If you’re a high school student interested in business, economics, or entrepreneurship, summer programs can be a practical way to build foundational skills and explore potential career paths. From case competitions and financial modeling to marketing strategy and startup development, these programs offer structured training in core business concepts.
If you’re based in Texas, you’re in luck! Texas is home to a range of universities, incubators, and organizations that offer selective summer business programs each year, many of which are specifically designed for high school students.
Whether you’re just starting to explore business or looking to deepen your understanding of a specific area, these 15 summer business programs for high school students in Texas offer an efficient way to gain hands-on experience.
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. It offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs you with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can find more details about the application here. Even though the program isn’t run by a university, completing it may make you eligible to receive UCSD credit.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: AI Scholars: All high school students | AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, you will get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and apply here.
3. McCombs Summer Programs – UT Austin
Location: The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Dates: Multiple cohorts from June 1 to June 27
Application Deadline: Span from January 31 to March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Cost/Stipend: Free (includes housing, meals, and activities)
These three specialized residential programs familiarize high school students with different business fields, such as financial accounting, leadership strategies, and organizational communication. Participants engage in workshops, case studies, and simulations that develop skills like teamwork, budgeting, and presentation delivery. Sessions are led by McCombs faculty and UT Austin student mentors, with built-in networking opportunities. Depending on the track you choose, you’ll delve into areas like public policy, corporate finance, or C-suite leadership. All three programs are fully funded and focus on practical learning within a university environment.
4. Dominium Resident Internship – Texas
Location: Dallas, TX
Dates: Varies
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old and a current resident of a Dominium-owned property
Cost/Stipend: Paid
This internship familiarizes Dominium residents with essential aspects of property management, such as administrative tasks and facilities maintenance. You will collaborate with site teams to assist with leasing procedures, resident communication, and basic repair activities, all under the supervision of community and maintenance managers. Additionally, a Capstone Project is required, allowing you to document your work and showcase your learning. The program emphasizes practical exposure to workforce protocols, customer-facing interaction, and collaborative problem-solving.
5. Dallas Works Summer Internship Program
Location: Dallas, TX
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 28
Eligibility: Dallas-area students aged 16–21
Cost/Stipend: Paid
This 6-week internship places you in a local business, nonprofit, or government agency, where you’ll assist with day-to-day operations while building entry-level professional skills. Before starting, you’ll complete an Internship Prep Bootcamp covering workplace expectations, communication, and time management. During the program, you’ll also attend structured professional development sessions. The internship emphasizes early exposure to business environments through real-world placements and guided training.
6. NBCF High School Ambassador Program
Location: Virtual
Dates: Year-long program from August – May
Application Deadline: July 18
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors aged 15–18
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
This year-long program trains you to represent the National Breast Cancer Foundation through outreach, peer education, and fundraising. You’ll be responsible for planning and executing an independent fundraising event, gaining experience in event coordination, budgeting, and marketing. Monthly meetings focus on communication strategy and leadership development. While not a traditional business program, this virtual leadership initiative offers experience in nonprofit management, fundraising strategy, and campaign planning. Cohort size is limited to 35 students.
7. Wharton Global Youth Program – Future of the Business World
Location: Online
Dates:
- June 16 – June 27
- July 7 – July 18
- July 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA
Cost: $4,099; scholarships available
This two-week online program introduces high school students to essential business frameworks using methods from Wharton’s undergraduate and MBA courses. Participants will explore design thinking, scenario planning, and team-based problem-solving through a structured curriculum focused on practical learning. Two interactive simulations allow students to practice strategic decision-making in real-world business scenarios. The sessions are led by Wharton faculty and center on analyzing current global trends from a business perspective. The program is selective and geared toward students curious about how business adapts to change and uncertainty.
8. CLA High School Internship Program
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., including Dallas
Dates: June 17 – July 19
Application Deadline: Typically in January
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–18; must have reliable transportation
Cost/Stipend: Paid
This four-week paid internship places high school students in CLA offices to explore careers in accounting, business consulting, and professional services. You’ll shadow staff across departments, contribute to group projects, and work through an accounting-focused case study. Interns gain exposure to client service workflows, internal operations, and firm culture. The program includes structured networking with professionals and peers. It can be a practical introduction to public accounting and related business paths.
