John F. Wood Summer Leadership Program
Ivey Business School
A transformative week for future leaders.
The John F. Wood Summer Leadership Program is a multi-day, overnight experience for high school students who want to build leadership skills, explore new ideas, and experience life at Ivey Business School and Western University. Students learn through hands-on activities, case based discussions, and team challenges that help them think critically and collaborate with confidence.
The program is hosted at Ivey Business School at Western University and brings together 150 high school students from around the world.
Why Leadership Matters Today
Business plays a key role in shaping communities, driving innovation, and creating meaningful change. Leaders today must be adaptable, collaborative, and ready to take on complex challenges in areas like sustainability, technology, and the future of work.
This program is designed to help students build the mindset and skills needed to thrive in a changing world.
Program Overview
Date: August 3-7, 2026
Location: Ivey Business School, Western University, London, Ontario
Who Can Apply: High school students currently in Grades 9, 10, and 11 who are curious, motivated, and excited to learn about leadership, business, and innovation.
What to Expect
Interactive Learning
Students dive into case based learning, hands-on workshops, and team problem solving led by Ivey faculty, staff, and student leaders.
Life on Campus
Participants stay in Western University residence for 4 nights. All meals, materials, and evening activities are included. Counsellors live in residence alongside students, and Ivey staff provide 24 hour support.
Community and Connection
Students connect with peers who share their interests, build new friendships, and take part in fun team building activities throughout the week.
Capstone Project
Throughout the week, students work on a project developed in partnership with the Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship at Western. This gives participants a real introduction to entrepreneurial thinking and the process of taking an idea from problem identification to a practical solution.
Each team is supported by Ivey students who help guide the experience, provide feedback, and prepare students for their final presentation.
The exact challenge is revealed on the first day of the program so all students start with the same information. At the end of the week, teams present their ideas to a panel of Ivey alumni who provide feedback and celebrate the students' creativity and teamwork.
Application Details
Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? The John F. Wood Summer Leadership Program offers high school students an unparalleled opportunity to develop critical business and leadership skills.
Application Requirements
We are seeking motivated, passionate, and dedicated students currently in grades 9-11, eager to embrace the challenges of a fast-evolving business world. Applicants will be evaluated based on:
- Leadership & Extracurricular Involvement: Active participation in extracurricular activities, showcasing your ability to lead and make an impact in your community or school.
- Statement of Interest: An opportunity to share why you're passionate about leadership, business, and innovation, and how you hope to apply what you learn at SLP.
How to Apply
Applications will open April 1st, 2026. In the meantime, feel free to sign up for our e-mail list so we can keep you up to date on all of our events!
Key Highlights
Program Fee
The program fee is $450. This includes residence accommodations, all meals, and all program materials. Please note that travel to and from the program is not included.
Limited financial assistance may be available for students with demonstrated need. Details about eligibility and next steps are provided within the application.
Contact Us
We are here to help. If you have questions about the John F. Wood Summer Leadership Program, please reach out to our team at hba@ivey.ca. We can assist with the application process, program details, and general inquiries.
Support Student Access
We welcome contributions from individuals and organizations who wish to help make the program more accessible for students. These donations directly support student participation and help reduce financial barriers.
To learn more about how you can contribute, please contact us at: hba@ivey.ca