30 Summer Business Programs for High School Students in 2026
What’s Covered:
Do you dream of entering the world of business? Maybe you’re a budding entrepreneur. Perhaps you have a creative edge and see marketing as your path. Or you’re a natural problem-solver, exploring whether consulting is the right fit.
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 8–28
Location: In person at the New England Innovation Academy (NEIA) or online
Application Deadline: March 13
Cost:
- Online: $6,295
- Day student: $9,295
- Residential: $12,995
Babson Summer Study is a three-week experiential program for rising high school juniors and seniors, helping students develop an entrepreneurial mindset and become innovators and changemakers. 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) High School Entrepreneurship
Dates: N/A
Location: University of California, Berkeley
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: N/A
Nicknamed B-BAY, this business program welcomes 50 high school students from around the world each year. In the program, students 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. Participants will learn from Berkeley Haas professors and corporate guest speakers as they share their insights and real-world experience.
3. Business Is Global: Summer Business and Language Program, Indiana University
Dates: N/A
Location: Indiana University Bloomington
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: N/A
Participants are immersed in a variety of cultures and communication styles from around the world—valuable for careers in international business—while learning about the intersection of these topics and business.
Students also gain a basic understanding of the business practices of the United States and other targeted international regions through a condensed and accelerated program based on the Kelley School of Business’ undergraduate program.
Participants are introduced to less-commonly taught foreign languages spoken within global business economies, including:
- Arabic
- Brazilian Portuguese
- Dutch
- Estonian
- Korean
- Norwegian
- Turkish
4. Penn State Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS)
Dates: June 14–26
Location: Penn State University Park Campus
Application Deadline: March 20
Cost: $350
During this two-week in-person program, rising high school seniors 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, providing students with a clearer picture of college life.
5. Caminos al Futuro
Dates: June 22–July 10
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 projects to life. Students get a front-row seat to view policymaking in the nation’s capital with visits to Congress, government agencies, and leading nonprofits.
6. Drexel University LeBow College of Business Camp Business
Dates:
- Commuter Session: July 20–24
- Residential Blue Session: July 13–17
- Residential Gold Session: July 27–31
Location: Drexel University
Application Deadline: May 1
Cost:
- Commuter Session: $950
- Residential Blue Session: $2,000
- Residential Gold Session: $2,000
Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business offers both daytime and residential summer programs for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, where students are introduced 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 of the program.
7. Economics for Leaders
Dates: Varies
Location: Varies
Application Deadline: April 30
Cost: $2,800
Economics plays a substantial role in the business world, and EFL underscores this— equipping students with the skills to be effective leaders and the knowledge of economic analysis necessary for decision-making in an interactive environment. Two college credit hours are available to students who complete the program and additional required assignments.
EFL programs are held at various renowned universities in the U.S., such as:
- Boston College
- Cornell University
- Rice University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Virginia
- University of Washington
- Vanderbilt University
- Yale University
8. Georgetown University Entrepreneurship Academy
Dates: June 7–19
Location: Georgetown University
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost: $6,465
During the two-week Entrepreneurship Academy, students gain an in-depth understanding of various facets of entrepreneurship, including:
- Choosing a start-up
- Prototype testing
- Market research
- Social innovation
- Global business
- Business operations
Participants interact with real entrepreneurs, combining theory and practice to help them develop the skills necessary to succeed as leaders.
9. Fordham University Exploring Entrepreneurship
Dates: June 22–26
Location: Fordham University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $1,950
The Exploring Entrepreneurship summer program, offered by Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business, 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 about launching a business.
10. Fordham University’s Finance Institute: Wall Street in the Classroom
Dates:
- Session 1: June 15–19
- Session 2: June 22–26
- Session 3: July 20–24
- Session 4: July 27–31
Location: Fordham University and online
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $1,300
Over the course of this week-long summer program, students interested in finance and business will learn the fundamentals of the field, engage with top New York City executives, and explore topics such as:
- Economics
- Investing
- Ethics
- Risk management
- Cryptocurrency
The Finance Institute is offered by Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business.
11. Leangap
Dates:
- Online: June 15–July 10
- In-person July 12–August 8
Location: Online and University of California, Berkeley
Application Deadline: March 2
Cost:
- Online: $6,450
- In-person: $9,950
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. This program connects participants with potential customers and investors as students build their leadership skills.
12. Wharton Global Youth Program
Dates: Varies
Location: Varies
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Varies
Wharton 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 national and international locations.
13. NextGen Leadership Institute
Dates:
- Session 1: June 29–July 17
- Session 2: July 20–August 7
Location: Barnard College
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost:
- Commuter: $8,160
- Residential: $10,171
Barnard College is home to the three-week NextGen Leadership Institute, where students explore leadership through a feminist lens while tackling real-world challenges. Working in small groups, participants design and execute solutions, applying the skills they’ve developed through courses and workshops.
Participants will engage with one of four available tracks, such as:
- STEMinist
- Writing and Literature
- Global Humanities
- Leadership in Action
Participants will also meet with renowned professionals in workplaces around New York to learn about how they got to where they are today.
14. The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy
Dates:
- Session 1: June 7–17
- Session 2: June 21–July 1
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $5,500
Students in this prestigious summer program explore how businesses operate and learn what makes high-performing companies so successful. Rising high school seniors 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. Students will have the chance to learn more about what it means to be an impactful business leader and interact with Ross faculty, company partners, and industry experts.
