If you’re a high school student considering a future in business—whether it’s entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, or management—getting early exposure can make a big difference while applying to college. Business pre-college programs allow you to explore these areas in depth before committing to them in college. You’ll gain an understanding of how businesses operate and what roles you might be interested in pursuing later on.
What are business pre-college programs for high school students?
Pre-college programs are hosted by universities, typically paid, and mimic the structure and rigor of college courses. They offer students an opportunity to develop practical skills and apply business theories to real-world scenarios.. If you’re thinking about studying business in college, these programs are a way to get a head start.
Here’s a list of 15 business pre-college programs for high school students!
1. The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Campus
Cost: $5,500 plus $75 application fee; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 72 students
Dates: June 13 – 27
Application Deadline: January 21
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0; U.S. citizens or permanent residents preferred
The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy is a two-week, college-level introduction to core business disciplines for rising high school seniors. You will explore case studies and simulations that cover areas like finance, marketing, operations, and leadership strategy. Sessions are led by Michigan Ross faculty and supplemented by workshops on data-driven decision-making and business ethics. Group projects simulate real-world business problem-solving and encourage peer-to-peer learning. You will also gain exposure to business research tools and methods used in top undergraduate programs. The curriculum is academically intensive and mirrors the structure of business coursework at the college level. Preference is given to students with a strong academic record and demonstrated interest in business.
2. Capital Markets and Investments | Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,080 tuition fee plus $65 application fee; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Dates: July 7 – July 18
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Students must be in Grade 9–11 at the time of application
This two-week virtual course introduces high school students to foundational concepts in capital markets and investment analysis. Core topics include equity and debt instruments, risk assessment, corporate finance, and valuation tools such as DCF, IRR, NPV, and WACC. The curriculum emphasizes quantitative reasoning and includes practical exercises like building financial models and evaluating IPOs. You will participate in team-based projects, lectures, and live discussions that simulate real-world financial decision-making. The course also introduces analytical frameworks used by investment professionals and venture capitalists. You will receive personalized feedback from instructors and a Certificate of Completion. Prior exposure to finance is not required, but a strong interest in quantitative problem-solving is recommended.
3. Introduction to Investments Summer Institute | UCLA Summer Sessions
Location: Online and UCLA Campus (commuter program)
Cost: TBD, check here
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Dates: Session A (Commuter): June 23 – July 11 | Session B (Virtual): June 23 – July 11
Application Deadline: June 13
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 in Spring.
This three-week course provides high school students with an introduction to core investment principles through lectures, case studies, and interactive discussions with UCLA faculty. You’ll explore the structure of financial markets, types of securities, portfolio strategies, and financial risk. The program also covers global markets, private equity, and venture capital. No prior background in economics or finance is required, making it suitable for students beginning to explore the field. Participants analyze investment scenarios and engage with peers on market trends and valuation logic.
4. Business Academy | Georgetown University Summer Programs for High School Students
Location: Residential at Georgetown University
Cost: $7,700; Commuter Student tuition is $5,800
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Dates: July 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 15 (Early Bird: January 31)
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen through seniors (current or prior academic year)
This two-week program introduces high school students to global business through faculty-led lectures, applied workshops, and case-based learning. Topics include globalization, economic development in countries like India and Brazil, and the function of institutions such as the WTO and the IMF. You’ll participate in group-based simulations, investment challenges, and strategic planning exercises. Core business areas like international marketing, supply chains, and macroeconomic policy are covered. Emphasis is placed on evaluating global trends and the role of technology in shaping markets. The program integrates academic learning with field visits to connect business theory in real-world contexts.
5. High School Entrepreneurship | Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY)
Location: Berkeley Haas School of Business
Cost: California Resident: $6,292 | Out-of-State Resident: $7,332
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 50 students
Dates: Session I: July 5 – July 19 | Session II: July 19 – August 2
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Motivated high school students with a demonstrated interest in business
B-BAY offers high school students a project-based introduction to entrepreneurship, where students work in teams to develop full business plans under the guidance of Berkeley Haas faculty. The curriculum covers core topics like market analysis, financial modeling, operations, and branding, alongside tools like SWOT analysis and cash flow forecasting. You will learn public speaking, pitch delivery, and team leadership through structured workshops and presentations. Ethical considerations in business and sustainability are also included in the coursework. The program focuses on analytical skills and collaborative problem-solving. The program does not require any prior business experience.
