The Leadership & Career Exploration Academy – Miami is a two-week pre-college experience designed to help high school students explore potential majors and careers, strengthen leadership skills, and gain early exposure to US university academics and campus life.
Set in Miami, a global hub for business, innovation, hospitality, and international trade, the program combines faculty-led learning, leadership development, site visits, and collaborative projects to help students build clarity and confidence about their future pathways.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about this summer program.
Who is this program for?
This program is designed for ambitious high school students ages 14–18 who want to explore academic interests, build leadership skills, and experience U.S. university-style learning before applying to college.
It is best suited for students who are:
Exploring STEM, business, hospitality, law pathways
Interested in leadership, collaboration, and real-world learning
Seeking early exposure to US university academics and campus life
What will students study?
Students participate in a structured academic and leadership curriculum that emphasizes self-discovery, communication, and applied learning.
Program components include:
Major and career exploration seminars led by university faculty
Leadership development, using licensed Harvard Business Publishing Education case studies
Workshops focused on communication, teamwork, and global citizenship
Optional SAT preparation in English and Math for students seeking additional admissions support
Sessions are interactive and designed to help students connect academic interests with future goals.
What hands-on experiences are included?
The program emphasizes experiential learning through real-world exposure and collaborative projects.
Hands-on experiences include:
University tours in Miami
Site visits to organizations such as the Port of Miami and Amazon
A group-based Leadership Case Study Project, culminating in a final presentation
These experiences help students understand how leadership, decision-making, and teamwork function in professional environments.
What will students gain from the program?
By the end of the program, students leave with clear outcomes that support both personal growth and college applications.
Students receive:
A Certificate of Achievement
A letter of recommendation from university faculty (at discretion)
A completed leadership project for résumés or portfolios
Personalized feedback to support college applications
How long is the program?
The program runs for two weeks and is offered with residential or commuter options.
Daytime academic sessions are mandatory
Evening social and enrichment activities are optional
This structure provides academic rigor while allowing time for cultural and social engagement.
Are there any requirements?
To participate, students must meet the following criteria:
Ages 14–18
Enrolled in high school or recently graduated
No GPA requirement
English proficiency recommended (waivers available)
Can this program be listed on college applications?
Yes. Students may list this program as an academic enrichment or extracurricular experience on college applications.
Participation demonstrates:
Leadership and initiative
Academic curiosity and exploration
Exposure to US university-level learning
How does this summer program help my college application?
This program strengthens college applications by helping students develop authentic interests, leadership skills, and real experiences, rather than focusing only on résumé building.
Students gain:
Faculty-led academic exploration that shows genuine interest in future majors
Leadership and teamwork experience through real-world case studies
Meaningful material for essays, interviews, and recommendation letters
Confidence navigating US university-style learning environments
Admissions officers value how students think, grow, and reflect—and this program is designed to support exactly that.
How do pre-college programs help prepare students for college?
Pre-college programs help students transition from high school to college by building both academic readiness and personal confidence.
Through this program, students:
Experience college-style classes and expectations
Develop critical thinking, communication, and time-management skills
Learn how to collaborate, present ideas, and lead projects
Gain familiarity with US campus life and academic culture
For international students, this experience is especially valuable in preparing for the expectations of US universities.
For more detailed information on Shorelight’s summer programs, policies, housing, cost, and student support, visit our Pre-College Summer Programs FAQs.
Still have questions? Reach out to a Shorelight advisor or explore other summer programs that may be of interest!
