As a high school student interested in business, finance, or economics, accounting programs offer a practical way to understand how money, data, and decision-making work in real organizations. These programs introduce you to core concepts such as financial statements, budgeting, auditing, and cost analysis while helping you build transferable skills, including numerical reasoning, attention to detail, and analytical thinking. Early exposure to accounting can help clarify whether fields such as finance, consulting, entrepreneurship, or corporate management align with your interests.
Why choose a structured accounting program?
Structured accounting programs go beyond basic financial literacy by offering guided instruction, real-world case studies, and applied problem-solving. Many follow a clear curriculum, include hands-on projects or simulations, and are led by experienced educators or professionals in the field. These programs help you practice using accounting tools, interpret financial data, and understand how accounting supports business operations and compliance.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 accounting programs for high school students!
15 Accounting Programs for High School Students
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Multiple locations and a 1-week summit in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost (stipend will be provided)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 300 students
Dates: 8 weeks + the Leadership Summit week (Washington, DC, July 21 – 26) (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Application Deadline: January 15 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who permanently reside in one of the eligible locations and have a solid academic record
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is a competitive, eight-week paid internship for high school juniors and seniors who want early exposure to accounting, finance, and leadership. During the program, you’re placed with a local nonprofit, where you work on real projects involving budgeting, financial tracking, operations, and resource planning, key skills used in accounting and financial management. You’ll gain hands-on experience analyzing how organizations manage funds, allocate resources, and measure impact, while also strengthening problem-solving and teamwork skills. Alongside the internship, the program includes structured leadership training, mentorship, and workshops that introduce you to financial decision-making in real-world community settings. The experience culminates in the National Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you connect with peers, policymakers, and business leaders.
2. Discover Yourself in Accounting Majors and Careers (DYNAMc)
Location: University of Texas at Austin campus, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 21 – 28
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
Discover Yourself in Accounting Majors and Careers (DYNAMc) is a six-day, fully funded program hosted by the McCombs School of Business at UT Austin that introduces you to accounting and related business careers through an immersive, on-campus experience. You’ll participate in interactive workshops, lectures, and a team-based case competition led by McCombs faculty and Ernst & Young (EY) professionals. The program covers core areas like financial reporting, auditing, and business strategy, while also exposing you to how modern accounting increasingly uses data analytics and technology to support decision-making and risk assessment. Through hands-on projects, you’ll implement concepts in real-world business situations while developing problem-solving and leadership skills. You’ll also benefit from mentorship by UT student leaders, connect with industry professionals, and gain insights into college life and career options in business.
3. Headquarters Student Internship Program – U.S. Treasury
Location: Multiple treasury departmental offices
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by placement
Dates: Spring (January – May), Summer (May – August), Fall (September – December)
Application Deadline: Varies (apply in October for spring, December for summer, and June for fall internships)
Eligibility: High school students in the U.S. who are enrolled or accepted at an accredited institution
The U.S. Treasury’s Headquarters Student Internship Program offers high school students a unique opportunity to explore accounting, finance, and public-sector economics within a cabinet-level federal agency. Through practical work, you may help analyze financial data, support budget development, research fiscal policy topics, and prepare reports or briefing materials for Treasury officials. The program provides direct exposure to how accounting and financial analysis inform national economic policy and government decision-making. You’ll also gain insight into careers such as public accounting, financial management, auditing, and policy analysis while building professional skills in research, communication, and data interpretation. Although unpaid, this internship stands out for its real-world experience, mentorship from government professionals, and a deep look into accounting-related roles in public service.
4. Pamplin’s Inspiring Possibilities (PIP) Academy
Location: Virginia Tech’s campus, Blacksburg, VA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 10 days in July
Application Deadline: Application opens in Spring
Eligibility: High school senior with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5/4.0
Pamplin’s Inspiring Possibilities (PIP) Academy is a ten-day residential program designed to introduce you to the world of business, with dedicated exposure to accounting and related fields. During the program, you’ll explore areas such as Accounting and Information Systems, Finance, Marketing, and Management through interactive sessions led by Pamplin College of Business faculty, alumni, and industry professionals. You’ll work on an applied team project, learning how accounting concepts connect to real business decision-making while building collaboration and presentation skills. Alongside academics, you’ll participate in professional development sessions covering admissions, financial aid, wellness, and career pathways.
