20 Summer Business Programs for High School Students in 2023
What’s Covered:
Do you dream of entering the world of business? Perhaps you’re a budding entrepreneur. Maybe you have a creative edge and think marketing could be the path for you. Or you’re a problem-solver and are wondering if consulting is the right role.
Business is a lucrative industry full of opportunities for talented professionals. And you don’t have to wait to earn your MBA to start working toward your goals. There are plenty of ways to get a taste of the industry — and get a head start on your future career.
20 Summer Business Programs for High School Students
1. Babson Summer Study for High School Students
Dates: July 7-28
Location: Online
Grades: Rising 10th and 11th
Application Deadline: March 1
Cost: $5,995
One of the top colleges for entrepreneurship and business also hosts a virtual summer program for high school students, where they can develop critical skills for succeeding in their future careers. Not only will you learn from real Babson faculty, receive mentorship, and hear from innovative leaders, but you’ll also have the opportunity to earn four college credits.
2. Berkeley Business Academy for Youth
Dates:
- Session I: July 9-22
- Session II: July 22-August 5
Location: University of California, Berkeley
Grades: 9th-12th
Application Deadline: March 17
Cost:
- California Resident: $6,050
- Out of State Resident: $7,050
Nicknamed B-BAY, this business program welcomes 50 high school students from around the world each year, where they develop a business idea and execute a plan with a team over the course of two weeks. Students will also get a taste of life at Berkeley, conduct independent research, and gain important skills.
3. Business Is Global: Summer Language Program, Indiana University
Dates: June 25-July 8
Location: Indiana University Bloomington
Grades: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th
Application Deadline: April 14
Cost: $1,900
Presented by the Indiana University Center for International Business Education and Research, Business Is Global immerses students in a wide variety of cultures and languages from around the world—important for careers in international business—while learning about the intersection of these topics and business.
4. Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS)
Dates: June 18-30
Location: Penn State University
Grades: Rising 12th
Application Deadline: March 31
Cost: Free
During this two-week in-person program, high school students who have a strong interest in pursuing a career in business will take college prep and business fundamentals courses taught by Penn State faculty. The program is residential and provides students with a clearer picture of college life.
5. Caminos al Futuro
Dates: July 2-21
Location: George Washington University
Grades: Rising 12th
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
Offered by the Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute at George Washington University, Caminos al Futuro is a three-week intensive residential program for talented students who have demonstrated a commitment to service and leadership within the Hispanic/Latino community. It is a fully-funded (i.e. free) opportunity to hear from leaders in various fields and bring their own projects to life.
6. Camp Business
Dates:
- Commuter Session: July 9-14
- Residential Session: July 16-21
Location: Drexel University
Grades: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost:
- Commuter Session: $950
- Residential Session: $2,000
Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business offers a daytime summer program for high school sophomores and juniors, where students receive an introduction to college life and experience business education. From finance to leadership to professional image, topics are wide-ranging. Participants receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program.
7. Economics for Leaders
Dates: Varies by location
Location: Various
Grades: 10th and 11th
Application Deadline: April 12
Cost: $2,100
Economics plays an enormous role in the world of business, and EFL underscores this, equipping students with the skills to be effective leaders and the knowledge of economic analysis that’s necessary for the decision-making process in an interactive environment. Two college credit hours are available to students who complete the program and additional required assignments.
8. Entrepreneurship Academy
Dates: July 2-14
Location: Georgetown University
Grades: 9th-12th
Application Deadline: May 15
Cost: $5,500
During the two-week Entrepreneurship Academy, students get an in-depth look at facets of entrepreneurship like choosing a start-up, prototype testing, market research, social innovation, global business, and the operations of running your own business. Participants will interact with real entrepreneurs and combine theory and practices, helping them build the skills needed to succeed as a leader.
9. Exploring Entrepreneurship, Fordham University
Dates: June 26-30
Location: Fordham University
Grades: Rising 11th and 12th
Application Deadline: April 1 is the priority deadline—rolling after that
Cost: $1,000
One of several summer programs offered by Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business, Exploring Entrepreneurship brings high school juniors and seniors together to learn about entrepreneurship. Participants will work with peers to develop a business idea and pitch it to a panel of startup experts. They will also experience real startup environments and learn more about launching a business.
10. Finance Institute: Wall Street in the Classroom, Fordham University
Dates:
- Session 1: June 26-30
- Session 2: July 24-28
Location: Fordham University
Grades: 9th-12th
Application Deadline: April 1 is the priority deadline—rolling after that
Cost: $1,000
Over the course of two weeks, students who are curious about finance and business learn finance fundamentals, interact with top New York City executives, and learn about topics like economics, investing, ethics, risk management, and more. Finance Institute is offered by Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business.
11. Leangap
Dates:
- Online: June 19-July 14
- In-person July 17-August 11
Location: San Francisco
Grades: 9th-12th
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost:
- Online: $5,950
- In-person: $7,950
Ambitious high schoolers can make their dreams a reality by engaging in Leangap. Students learn how to launch startups by gaining skills entrepreneurs need, developing their ideas from concept to launch, testing their concepts with real users, and more, all while working alongside young entrepreneurs.
