Key Takeaways
- These 15 programs cover a broad range of business analytics applications, from entrepreneurship and venture creation at the University of Kansas to data-driven operations at organizations like the Port of Long Beach and the NYC School Construction Authority, along with Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, which offers a virtual research track for students who want to apply analytics to an independent research project.
- Program formats vary considerably, from short, single-week workshops like the Business Leadership Program to paid internships lasting a full summer or school year, like Futures and Options and NYC Ladders for Leaders.
- Several programs are free or low-cost, including the Wisconsin Pre-College Entrepreneurship Boot Camp and the Business Leadership Program, while others charge a program fee, and Horizon’s cost varies by track with financial aid available.
- Many of these programs, including NYC Ladders for Leaders, the Port of Long Beach Internship, and Chicago’s Summer Business Institute, are paid opportunities that place you directly in a professional business environment rather than a classroom setting.
- If you want to move from workshop-style learning into an original, mentored research project, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a path toward a formal academic paper you can apply business analytics thinking to, across 600+ specializations.
15 Business Analytics Programs for High School Students
A business analytics program for high school students is a structured learning experience that teaches you how organizations use data to solve business problems and make informed decisions. Unlike internships, these programs focus on learning through workshops, projects, case studies, and mentorship. Depending on the program, you may work with spreadsheets, business datasets, financial reports, customer behavior data, or market research while learning the analytical methods behind business strategy.
If you’re interested in finance, consulting, entrepreneurship, economics, marketing, or data science, business analytics programs for high school students offer an opportunity to explore how these fields intersect. Rather than focusing solely on broad business concepts, these programs introduce the analytical frameworks, software, and quantitative thinking used across industries.
What do business analytics programs for high school students include?
Most business analytics programs for high school students combine business fundamentals with quantitative analysis and technical tools. You may learn to clean and organize datasets, build financial models in Excel, write introductory SQL queries, visualize data using Tableau or Power BI, or analyze trends with Python. Some programs also introduce forecasting, customer segmentation, market research, supply chain analytics, A/B testing, and basic statistical methods used in business decision-making.
Projects are typically centered around real-world business problems rather than theoretical exercises. You might evaluate sales performance, interpret consumer data, build dashboards, estimate business metrics, or present data-backed recommendations through reports and presentations. By the end of a program, you’ll have practical experience with the analytical workflows used by business analysts, consultants, financial analysts, product managers, and operations teams.
Below is a curated list of 15 business analytics programs for high school students. If you are looking for research opportunities in business, you can also check out our guide to business research programs for high school students here.
1. Summer Venture in Business (SVB)
Location: The University of Kansas School of Business, Lawrence, KS
Cost: $50 participation fee (need-based fee waivers available)
Dates: July 19–24
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: Rising 11th- and 12th-grade students who either have a high school GPA of more than 3.4 (weighted or unweighted, 4.0 scale) or an ACT (or SAT equivalent)/10+ high school GPA = 5.55+ | Priority is given to first-generation, rural, and Title I high school students
The Summer Venture in Business (SVB) introduces you to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship through an intensive residential experience at the University of Kansas. You explore topics such as business strategy, marketing, finance, and venture creation while working alongside other students interested in business. Through workshops and collaborative activities, you practice turning ideas into business concepts and learn how different parts of a company work together. You’ll also experience campus life while participating in hands-on projects that strengthen your problem-solving and communication skills. The program is fully funded and includes housing, meals, and all learning materials.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid available.
Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th- or 11th-graders! A few tracks require prerequisites; see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in subjects such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback you can use to improve future projects. Apply here!
3. NYC Ladders for Leaders
Location: Corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies across New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Stipend will be provided (at least $16.50 an hour)
Dates: Six weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: Students ages 16 to 24 who are enrolled in high school or college, have prior work or volunteer experience, live in one of New York City’s five boroughs, and are legally authorized to work in the U.S.
The NYC Ladders for Leaders program gives you the opportunity to apply business analytics in a professional setting through paid internships with companies, nonprofits, and government agencies. Before your placement, you’ll complete career readiness training covering workplace communication, resume writing, interviewing, financial literacy, and professional etiquette. During your internship, you may analyze spreadsheets, organize business data, support market research, track project metrics, or assist teams with day-to-day operations, depending on your placement. You’ll work alongside professionals on real projects while developing practical skills in data analysis, communication, and problem-solving. The program also provides mentorship, networking opportunities, and exposure to a variety of industries across New York City.
