Business research programs for high school students provide a structured environment to develop analytical skills, understand economic theories, and explore topics such as entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and management. They also introduce students to specialized software, data analysis tools, and real-world applications of theoretical knowledge. These programs provide students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in research, critical thinking, and practical business applications.
Here’s a list of 15 business research programs for high school students in the 2025 academic year:
15 Business Research Programs for High School Students in 2025
1. Horizon Academic Research Program - Business track
Location: Virtual
Program Dates:
- Summer - June 16, 2025 - July 25, 2024
- Fall- March 3, 2025 - June 16, 2025
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Application Deadline: December 1, 2024 (Winter), May 21, 2024 (Summer), September 25, 2024 (Fall)
Subject Areas: Data science, biology, chemistry, political theory, psychology, behavioral economics
Eligibility: High school students, typically in 10th or 11th grade with a 3.67+ GPA. Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, public health and safety, social psychology, and medicine. It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research! In the business track, you can explore topics such as behavioral economics and market trends. Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
The program includes a letter of recommendation for every student, plus comprehensive feedback on projects that can assist with future work and college applications. Apply here!
Subject Areas: Finance, risk management, AI applications
Cost: $1790 (financial aid available)
Location: Virtual
Duration: 10 sessions, 2.5 hours per session
Program Dates: The Spring Program starts March 3, 2025, and the Summer Programs begin June 2, 2025.
Application Deadline: Spring – January 5, 2025.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior Python experience.
Run by Harvard graduates, Veritas AI is a program designed to teach ambitious high school students about artificial intelligence. Through the AI + Finance program, students gain a deeper understanding of AI applications in the financial field. They get a chance to engage in lectures, code walkthroughs, and real-world projects using AI & ML models to predict future financial patterns using past data, forecasting stock prices, and more.
Here is the application form.
Subject Areas: Machine learning, software engineering, start-ups, entrepreneurship, business
Application Deadline: Spring Cohort: February 9th
The Ladder Internship is a selective program that offers high school students an opportunity to work with startups in fields such as technology, machine learning, AI, finance, sustainability, healthcare, media, and more.
During the internship, you will work on a real-world project and present your work at the end. You’ll be guided by a startup manager and a Ladder Coach, who will act as a second mentor and help you navigate the startup environment. The internship lasts 8 weeks and follows a coaching-plus-work model, not commonly found in similar programs.
Subject Areas: Business, market research, and developing a revenue-generating startup.
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops.
Cost: $2,900 (3 weeks). Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. The upcoming summer cohort’s deadlines are as follows:
- Early deadline: February 9, 2025
- Priority deadline: March 9, 2025
- Regular deadline: May 11, 2025
Dates: 12-week Individual Program (June 2, 2025 start) or Group Program (June 9-29, 2025 | August 4-24, 2025)
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
Led by Harvard alumni, the Young Founders Lab offers a startup boot camp designed for high school students. The program guides you in developing a revenue-generating startup that addresses a real-world issue. With mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and professionals from companies such as Google, Microsoft, and X, you’ll gain practical experience in the startup ecosystem. The curriculum includes interactive classes covering business fundamentals, ideation workshops, skill-building sessions, and case studies.
The program features interactive classes that cover business fundamentals, ideation workshops, skill-building sessions, and case studies. It is organized into three phases:
Foundational business education and ideation.
Conducting market and user research to create a prototype.
Launching your startup, gaining traction, and generating revenue.
You will present your startup at a demo day, which offers you an opportunity to pitch to potential investors. You can find the application here!
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, and social sciences
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: The Winter Cohort II application deadline is December 29, 2024. Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May.
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, offers high school students the opportunity to work one-on-one with PhD mentors to develop an independent research project in their subject area. If selected, you’ll work closely with mentors to create a college-level research paper based on your project, with additional support from writing coaches.
You can choose your subject track in the application form, such as business, as well as a specific area of focus, such as entrepreneurship throughout your research experience!
