon, evening, and weekend activities and excursions

  • 🚐 Transportation for all included activities

  • 🏋️ Access to athletic and recreation facilities

  • 🎓 College admissions presentation

  • 🛌 Linens (two full sets including sheets, blanket, pillow, and towels)

  • 🧺 Laundry (detergent/softener not provided)

  • 🛡 Full campus safety and supervision

Note: Some specialized courses may require additional academic fees.

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🚫 Not Included in Tuition

  • 📝 Application fee

  • ✈ Airfare and airport transfers

  • 🍽 Meals eaten off campus

  • 💼 Personal spending money

  • 🏥 Medical expenses

  • 🎟 Supplemental academic fees (if applicable)

A standard international program fee applies for international students.

Closest airport: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

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🎡 Top Activities in Hanover, New Hampshire

  • 🖼 Hood Museum of Art

  • 🎮 Dave & Buster’s

  • ⚾ Fisher Cats Minor League Baseball Game

  • 🛍 Shopping at the Mall of New Hampshire

  • 🎢 Six Flags New England

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🎉 Top Campus Activities

  • 🎧 Silent Disco and Live Band Karaoke

  • 🎭 Variety performances featuring comedians, hypnotists, mentalists, and magicians

  • 🎨 Clubs: arts, baking, sports tournaments, leagues, and game nights

  • 🍔 End-of-summer BBQ with lawn games and music

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