4. Maryland Public Television (MPT) Internships
Location: Hybrid and in-person at Maryland Public Television, Owings Mills, MD
Cost: Free
Dates: Spring: January 28–May 15 | Summer: June 2–August 15 | Fall: September 10–December 15
Application Deadline: Varies by session and internship opportunity
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Maryland Public Television (MPT) Internships allow you to explore how business analytics supports the operations of a public media organization. Depending on your placement, you could assist teams in marketing, finance, fundraising, client relations, communications, or administration while learning how departments use data to make decisions. You may help organize reports, monitor campaign performance, analyze audience trends, or support projects that improve organizational planning and outreach. Working across business-focused teams gives you insight into how media organizations manage budgets, operations, and community engagement. You’ll also build professional communication, analytical thinking, and workplace skills through hands-on experience in a collaborative environment.
5. Howard University School of Business Summer Enrichment Programs
Location: Howard University School of Business, Washington, D.C.
Cost: $2000
Dates: July 18–24 | July 25–31
Application Deadline: March 16 (early) | April 3 (regular)
Eligibility: 10th and 11th grade high school students
The Howard University School of Business Summer Enrichment Programs let you explore business analytics through specialized academic tracks in Accounting, Information Systems, Actuarial Science, or Entrepreneurship. Depending on your chosen track, you’ll work with data, business technologies, financial analysis, or entrepreneurial problem-solving while learning from university faculty and industry professionals. Through lectures, company visits, and collaborative projects, you’ll see how organizations use data and technology to guide business decisions. You’ll also strengthen your analytical thinking by applying classroom concepts to practical business challenges. The residential format offers the opportunity to take college-level coursework while exploring potential careers in business and analytics.
6. Wisconsin School of Business Pre-College Entrepreneurship Boot Camp
Location: Wisconsin School of Business, Madison, WI
Cost: Free
Dates: November 8
Application Deadline: Applications are typically reviewed within 3 to 5 business days
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 through 12 who can attend the full workshop | Must be a first-generation college student and/or a low-income student
The Wisconsin School of Business Pre-College Entrepreneurship Boot Camp introduces you to entrepreneurship while building the analytical skills used to evaluate business ideas. You’ll work in teams to develop a mock business, define customer needs, plan products or services, and create basic marketing strategies backed by research. As you take on different business roles, you’ll learn how data and market insights shape decisions throughout the startup process. The program also gives you the chance to present your business idea, explain your strategy, and receive feedback from instructors and peers. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a better understanding of how business analytics supports innovation and entrepreneurship.
7. Internships at Hitchiner Manufacturing – High School Opportunities
Location: Milford High School & Applied Technology Center, Milford, NH
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Dates: Semester-long program
Application Deadline: Recruitment typically takes place during the fall semester
Eligibility: High school students enrolled through the Milford High School Applied Technology Center (ATC) Career Pathways Program | Participation is generally limited to local students
The Internships at Hitchiner Manufacturing – High School Opportunities combine classroom instruction with a paid internship that introduces you to how data and business operations support advanced manufacturing. You’ll spend two days each week working alongside professionals while learning about areas such as accounting, management, information technology, and production planning. You may help track operational data, evaluate workflow efficiency, and observe how teams use analytics to improve manufacturing processes and business performance. The program also introduces concepts like inventory management, production models, and process optimization through hands-on experience. Working with mentors across multiple departments helps you understand how analytical thinking supports decision-making throughout a manufacturing organization.
8. New York City School Construction Authority (SCA) High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Various locations across New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: $17 per hour is paid
Dates: July 6–August 14
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: New York City public high school students in good academic standing who are legally authorized to work in the United States
The New York City School Construction Authority (SCA) High School Summer Internship Program gives you firsthand experience with how business analytics supports large public infrastructure projects. Depending on your placement, you may assist with budgeting, project tracking, proposal development, research, compliance, or administrative operations while learning how construction teams manage complex projects. You’ll work with data, reports, and project documentation to understand how organizations monitor costs, schedules, and performance. The program also includes mentorship, workplace training, and, when required, OSHA certification, giving you practical exposure to professional project management. By the end of the internship, you’ll have a stronger understanding of how analytical and business skills contribute to planning and delivering major construction projects.
