If you’re a high school student in Michigan looking to explore business and entrepreneurship, there are a variety of summer programs across the state designed to help you get started. Michigan is home to several top-rated universities, such as the University of Michigan and the Michigan State University, that may offer programs at reduced tuition fees for local students.
From university-led initiatives to nonprofit and industry-supported experiences, summer business programs for high school students in Michigan offer early exposure to business fundamentals, leadership training, and real-world application of skills like marketing, finance, and innovation.
Summer business programs for high school students allow you to engage in college-level coursework, interactive workshops, and mentorship opportunities with faculty, MBA students, and business professionals. In this blog, we highlight 14 summer business programs for high school students in Michigan, along with some virtual programs.
1. Young Founders Lab
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here!
The Young Founder’s Lab is a 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 complex 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.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
3. The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Campus
Cost: $5,500 plus $75 application fee; need-based scholarships are available
Dates: June 13 – 27
Application Deadline: January 21
Eligibility: Current rising high school senior | Preference will be given to U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Maintain a minimum, cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy is an intensive two-week pre-college experience for rising high school seniors eager to dive into the world of business. You will explore core business functions, leadership principles, and potential career paths while engaging in hands-on, action-based learning. Through classes, collaborative workshops, and team-driven projects, you’ll discover how successful companies operate and apply strategic thinking to real-world business challenges. You’ll connect directly with Michigan Ross faculty, seasoned business professionals, and industry leaders, building both knowledge and a professional network. The academy equips you with the insights, leadership experience, and competitive advantage needed for college admissions and future careers in business.
4. Entrepreneur Leadership Initiative HS Camp, MSU
Location: Michigan State University
Cost: None
Dates: June 23-26
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
This four-day program is designed to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking and foundational business skills in high school students. You will learn how to develop business models, refine personal branding, apply core values in decision-making, and explore e-commerce and social media marketing strategies. Through workshops, team-based problem-solving challenges, and seminars led by faculty and professionals from Michigan’s entrepreneurial network, you will engage in the creative process of entrepreneurship and gain insight into the realities of building and leading ventures. The program also includes discussions with local entrepreneurs and business leaders, providing opportunities to test ideas, receive feedback, and present solutions in a collaborative, real-world setting.
5. Summer Entrepreneurship Institute | University of Michigan-Flint School of Management
Location: University of Michigan, Flint campus
Cost: $50; need-based scholarships are available; a $25 scholarship is available for students with family ties to UM-Flint
Dates: June 16 – 18
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school students who will be juniors or seniors in Fall
The Summer Entrepreneurship Institute (SEI), offered by the Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Michigan–Flint, provides a focused introduction to the entrepreneurial process for high school students. You will learn how to generate business ideas, develop business models, and create actionable plans through hands-on workshops, interactive lectures, and team-based projects. The program emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world application, with opportunities to work alongside faculty and local entrepreneurs. Throughout the program, you will build skills in market analysis, financial planning, and strategic communication, culminating in the presentation of your business concept to a panel of professionals for feedback and refinement.
6. MREACH – Michigan Ross Enriching Academics in Collaboration with High Schools
Location: Michigan Ross campus
Cost: None
Dates: August – March on select Saturdays
Application Deadline: July 15
Eligibility: Reside in Southeast Michigan | Must be in 10th- or 11th-grade by the program’s start | Minimum GPA 2.5
The Michigan Ross Enriching Academics in Collaboration (MREACH) program provides high school students with sustained exposure to business education through monthly sessions on the Ann Arbor campus. You will learn core concepts in business communication, leadership, and career development while engaging in faculty-led seminars, mentorship from BBA and MBA students, and interactive workshops. The program also offers structured support for college applications, financial aid, and standardized test preparation. Through hands-on activities and direct engagement with business professionals and university resources, you will gain early insight into the academic and professional expectations of a business education, culminating in presenting your ideas in a university setting.
7. University of Michigan – NSLC Business & Entrepreneurship Program
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: $4,095 (Residential program)
Dates: June 16 – 24; June 29 – July 7
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students between ages 14-18 who have completed at least one year of high school.
The NSLC Business & Entrepreneurship Program is designed to give high school students a taste of the business world. Throughout the program, you will explore topics like business planning, marketing strategies, product development, and financial management. You will engage in activities such as creating your startup ideas, participating in business simulations, collaborating on team projects, and visiting local companies to see entrepreneurship in action. You will develop critical skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork that extend beyond the classroom. This hands-on learning not only strengthens your business knowledge but also makes your college applications stand out.
