If you’re a high school student interested in exploring a career in business and wondering whether it could be the right career path for you, pre-college business programs offer an exciting way to explore the field before even starting college. These programs are designed to help you discover what studying and working in business is really like, while building real-world skills along the way.
But what exactly are pre-college business programs? These are structured educational experiences that could span from a few weeks to several months and combine formal learning, hands-on mentorship, and practical projects all under one curriculum. Unlike an internship, which emphasizes contribution to the workplace, pre-college business programs prioritize learning and exploration through structured coursework and guided projects.
What do Pre-College Business programs for high schoolers include?
Pre-college Business programs for high school students teach you tangible business skills such as financial modeling, Excel and PowerPoint proficiency, business plan development, market research methodologies, and pitch deck creation. You’ll also work on real-world case studies, often guided by industry professionals and university faculty who bring practical experience to the classroom. Many programs culminate in capstone projects or pitch competitions where you present your work to actual entrepreneurs and business leaders. Beyond learning new skills, these programs allow you to test drive business education while building a competitive edge for your college applications.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 pre-college business programs for high school students.
1. Babson Summer Study
Location: In-person at New England Innovation Academy (Marlborogh, MA) or fully online
Cost/Stipend: Online: $6,295; Day student: $9,295; Residential: $12,995
Dates: July 8–28
Application Deadline: Early round: February 13; Standard round: March 13
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; at least 15 by the start of the program
Babson Summer Study is a three-week entrepreneurship program that teaches you to think and act like an entrepreneur while earning college credit. Through this experience, you’ll learn to apply Babson’s signature Entrepreneurial Thought & Action® framework to spot market opportunities, assess customer needs, and build innovative solutions aligned with the United Nations Global Goals. You’ll collaborate with peers from around the world in team-based projects, developing a complete business model and pitching your ideas to faculty and fellow students. The curriculum introduces you to core business disciplines including leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, and finance, all taught through interactive workshops and case studies. You’ll receive mentorship from Babson undergraduate and graduate leaders, participate in sessions with actual founders and innovators, and connect with a diverse cohort of aspiring entrepreneurs from around the world. You’ll also have the opportunity to earn four college credits through the EPS 1110 course, which may transfer to your future university.
2. Penn State Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS)
Location: Penn State University Park Campus (residential)
Cost/Stipend: $350
Dates: June 14–26
Application Deadline: Last year was March 20
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from the U.S. and Puerto Rico with strong academic standing
Penn State’s BOSS program is a selective two-week residential experience specifically designed for rising high school seniors interested in pursuing business in college. You’ll take college-level courses in business fundamentals taught directly by Penn State faculty, giving you an authentic preview of what studying business at the university level is really like. As part of the residential experience, you’ll live on campus, eat in the dining commons, and experience daily life as a college student while connecting with other academically driven peers from across the country. Through lectures, workshops, and collaborative projects, you’ll build foundational knowledge in business concepts while exploring whether a business career aligns with your interests. This program is highly selective and gives you direct access to Penn State’s Smeal College of Business faculty and resources.
3. Drexel University LeBow College of Business Camp Business
Location: Drexel University (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Cost/Stipend: Commuter session: $950; Residential sessions: $2,000 each
Dates: Commuter: July 20–24; Residential Blue: July 13–17; Residential Gold: July 27–31
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students interested in business
Drexel’s Camp Business gives high school students a flexible and accessible way to explore the world of business, with options for commuter and residential attendance. You can choose between three different session dates in July, each focusing on learning fundamental business concepts through interactive workshops, case studies, and team-based projects. Whether you attend the commuter sessions during the day or stay on campus for the residential experience, you’ll learn from Drexel faculty and gain hands-on exposure to business fundamentals. The program covers core business topics and real-world applications, preparing you with practical knowledge of how companies operate. Camp Business is a good option if you want to explore business without committing to a full three-week program, as sessions are only five days long.
4. Georgetown University Entrepreneurship Academy
Location: Georgetown University (Washington, DC); residential or commuter options available
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $6,465; Commuter: $5,075
Dates: June 7–19
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students interested in entrepreneurship and business
Georgetown’s Entrepreneurship Academy is a two-week program that guides you through the complete startup lifecycle, from initial ideation to final pitch. Throughout the program, you’ll explore critical entrepreneurial concepts including prototype testing, market research, social innovation, global business dynamics, and the operational realities of running your own venture. The program bridges theory with practice through design thinking workshops, business plan development in small teams, and a final pitch competition where you present your ideas to experienced entrepreneurs. Guest speakers from various industries share their entrepreneurial journeys, giving you diverse perspectives on what it takes to launch a successful business. You’ll also develop professionally by strengthening your public speaking, networking, and team-building skills; all essential for business and entrepreneurial success.