9. Business Education for Talented Students (BETS)
Location: Haslam College of Business, Knoxville, TN
Cost/Stipend: Free (accepted students pay a $20 reservation fee; housing and meals are included)
Dates: June 3–12
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are first-generation college students or eligible for free/reduced-price lunch, with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The Business Education for Talented Students (BETS) program introduces you to business analytics alongside disciplines such as accounting, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and supply chain management. Through workshops and interactive activities, you’ll learn how businesses use data to evaluate performance, solve problems, and support strategic decisions. You’ll also explore different business career paths while working with faculty and participating in collaborative projects. In addition to technical concepts, the program includes professional development sessions on resume writing, interviewing, and networking. The residential experience gives you a closer look at college-level business education while strengthening your analytical and communication skills.
10. Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute (KWLI)
Location: Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN | Online
Cost: Free (participants attending in person arrange their own transportation)
Dates: Virtual: April 22 and April 29 | In-person: June 12, June 26, July 10, or July 24 (one-day sessions)
Application Deadline: January 5–March 20
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.5 GPA | Virtual sessions are open to current sophomores, juniors, and seniors, while in-person sessions are for rising juniors and seniors
The Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute (KWLI) helps you develop leadership and entrepreneurial thinking while exploring how business analytics supports decision-making. Through case studies, discussions, and collaborative activities, you’ll examine real business challenges and learn how leaders use evidence to guide strategy and innovation. You’ll work with mentors and peers to analyze problems, evaluate solutions, and communicate your ideas effectively. The program also introduces you to the experiences of women in business and encourages you to think critically about leadership across different industries. Whether you participate online or on campus, you’ll build practical skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and analytical decision-making.
11. Port of Long Beach High School Internship Program
Location: Port of Long Beach, approximately 27 miles from Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 22–July 30
Application Deadline: January 5–February 20
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA who live in Long Beach or attend a school in the Long Beach Unified School District
The Port of Long Beach High School Internship Program introduces you to how business analytics supports one of the busiest ports in the United States. During this paid internship, you’ll work in professional departments such as finance, communications, or community relations while learning how data drives decisions in international trade and supply chain operations. You may help organize reports, monitor operational information, and observe how teams use analytics to improve logistics and business performance. The program also includes career readiness sessions covering financial literacy, workplace ethics, and professional communication. By working alongside Harbor Department staff and mentors, you’ll gain firsthand insight into how analytical thinking supports large-scale business operations.
12. Futures and Options Internship Program
Location: Internship sites across New York City (remote, hybrid, or in-person depending on employer)
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Dates: Summer Internship: Typically July–August | School-Year Internship: September–June
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: New York City high school juniors and seniors with a valid work card who are legally authorized to work in the United States, with preference given to graduating seniors and students without prior internship experience
The Futures and Options Internship Program gives you the opportunity to apply business analytics in professional settings across finance, marketing, business operations, and nonprofit organizations. Depending on your placement, you may assist with market research, data analysis, reporting, or operational projects while working alongside experienced professionals. Weekly workshops strengthen your communication, interview, resume-building, and financial literacy skills, while company visits expose you to a range of business careers. You’ll also see how organizations use data to evaluate performance, manage projects, and support decision-making. By the end of the internship, you’ll have practical workplace experience and a stronger understanding of how analytical skills are used across different industries.
13. Frank & Eileen Accelerator Program for the Leaders of Tomorrow
Location: Marlborough, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: Year-long (90-minute weekly sessions plus one individual mentoring session each week)
Application Deadline: Mid-August to the end of September
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 through 12 who live in Los Angeles and identify as female or were assigned female at birth
The Frank & Eileen Accelerator Program for the Leaders of Tomorrow helps you build entrepreneurial and business analytics skills through year-long mentorship and project-based learning. If you’re developing a new idea, you’ll learn how to identify customer problems, validate solutions, and use research to shape a business concept. If you already run a business, you’ll analyze market trends, evaluate performance, refine your business model, and develop strategies for sustainable growth. Throughout the program, you’ll receive one-on-one guidance from mentors while strengthening your decision-making, presentation, and leadership skills. By the end of the program, you’ll have a better understanding of how data and strategic planning support successful businesses.