5. Fidelity Investments Asset Management High School Summer Intern
Location: Boston, MA, and Merrimack, NH
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 5 weeks across July and August
Application Deadline: Application opens in February
Eligibility: High school students (female students)
The Fidelity Investments Asset Management High School Summer Internship is a five-week immersive program that introduces you to the fundamentals of asset management and the business side of finance. You’ll gain exposure to investment strategies, financial analysis, portfolio construction, and risk management while working on real-world projects alongside Fidelity professionals. Throughout the program, mentors guide you through how financial data is analyzed, how investment decisions are made, and how large asset management firms operate day to day. You’ll also build professional skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving through presentations and collaborative work. By the end of the internship, you will receive a certificate of completion and insight into potential long-term career paths at Fidelity and across the finance and accounting landscape.
6. The DoSeum Internships
Location: San Antonio, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited space each semester
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Summer: April 30 | Fall: July 31 | Spring: November 30
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (rising or current) or college freshmen
The DoSeum Internships give you hands-on experience in a professional museum environment while exposing you to key operational areas like finance, development, and retail management. If you’re interested in accounting or business, you can gain practical insight into budgeting, expense tracking, revenue operations, and how financial decisions support nonprofit programming. Working alongside museum professionals, you’ll see how finance teams collaborate with marketing, education, and exhibits to keep daily operations running smoothly. With a commitment of roughly 20–40 hours per week, this opportunity is well-suited for high school students who want early exposure to accounting-related functions within a mission-driven organization.
7. Today’s Interns, Tomorrow’s Professionals (TIP) internship program
Location: Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 8-10 weeks between July – August
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore year in any Boston public school
The TIP internship program is designed to introduce high school students, especially those underrepresented in finance, to real-world careers in accounting and financial services. Participating in placements at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston allows you to learn essential accounting principles, financial analysis, tax preparation, and audit processes, all while contributing to impactful projects. The program combines on-the-job experience with structured workshops focused on professional skills, workplace readiness, and personal financial literacy. Yigh-performing interns may also be invited to continue in a longer-term, year-round internship, making TIP a strong foundation for students considering careers in accounting, finance, or economics.
8. Wharton Global Youth Program Essentials of Finance
Location: University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School campus, PA
Cost/Stipend: $8,299 | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: March 18
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11
Wharton Global Youth Program: Essentials of Finance is a two-week intensive summer program for high school students in grades 9–11 who want a structured introduction to finance and accounting concepts. You’ll study core topics such as the time value of money, interest rates, discounted cash flow, risk and return, and corporate accounting through lectures, case studies, and interactive exercises. The program goes beyond stock markets, exposing you to areas like corporate valuation, venture capital, and alternative investments. You’ll analyze real financial statements, practice valuing a public company, and work in teams to present investment recommendations. By the end of the program, you’ll gain a clear foundation in personal and corporate finance, strengthen analytical and communication skills, and earn a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion.
9. NYU Stern Future Accounting Leaders Institute
Location: NYU Stern School of Business, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 4 consecutive Saturdays in summer
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school students
NYU Stern Future Accounting Leaders Institute is a four-part, Saturday-based summer program designed to introduce high school students to accounting as the foundation of business decision-making. Taught by NYU Stern accounting faculty and industry professionals, the program uses simulations, ethical case studies, and hands-on budgeting exercises to make core accounting concepts practical and accessible. You’ll learn how financial statements are created, interpreted, and used to guide business strategy across industries. Held on NYU Stern’s campus, the program offers direct exposure to a top business school environment while helping you explore whether accounting aligns with your academic and career interests.
10. KP Launch High School Internship at Kaiser Permanente
Location: Multiple Kaiser Permanente Medical Centers or business offices
Cost/Stipend: None | $24/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: Students aged 16-19 by June 1 who are current high school students and/or graduating seniors can apply. Priority is given to juniors and senior-level students. Those applying must have the right to work in the U.S.
