30 Summer Business Programs for High School Students in 2024
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.
30 Summer Business Programs for High School Students
1. Babson Summer Study for High School Students
Dates: July 8 – 29
Location: Online
Application Deadline: March 15
Cost: $6,295
This top college for entrepreneurship 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 (B-BAY)
Dates:
- Session I: July 6 – 20
- Session II: July 2 – August 3
Location: University of California-Berkeley
Application Deadline: February 29
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 23 – July 6
Location: Indiana University Bloomington
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 16 – 28
Location: Penn State University
Application Deadline: March 22
Cost: Free
During this two-week in-person program, high school students who have a strong interest in pursuing a business career 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: June 30 – July 19
Location: George Washington University
Application Deadline: March 1
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 rising high school seniors who’ve 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 14 – 19
- Residential Session: July 21 – 26
Location: Drexel University
Application Deadline: May 1
Cost:
- Commuter Session: $950
- Residential Session: $2,000
Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business offers a daytime summer program for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, where students receive an introduction to college life and experience in 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
Location: Varies
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $2,300
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: June 16 – 28
Location: Georgetown University
Application Deadline: May 15
Cost: $5,755
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 leaders.
9. Exploring Entrepreneurship, Fordham University
Dates: June 24 – 28
Location: Fordham University
Application Deadline: April 1 is the priority deadline—rolling after that
Cost: $1,100
This summer program offered by Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business, Exploring Entrepreneurship brings rising 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 17 – 21
- Session 2: July 22 – 26
Location: Fordham University and online
Application Deadline: April 1 is the priority deadline—rolling after that
Cost: $1,100
Over the course of this week-long summer program, students who are curious about finance and business will 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 17 – July 12
- In-person July 15 – August 9
Location: University of California-Berkeley and online
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost:
- Online: $6,450
- In-person: $9,450
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
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, ranging from on-campus to online to international locations.
13. Young Women’s Leadership Institute
Dates:
- Session 1: June 30 – July 19
- Session 2: July 22 – August 10
Location: Barnard College
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost:
- Commuter: $7,772
- Residential: $9,687
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. The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy
Dates: June 14 – 28
Location: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $5,000
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.
15. USC Exploring Entrepreneurship Program
Dates: June 16 – July 13
Location: University of Southern California (USC)
Application Deadline: May 3
Cost:
- Commuter: $7,482
- Residential: $10,480
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.
16. Marist Summer Pre-College: Business
Dates: June 30 – July 13
Location: Marist College
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $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.
17. Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows (SELF) Experience
Dates: July 8 – 26
Location: University of Maryland and online
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.
18. Terry Accelerated Business Program
Dates:
- In person: June 9 – 12
- Online: July 11 – 12
Location: University of Georgia and online
Application Deadline:
- In person: March 24
- Online: April 26
Cost:
- In person: $195
- Online: $25
Rising high school juniors and seniors 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. In-person 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.
19. Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP)
Dates: June 9 – 12
Location: Harvard University
Application Deadline: April 9
Cost: Free
This free residential program hosted by the Harvard Business School is open to high-potential high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Participants in the program will explore leadership in business and the opportunities an MBA can provide. The program is specifically looking for applicants with a desire to make a difference in the world who have demonstrated leadership and impacted their surrounding community.
20. Brown Leadership Institute
Dates:
- In person session 1: June 23 – July 5
- In person session 2: July 14 – 26
- Online: June 24 – July 19
Location: Brown University and online
Application Deadline: April 9
Cost:
- In person: $7,452
- Online: $5,498
This two-week residential program (or four-week online program) is aimed at students with an interest in turning social justice into action. Students engage with complex problems and ideate solutions with their peers and instructors building valuable skills like active listening, public speaking, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and teamwork. Participants can select from an array of courses to focus on, such as Leadership in Changing Business: Social Entrepreneurship.
21. Pathways in Economics
Dates: June 17 – July 5
Location: University of Chicago
Application Deadline: April 9
Cost: $8,600
Learn about topics like macroeconomics, microeconomics, and game theory from full-time University of Chicago lecturers in this three-week residential summer program. Participants will perform experiments, conduct research, and apply what they learn to solve problem sets, complete group projects, and work in labs.
22. Women’s Leadership Institute
Dates: Varies
Location: Indiana University
Application Deadline: Varies
Cost: Free
This tuition-free single-day program for academically talented high schoolers is hosted by Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. Program participants will take part in workshops, explore real-world business projects, and connect with other business-minded women while building leadership and communication skills. The program is offered year-round, however, the bulk of its dates occur throughout the summer.