Subject Areas: Business, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Leadership
Location: Online
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 with strong academic records
Application Deadlines:
- Priority: April 2, 2025
- Final: May 1, 2025
Program Dates:
- Session 1: June 16–June 27, 2025
- Session 2: July 7–July 18, 2025
- Session 3: July 21–August 1, 2025
Cost: $2,995
The Wharton Global Youth Program's Future of the Business World introduces high school students to business concepts and trends through Wharton's online platform. Over two weeks, you’ll explore topics like scenario planning, design thinking, and global business strategies, while developing collaborative and independent research skills. Through interactive simulations and faculty-led lectures, you’ll explore real-world challenges and forecast future business landscapes. The program culminates in team projects where students present predictions about the evolving business world, providing valuable insights into leadership and innovation.
If you complete all requirements, you’ll earn a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion.
Subject Areas: Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Finance, Game Theory, Public Speaking
Location: Berkeley, CA
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) with a passion for business
Application Deadline: March 2025 (rolling until filled)
Program Dates:
- Session I: July 5 – July 19, 2025
- Session II: July 19 – August 2, 2025
Cost:
- California Residents: $6,292
- Out-of-State Residents: $7,332
B-BAY provides a two-week introduction to entrepreneurship and business fundamentals under the guidance of Haas faculty and industry professionals.
You will engage in courses on marketing strategy, financial literacy, and organizational management, with team-based projects leading to the creation of detailed business plans. The program focuses on skills like leadership, teamwork, and public speaking while introducing advanced concepts like game theory and corporate social responsibility. You’ll conclude your experience by presenting business plans in a showcase, and earn a UC Berkeley Business Academy for Youth Certificate of Completion.
Subject Areas: Personal Finance, Corporate Finance, Risk Management, Investment Analysis
Location: On-campus at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 with an interest in finance or economics
Application Deadlines:
- Priority: January 29, 2025
- Final: April 2, 2025
Program Dates:
- Session 1: June 8 – June 21, 2025
- Session 2: June 22 – July 4, 2025
- Session 3: July 13 – July 26, 2025
- Session 4: July 27 – August 9, 2025
Cost: $5,995
The Essentials of Finance program introduces students to the theoretical and practical aspects of finance through a two-week curriculum inspired by Wharton's undergraduate courses. As a participant, you will explore topics such as the time value of money, corporate valuation, risk and return, and alternative investments through lectures, case studies, and team-based projects. Faculty-led discussions include insights into equity markets, impact investing, and financial modeling, complemented by opportunities to attend the Wharton Global Youth Speaker Series. The program culminates in a collaborative analysis project, where you will apply learned concepts to real-world scenarios.
Subject Areas: Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Marketing, Risk Management, Global Business
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 and older with a minimum 2.0 GPA
Application Deadlines:
Early Bird: January 31, 2025 (application fee waived)
Final Deadline: April 15, 2025 (reviewed on a case-by-case basis)
Program Dates: June 16 – June 27, 2025
Cost:
Residential: $5,950
Commuter: $4,145
The Georgetown Entrepreneurship Academy is a two-week program designed to introduce high school students to the process of launching and managing a business. You can engage in interactive lectures, group discussions, and hands-on activities, including prototyping, market research, and crafting business plans. The program also focuses on personal development with sessions on communication, leadership, and networking, culminating in a team-based pitch competition. With guest speakers from diverse industries and field trips, you gain practical insights into entrepreneurship and global business ecosystems. Graduates receive a Certificate of Participation upon successful completion.
Subject Areas: Community Leadership, Civic Engagement, Nonprofit Management
Location: Local nonprofit organizations (varies by student location) and Washington, D.C. (Student Leaders Summit)
Eligibility:
- Current high school juniors or seniors
- Legally authorized to work in the U.S. through September 2025
Application Deadline: January 15, 2025 (Recommendation letter deadline: January 16, 2025)
Program Dates: Summer 2025 (exact start dates vary by location)
Cost: Fully funded (students are paid for their internship, and all summit expenses are covered).
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program connects you and fellow students passionate about improving your communities with an 8-week paid internship at a local nonprofit. During the internship, participants gain hands-on experience addressing community needs and developing leadership, civic, and business skills. The program includes a week-long, all-expenses-paid Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where students explore how government, business, and nonprofits collaborate to create societal impact. The program emphasizes practical experience, civic responsibility, and professional development, and can prepare you to take active roles in your communities.
