Are you a high school student curious about the business world? Summer programs in business and entrepreneurship offer you the chance to gain practical experience and sharpen your skills. You’ll work on real projects, learn from professionals, and explore fields like finance, marketing, and strategy.
These programs teach you how to create business plans, pitch ideas, and understand how companies work. Whether you dream of starting your own business or exploring global markets, they help you take your first steps.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the top 14 summer business programs designed for high school students.
14 Best Business Summer Programs for High School Students
Cost: $2,750 per trimester
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Summer seminar: June 24, 2025 – September 2, 2025 and Flexible lab dates (apply 4 weeks in advance)
Application Deadlines: May 21, 2024 (Summer); September 25, 2024 (Fall)
Subject Areas: Business research, financial modeling, entrepreneurship
Eligibility: High school students with >3.67 GPA, primarily 10th/11th graders
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in a variety of fields, including data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more. One of the unique features of this program is the option to choose between quantitative and qualitative research, making it one of the few research opportunities for high school students that offers such flexibility.
After selecting your desired subject track and research type, you’ll be paired with a mentor—a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a prestigious university—who will guide you throughout your research process. Your goal will be to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can submit to top academic journals for publication.
In addition to gaining research experience, you’ll also receive a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback on your project, which will be beneficial for future academic pursuits and college applications. Apply now!
Cost: $ 2990 (Individual Research Program, 12 weeks), $ 5900 (Premium Research & Publication Program, 16-20 weeks), and $ 8900 (Research Fellowship, 6-12 months)
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Varies by cohort. Winter cohort starts on December 16, 2024
Application Deadlines: Multiple deadlines based on cohort. Winter cohort - November 24, 2024.
Subject Areas: Financial analytics, market strategy, digital marketing
Eligibility: High school students passionate about business and research with a minimum 3.3 GPA (out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program gives you a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with PhD mentors on your own independent research project. You’ll explore advanced topics such as brand strategy, financial modeling, or digital markets while receiving personalized guidance tailored to your interests.
Developed by researchers from Harvard and Oxford, the program helps you produce a college-level research paper with support from writing coaches to refine your academic writing skills. Its flexible structure lets you dive deeply into niche areas of interest and build academic rigor along the way. The program wraps up with a research symposium where you’ll present your findings, with potential opportunities for publication.
Cost: $2290
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Varies by cohort. Winter cohort starts on December, 2024
Application Deadlines: Winter cohort - December 1, 2025
Subject Areas: Machine learning in finance, algorithmic trading, predictive analytics
Eligibility: High school students with basic Python knowledge who have completed AI Scholars or can show any equivalent background in coding.
Veritas AI’s AI + Finance Deep Dive is an innovative program that connects artificial intelligence with finance, giving you an opportunity to apply machine learning models to real-world market predictions. You will work on projects like developing financial trading bots, analyzing financial data, and optimizing investment strategies with AI tools such as TensorFlow and NumPy.
The program also covers important ethical considerations in the intersection of AI and finance, preparing you to understand and navigate the growing relationship between technology and business. This course provides essential hands-on experience in algorithmic trading and predictive analytics, making it an ideal choice for students interested in both technology and finance.
Cost: $2,900 for the 4-week program, with need-based financial aid available
Location: 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts. Winter cohort is from December 21, 2024 to January 5 , 2025 for groups and December 16, 2024 (flexible) for individuals.
Application Deadlines: Winter cohort deadline is November 24, 2024
Subject Areas: Business Fundamentals, Business Ideation, Marketing, Finance, Product Development, and Entrepreneurial Strategy
Eligibility:Open to all high school students
The Young Founders Lab is an immersive, real-world startup bootcamp created by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you’ll work towards building a revenue-generating startup that addresses a real-world problem, all while being mentored by seasoned professionals and entrepreneurs from companies like Google, Microsoft, and X. Throughout the program, you'll have the opportunity to explore multiple subject areas, including business fundamentals, business ideation, marketing, finance, product development, and entrepreneurial strategy. You’ll engage in interactive classes, skill-building workshops, case studies, panel discussions, and more.
This virtual program is designed to give high school students a comprehensive understanding of how startups are built, blending both theoretical and practical frameworks. You’ll learn how to build a business from the ground up and gain firsthand knowledge of what it takes to succeed in the entrepreneurial world.
Cost: $2,490. Financial aid is available
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Winter Cohort starting December 16, 2024
Application Deadlines: Varies by cohort, November 24, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Subject Areas: Digital marketing,Marketing & Outreach Strategies, Non-profit Management, Logistics & Coordination
Eligibility: Students who can commit to working 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students.