5. Business Summer Institutes for High School Students at University of Houston
Location: George Washington University, Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Dates: June 22 – July 10
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising 12th-grade students at the time of the program; under 18
The Caminos al Futuro program at George Washington University offers is a fully funded, three-week residential experience in the heart of Washington DC, designed specifically for high-achieving rising seniors who are passionate about leadership and community change. During this program, you’ll live on campus and attend undergraduate-level lectures that examine the social, political, and economic challenges impacting the Hispanic and Latino communities. You will develop a Community Action Project aimed at addressing a specific issue in your own neighborhood, which you then present to your peers and mentors. Beyond academics, you’ll participate in a “Writing Lab” and workshops led by admissions specialists to help you master the college application process and better understand financial aid opportunities. As part of the experience, you’ll gain access to national leaders and policymaking environments through visits to Capitol Hill and networking opportunities with professionals in various fields. By the end of the program, you’ll become part of a supportive community of student leaders, and build confidence and college readiness needed to pursue admissions into top-tier universities.
6. Leangap Summer Program
Location: Fully virtual
Cost/Stipend: $6,450
Dates: June 15 – July 10
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students globally
The Leangap summer program is a four-week startup incubator experience designed for high school students where you transition from a simple idea to a launched business. During this program, you will collaborate in small teams to build a “Minimum Viable Product” and conduct real-world beta testing with actual customers. You will receive direct mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs, software engineers, and CEOs who provide technical and strategic guidance throughout the development process. The curriculum introduces you to critical stages of the startup process, including market validation, branding, and sales traction, ensuring you gain practical experience beyond theoretical concepts. Your experience culminates in a professional Demo Day, where you pitch your startup to a panel of Silicon Valley investors and industry leaders. By the end of the program, you’ll have developed a high-level technical portfolio and a global professional network, all of which can help strengthen your future college and career opportunities.
7. UC Berkeley Haas High School Entrepreneurship Program
Location: UC Berkeley campus (residential) or virtual component available
Cost/Stipend: In-state: $7,450; Out-of-state: $7,950; limited needs-based scholarships available
Dates: Session 1: July 5–18; Session 2: July 19–August 1
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th grade students
UC Berkeley’s Haas program is a two-week experience where you’ll learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and business innovation from PhD candidates, faculty researchers, and experienced industry professionals. You’ll develop a complete startup concept by conducting market research, identifying customer needs, building prototypes, and creating a comprehensive business plan. The curriculum covers subjects such as marketing, finance, economics, management, and game theory through a combination of online instruction, independent research, computer lab assignments, and collaborative team projects. Guest lectures by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs provide real-world insights about launching and growing your business. By the end of the program, you’ll pitch your startup concept to a panel of judges in a simulated investor competition, receiving feedback from actual business leaders.
8. McCombs Summer High School Programs – University of Texas at Austin
Location: University of Texas at Austin campus, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Dates: Varies by program
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
The McCombs Summer High School Programs give high school students the opportunity to experience college life and explore the world of business through a free, week-long residential program at the University of Texas at Austin. Throughout the week, you’ll learn directly from McCombs faculty, industry professionals, and university students, while exploring key business areas such as finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, requiring you to work in groups to solve real-world business challenges and develop professional communication skills. By living in campus residence halls and utilizing university dining facilities, you gain a realistic preview of the academic and social expectations at a major public research institution. These programs make use of hands-on workshops and case studies to help you determine if a career in business aligns with your long-term professional interests.
9. Rice University Pathfinder Summer High School Program
Location: Rice University campus (Houston, Texas); residential
Cost/Stipend: Program fees apply; specific cost available on website
Dates: July 12–25
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; priority deadlines exist; see website for details
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school
Rice’s Pathfinder is a two-week residential program where you’ll learn entrepreneurship by doing, not just studying theory. You’ll create your own venture from the ground up, while engaging in customer discovery, prototyping, and business modeling around an idea you’re genuinely passionate about. The program isn’t lecture-heavy, but highly interactive and mentorship driven, allowing you to learn by experimenting and collaborating with peers. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit cutting-edge innovation hubs such as the Ion and Greentown Labs, where you’ll interact with actual successful founders and see startups at various stages of growth. The program culminates in Pathfinder Demo Day, where you’ll pitch your venture concept to prominent Houston entrepreneurs and receive investor-style feedback.
10. University of Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy
Location: University of Michigan campus (Ann Arbor, Michigan); residential
Cost/Stipend: $5,500; full and partial need-based scholarships available
Dates: June 7 – 17; June 21 – July 1
Application Deadline: January 21 (annual deadline)
Eligibility: Rising 12th-grade students with minimum 3.0 GPA; U.S. citizens or permanent residents preferred; international students considered if space available
Michigan Ross’s Summer Business Academy gives rising high school seniors an authentic preview of business education through college-level coursework. You’ll explore what makes high-performing companies successful through courses led by Michigan Ross faculty across multiple business disciplines. The experience includes not just classroom learning but also collaborative projects, field trips, and sessions with guest speakers who provide real-world business perspectives. You’ll stay in campus residence halls and participate in organized activities, giving you a complete college student experience. The program specifically encourages applications from first-generation students and those from resource-limited backgrounds, making it accessible to diverse learners.