Subject Areas: Business Fundamentals, College Preparation
Location: Penn State University Park Campus, State College, Pennsylvania
Eligibility: High school juniors (rising seniors) residing in the U.S. or Puerto Rico with a strong interest in pursuing a business education
Application Deadline: March 19, 2025
Program Dates: June 15 – June 27, 2025
Cost: $250 (scholarships may be available)
As a participant in the BOSS program, you'll spend two weeks at Penn State’s University Park campus experiencing college life while gaining exposure to the fundamentals of business. You'll take courses taught by Penn State faculty, work on professional skills, and collaborate on a final business presentation. Alongside your peers, you'll stay in campus dorms, eat at dining halls, and explore career opportunities through visits to companies like EY. Whether you're preparing for college or just beginning to explore your interest in business, this program can help with the next steps in your academic and professional journey such as internships and research opportunities.
Subject Areas: Accounting, Marketing, Finance, Management, Leadership
Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (priority deadline; rolling admissions until capacity is met)
Program Dates:
- Residential Session I: July 13–July 18, 2025
- Commuter Session: July 20–July 25, 2025
- Residential Session II: July 27–August 1, 2025
Cost: Tuition details for 2025 will be announced later; a $250 deposit is required upon acceptance
At Drexel’s Camp Business, you’ll get an introduction to collegiate and corporate business education in an engaging program. Through workshops, lectures, and interactive activities, you’ll explore business disciplines such as accounting, finance, marketing, and management. The program focuses on leadership, team-building, and professional development, with practical insights into tools like financial documents and the stock market. Whether you join as a residential or commuter participant, you can gain skills in business and receive a certificate of completion to showcase your experience.
Subject Areas: Organizational Leadership, Corporate Culture, Ethics, Strategic Communication
Location: Virtual (asynchronous with live weekly office hours)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors entering the fall 2025 academic year
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Program Dates: July 7 – August 11, 2025
Cost: $1,500
In this six-week virtual program offered by the Stevens School of Business, you'll explore management principles such as leadership strategies, corporate culture, and ethics. The asynchronous format allows you to complete weekly learning modules at your own pace, with access to live office hours for direct engagement with professors and mentors. This experience is beneficial for high school students looking to build a foundation for a future in business while gaining insights into organizational practices.
Subject Areas: Business Fundamentals, Leadership, Strategic Problem-Solving
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0; U.S. citizens or permanent residents preferred
Application Deadline: January 21, 2025, at 3 p.m. EST
Program Dates: June 13 – June 27, 2025
Cost: $5,500 (scholarships available for need-based applicants)
The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy offers rising high school seniors a chance to explore business in a two-week residential program. You'll engage in college-level academic work through workshops, classes, and collaborative projects led by Ross faculty. The program includes opportunities to interact with industry professionals, participate in field trips, and gain insights into leadership and teamwork. The academy engages you in an action-based learning environment that can help you develop a deeper understanding of how businesses operate and can prepare you for potential career paths in business.
Subject Areas: Leadership, Business Strategy, Marketing, Diversity in Business
Location: University of Colorado Boulder, Leeds School of Business, Boulder, CO
Eligibility:
- Current high school juniors (2024-2025 academic year)
- Priority for Colorado residents and students at Colorado high schools
- Students who identify as underrepresented, diverse, low-income, and/or first-generation are encouraged to apply
Application Deadline: March 30, 2025
Program Dates: June 22 – June 28, 2025
Cost: Free
The KeyBank Business Leadership Program (BLP) is a week-long residential program that introduces you to business concepts through real-world case studies and collaborative projects. You'll work in diverse teams to develop and present a marketing campaign for corporate partners, with the top team earning a $1,000 scholarship to the Leeds School of Business. Along the way, you can gain leadership and teamwork experience, connect with Leeds faculty and industry professionals, and explore approaches to modern business challenges. This fully funded program aims to help you build confidence, leadership skills, and a network of peers from diverse backgrounds.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.