6. Innovation and Business Strategy | Continuing Studies, Duke University
Location: In-person at Duke University
Cost: Residential: $2,800 tuition + $1,900 room and board | Commuter: $2,800 tuition + $250 meal fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Dates: Typically between June-July
Application Deadline: Currently not open for enrollment. You can reach out to them to know when they’re opening enrollment.
Eligibility: Students currently in Grades 9–11
This program introduces students to frameworks for innovation and strategic thinking through case-based analysis and applied learning. Participants examine topics such as product/market fit, disruptive innovation, and business model design, using tools like SWOT, PESTEL, and customer segmentation. Real-world examples from firms like Apple and Tesla serve as case studies for analyzing competitive positioning and organizational strategy. Students explore how AI and emerging technologies influence leadership and market dynamics. The course incorporates design thinking to prototype solutions and test strategic concepts. Ideal for students interested in tech innovation, product management, or corporate strategy.
7. Entrepreneurship Academy | Georgetown University Summer Programs for High School Students
Location: Georgetown University
Cost: $5,950; Commuter Student tuition is $4,145
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Dates: June 15–27
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen through seniors with a GPA of 2.0 or higher
This two-week program for high school students centers on the entrepreneurial process from ideation to execution. You’ll explore core startup concepts such as market validation, customer discovery, and product iteration. The curriculum emphasizes applied learning, with sessions on pitch development, business modeling, and social entrepreneurship. Tools like design thinking, lean canvas, and market research techniques are used to guide team projects. The program concludes with a pitch competition judged by professionals. Skills developed include public speaking, collaborative problem-solving, and business communication. The program suits students interested in launching ventures or studying entrepreneurship in college.
8. Introduction to Macroeconomics | Yale Summer Session
Location: Online Course
Cost: $5,070 tuition + $85 technology fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Dates:
- Session A: May 26 – June 27
- Session B: June 30 – August 1
Application Deadline:
Eligibility: High school students
Yale’s macroeconomics course introduces high school students to the core analytical frameworks used to understand national economies. Topics include GDP and national income accounting, inflation and unemployment, economic growth models, and the roles of fiscal and monetary policy. The curriculum also includes discussions on financial crises and macroeconomic instability, with contemporary case studies tied to global events. Taught by Yale faculty, the course emphasizes clarity in economic reasoning, quantitative analysis, and policy evaluation. You will complete regular assignments and assessments and earn college credit upon successful completion. A strong background in high school algebra is recommended for navigating the course material.
9. Introduction to Business, Finance, and Economics | Columbia Business Summer Programs
Location: In-person at Columbia University or online
Cost: Find the breakup of the full fees here
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Dates:
- Summer A
- In Person: June 30 to July 18
- Online: July 07 to July 18
- Summer B
- In Person: July 22 to August 08
- Online: July 21 to August 01
Application Deadline: Early: February 2 | Final: March 2
Eligibility: High school students; must be 16+ for residential program
This program provides high school students with an overview of how firms operate within financial markets and the broader economy. You’ll engage with core topics such as investment principles, asset valuation, stock markets, firm strategy, and the basics of microeconomic decision-making. Case studies and collaborative projects develop problem-solving skills in business and finance. Sessions may also include exposure to Excel-based modeling or financial data interpretation. The curriculum is built to help students understand risk, pricing, and the mechanics behind economic systems that drive business behavior. The course is offered in both on-campus and online formats.
10. I Heart Startups: An Entrepreneurship Incubator | Brown University Pre-College Program
Location: On-Campus at Brown University
Cost: Residential cost: $5,534 | Commuter cost: $4,286
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Dates: June 22 – July 3 | June 29 – July 11 | July 13 – July 25
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: High school students ages 14–18
Brown’s entrepreneurship incubator introduces students to core startup-building tools, including lean startup methodology, product-market fit, and customer discovery. You’ll work in teams to prototype business ideas, conduct basic market research, and pitch solutions across sectors like fintech, healthcare, or edtech. The program includes structured ideation, peer critique, and iterative feedback from mentors, culminating in a final pitch presentation. Alongside technical skills, you will develop public speaking, strategic thinking, and collaborative leadership. Course content integrates case studies of companies like Amazon and Tesla to ground theory in practice. Strong engagement in daily activities and group work is required.
11. Invention, Innovation, and Markets | Harvard Pre-College Program
Location: On Campus
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Dates: July 7–18; July 21–August 1
Application Deadline: Opens December 2
Eligibility: High school students
This course examines the intersection of technological advancement and economic change across industries like healthcare, energy, and transportation. You’ll explore the economics of innovation by analyzing automation, productivity shifts, wage impacts, and policy responses to technological disruption. The curriculum integrates micro and macroeconomic tools to evaluate how inventions shape markets and institutions. Case discussions focus on historical and modern technologies, and students are expected to engage in critical reading, data interpretation, and argumentative writing. Taught by Harvard faculty, the course is noncredit but mirrors the rigor of college-level instruction.
