Learn the skills and tools it takes to lead and inspire.

The Wake Forest Summer Immersion Leadership Institute is an unforgettable experience for high school students. The Leadership Institute offers students an outlet for enhancing their ability to inspire and influence people in reaching a collective goal before they begin their collegiate careers. Personal growth, exploration and reflection promote students who will be prepared to make a difference in their communities and create positive change in the world.

At a Glance


2024 Dates: Week of June 16 – 21 and week of June 23 – 28

Program Length: Sunday – Friday

Who Can Apply?Current 9th – 12th grade students

Tuition: $2,800

Location: Winston-Salem, NC – Wake Forest University Campus

Online Immersion Program: Study online with Wake Forest anywhere, anytime, at your own pace.

*Courses carry no secondary school or college credit. Upon completion of the program, an official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion will be awarded to all Leadership Institute participants.


What You’ll Experience

Topics Covered:

  • Relationship Development, Self and Social Awareness, and Team Dynamics
  • Personal Brand Management and Communication
  • Understanding Failure Tolerance and How to Build Resilience 
  • Cultural Awareness, Diversity, and Equity

Hands-On Experiences:

  • Participate in team-building by challenging yourself and leading your peers
  • Work with Wake Forest faculty to develop your personal leadership skills
  • Learn from professionals from various industries to glean leadership lessons in practice
  • Serve with local nonprofit organizations
  • Develop your resume and discover your strengths

*Hands-on experiences are subject to change.


A Day in the Life

Typical Daily Schedule
  • 8:00 am – Morning Meeting and Breakfast
  • 9:00 am – Welcome and Program Introduction
  • 9:30 am – Workshop: Managing Your Personal Brand
  • 10:30 am – Guest Speaker: Impact of Leadership Locally and Globally
  • 11:00 am – Team Building Scavenger Hunt
  • 11:30 am – Motivation Session: How Do You Motivate Yourself and Others?
  • 12:00 pm – Workshop: Team Dynamics and Motivation
  • 1:00 pm – Breaking Boundaries – Team Building and Conflict Management Exercise
  • 2:00 pm – Job Shadow
  • 4:30 pm – Debrief for the Next Day
  • 5:30 pm – Dinner
  • 6:30 pm – Evening Activities
  • 7:30 pm – Free Time
  • 9:00 pm – Prepare for Bed
  • 10:00 pm – Lights Out

*The “A Day in the Life” sample schedule is subject to change.

@wakeprecollege Lena talks leadership 🗣🗣 #SIP2023 ♬ Sunshine – WIRA

Meet the Academic Leader

Marcus Sanderlin, MA

Academic Leader, Leadership Institute

Marcus Sanderlin serves as the Director of Career Education and Coaching for the Wake Forest University School of Business Market Readiness and Employment team. With a passion for empowering students to pursue meaningful careers, he challenges students to explore the “why” behind their “what” as they build lives and careers centered around their sense of purpose. His work spans from coaching college students through career navigation and professional development to educating college leaders and community members on strategies for life design and career advancement. He currently oversees career support for engaging students across the undergraduate and graduate level within the School of Business, along with driving efforts around diversity and student engagement within the School of Business and beyond. As a motivator, educator, and career coach, Marcus Sanderlin strives to serve as an advocate for holistic professional development and strategic occupational elevation.