The KP Launch High School Internship gives you hands-on exposure to the business side of healthcare, with specific opportunities in accounting and finance. As part of the accounting track, you’ll work alongside Kaiser Permanente’s accounting and audit teams, gaining insight into financial reporting, tax planning, budgeting, and audit management. By engaging in shadowing, real-world projects, and professional workshops, you will explore how accounting enhances operational efficiency and decision-making within healthcare systems. The program highlights mentorship, teamwork, and career exploration, giving you a clear understanding of what accounting roles involve in a corporate context.
11. Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession (COAP)
Location: College campuses across New York State
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Varies by host college; check details here
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in the Spring
Eligibility: High school students
The Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession (COAP) program introduces you to the fundamentals of accounting and the wide range of careers available in the field. Through workshops led by practicing CPAs, faculty members, and industry professionals, you’ll learn about auditing, taxation, financial reporting, and business decision-making. The program extends beyond traditional classroom learning by including corporate visits, practical simulations, and team activities that demonstrate how accountants operate in real-world environments. You’ll also explore specific career paths, including forensic accounting, corporate finance, entrepreneurship, and public accounting. In addition to technical exposure, COAP emphasizes college preparation, financial literacy, leadership development, and networking.
12. Harvard Summer School – Secondary School Program (Economics, Finance, and Public Policy Track)
Location: Harvard campus, Cambridge, MA (commuting and online versions also available)
Cost: $4,180 – $15,735, depending on course load and residential status
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 20 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 11
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (age 16–19)
The Harvard Summer School Secondary School Program (Economics, Finance, and Public Policy Track) allows high school students to design an accounting- and finance-centered academic experience by enrolling in two college-level Harvard courses over seven weeks. You can study subjects such as Financial Accounting, Managerial Economics, Econometrics, and Public Finance, building a strong foundation in how financial information is recorded, analyzed, and used for decision-making. Through lectures, case studies, and problem sets, you’ll strengthen quantitative reasoning, analytical thinking, and business judgment skills that are essential for accounting and finance careers. Alongside academics, you’ll learn from Harvard faculty, engage with peers from around the world, and explore how accounting connects to economics, policy, and real-world financial systems. The program offers official Harvard credit, giving you early exposure to the rigor and expectations of college-level coursework.
13. USC Exploring Entrepreneurship Program
Location: University of Southern California’s campus, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: ~$11,570 (Residential) | $8,130 (Commuter)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – July 17
Application Deadline: International students: March 13 | Domestic students: May 8
Eligibility: Students who have completed 9th grade by the start of the program. International students can check the criteria here
The USC Exploring Entrepreneurship Program introduces you to the fundamentals of building and managing a business, with strong exposure to accounting and finance concepts that underpin entrepreneurial decision-making. You’ll learn how accounting, budgeting, pricing, and financial planning shape sustainable business models while working through case studies and team-based projects. The program blends classroom instruction with hands-on activities, guiding you through business plan development, financial forecasting, and ethical decision-making. You’ll also hear directly from entrepreneurs and business professionals, gaining insight into how financial discipline supports innovation and growth.
14. Rutgers University | Summer Business Camp
Location: Livingston Apartments and Rutgers Business School, Livingston Campus, Piscataway, NJ
Cost: $2,600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple sessions in July; Check dates here
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: High school students
Rutgers University’s Summer Business Camp is a one-week experiential program that introduces you to core business disciplines, including accounting, finance, marketing, management, and supply chain operations. You’ll learn directly from Rutgers Business School faculty through interactive sessions that explain how accounting principles support real business decisions, budgeting, and financial planning. The program combines classroom instruction with practical activities such as business case discussions, company visits, and a business plan competition. Living on campus also offers a glimpse into college life while fostering teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
15. KPMG Career Catalyst Program: Audit High School Edition
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Available year-round
Eligibility: High school students
The KPMG Career Catalyst Program: Audit High School Edition introduces you to the fundamentals of audit and professional accounting through hands-on, task-based learning designed to reflect real work at KPMG. You’ll explore how audits are conducted, understand financial statements, and learn how auditors assess risk, accuracy, and compliance in business reporting. Throughout the program, KPMG professionals guide you through practical activities while helping you build core skills such as critical thinking, technical accounting knowledge, communication, and presentation. You’ll also gain insight into KPMG’s workplace culture and what it takes to succeed in an audit career.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, corporate finance, and data-driven financial analysis, consider applying 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!
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