12. Summer Business Programs | Columbia University
Location: Online
Cost: 2-week course: $3,960 | 1-week course: $2,810
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Dates: Session A (2 weeks): July 7–July 18 | Session B (2 weeks): July 21–August 1 | Session C (1 week): August 11–August 15
Application Deadline: April 2
Eligibility: Open to high school students, including recent graduates
Columbia’s online business offerings introduce high school students to finance, economics, and entrepreneurship through structured coursework and independent projects. In the Introduction to Finance & Investment Management track, students study concepts such as risk-return tradeoffs, asset classes, interest rates, and market behavior. The course emphasizes applied learning through investment simulations and portfolio construction. You will explore how institutions like hedge funds, central banks, and private equity firms shape global markets. Instructors integrate real-world data analysis with foundational theory, sharpening both quantitative and strategic thinking. Completion requires consistent participation in live sessions and asynchronous assignments.
13. Leadership in the Business World | Wharton Global Youth Program
Location: Philadelphia, USA (on campus)
Cost: $11,399
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Dates: June 8 – June 28 | June 29 – July 19 | July 20 – August 9
Application Deadline: April 2
Eligibility: High school juniors (Grade 11) with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 and demonstrated leadership experience. Open to international students.
This three-week program hosted by Wharton introduces high school students to the academic and practical aspects of leadership in business. Through lectures by Wharton faculty, case studies, and simulation-based exercises, students explore strategic decision-making, team dynamics, and organizational behavior. The curriculum includes analyzing leadership challenges in industries such as tech, finance, and media. You’ll also work in teams to develop business ideas and pitch them in a capstone competition. Skills emphasized include market research, presentation design, and problem-solving under pressure. The program is suited for students interested in leadership functions within business environments.
14. Economics for Leaders Virtual (EFL Virtual) | Foundation for Teaching Economics
Location: Virtual
Cost: $900
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Program Dates: Multiple sessions in June and July (see FTE website for details)
Application Deadline: Priority Deadline: March 12 | Final Deadline: April 9
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
FTE’s EFL Virtual is a four-day online program that combines introductory economics with leadership development for high school students interested in how markets and institutions shape decision-making. Through interactive sessions and simulations, you’ll learn key economic concepts like incentives, inflation, labor markets, and international trade, while applying these tools to current policy and business issues. The leadership component centers around the Leadership Pyramid Matrix, a framework used in university-level coursework to develop communication, teamwork, and ethical decision-making skills. The virtual format allows for collaborative breakout sessions, guest speakers, and team-based problem solving. If you are interested in economics, entrepreneurship, or public policy, this program can suit you.
15. IT in Business Summer Program | Colorado State University
Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Cost: Free (includes teaching materials and lunch)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not mentioned
Program Dates: June 2 – 6
Application Deadline: May 11
Eligibility: Colorado high school students
Hosted by CSU’s College of Business, the IT in Business Summer Program is a five-day, project-based experience that introduces students to emerging technologies used in business. You will participate in hands-on activities like building robots, creating simple apps, solving cybersecurity problems, and working with data visualization tools. You’ll also explore AI and VR technologies, take guided facility tours, and learn how tech is applied in real business scenarios. The program is designed for students with interests in both technology and entrepreneurship, emphasizing problem-solving and innovation. You’ll also gain exposure to careers in IT and build connections with CSU faculty, peers, and local professionals.
Bonus business programs for high school students –
1. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for high school students. In this program, you get the opportunity to work with Start-ups across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies that, on average, raise over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
2. Young Founders Lab
Cost: The total cost to attend the 4-week program is $2900. There is need-based financial aid.
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
Program Dates:
- June 2 (Individual Program)
- June 9-29 (Group Program, Summer 1)
- August 4-24 (Group Program, Summer 2)
Application Deadline: There are 3 application deadlines that you can choose between: Early Decision Deadline: March | Regular Admission Deadline 1: April | Regular Admission Deadline 2: May.
The Young Founder’s Lab is a real-world start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.
Apart from building the start-up itself, you will also participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideations, workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and more.
The program is an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of business in high school and have a space to explore multiple theoretical as well as practical frameworks that lead to a successful business. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
Image source – Colorado State University