9. Austin Convention Center Internship Program
Location: Austin, TX
Dates: June 2 – July 11
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school students (typically local to the Austin area)
Cost/Stipend: Students will be paid $13/hr
This internship places students within a specific division of the Austin Convention Center or Palmer Events Center, providing hands-on experience in event operations and hospitality management. Possible placement areas include Accounting, Administration, Sales, Marketing, IT, Public Event Services, and Safety & Security. Interns work with staff on day-to-day functions tied to their assigned unit and learn how large-scale event venues are managed. While preferences are considered, placement is based on organizational needs. The program offers practical insight into hospitality logistics, internal services, and business support roles within a municipal events setting.
10. Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship
Location: Multiple U.S. cities
Dates: May – August (minimum 8 weeks, full-time)
Application Deadline: Rolling review from September to April; final placements by May 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; high school seniors and undergrads with 3.0+ GPA; must be 18+
Cost/Stipend: Paid
This paid internship places students in full-time roles across media, tech, and entertainment companies, where you’ll work 35–40 hours per week on real-world projects. Placements span various departments, including business operations, marketing, sales, engineering, and content development. Whether you’re interested in being a producer, journalist, web developer, engineer, business executive, PR agent, or sales representative, this program offers entry into those fields. Interns also receive mentorship and career training, with the potential to continue as an EBF Fellow.
11. National Breast Cancer Foundation High School Internship
Location: NBCF, Dallas, TX
Dates: 5 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: March 21
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in Frisco ISD
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
This five-week internship provides students with an overview of nonprofit operations through rotations across departments like marketing and development. Participants will attend weekly workshops on professional skills such as resume writing, interviewing, and public speaking. The last three weeks are dedicated to a team project which is presented to NBCF leadership. The program is designed to help students understand how mission-driven organizations function behind the scenes.
12. Bank of America Student Leaders
Location: Local nonprofits across Texas; includes travel to Washington, D.C.
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors and seniors
Cost/Stipend: Paid
This selective program places high school students in full-time, paid internships at local nonprofits, where you’ll work on community-focused projects while learning about nonprofit operations and civic engagement. In addition to on-site work, the program includes a one-week, all-expenses-paid leadership summit in Washington, D.C., featuring workshops on social impact and meetings with policymakers. Through the program, you can develop skills in project management, communication, and community leadership.
13. Babson Summer Study
Location: Online
Dates: July 6 – 27
Application Deadline: Applications open December 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (must be 16+ by program start)
Cost/Stipend: $6,295 + $95 application fee; need-based scholarships available
This three-week program introduces students to core business concepts through the lens of social impact and entrepreneurship. You’ll study leadership, finance, marketing, and communication while working on projects aligned with the UN Global Goals. The curriculum blends live instruction with independent work and includes sessions led by Babson faculty, alumni, and business professionals. Participants earn 4 college credits and engage with Babson’s broader innovation network through panels and presentations.
14. Columbia Business School Enrichment Program
Location: Online
Dates: Self-paced; multiple program options available year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling (varies by program)
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
Cost/Stipend: $1,995 per course; need-based financial aid available
This asynchronous program introduces you to industry-specific business concepts through pre-recorded lectures from Columbia Business School faculty. You will select a focus area, such as sports management, luxury goods, hospitality, or entertainment, and complete related coursework, as well as a final project. During the program, mentors will guide you, and you will receive structured feedback on your work. The program emphasizes sector-specific business strategies and practical application. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate of participation.
15. Brown University Leadership Institute
Location: Online
Dates: June 23 – July 18
Application Deadline: May 9 (rolling admissions)
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9–12; ages 14–18
Cost/Stipend: $5,314; need-based scholarships available
This four-week online program focuses on leadership development through the lens of social impact and systems thinking. You will choose a seminar topic, with previous choices covering business themes such as social entrepreneurship. The course includes readings, discussions, and project work. It focuses on developing skills in public speaking, group facilitation, and ethical decision-making, offering chances to apply these skills to real-world challenges. Each course culminates in a final Action Plan, where you propose a solution to a specific issue in your chosen field.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, 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 – Brown University