The Ladder Internship offers high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with high-growth companies in the event planning industry. This virtual internship allows you to choose between a Business or Non-Profit track, where you will be involved in real-world projects, including event logistics, scheduling, marketing, and outreach strategies.
During the program, you will work closely with your manager and a Ladder Coach, providing valuable experience and professional mentorship. As an Intern, you will also receive specialized one-on-one training in key areas such as communication, time management, and project coordination, as well as group training sessions with fellow interns to build a supportive network.
Cost: $8,000 to $11,000 depending on the program choice
Location: University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
Program Dates: Two or three-week sessions, June-August (varies by program)
Application Deadlines: April 3, 2024
Subject Areas: Finance, Marketing, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Management, Product design.
Eligibility:High school students in grades 9-11 (check specific eligibility for each program)
The Wharton Global Youth On-Campus Programs offer high school students an opportunity to study various business disciplines, with programs designed by Wharton faculty and instructors. These programs draw on the latest research and teaching methods from one of the world’s top business schools.
For those interested in product design, the Product Design Academy is a three-week intensive program where students learn design thinking and product development through hands-on studio work. The Essentials of Entrepreneurship program, a two-week course, focuses on the skills necessary to innovate and understand what it takes to become an entrepreneur. Students with a passion for finance can explore the Essentials of Finance, which provides an introduction to personal and corporate finance. The Leadership in the Business World program gives students insights into leadership within modern organizations. While students fascinated by the intersection of business and technology will find the Management & Technology Summer Institute a perfect fit. This credit-bearing program includes classes with Wharton and Penn faculty, as well as industry field trips.
Cost: $6,800
Location: Online, Bay Area, CA, or Ann Arbor, MI
Program Dates: June 16 – July 12 2025 (USA); July 13 – August 9 2025 (Bay Area); June 9 – June 27 2025 (Online Innovation) and JUNE 30 – August 1 2025 (Online Entrepreneurship)
Application Deadlines: Priority application deadline is on November 15 2024.
Subject Areas: Entrepreneurship, venture creation, product development, business development, team collaboration
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
LaunchX offers high school students an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills through a range of innovative programs, including Online Entrepreneurship and Online Innovation. These programs are designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate the ever-changing world of business.
The Ann Arbor Entrepreneurship Program offers you a hands-on, real-world experience where you’ll join a team to launch a company in just four weeks. Set in Ann Arbor, this program encourages collaboration and mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs. Similarly, the Bay Area Entrepreneurship Program gives you the same accelerated company launch experience, but in the heart of Silicon Valley, a global hub for innovation and business development. In both programs, LaunchX focuses on practical, hands-on learning, team collaboration, and building real start-ups.
Cost: $6,292 for California high school students; $7,332 for out-of-state students
Location: University of California, Berkeley campus, Berkeley, CA
Program Dates: Session I: Saturday, July 5 – Saturday, July 19, 2025 and Session II: Saturday, July 19- Saturday, August 2, 2025
Application Deadlines: March, 1 2025
Subject Areas: Business Fundamentals, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Leadership and Teamwork, Game Theory, Negotiations
Eligibility: High school students
The Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY) offers a two-week immersive program at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.You will learn the basics of business through a mix of online classroom instruction, independent research, computer lab assignments, and team projects. Guided by Berkeley Haas professors, PhD candidates, and undergraduate students, you will work with a team of peers to develop a comprehensive business plan, which will be presented at the end of the program.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, accounting, leadership, teamwork, game theory, and negotiations. With only 50 students selected each year, this program provides a focused and collaborative learning environment. In addition to academic activities, you will participate in campus tours, a scavenger hunt, karaoke nights, and more, all while getting valuable insights on how to approach personal statements and college application essays.
Cost: $6,100
Location: Columbia University, New York
Program Dates: Multiple sessions, with the first available session running from July 16 - August 2, 2025
Application Deadlines: Rolling basis
Subject Areas: Business Fundamentals, Economics, Finance,Entrepreneurship, Stock Markets, Investment Valuation
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
Columbia University offers a comprehensive Introduction to Business, Finance, and Economics program as part of their summer Pre-College offerings. This 2-week program provides you with a solid foundation in business, economics, and finance. You will explore key concepts such as stocks, bonds, and the dynamics of stock markets, along with investment and valuation models for firms and securities. The program also covers the history and mechanics of financial markets and includes case studies of successful businesses to give you practical insights.In addition to lectures, students will engage in independent research work, providing practical experience and insights into the world of business. The program, held in-person at Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall, is designed for a small cohort of 30 students per session, ensuring personalized attention and interactive learning.
