If you’re a high school student interested in business, free business programs are a great way to learn about entrepreneurship, finance, and management without worrying about tuition fees. These programs give you access to lectures, projects, and mentorship that can help you understand how the business world works while still in high school.
Many of these programs are hosted by universities, nonprofits, or companies. You might learn skills like financial modeling, data analysis, or marketing, or even try your hand at launching a startup idea. Some programs also include team projects and networking opportunities, so you can build connections with peers and professionals who share your interests.
To help you find the right fit, here’s a list of 14 free business programs for high school students!
But if you are looking for a business research program, you should check out our blog here.
14 Free Business Programs for High School Students
1. Summer Venture in Business (SVB)
Location: The University of Kansas School of Business, Lawrence, KS
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~22 students per cohort
Dates: June 15 – 20 or July 13 – 18
Application Deadline: March 31 or until full
Eligibility: Rising 11th- and 12th-grade students
Summer Venture in Business (SVB) is a free, five-day residential program hosted by the University of Kansas School of Business for high school students interested in studying business and launching their own ventures. You stay on campus and receive meals, housing, and all necessary resources at no cost. The program offers an immersive experience where participants engage in workshops covering essential business topics like marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship.
2. NAIOP-Drexel Summer Real Estate Program
Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Full scholarships are provided to all accepted students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; preference given to students with high GPAs and high scores on standardized tests
Dates: July 13 – July 22
Application Deadline: March 21
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who are first-generation, low-income, and have demonstrated an interest in the field of Commercial Real Estate (CRE)
The NAIOP-Drexel Summer Real Estate Program is a 10-day residential experience for high school students interested in exploring careers in commercial real estate. You will learn directly from Drexel University faculty and industry professionals who introduce you to core areas such as development, finance, investment, brokerage, and property management. Throughout the program, you will analyze real estate case studies, participate in interactive workshops, and work on group projects that simulate real-world business challenges. You will also go on field trips to active development sites and meet professionals working in architecture, construction, and urban planning.
3. Howard University’s School of Business Summer Enrichment Programs
Location: Howard University School of Business, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: July 13 – July 18
Application Deadline: March 1 (early) and April 1 (regular)
Eligibility: 10th Grade and 11th Grade high school students
Howard University’s School of Business Summer Enrichment Programs is a one-week residential experience for high school students interested in business careers. You choose one of four tracks: Accounting, Information Systems, Actuarial Science, or Entrepreneurship. Each track follows its own syllabus and introduces you to core concepts and career pathways in that field. During the program, you attend lectures led by faculty and industry professionals, participate in company visits, and work on group projects.
4. Wisconsin School of Business Pre-College Entrepreneurship Boot Camp
Location: Wisconsin School of Business, Madison, WI
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: First Saturday of November (9:30 am – 3:30 pm)
Application Deadline: No deadline; WSB takes 3 – 5 business days to review your application
Eligibility: High school students from grades 9 to 12 who can attend the entire workshop
The Wisconsin School of Business Pre-College Entrepreneurship Boot Camp is a one-day program where you explore business majors and practice entrepreneurship through hands-on activities. You will work in teams to create a mock business and take on roles like product designer, marketer, and team leader. You will brainstorm business ideas, design products or services, and build basic marketing plans. You will also practice pitching your business to others and receive feedback.
5. Business Education for Talented Students (BETS)
Location: Haslam College of Business, Knoxville, TN
Cost/Stipend: Cost, accommodation, and food are all free, but you need to pay a $20 reservation fee once selected
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 25 – 40 students attend each year
Dates: June 4 – June 13
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students who are first-generation college students or are eligible for free and reduced lunch, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
BETS (Business Education for Talented Students) is a 10-day residential program hosted by the Penn State Smeal College of Business. It introduces you to core business disciplines and helps you explore future careers in fields like accounting, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, supply chain management, and business analytics. You also receive training in professional development, including resume writing, interview preparation, and networking.
6. Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute (KWLI)
Location: Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN or Online
Cost/Stipend: Free; you need to arrange your own transport if you choose the in-person program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Seats are limited
Dates: November 5 and November 12; sessions available in spring and summer as well
Application Deadline: October 3
Eligibility: High school rising juniors and seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
The KWLI (Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute) High School Program is designed to inspire and prepare high school girls to pursue entrepreneurship. You’ll receive mentorship and education on key business topics, including leadership, innovation, and problem-solving. The program introduces you to challenges faced by women in business and helps you explore solutions through real case studies. You’ll strengthen your communication skills by working with other participants in group discussions and collaborative activities.
7. School Construction Authority – High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Varies by host company
Cost/Stipend: Interns are paid $16.50 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by host company
Dates: 6 weeks, Monday – Friday (9:00 am – 4:00 pm); exact dates vary by host company
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: High school students who are enrolled in a New York City public high school and have authorization to work in the US
The School Construction Authority’s High School Summer Internship Program is a paid opportunity for New York City students to gain hands-on experience in fields like business, architecture, engineering, and construction. You’ll intern at the School Construction Authority or one of its partner companies, working four days a week and spending one day on educational activities. You’ll take part in real workplace tasks, attend workshops, and receive mentorship from professionals. A college supervisor will support you throughout the program to help you stay on track and meet your goals.
