If you’re a high schooler in New York City eager to explore the world of business without spending a ton of money, the city offers a wide range of programs designed to match your ambitions. From immersive courses to intensive workshops and hands-on projects, summer business programs for high school students in NYC help you develop essential skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing.
NYC is home to several leading universities and institutions, such as Columbia University and New York University, that help reduce travel and housing costs. Summer business programs for high school students in NYC may offer reduced tuition fees for locals.
In this article, we cover 15 of the best summer business programs for high school students in NYC. They also include a few virtual summer business programs that allow students in New York to apply.
15 Summer Business Programs for High School Students in NYC
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. University of Rochester – Business Pre College Programs
Location: University of Rochester, NY
Cost: Session A Residential: $4,800; Commuter: $1,000 | Session B Residential: $2,400; Commuter: $500, please check here; financial aid is available
Dates: Session A: July 7-18; Session B: July 21-25
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Applicants must be high schoolers between grades 9-12
This program offers multiple specialized courses in the business domain. In Innovation Management, you will learn to evaluate and refine new business concepts using real-world frameworks for idea generation and strategic decision-making. The Basics of Investments and Careers in Finance introduces investment strategies, portfolio construction, and financial career pathways, with insights from industry professionals. In Language and Advertising, you will examine how linguistic choices influence consumer behavior and shape marketing narratives. Introduction to Business covers foundational principles including entrepreneurship, analytics, marketing, and accounting, while Generative AI in Business offers hands-on training in designing and applying AI technologies in commercial contexts, alongside discussions of their ethical implications.
4. Fordham Gabelli School of Business – Exploring Entrepreneurship
Location: Fordham University; lectures divided between Bronx’s Rose Hill Campus and Manhattan’s Lincoln Center Campus
Cost: $1,800
Dates: June 23–27
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Exploring Entrepreneurship program at Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business offers high school juniors and seniors an introduction to the world of startups and innovation. You will explore topics like idea generation, business model development, financing strategies, and the art of pitching to investors. You will also engage in hands-on activities such as brainstorming business ideas in teams, building a minimum viable product, visiting startup incubators, and pitching their concepts to experienced entrepreneurs. You will sharpen crucial skills, including critical thinking, collaboration, financial literacy, and effective communication. What sets this program apart is its real-world approach, blending classroom learning with exposure to NYC’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
5. Fordham Gabelli School of Business’ Finance Institute: Wall Street in the Classroom
Location: Rose Hill Campus, Fordham University, Bronx, NY
Cost: $1,200
Dates: Week 1: June 16-20; Week 2: June 23-27; Week 3: July 21-25; Week 4: July 28-August 1
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: All high school students
Fordham Gabelli School of Business’ Finance Institute: Wall Street in the Classroom is an engaging summer program designed to provide high school students a hands-on introduction to the world of finance. The curriculum covers investing basics, personal finance, economics, alternative investments, risk management, and cryptocurrency. You will analyze real market data, create investment portfolios, participate in simulation games, and hear from guest speakers who have worked on Wall Street. The program blends expert instruction from former Wall Street professionals and interactive learning, making it unique. You will develop critical skills in financial literacy, analytical thinking, and decision-making.
6. New York University – SPS High School Academy: Career Edge
Location: NYU Campus
Cost: $2,579 tuition fee + $640 housing fees + $50 application fee
Dates: Session 1:June 23–27; Session 2: July 7-11; Session 3: July 14-18; Session 4: July 21-25; Session 5: July 28- August 1; Session 6: August 4-8
Application Deadline: International students: March 15; Residential U.S. students: May 15; Commuter U.S. students: June 13
Eligibility: High school students who have successfully completed grades 9, 10, or 11
The NYU School of Professional Studies High School Academy Career Edge program in New York City offers a focused business track that develops both foundational and applied skills essential to the modern business environment. Through an intensive one-week curriculum, you will learn about finance, start-ups, financial technology, investing, and investment banking, while gaining insight into the structure and culture of Wall Street. Instruction is led by industry professionals, enabling you to analyze market trends, apply financial tools, and explore entrepreneurial strategies through real-world case studies and field visits. Hands-on experiences include stock trading simulations, interactions with guest speakers from leading firms, and site visits to financial institutions.
7. City College of New York – Bossgirls Summer Program
Location: The City College of New York, NYC
Cost: None
Dates: June 30–July 31
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Current high school girls and nonbinary students in grades 9–12 | Residents of the tri-state region
The Bossgirls Summer Program at City College of New York is a dynamic and empowering entrepreneurship camp designed specifically for high school girls and nonbinary students. It covers essential business topics like identifying real-world problems, market research, developing prototypes, creating business plans, and pitching ideas to potential investors or mentors. You will engage in hands-on activities such as brainstorming innovative solutions, working in teams to build prototypes, conducting market research surveys, and delivering final pitch presentations. You will sharpen critical skills such as creative problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and leadership, all while gaining firsthand experience in running a startup project.
