If you are a high school student interested in business, economics, finance, entrepreneurship, management, and other related areas, enrolling in a university-hosted business program can be a great way to spend your summer!
University-hosted business programs offer a chance to build domain-specific skills in accounting, market analysis, business ethics, or even software like Excel, QuickBooks, or Stata. These programs often combine lectures, simulations, and casework, and in many cases let you interact directly with faculty and industry professionals. Some of them also offer structured mentorship, hands-on projects, and exposure to quantitative tools used in the business world.
Many universities in the country offer free or fully funded high school programs to do away with the financial barrier that limits student participation. Attending a free university business summer program designed for high school students is a low-risk, high-return way to evaluate whether a business major makes sense for you.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled 15 free university business summer programs for high school students. We have prioritized options that offer academic rigor, accessibility, and relevant insights into business or related fields.
1. University of Kansas Summer Venture in Business
Location: University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
Program dates: June 15 – 20 | July 13 – 18
Application deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students interested in business; priority given to students from historically underrepresented backgrounds
The University of Kansas School of Business offers a free week-long pre-college opportunity to explore business fundamentals and college-level academics through its Summer Venture in Business program. As a participant, you will attend academic workshops on topics like marketing, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. You will also engage in sessions on college admissions, scholarships, and career pathways. The program offers residential housing, campus tours, and networking events with business faculty and student leaders to help you experience life on campus. You will also get access to university resources and insights into the structure and pace of a college-level business curriculum.
2. UT Austin McCombs Summer Business Programs
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Program dates: McCombs Future Executive Academy (MFEA): June 1 – 6 | Subiendo: The Academy for Rising Leaders: June 8 – 12 | DYNAMC (Accounting Focus): June 22 – 27
Application deadline: Subiendo: January 31 | MFEA & DYNAMC: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors; for Subiendo, only juniors from Texas high schools are eligible
The McCombs Summer Business Programs offer three distinct, fully funded tracks for high schoolers interested in business and leadership. Each six-day session includes case competitions, skill-building workshops, and mentorship from UT student leaders and faculty. DYNAMC focuses on accounting pathways, MFEA explores broad business careers, and Subiendo emphasizes civic-minded leadership. During the program, you gain insight into real-world problem-solving, financial literacy, and strategic decision-making. You will also get to live on the UT Austin campus and network with peers and professionals.
3. University of Colorado Boulder Business Leadership Program
Location: Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado (CU), Boulder, CO
Program dates: June 22 – 28
Application deadline: March 30
Eligibility: High school juniors; priority given to Colorado residents and students who are underrepresented, low-income, and/or first-generation
The Business Leadership Program is a free week-long summer experience at CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business. It primarily focuses on offering a real-world business case challenge, for which you will develop and present marketing strategies to corporate partners. You will work in a team to explore topics like brand positioning, customer segmentation, and strategic planning, gaining hands-on experience in case-based problem solving and cross-functional teamwork. Key program components also include faculty-led seminars, networking with business professionals, and leadership development workshops. The top-performing team receives a $1,000 scholarship toward their tuition at Leeds.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Business Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starting at $2,990; need-based financial aid available
Program dates: June – August (summer sessions); other cohorts are available throughout the year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort—typically 1–2 months before the start date
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic records; a 3.3+ GPA is preferable
Lumiere’s selective research mentorship program allows you to work one-on-one with PhD mentors to design and complete an independent research project. You can explore topics in business or related research areas like entrepreneurship, behavioral economics, corporate finance, or market analytics through quantitative modeling, case-based analysis, or data interpretation. The program offers access to support and resources, including sessions with a writing coach, to help you write a research paper. You will also get insights into publication pathways and conference presentation opportunities. Upon completing the program, you will receive academic credit from UC San Diego.
5. Indiana University Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute
Location: Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Program dates: June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25
Application deadline: Varies by session; applications close on May 13, May 27, June 11, and June 25 for different sessions
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.5 GPA
The Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute is a one-day program designed to introduce high-achieving young women to business disciplines and career paths. Here, you will get access to interactive workshops, leadership activities, and a case study challenge. You will engage with Kelley faculty, alumni, and undergraduates, gaining exposure to core business functions like marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. The case study challenge can help you develop collaboration, public speaking, and strategic thinking skills. You will also get opportunities to network with peers during the. While brief, the program provides a preview of business education at no cost.
