If you want to build a career in business, gaining hands-on experience early can help. Business programs for high school students provide you with a structured environment to develop analytical skills, understand economic theories, and explore topics like entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and management.
You’ll also get hands-on experience with specialized software, and data analysis tools, and learn how to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. These programs help you build critical thinking and practical business skills. These skills are useful for careers in finance, marketing, consulting, and business management.
To help you get started, here’s a list of 10 paid business programs and internships!
10 Paid Business Programs + Internships for High School Students
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program offers high school juniors and seniors a chance to build real-world skills by working with local nonprofit organizations. You’ll gain hands-on experience in areas like leadership, communication, and problem-solving. During the program, you’ll learn how to lead projects, manage your time, and work effectively with teams.
By working closely with a nonprofit, you’ll also get a deeper understanding of how businesses and organizations impact communities, with a focus on finance and social responsibility. Plus, the program provides opportunities to network with professionals and peers, helping you build valuable connections for your future career.
Cost/Stipend: Paid; Compensation details provided upon acceptance.
Program Dates: Tentative: June–August (8 weeks, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from participating communities with an interest in community service and leadership.
2. Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP)
The Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP) offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to develop essential business and entrepreneurial skills through internships with Kansas City-based companies. This hands-on experience allows you to engage with professionals across different industries and gain real-world insights into the business world.
Throughout the program, you will develop business competencies such as financial analysis, marketing strategy, project management, and data interpretation. These skills are crucial for anyone aiming to pursue a career in entrepreneurship, helping you prepare for both the challenges and opportunities that come with building your own business or a career in the field.
Cost/Stipend: Paid; compensation varies by company.
Program Dates: Tentative: June–August (based on previous years)
Application Deadline: February 11
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; Must be available for in-person work in Kansas City.
3. PNNL High School Business Internship Program
The PNNL High School Business Internship Program offers you a chance to gain real-world business experience while earning elective credits toward graduation. This internship focuses on building key business skills like project management, financial analysis, and strategic planning. Throughout the program, you’ll work alongside professionals, learning how businesses plan, manage resources, and make decisions.
You’ll get hands-on experience with project management, helping you understand how to take a project from start to finish, manage timelines, and ensure successful outcomes. As you work with data and finances, you’ll develop a stronger understanding of budgeting, cost analysis, and financial reporting. You’ll also learn how to use data to inform decisions and create strategies for long-term business goals.
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Program Dates: August to May (academic year)
Application Deadline: Applications open in early February
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in a work-based learning program
4. Meta Summer Academy
The Meta Summer Academy gives you the chance to explore the business side of one of the world’s leading tech companies. Over six weeks, you’ll gain hands-on experience in business operations, learning how technology and innovation influence global business strategies. You’ll explore areas like marketing, project management, and strategy development, gaining valuable insights into the business practices that drive Meta’s success in the social media industry.
In addition to developing business skills, the program also offers coding, career exploration, and soft skills training, such as communication and problem-solving. You’ll work on real-world projects under the mentorship of Meta employees, helping you understand how business decisions are made at a global level.
Cost/Stipend: Paid; compensation details provided upon acceptance.
Program Dates: June 16 – July 25 (6 weeks, 30 hours per week)
Application Deadline: March 1 (Based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school sophomores, Must be full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City, Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
5. KPMG Empower High School Experience
The KPMG Empower High School Experience is a three-week paid internship designed to introduce you to careers in business, public accounting, and professional services. Through this program, you’ll gain valuable insights into how businesses operate, with a focus on the accounting industry.
You’ll develop essential business skills such as teamwork, communication, and project management while working on hands-on projects. During the internship, you’ll expand your professional network through mentorship, helping you build connections that can benefit you in future career pursuits.
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Program Dates: Winter Internship – January to Mid-March; Summer Internship – June to August
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Graduating high school students
6. Chicago Summer Business Institute
The Chicago Summer Business Institute gives high school students the chance to explore key business and leadership skills that can help set them up for future success. The program focuses on teaching you essential business principles, from strategic thinking to effective decision-making, all while preparing you for real-world professional environments.
You’ll gain exposure to various aspects of business, including leadership, team management, and communication skills. The program is designed to equip you with the tools to navigate your future career, whether in business or another professional field.
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: June–August (based on previous years)
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Must be a Chicago resident, a sophomore or junior, have a 3.0 GPA, and have a household income under $80,000/year.
7. KP LAUNCH High School Program
The KP LAUNCH High School Program is a seven-week paid summer internship that gives you firsthand experience in business operations within healthcare settings. You’ll work in administrative and support roles, learning about various aspects of healthcare management while developing key business skills like organization, time management, and communication.
Through weekly workshops, mentorship, and career guidance, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of healthcare careers, including finance, accounting, and management. The program also offers networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with peers and senior leaders through community service projects, work-based activities, and social events.
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $23 per hour.
Program Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadlines: November (based on previous years)
Eligibility: Ages 16–19, current high school students or graduating seniors, priority to juniors and seniors, must be available full-time.
8. Ladders for Leaders Paid Summer Internship Program
The Ladders for Leaders Paid Summer Internship Program gives high school and college students in New York City a chance to intern at top corporations, non-profits, and government agencies. Before starting, you’ll go through 30 hours of pre-employment training to learn how to write professional resumes, craft strong cover letters, and improve your interview skills.
After training, you’ll get hands-on experience in different work environments, building skills in project management, business operations, and teamwork. This experience will give you a better understanding of how companies work and what makes them successful.
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Program Dates: June–August (based on previous years)
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: Ages 16–24, enrolled in high school or college, NYC resident, prior work experience (paid or volunteer), and legally eligible to work in the U.S.
9. Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) Summer Internship
The Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) Summer Internship helps students of color build careers in media, entertainment, and technology. For over 30 years, EBF has offered paid internships, mentorship, and career development with top companies.
As a business student, you’ll gain hands-on experience in areas like marketing, sales, finance, business strategy, and operations. You’ll develop key business skills such as analytical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving. The program also helps expand your professional network and prepares you for success in competitive industries.
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship.
Program Dates: June–August (8 weeks, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: Early January
Eligibility: High school seniors or undergraduate students graduating in Spring 2025 or later, Must identify as a student of color (Asian, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Black, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, or Multi-Racial), Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
10. Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst Program
The Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst Program is an eight to ten-week internship that gives you the chance to gain real-world business experience. Throughout the program, you will work alongside professionals in various areas such as Asset Management, Investment Banking, and Securities.
You’ll be involved in real projects where you can apply your academic knowledge to business challenges. You will learn to manage your time effectively, work in teams, and communicate clearly. The program also provides specialized training in financial modeling and data analysis, which will sharpen your technical skills.
Cost/Stipend: The program offers a stipend. For more information, click here!
Locations: Various locations; refer to the application for specific sites
Application Period: Applications open on July 1
Program Dates: June–August (8–10 weeks, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Students graduating between December 2025 and May 2026.
Looking to do research in business? Apply to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs!
This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – KPMG logo