8. University of Michigan – Summer Springboard’s Business & Entrepreneurship
Location:University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost:Residential: $5,698; Commuter: $2,998
Dates: July 13 – 25
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.0 GPA
In this program, you can explore topics such as marketing, finance, operations, and research and development. Throughout the two-week program, you will engage in hands-on activities including creating business plans, analyzing case studies, collaborating on entrepreneurial projects, and developing pitches for a final “Shark Tank”-style event judged by real investors. You will develop critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills vital for business success. Beyond learning, the program stands out on college applications by demonstrating your proactive commitment to business education and your ability to work collaboratively in demanding, real-world scenarios.
9. Oakland University – Business Summer Camp
Location: School of Business Administration, Rochester, MI
Cost: $325
Dates: July 21 – 25
Application Deadline: Not specified; applications available after February 1
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10, 11, and 12
The Oakland University Business Summer Camp is a hands-on and engaging program designed to introduce teenagers to the fundamentals of business in a dynamic learning environment. You will explore key topics such as entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and leadership through interactive lessons and real-world applications. The camp includes activities like field trips to local businesses, collaborative group projects, presentations from industry professionals, and problem-solving challenges that simulate business scenarios. Participants develop critical skills such as teamwork, communication, strategic thinking, and financial literacy, all essential for future business success. You will also develop a passion for business and the ability to thrive in a challenging academic setting.
10. Michigan Cyber Academy Business Workshops
Location: Hazel Park, MI
Cost: None
Dates: Self-paced with 24/7 access to coursework
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Must be a resident of Michigan (proof of residency required) | Ages between 14-21 years | Enrolled in grades 9-12
This flexible online program introduces young learners to the fundamentals of business, covering essential topics like entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and business communication. You will participate in activities such as creating business plans, conducting market research, developing marketing strategies, and presenting your projects, which bring real-world business concepts to life. One of the program’s unique features is its self-paced structure, allowing you to learn on your own schedule while receiving support from experienced educators. Through the workshops, you will develop critical skills like strategic thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and effective communication. Completing this program can significantly enhance college applications by demonstrating the ability to manage independent learning.
11. Personal & Professional Learning – Kids on Campus
Location: Schoolcraft College, Livonia, MI
Cost: $249 for a 1-week camp session
Dates: Multiple 1-week sessions available during summer; camps begin July 7
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Children and teens from pre-school up to grade 12, including high school students
This program offers high school students an engaging and practical introduction to various career and life skills. It covers topics like business fundamentals, communication, leadership, and time management, aimed at preparing teens for college and future careers. You will participate in hands-on activities such as creating business plans, practicing public speaking, collaborating on team projects, and exploring real-world problem-solving exercises. The program focuses on personal growth alongside professional development, helping you build confidence and self-awareness. By engaging in these activities, you will gain critical skills like effective communication, teamwork, and strategic thinking, and also strengthen college applications.
12. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes – Capital Markets and Investments
Location: Remote
Cost: $3,080 tuition fee plus $65 application fee; financial aid is available
Dates: July 7 – 18
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Must be in grade 9-11 at the time of application | Must have completed an algebra course
This online course introduces high school students to the fundamentals of capital markets, financial decision-making, and investment valuation. Through lectures, discussions, and team-based activities, you will explore essential topics such as stocks, bonds, IPOs, corporate finance, and valuation metrics like P/E ratio, NPV, IRR, WACC, and DCF. The course culminates in a practical project where you will build and present a company financial model. This program is ideal for students interested in careers in finance, Wall Street, venture capital, or tech startups. At the end, you will receive a Certificate of Completion along with written feedback from instructors.
13. Building-U High School Internship
Location: Remote
Cost: None
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in 9-12 grades
In this internship, you will work in diverse, global teams and tackle projects ranging from market research and video production to coding, marketing strategy, and social media content creation. Each team focuses on meeting specific organizational goals such as developing websites, building partnerships, or addressing data privacy concerns. You will gain practical experience with tools like Google Analytics, Laravel, React, and strategic content planning. Alongside technical expertise, you’ll cultivate vital soft skills such as collaboration, clear communication, and adaptability in cross-functional settings. By the end, you will leave with both tangible achievements and the confidence to excel in future academic and career pursuits.
14. Babson Summer Study for High School Students
Location: Remote
Cost: $6,295 + $95 application fee; scholarships are available
Dates: July 7 – 28
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors scheduled to graduate in the next two years | At least 16 by the start date of the program
Babson Summer Study, hosted by Babson College, is a three-week course that develops core entrepreneurial skills where you will learn to use such skills for economic and social problem-solving. In the course EPS 1110: Introduction to the Entrepreneurial Experience, you will examine real-world challenges using the United Nations Global Goals as a framework and apply entrepreneurial thinking to address them. You’ll build communication and teamwork skills while learning key concepts in finance, marketing, leadership, and venture development. Guided by Babson faculty and academic mentors, you will work on a social impact project using Babson’s Entrepreneurial Thought & Action approach.
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