11. Northwestern Pre-College Business Course
Location: Fully online
Cost/Stipend: $1,895 for individual course enrollment
Dates: Choose 2-week or 4-week session; next available start date: May 3
Application Deadline: Rolling; can start anytime
Eligibility: Ages 13 and up
Northwestern’s online pre-college business course introduces high school students to the core foundations of business through an interactive online learning experience. The program covers the fundamentals of business strategy, marketing, sales, operations, and related disciplines through real-world examples and expert-led lessons. You’ll learn how companies develop products, reach customers, and deliver value efficiently through a flexible online format you can fit into your schedule. The course culminates in a final capstone project, where you analyze a real company and propose an innovative new product or service aligned with its strategic goals. You’ll receive 20–30 hours of instruction and coursework through engaging video lessons, business simulations, and guided assignments with mentor feedback. This program is ideal if you want flexible learning and a certificate demonstrating business knowledge for your college applications.
12. Wharton Global Youth Program
Location: Fully virtual/online competition
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: Rolling competition throughout academic year; specific 2026 competition dates available on website
Application Deadline: Rolling; registration open for current competition cycle
Eligibility: High school students grades 9–12; teachers serve as team advisors
The Wharton Global Youth Program leverages the world-class resources of the University of Pennsylvania’s business school to introduce high school students to the world of business, finance and global economic challenges. One of the most popular opportunities is the free Global High School Investment Competition, an experiential challenge where you work in teams to manage a virtual investment portfolio. As you build and adjust your investment strategy, you’ll develop practical skills such as strategy-building, teamwork, communication, risk management, diversification, and company analysis. This program reaches over 5,400 high school teams globally each year, making it one of the largest business competitions. Participation requires no application fee and provides valuable business experience that you can highlight in college applications.
13. NSLC Business & Entrepreneurship Programs
Location: Multiple university locations including UCLA, Duke, Berkeley, and others; residential
Cost/Stipend: $4,195–$4,495 depending on location
Dates: Various sessions throughout June and July (typically 8–9 days)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; earlier application recommended for preferred dates
Eligibility: High school students ages 14–18; demonstrated academic excellence and leadership ability required
The National Student Leadership Conference offers residential pre-college business experiences at multiple university locations across the United States, giving high school students the opportunity to explore business education and leadership development. You’ll learn what it takes to build a thriving business, develop entrepreneurial skills, and understand how creativity and strategy work together to launch successful ventures. The program partners with Inc. Magazine to bring you insights from Inc. 5000 CEOs and professionals in marketing, finance, and business operations. As part of the residential experience, you’ll stay in supervised campus dormitories, explore local businesses, participate in business case studies, and build your professional network with other students. This program emphasizes both the business skills and the leadership capabilities needed for future entrepreneurial and professional success.
14. UCLA Anderson Summer Discovery
Location: UCLA Anderson School of Management (Los Angeles, California); day program with residential options
Cost/Stipend: Program fees apply; specific cost available on website
Dates: Typically mid to late June; specific 2026 dates available on website
Application Deadline: Applications reviewed on rolling basis; earlier application recommended
Eligibility: High school students grades 9–12
UCLA Anderson’s Summer Discovery program is a two-week experience combining college-level academics with real-world business application in media, entertainment, and sports. You’ll choose from three intensive academies led by industry experts: the Sports Business Academy, Foundations in Business Leadership Academy, and the Digital Advertising and Brand Strategy Academy. Throughout the program, you’ll explore key business frameworks including finance, marketing, strategy, and economics, while examining case studies connected to entertainment, sports and media companies. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet with industry professionals, explore behind-the-scenes operations at famous arenas and studios, and complete a substantive capstone consulting project analyzing a real entertainment company facing a business challenge. This program gives you both the business fundamentals and valuable insights into how those concepts apply in real entertainment industry settings.
15. Wake Forest Summer Immersion Entrepreneurship Institute
Location: Wake Forest University campus (Winston-Salem, North Carolina); residential
Cost/Stipend: $3,500
Dates: Session 1: June 21–26; Session 2: July 12–17 (both currently have waitlists)
Application Deadline: Rolling; register for waitlist if preferred sessions full
Eligibility: Current 9th–12th-grade students
Wake Forest’s Entrepreneurship Institute is a one-week overnight residential program designed to take your startup idea from concept to launch. Throughout the program, you’ll develop, vet, and launch an entrepreneurial idea while learning key principles of entrepreneurial marketing, finance, and strategy from experienced entrepreneurs and faculty. The program includes mentorship from founders, tours of startups at various stages of development, and hands-on experience creating pitch decks and launching a startup concept. You’ll participate in a startup competition, learn important lessons about resilience and adaptability from experienced entrepreneurs, and end the week by pitching your venture concept to mentors and business professionals. Upon completion of the program, you’ll receive an official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion recognizing your entrepreneurial training.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects, 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!
Image Source: Rice University