14. Business Leadership Program (BLP)
Location: Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
Cost: Free
Dates: June 21–27
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: High school juniors who live in Colorado or attend a high school in the state
The Business Leadership Program (BLP) gives you the opportunity to solve business problems using data, research, and strategic thinking. You’ll work in teams to analyze real case studies provided by corporate partners, identify market opportunities, and develop practical business solutions. As part of the program, you’ll research customer needs, evaluate marketing strategies, and develop evidence-based recommendations. You’ll also present your ideas to a panel, gaining experience communicating analytical findings in a professional setting. The program offers a practical introduction to how business analytics supports marketing, strategy, and organizational decision-making.
15. Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI)
Location: Corporate host sites across Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Dates: Six-week summer internship
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who live in Chicago, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA (or B average), and come from households with an annual income of $80,000 or less
The Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI) combines paid internships with professional development to introduce you to careers in business and financial services. During your internship, you may assist with research, reporting, data analysis, or business operations while learning how organizations use information to support everyday decisions. Weekly workshops cover financial literacy, career readiness, workplace communication, and professional skills, while industry seminars provide insight into current business practices and emerging trends. You’ll also connect with professionals through networking events and mentorship opportunities that expand your understanding of different career paths. The experience helps you build practical, analytical, communication, and teamwork skills while working in a professional environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of business analytics programs are available to high school students?
You’ll find a mix of formats, including residential academic programs like Summer Venture in Business and the Howard University School of Business Summer Enrichment Programs, paid internships like NYC Ladders for Leaders and the Port of Long Beach Internship Program, and shorter workshop-style experiences like the Wisconsin Pre-College Entrepreneurship Boot Camp. Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a different kind of option, letting you apply analytical thinking to an independent, mentored research project rather than a fixed internship or workshop format.
Do you need prior business or data experience to apply?
Most of these programs don’t require prior business or analytics experience. Eligibility is typically based on GPA, grade level, or specific criteria like first-generation or low-income status, as with BETS and the Wisconsin Boot Camp, rather than a technical prerequisite. Programs like Horizon are generally open to students in good academic standing rather than requiring specific business coursework, though a few of Horizon’s specialized tracks do have prerequisites.
Are there free or low-cost options available?
Yes, several programs on this list are free or charge only a nominal fee. The Wisconsin School of Business Pre-College Entrepreneurship Boot Camp, the Business Leadership Program, KWLI, and the Maryland Public Television Internships are all free, and Summer Venture in Business only requires a small participation fee with fee waivers available. Horizon’s cost varies depending on the program type you select, but financial aid is available there as well.
Which programs offer paid positions or stipends?
A number of these programs pay participants. NYC Ladders for Leaders pays at least $16.50 an hour, the NYC School Construction Authority’s internship pays $17 an hour, and the Port of Long Beach Internship, Futures and Options, and Chicago’s Summer Business Institute are all paid opportunities as well. Hitchiner Manufacturing’s internship program is also paid, combining classroom instruction with compensated work experience.
Which programs focus specifically on entrepreneurship rather than corporate analytics?
If entrepreneurship is your focus, Summer Venture in Business, the Wisconsin Pre-College Entrepreneurship Boot Camp, and the Frank & Eileen Accelerator Program for the Leaders of Tomorrow all center on building and evaluating a business concept from the ground up. The Business Leadership Program takes a slightly different angle, having you analyze real corporate case studies rather than building your own venture, which is worth considering depending on which experience appeals to you more.
Is there a way to apply business analytics to an independent research project?
Yes. If you’re interested in applying business analytics to a research project, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs pairs you with a professor or PhD scholar to develop a 20-page research paper you can submit for academic publication. The program also provides a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback, and covers over 600 research specializations. You can find the application here.
When should you apply?
Deadlines for these programs are spread throughout the year, so it helps to plan ahead. NYC Ladders for Leaders has one of the earliest deadlines at January 16, while several others cluster in February and March, including Summer Venture in Business (February 13), the NYC School Construction Authority Internship (March 6), and Howard University’s Summer Enrichment Programs (March 16 early, April 3 regular). BETS and Chicago’s Summer Business Institute both close on March 31, rounding out the spring deadlines. Horizon, by contrast, has multiple deadlines throughout the year across its Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts, giving you more flexibility if you miss an earlier cutoff.
Image source: The University of Kansas School of Business