15. USC Exploring Entrepreneurship Program
Dates: June 22–July 17
Location: University of Southern California (USC) and Online
Application Deadline:
- Domestic students: May 8
Cost:
- Commuter: $8,130
- Residential: $11,570
This summer program demonstrates to students what it takes to start a business, blending business theory with practice. Participants will learn how to create their own business through a variety of classes and group assignments, practicing ways to present their ideas to an audience. 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:
- Session 1: June 28–July 11
- Session 2: July 12–25
Location: Marist College
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $3,700
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.
The Marist Summer Pre-College experience provides three transferable college credits for the Marist course BUS 100 (Introduction to Business and Management) upon successful completion of the program.
17. Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows (SELF) Experience
Dates: July 12–31
Location: University of Maryland and online
Application Deadline: June 1
Cost:
- Online: $1,420
- Commuter: $1,791
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
- Personal finance
Students also get the opportunity to meet faculty, network with industry leaders, and forge friendships with like-minded peers. Upon successful completion of the SELF program, participants will earn three academic credits for the undergraduate course BMGT262 (Enterprising Leader) through the Terp Young Scholars.
18. University of Georgia Terry Accelerated Business Program
Dates:
- In person: June 7–10
- Online: July 9–10
Location: University of Georgia and Online
Application Deadline:
- In person: March 26
- Online: June 14
Cost:
- In person: $395
- Online: $75
High school rising juniors and seniors are put on the inside track to a variety of business fields through this selective summer program. Participants are provided a broad overview of the business world and the opportunity to meet executives from well-known and successful enterprises, such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, Google, and more.
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. Harvard Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP)
Dates: June 14–17
Location: Harvard University
Application Deadline: March 27
Cost: Free
This free residential program hosted by the Harvard Business School is open to high-potential high school 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 who desire to make a difference in the world and who have demonstrated leadership and impacted their surrounding community.
20. Brown Leadership Institute
Dates:
- In-person session 1: June 21–July 2
- In-person session 2: July 12–24
- Online: June 22–July 17
Location: Brown University and online
Application Deadline: May 8
Cost:
- Residential: $5,786
- Commuter: $4,482
- Online: $5,554
This two-week residential program (or four-week online program) is for students interested 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
- Teamwork
Participants can select from an array of courses to focus on, and will receive a Digital Certificate of Completion upon successful completion of the program.
21. Rutgers University | Summer Business Camp
Dates:
- Session 1: July 5–11
- Session 2: July 12–18
- Session 3: July 19–25
Location: Rutgers Business School (Livingston Campus)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $2,600
The Rutgers Business School Summer Camp is an experiential program where students explore a range of business disciplines, including:
- Marketing
- Management
- Accounting
- Finance
- Supply Chain
Campers will have the opportunity to preview college life through these residential weeklong programs. Students will visit local businesses and be introduced to business concepts by Rutgers Business School faculty, and participate in a business plan competition.
22. Kelley 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 engage 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 are in the summer.
23. Athena Summer Innovation Institute
Dates: June 29–July 17
Location: Barnard College
Application Deadline: April 15
Cost:
- Commuter: $8,160
- Residential: $10,771
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 and get an up-close look at how they operate.
24. Bentley University Wall Street 101 Program
Dates: Varies
Location: Bentley University and online
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost:
- Online: $1,490
- Commuter $2,450
- Residential: $3,380
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. CU Boulder Business Leadership Program
Dates: June 21–27
Location: University of Colorado Boulder
Application Deadline: March 13
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. Howard University’s School of Business Summer Enrichment Program
Dates:
- Session 1: July 18–24
- Session 2: July 25–31
Location: Howard University
Application Deadline: April 3
Cost: $2,000
This residential enrichment program offered by Howard University’s School of Business introduces students to college life, teamwork, and fundamentals in six growing areas of business:
- Accounting
- Information Systems
- Actuarial Science
- Music Business
- Finnance
- Entrepreneurship
The program provides a balance of classroom learning from the School of Business faculty, company site visits, and group presentations to prepare students with practical and critical-thinking skills.
27. University of Kansas Summer Venture in Business
Dates: July 19–24
Location: University of Kansas
Application Deadline: February 13
Cost: Free
This free program for 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. Tufts Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp
Dates: July 5–17
Location: Tufts University
Application Deadline: May 1
Cost:
- Commuter: $4,225
- Residential: $5,750
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, including stakeholders, potential investors, and prospective employees.
29. NAIOP-Drexel Summer Real Estate Program
Dates: July 12–21
Location: Drexel University
Application Deadline: February 20
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 building foundational knowledge of key real estate concepts.
Participants will also take part in college-readiness enrichment events and visit high-profile locations throughout Philadelphia.
30. Startup UCLA Summer Institute
Dates:
- Virtual Session 1: June 22–July 3
- Virtual Session 2: July 6–17
- Virtual Session 3: July 20–31
- Virtual Session 4: August 3–14
- Residential Session 1: July 6–17
- Residential Session 2: July 20–31
Location: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $1,500-$6,000
Participants in this program can pursue one of two tracks: AI-Enabled Entrepreneurship or Social Entrepreneurship. Students gain hands-on experience bringing an idea to life and pitching it to entrepreneurs and investors, while building valuable skills such as problem-solving and teamwork.
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 vary in their 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, free programs 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 free chancing engine. This free tool will also give you tips on how to improve your profile!