8. Frank & Eileen Accelerator Program for the Leaders of Tomorrow
Location: Marlborough, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 54 students in both levels combined
Dates: Year-long (90 minutes per week plus one individual meeting with your mentor every week)
Application Deadline: Mid-August to the end of September
Eligibility: Students from grades 7 to 12, living in Los Angeles, who identify as female or assigned female at birth
The Frank & Eileen Accelerator Program for the Leaders of Tomorrow is a hands-on entrepreneurship experience designed to support young founders at different stages of their journey. The program is divided into two tracks: the Incubator and the Accelerator. If you are just starting, the Incubator helps you identify problems, develop solutions, and turn your ideas into products. You will learn how to build a business from scratch, refine your pitch, and present your concept with clarity and confidence. If you already run a small business, the Accelerator guides you through advanced steps like market research, business model refinement, and strategic planning. You will receive mentorship on how to improve operations, increase profitability, and scale your impact.
9. Business Leadership Program (BLP)
Location: Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: June 21 – June 27
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: High school juniors who reside in Colorado or are enrolled in a high school in the area
Business Leadership Program (BLP), managed by the Opening Doors to Achievement (ODA) office at the Leeds School of Business, is a hands-on experience where you tackle real business challenges and develop practical solutions. You will work directly with case studies and problems faced by actual companies, gaining insight into how businesses operate and make strategic decisions. As a participant, you will work with peers to design and implement marketing strategies for Leeds School of Business’ corporate partners. This includes analyzing market needs, identifying target audiences, and proposing creative outreach plans. You will also present your solutions to a panel of judges, simulating a real-world pitch environment.
10. Howard University’s School of Business Summer Enrichment Programs
Location: Howard University School of Business, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: July 13 – July 18
Application Deadline: March 1 (early) and April 1 (regular)
Eligibility: 10th Grade and 11th Grade high school students
Howard University’s School of Business Summer Enrichment Programs is a one-week residential experience for high school students interested in business careers. You choose one of four tracks: Accounting, Information Systems, Actuarial Science, or Entrepreneurship. Each track follows its own syllabus and introduces you to core concepts and career pathways in that field. During the program, you attend lectures led by faculty and industry professionals, participate in company visits, and work on group projects. You’ll explore how business principles apply in real-world settings and learn how to prepare for college and future careers.
11. Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI)
Location: Varies based on host company
Cost/Stipend: Stipends vary based on the host company
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies based on host company
Dates: 6 weeks
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who live in Chicago, maintain at least a B grade or 3.0 GPA, and come from a household with a total income of $80,000 per year
Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI) is a paid internship program that introduces high school students to careers in financial services and business. You will be placed at a host company where you work during the week and receive guidance from professionals in the field. Every Friday, you attend workshops that focus on career development, financial literacy, and workplace skills. You also participate in seminars led by industry experts who share insights about business trends and professional growth. Networking events give you the chance to connect with mentors, peers, and leaders across sectors.
12. Internships at PNNL
Location: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on internship opportunity
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies based on internship opportunity
Dates: Internships available August to May (four hours per day, five days per week) and full-time in June to August
Application Deadline: February to June for academic year internships and February to March for summer internships
Eligibility: High school students; some roles expect you to be at least 18, so check before applying
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory opens its doors to high school students like you who are interested in taking up business- or research-related internship roles. These internships prepare you for future education and careers. You will work with PNNL’s business professionals, who will mentor you throughout the program. In addition to discovering your career prospects through workshops, you will also have the chance to develop your leadership and communication skills. During the application period, PNNL shares all its open internship roles with high school students on its career page.
13. Building-U High School Internship
Location: Virtual; work from anywhere in the world
Cost/Stipend: Free to apply; no stipends
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by internship opportunity
Dates: Exact dates vary by internship opportunity; students are expected to intern three-plus months
Application Deadline: Open all year round
Eligibility: High school students from grades 9 to 12
Building-U High School Internship Program offers students the chance to work in departments such as resources, R&D, marketing, business, and development. The focus is on solving real business problems through hands-on experience. If selected, you will join a team, attend meetings, and contribute ideas to ongoing projects. You will be expected to collaborate with others, take part in team discussions, and help develop solutions that address challenges in your assigned department. The program encourages active participation and creative thinking. You can email [email protected] to inquire about open roles.
14. Millie King Entrepreneurship Program
Location: Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, Hunter College, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~30 students
Dates: Last week of July or first week of August
Application Deadline: Opens by March
Eligibility: High school seniors and college students who are also BALI alumni
Millennial Knowledge Empowerment Program (MKEP) is a three-day intensive training experience organized by the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute for high school students interested in entrepreneurship. You will take part in workshops that cover essential business topics such as small business strategies, digital brand marketing, financial structuring, and business planning. Throughout the program, you will attend seminars and lectures led by entrepreneurs who share their experiences and insights. These sessions help you understand the challenges and opportunities involved in launching and growing a business.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like finance, marketing, operations, and management, consider applying toHorizon’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!
Image source – The University of Kansas School of Business