12. Wharton Global Youth Program
Dates: Varies
Location: Varies
Grades: Varies by program
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Varies
Wharton, too, is one of the most recognizable names in business schools, and this program inspires young people to explore the world of business, learn how to solve complex global challenges, and become leaders. Students learn from real Wharton instructors and engage with peers from all over the world. There are both for-credit and non-credit options available.
13. Young Women’s Leadership Institute
Dates:
- Session 1: June 25-July 14
- Session 2: July 23-August 11
Location: Barnard College
Grades: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost:
- Commuter: $7,772
- Residential: $9,058
Barnard College is home to YWLI, which seeks to embrace the relationship between gender and leadership. Female-identifying students will explore leadership through a feminist lens, while tackling real-world problems, working in small groups to design and execute solutions using skills they’ve developed in courses and workshops. They will also meet with women in workplaces around New York to learn about how they got to where they are today.
14. EXPLORE Financial Empowerment Institute
Dates: June 11-14
Location: University of Houston
Grades: 9th, 10th, and 11th
Application Deadline: April 3
Cost: Free
This free program at the University of Houston empowers students to take control of their finances and provides them with the tools to plan for their future educational and career expenses. Participants will gain a deeper knowledge of essential financial fundamentals, including money management, budgeting, and goal setting.
15. The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy
Dates: June 18-30
Location: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Grades: Rising 12th
Application Deadline: January 23
Cost: $3,250
Students in this prestigious summer program explore how businesses operate and learn what makes high-performing companies so successful. Participants will complete college-level classes and workshops, explore potential career paths, and get hands-on experience tackling real-world business problems. They’ll also have an authentic college experience and grow their network of business-minded peers.
16. Olin Fleischer Scholars Program
Dates: July 9-15
Location: Washington University in St. Louis
Grades: Rising 11th and 12th
Application Deadline: March 8
Cost: Free
This free one-week residential program is aimed at teaching low-income and first-generation college bound students from the midwest about business and entrepreneurship. Participants will learn about college business programs, fields of study within business, and meet with Olin Business School faculty, students, and alumni. Students will also receive college preparation for the college admissions process.
17. USC Exploring Entrepreneurship Program
Dates: June 18-July 15
Location: University of Southern California (USC)
Grades: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th
Application Deadline: May 5
Cost:
- Commuter: $7,160
- Residential: $10,020
This summer program shows students what it takes to start a business with a blend of business theory and practice. Students will cover a variety of business topics, including:
- Accounting and finance
- Marketing
- Human resources
- Creativity and innovation
- Business plans
- Ethics
- Personal branding
- Building your network
Participants will also hear from guest entrepreneurs and speakers, visit local businesses, and create their own entrepreneurial endeavors.
18. Marist Summer Pre-College: Business
Dates:
- Session I (in-person): June 25-July 8
- Session II (in-person): July 9- 22
- Session III (virtual): July 10-28
Location: Marist College and Online
Grades: Rising 11th and 12th
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost:
- Online: $1,500
- In-person: $3,500
This summer program introduces students to business and management practices. The program is designed to be interactive and ensures students leave with firsthand experience and a better understanding of organizations, managers, and businesses. Participants are also introduced to topics currently challenging the business world, such as globalization, the importance of business ethics, and the role of entrepreneurs.
19. Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows (SELF) Experience
Dates: July 10-28
Location: University of Maryland and Online
Grades: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th
Application Deadline: May 1
Cost:
- Online: $1,500
- Commuter: $2,500
Students get to sit in the C-suite in this program which makes them the CEO of ME (My Enterprise), Inc. Student CEOs are challenged to solve business problems and build an entrepreneurial mindset while learning about marketing, strategy, market-based economics, and personal finance. Students also get the opportunity to meet faculty, network with industry leaders, and forge friendships with like-minded peers.
20. Terry Accelerated Business Program
Dates: June 4-7
Location: University of Georgia
Grades: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th
Application Deadline: March 24
Cost: $195
Students are put on the inside track to a variety of business fields through this selective summer program. Participants are provided with a broad overview of the business world and the opportunity to meet executives from well-known and successful enterprises such as Travelers, Chick-fil-A, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Students also get to sample college life—living in the University of Georgia’s residence halls, eating in its dining halls, and listening to lectures from its faculty.
How Impressive Are Summer Programs?
Colleges look beyond excellent grades and test scores when evaluating applicants. At the most selective schools, extracurriculars generally play a huge role in determining which students will make the cut.
Summer programs are variable in terms of impressiveness. Typically, the more selective a program is, the better it will look on your application. Moreover, programs that are free will be more like to give you an edge than those that are costly.
To find out how business programs and other aspects of your profile affect your chances of admission at top colleges, check out CollegeVine’s chancing engine. This free tool will also give you tips on how to improve your profile!