Cost: $6,295 + non-refundable $95 application fee. Limited need-based full and partial scholarships available.
Location: Online
Program Dates: July 10-30, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application Deadlines: March 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Subject Areas: Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving, United Nations, Global Goals, Business Fundamentals
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Babson College offers a three-week summer program for high school juniors and seniors eager to learn entrepreneurship. The Babson Summer Study for High School Students program aims to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, equipping you with the skills to tackle real-world challenges. Throughout the program, you will explore entrepreneurship through a combination of lectures, individual assignments, and team projects.. The curriculum helps you deepen your understanding of entrepreneurship while highlighting the United Nations Global Goals, encouraging you to think globally as you develop innovative solutions.
Cost: $5,000 + $50 application fee. Full and partial need-based scholarships are available
Location: UMich Ann Arbor campus
Program Dates: June 13, 2025 - June 27, 2025
Application Deadlines: January 21, 2025
Subject Areas: Business Fundamentals, Leadership, Problem Solving, Team Building, Business Strategy
Eligibility: Open to current rising high school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy is a two-week residential program designed for rising high school seniors eager to explore business concepts and experience the life of a college student at the Michigan Ross School of Business. This intensive program offers an in-depth introduction to how businesses operate and how leaders solve real-world challenges.
You will engage in rigorous, college-level coursework through classes, workshops, and case studies, covering key business concepts such as strategy, leadership, and operations. In addition to classroom learning, the program includes company treks, giving you the chance to visit leading businesses and learn from industry professionals. Weekend team-building activities help you further develop your teamwork and leadership skills in a collaborative environment.
Cost: $1,450.
Location: Harvard University Campus
Program Dates: Five-day sessions between June and August
Application Deadlines: Rolling
Subject Areas:Entrepreneurship, Business Management, Financial Literacy, Startup Ecosystem, Corporate Strategy
Eligibility: Open to 9th-12th grade high school students (must be 14+ at the time of the program)
At the Harvard Student Agencies Business Academy, high school students have the opportunity to explore two distinct aspects of business through two focused academies: Business Entrepreneurship and Business Management and Strategy.
In the Business Entrepreneurship Academy, you will learn the fundamentals of launching a business, expanding financial literacy, and navigating the startup ecosystem. You will gain hands-on experience by developing a business concept, conducting market research, and crafting a comprehensive business plan. The program ends with a startup pitch, where you’ll present your idea to judges and get valuable feedback. You’ll also develop skills like SWOT analysis, elevator pitches, and financial planning to refine your concept.
The Business Management and Strategy Academy provides a deep dive into corporate challenges and problem-solving. Acting as consultants, you will tackle real-world issues such as profitability improvement, market penetration, and product launches. The program covers business data analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and pricing strategies, enhancing your understanding of operational components, corporate financial statements, and strategic decision-making.
Cost: $7,700 for residential students and $5,800 for commuter students
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, DC
Program Dates: July to August 2025
Application Deadlines: April 15, 2025
Subject Areas: Business Management, Leadership, Global Business, Financial Management, Advertising
Eligibility: High school students with at least a 2.0 GPA
The Georgetown University Business Academy is a three-week intensive program hosted by the Georgetown McDonough School of Business. It provides high school students with an in-depth understanding of how businesses operate around the globe, helping to develop practical skills and critical thinking abilities essential for pursuing a future in business.
Throughout the program, you’ll attend lectures from the Georgetown faculty, gaining insights into business management. A key highlight is a hands-on business simulation, where you’ll work in teams to run a startup and learn about financial management, advertising, and investment practices. Each day, you’ll attend interactive lectures, off-site visits, guest speaker sessions, and group activities. This experience will give you a solid foundation in leadership and global business strategies.
Cost: $250 registration fee for accepted students
Location: State College, Pennsylvania
Program Dates: June 15, 2025 - June 27, 2025
Application Deadlines: March 19, 2025
Subject Areas: Management & Organization, Supply Chain, Business Ethics & Social Responsibility, Business Writing & Presentation, Business Communication, Corporate Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Eligibility: High school students in the U.S. or Puerto Rico entering grade 12 with a strong passion for business
The Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS) at Penn State's University Park campus offers a unique chance for high school juniors to get a head start on their business education. This two-week residential program gives you an immersive experience in college life and business fundamentals, taught by Penn State’s faculty. You’ll explore topics like Management, Supply Chain, and Ethics, while refining your Business Writing and Communication skills. The program ends with a focus on Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship, equipping you with essential business skills.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.