8. Fordham Gabelli School of Business – Invest in Her: Financial Literacy & Leadership for Women
Location: Rose Hill Campus, Bronx, New York, NY
Cost: $1,200
Dates: July 14–18
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Female high school students only
This program is designed to empower female high school students with essential financial knowledge and leadership skills. You will explore topics like personal finance, budgeting, investing, and the fundamentals of leadership in business settings. You will engage in hands-on activities such as creating personal budgets, simulating investment portfolios, participating in leadership workshops, and collaborating on group projects that encourage teamwork and problem-solving. You will also be connected with accomplished female professionals and mentors, who will provide real-world insights and inspiration. You will be equipped with enhanced financial literacy, critical thinking abilities, and confidence in leadership roles by the end.
9. Barnard College – Athena Summer Innovation Institute
Location: Barnard College, New York, NY
Cost: Residential program: $10,171; Commuter: $8,160; financial aid is available
Dates: July 21 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, or gap year students who are women
The Athena Summer Innovation Institute at Barnard College is a dynamic program designed to promote entrepreneurship in young women. Over three weeks, you will explore topics like business innovation, startup culture, leadership, and social impact, combining theory with real-world application. You will also engage in activities such as hands-on workshops, brainstorming and developing their own business ideas, mentorship sessions with women entrepreneurs, and an exciting final pitch competition where they showcase their projects. A unique feature of the program is its focus on empowering female leaders to tackle challenges creatively while building a supportive community.
10. New York Institute of Technology – High School Business Bootcamp
Location: New York City campus of New York Tech + Remote
Cost: None
Dates: July 25
Application Deadline: Ongoing applications, no fixed deadline
Eligibility: All high school students
This dynamic program is designed to introduce high school students to essential business concepts. You will explore topics like entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and leadership, gaining a well-rounded understanding of how businesses operate. Throughout the program, you will engage in interactive activities such as creating business plans, analyzing real-world case studies, pitching startup ideas, and collaborating on group projects. The bootcamp has a flexible format, offering both in-person and virtual sessions to accommodate different schedules. You will leave with practical skills like critical thinking, financial literacy, communication, and teamwork, abilities highly valued in both college applications and future careers.
11. Columbia University Summer Immersion program: Business, Management, and Finance
Location: Columbia University campus, New York City
Cost: $2,830 + $80 non-refundable application fee; need-based scholarships are available
Dates: Multiple one-week options between June 30 and August 8
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9 through 12 or who have just completed 12th grade
The Columbia University Summer Immersion program in Business, Management, and Finance offers high school students an engaging introduction to key concepts in the business world. You will explore topics such as financial markets, investment strategies, corporate management, and economic decision-making, where you will develop critical thinking, analytical, communication, and teamwork skills that are essential for both academic and professional success. You will engage in practical activities such as analyzing stock portfolios, participating in simulated business case studies, collaborating on group projects, and presenting your findings to peers and instructors. You will be taught by Columbia University’s esteemed faculty and gain access to real-world business scenarios.
12. Future Business Leaders Webinar Series for High School Students, NYU’s Stern School of Business
Location: Remote program hosted by Stern School of Business, NYU
Cost: $350 for program tuition and fees
Dates: August 9 – 30
Application Deadline: July 1
Eligibility: All high school students
The NYU Stern School of Business offers a structured, nine-part program designed to deepen your understanding of key business disciplines while working directly with experienced professionals. Through sessions led by Senior Associate Dean Dr. Victor C. Mullins and industry leaders in fields such as entrepreneurship, finance, management, marketing, sports, entertainment, and fashion, you will develop skills in strategic thinking, financial literacy, data analysis, and organizational management. Each webinar combines conceptual learning with practical insights, including case-based discussions and real-world examples from executives. You will interact with professionals, gain exposure to diverse career paths, present your ideas or analyses in select sessions, and earn a certificate at the end.
13. Foundation for Teaching Economics – Economics for Leaders
Location: Remote
Cost: $900; need-based scholarships are available
Dates: Various one-week sessions between June 9 – August 8
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students who are currently in their sophomore or junior year of high school
Economics for Leaders is a selective summer program designed to strengthen decision-making and leadership through the application of economic reasoning. You will learn to analyze public policy issues using foundational economic concepts such as opportunity cost, market dynamics, government intervention, and international trade, while also exploring the roles of institutions, incentives, and property rights in shaping economic outcomes. The program integrates these concepts with leadership development based on a university-level Leadership Pyramid Matrix, enabling you to build personal, relational, and contextual leadership skills. Through simulations and case-based discussions led by experienced economics instructors, you will examine real-world national and global challenges, gaining hands-on experience in applying theory to practice.
14. Moneyball FLEX – Wharton Global Youth Program
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,099; need-based scholarships are available
Dates: Summer: June 22 – July 27
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9–12 with strong math skills and an interest in sports. International applicants are welcome.
This four-week online summer course uses sports analytics as a framework to teach core skills in statistics, data interpretation, and coding in R, a widely used programming language in professional sports. It guides you through structuring and executing a sports analysis project, evaluating statistical claims in sports writing, and applying mathematical reasoning to real-world datasets. You will also be part of live sessions with Professor Wyner, guidance from Penn undergraduates, and optional guest lectures, with select projects considered for publication in the Sports Analytics Student Research Journal. This program integrates quantitative skill-building with applied research to provide a strong introduction to sports statistics.
Image source – University of Rochester