23. Athena Summer Innovation Institute
Dates: July 22 – August 10
Location: Barnard College
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost:
- Commuter: $7,772
- Residential: $9,687
Participants in this three-week boot camp exploring entrepreneurship learn what it takes to create a new venture, whether it’s a start-up, nonprofit, or advocacy campaign. Students will engage in workshops on a variety of topics, including financing, negotiation, and branding—preparing them to be more confident, empowered, and innovative leaders. They’ll also visit existing entrepreneurial companies to gain a first-hand look at how they operate.
24. Wall Street 101
Dates: Varies
Location: Bentley University and online
Application Deadline: April 1
Cost: $1,490 – $3,180
Bentley University offers its Wall Street 101 to rising high school juniors and seniors in residential, commuter, and online formats. Students cover a variety of topics related to global finance and investing, including stocks, bonds, currencies, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. This summer program’s courses are the equivalent of about a quarter of a college-level class and provide a great glimpse of the future for those intending to major in business.
25. KeyBank Business Leadership Program
Dates: June 23 – 29
Location: University of Colorado-Boulder
Application Deadline: April 1
Cost: Free
Participants in this free summer program work to create solutions for today’s business problems while gaining experience working in diverse teams. A core part of the program is a team project to create and implement a marketing campaign for the program’s corporate sponsors. Winning team members earn a $1,000 scholarship to the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business.
26. BOLD@Olin
Dates: July 7 – 11
Location: Washington University in St. Louis
Application Deadline: March 10
Cost: $1,200
In this five-day program, business leaders share with rising high school juniors and seniors the career paths and opportunities available to business majors. Participants will build a network of like-minded peers, work on case studies, and experience firsthand what life is like at a top university—including the variety of business majors and minors offered by WashU Olin.
27. Summer Venture in Business
Dates:
- Session 1: June 9 – 14
- Session 2: July 14 – 19
Location: University of Kansas
Application Deadline:
- Session 1: March 31
- Session 2: April 28
Cost: Free
This free program for underrepresented and potential first-generation college students interested in pursuing a business degree aims to familiarize participants with all aspects of the college experience. Participants will attend classes, engage in workshops, and take a campus tour—all while gaining personal experience living and learning at a major public university.
28. Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp
Dates: July 7 – 19
Location: Tufts University
Application Deadline: May 1
Cost:
- Commuter: $4,000
- Residential: $5,500
Students interested in solving societal problems through venture creation will want to look into this two-week immersive bootcamp. Participants learn how to build a new venture—whether it’s a startup or nonprofit—from the ground up. Students will leave the program with an understanding of how to develop a go-to-market strategy and experience pitching ideas to everyone from stakeholders to potential investors to prospective employees.
29. NAIOP-Drexel Summer Real Estate Program
Dates: July 14 – 23
Location: Drexel University
Application Deadline: March 22
Cost: Free
This 10-day residential program for rising high school juniors and seniors is designed to introduce students from underrepresented populations to careers in commercial real estate. Participants in the program will learn about topics like development, investment, and brokerage while developing a foundational knowledge of key real estate concepts. They will also take part in college-readiness enrichment events and visit high-profile locations throughout Philadelphia.
30. Startup UCLA: Social Entrepreneurship Summer Institute
Dates: Varies
Location: University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
Application Deadline: June 1
Cost: $3,584
Participants in this program are introduced to social entrepreneurship and nonprofits. Students will gain hands-on experience designing their own social program and learn the basics of starting, building, and running a nonprofit. The program culminates with students delivering a pitch presentation to a panel of entrepreneurs and investors.
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.
There are four tiers of extracurricular activities that colleges think about when reviewing applicants’ activities. Selective, competitive, and prestigious activities are often found in the top tiers, Tier 1 and Tier 2.
Tier 1 includes things such as being a highly recruited basketball player or an award-winning national science fair competitor. Tier 2 is similar, but is usually reserved for activities that are more common than those in Tier 1. Tiers 3 and 4 are reserved for more common extracurricular achievements, such as holding school leadership positions or being a member of a debate team.
Summer programs are variable in terms of impressiveness on the four tiers, but generally they will fall between Tiers 2 and 3. Typically, the more selective a program is, the better it will look on your application. Moreover, programs that are free will be more likely 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!
