About the Summer Leadership Institute

Since the Lott Leadership Institute for High School Students was initiated in the summer of 2000 at the University of Mississippi, hundreds of students from across the United States have expressed enthusiasm for the life-altering experience of participating in the Summer Leadership Institute. 

The Lott Leadership Institute for High School Students is a partnership between the University of Mississippi’s Lott Leadership Institute and the Division of Outreach’s Summer College for High School Students. The goals of the program are to develop leadership skills in young citizens and prepare them for college. In order to achieve these goals, the Summer Leadership Institute brings together student leaders from across the United States to earn college credit on the UM campus and to begin the study of leadership. 

Included in the program are opportunities to mingle with college administrators, student leaders, and community professionals while participating in current event debates, discussions, and decision-making activities. The program culminates in a carefully curated visit to Washington, D.C. On this trip, participants meet with their elected representatives, sample the cultural life of the nation's capital, and network with D.C. professionals working in both for-profit and non-profit worlds. The ideal outcome is for students completing the program to put their new skills to work for the betterment of their communities.

Note for Summer 2024 Washington, D.C. Trip: Details will be shared during orientation.

What Students are Saying

Former participants have shared their feedback with us. Take a look!


“The most fantabulous, amazing, through the roof program ever. I never wanted to leave.”

Student ParticipantSummer 2017

“It was amazing. I would recommend this program to anyone!”

Student ParticipantSummer 2018

“It made me more open minded, more dynamic, and a more effective public speaker.”

Student ParticipantSummer 2018