6. Howard University School of Business Summer Enrichment Program
Location: Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Program dates: July 13 – 18
Application deadline: Early: March 1; Regular: April 1
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 11 and 12 with strong academic records and recommendations
Howard University’s School of Business Summer Enrichment Program offers high school students the opportunity to explore one of four business tracks: accounting, actuarial science, entrepreneurship, and information systems. The program helps you explore your chosen track through a blend of lectures, team-based projects, and site visits. You will also gain exposure to analytical tools, financial modeling, business planning, and systems design, depending on the track you choose. You will also participate in a capstone group project that applies your chosen track’s concepts to a real-world challenge. The free week-long, on-campus program can help you sharpen critical thinking, technical proficiency, and communication skills.
7. NAIOP-Drexel Summer Real Estate Program
Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Program dates: July 13 – 22
Application deadline: March 21
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are first-generation, low-income, and/or have demonstrated interest in commercial real estate (CRE)
Offered by Drexel University and sponsored by NAIOP, the commercial real estate development association, the Summer Real Estate Program is a free 10-day introduction to the commercial real estate industry through coursework, case studies, and site visits. Here, you will explore fields like development, construction, architecture, brokerage, and finance, and work closely with Drexel faculty and corporate mentors. You will learn about real estate fundamentals through a project-based curriculum focused on urban planning and investment analysis. The program also includes college readiness workshops, professional development, and visits to key industry locations like FMC and Comcast headquarters. You will also get to learn from high-level corporate executives during the program.
8. University of Colorado Boulder’s Women in Business Case
Location: Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder
Program dates: June 11 – 13
Application deadline: March 30
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, especially students who are underrepresented, low-income, first-generation, or Colorado-based
Hosted by the Leeds School of Business, the Women in Business Case is a free three-day competition that challenges students to analyze and present solutions to business issues through the lens of gender equity. You will work in a team, applying core concepts in strategy, leadership, and communication to a structured business case. The program can help you develop critical thinking, collaboration, and persuasive presentation skills while you work on your challenge. You will also get to connect with faculty, corporate partners, and other aspiring business students through workshops and campus activities. The winners earn a $1,000 scholarship to Leeds.
9. Kansas State University’s College of Business Summer Institute
Location: Kansas State University College of Business, Manhattan, KS
Program dates: Session 1: June 15 – 18; Session 2: June 29 – July 2
Application deadline: Not specified, but the application review process starts on April 14
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10, 11, and 12
Note: The program has a small fee of $75, with scholarships available
The College of Business High School Summer Institute at Kansas State University is a four-day residential camp offering an introduction to the world of business and careers in the discipline. Here, you will get to learn about key functions within a business like management, accounting, marketing, and finance through activities and sessions with professors. You will also get insights into college-level business-focused academics during the program. As a participant, you will get to explore various programs and departments at the university and participate in field trips. At the end of the camp, you will engage in a business challenge and practice pitching entrepreneurial ideas using concepts and ideas you learned during the program.
10. Indiana University’s MEET Kelley Program
Location: Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Program dates: Men’s week: June 8–13 | Women’s week: June 22–27
Application deadline: March 23; application window opens on January 13
Eligibility: High school juniors; preference given to students with strong academic standing (a 3.6 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale) and who are from backgrounds underrepresented in business
The MEET Kelley Program is a free pre-college summer opportunity for high school juniors interested in exploring college-level business curriculum at Indiana University. Here, you will attend lectures offered by Kelley School of Business faculty and participate in a team-based competition to present a business plan. The program offers networking opportunities and insights into the college admission process and the scholarships you can get. You will also get to experience life on a college campus. The program also offers scholarships to cover travel costs.
11. The City College of New York (CCNY) Bossgirls Summer Program
Location: The City College of New York, New York, NY
Program dates: June 30 – July 31
Application deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school girls and nonbinary students who are current 9th–12th graders and residents of the tri-state area
Hosted by the Zahn Innovation Center at CCNY and supported by Standard Chartered, Bossgirls is a five-week summer entrepreneurship incubator focusing on product innovation, market research, pricing strategy, and branding. Here, you’ll use human-centered design to identify community problems, pitch solutions, and develop viable business concepts in a team. You will get hands-on experience in key functions like researching the market, competitor analysis, pricing products, prototyping products, and creating brands. You will also have access to workshops on competitor analysis and storytelling, as well as mentorship from working entrepreneurs. This program can help you sharpen collaborative problem-solving skills and learn about entrepreneurship as both a career path and creative mindset.
12. NYU’s Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Program dates: July 7 – August 8
Application deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Current NYC-based students in grades 8 – 10 who have strong academic records and an interest in STEM
NYU’s ieSoSC is a 5-week, tuition-free smart cities engineering program that offers opportunities to build skills in STEM and hands-on business-focused learning experiences. Here, you’ll engage in courses on urban infrastructure, design thinking, as well as the Internet of Things (IoT), led by NYU faculty and grad students. The second half of the program focuses on collaborative product development, where you, along with your team members, will design and prototype smart-city solutions and present them at a public showcase. Working with technical tools (hardware/software), public speaking workshops, and urban planning insights are core components of the curriculum. The program can help you explore entrepreneurship, social impact, and city systems through STEM-based problem-solving.
13. Yale University Open Courses—Capitalism: Success, Crisis, and Reform
Location: Virtual
Program dates: Self-paced
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Yale offers various free, university-level online courses, of which the Capitalism course introduces foundational concepts in economic systems through a political science lens. Here, you’ll investigate the evolution of capitalism, studying industrialization, inequality, financial crises, and policy reform. You will also explore how to frame abstract theory in real-world contexts through case studies and global examples. You will also be able to sharpen your critical thinking skills by evaluating capitalism’s strengths and structural challenges through historical and contemporary lenses. The self-paced format makes it ideal for students balancing multiple commitments, while still engaging with rigorous analytical content.
14. Seattle University Summer Business Institute
Location: Seattle University, Seattle, WA
Program dates: July 19 – 25
Application deadline: The priority deadline is typically in April
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders; students from underserved communities are encouraged to apply
Note: This is a free program with costs like tuition, housing, and meals covered; however, a $50 registration deposit is applicable
Hosted by Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics, this six-day program introduces high school students to the fundamentals of business. Here, you will engage in courses in management, financial literacy, and marketing. You’ll practice core skills like budgeting, competitive analysis, and forecasting by developing a team-based business plan. Instruction is led by university faculty. The program culminates in a pitch presentation to local business leaders. The experience can help you explore the real-world application of business principles and strategic thinking.
15. George Washington University Caminos al Futuro
Location: George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Program dates: July 3 – 19
Application deadline: TBA, but applications typically open in December for next year’s program
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with academic achievements and demonstrated commitment to the Latino/Hispanic community;
Caminos al Futuro is a three-week summer institute focused on policy, economics, and social transformations affecting the Hispanic/Latino community. Hosted by GW’s Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute, the program includes university-style seminars, policy briefings, and writing labs, alongside visits to organizations in Washington, D.C. As a participant, you will engage in community action projects and leadership development and gain early exposure to business-adjacent fields like public policy, nonprofit strategy, and economic development. The program offers opportunities to learn about and practice civic engagement and identity-centered leadership. College preparation sessions, academic reading discussions, and research are also key parts of the program.
Bonus
1. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,950 with need-based financial assistance available
Program dates: 10 weeks in the June–September period
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic standing (GPA > 3.67); most participants are in 10th or 11th grade
Horizon offers a term-based research program where you get to select a specialized academic track from various options, including business, entrepreneurship, and political theory. Then, you will focus on a topic in the chosen track and develop a 20-page college-level research paper under the guidance of a professor or PhD researcher. While not a university-led opportunity, the research program offers opportunities to work with mentors from leading universities. You will also receive detailed feedback as you progress through literature reviews, theoretical framing, and data analysis. Quantitative and qualitative research options are available. You can use your finished work as a writing sample or submit it to academic journals.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starting at $2,290; full need-based financial aid available
Program dates: Summer cohort: 10–15 weeks; Multiple cohorts throughout the year with varying start and end dates
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines; Summer deadline: June 22
Eligibility: High school students worldwide; AI Fellowship applicants should have prior experience with Python or must have completed the AI Scholars program
Veritas AI offers various programs, including two technical learning paths—the AI Scholars program and AI Fellowship. In the AI Scholars program, you’ll learn AI fundamentals and apply Python-based tools like scikit-learn and TensorFlow to real-world datasets in fields such as healthcare and sustainability. For those with a prior coding background, the Fellowship enables one-on-one research with mentors, including model training, data analysis, and publication support. Both tracks highlight the intersection of ethical considerations and algorithmic design, equipping you with a conceptual foundation and technical expertise in machine learning. You also get to work on interdisciplinary projects during either of the programs. You can indicate your interest in business and related fields while choosing a project topic. While not a university-based opportunity, the program offers opportunities to work with mentors from top universities.
Image source – University of Kansas