Discover the top 20 business summer programs for high school students in 2024, designed to ignite entrepreneurial passion and enhance leadership skills. Unleash your potential with these opportunities!
Summer isn't just about beaches and sunshine; it's a golden opportunity to supercharge your business acumen! Unleash your entrepreneurial spirit, polish your financial finesse, and step into business with our curated list. Get ready to discover, network, and thrive in business through the best summer programs for high school students. Let the adventure begin!
Besides being very lucrative, the business industry has several professionals thriving daily. These professionals are ready to teach you in these programs:
Location: Berkeley, California
Program Length: 3 weeks
Cost: California residents ($6,050), Out of state residents ($7,050)
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12)
Start Date: July 9, 2024 (First session), July 22 (Second session)
Application Deadline: March 17
The Berkeley Business Academy for Youth is a transformative 3-week program offering high school students an immersive experience in business. The academy focuses on entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing, equipping students with valuable skills.
It's a unique opportunity to explore business, leadership, and innovation. Participants in this program enjoy industry professionals and gain hands-on experience.
Location: Online
Program Length: Three Weeks
Cost: $5,995
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18
Start Date: July 7, 2024
Application Deadline: March 1
Babson Summer Study for High School Students is a three-week program for aspiring young entrepreneurs. The program provides comprehensive business fundamentals, leadership skills, and hands-on experiences.
It is tailored for high school students aged 15-18, offering an introduction to Babson College's entrepreneurial environment. With an application deadline of March 1, seize this opportunity to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit and gain valuable business insights.
Location: Penn State University
Program Length: Two weeks
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students (sophomores, juniors, and seniors)
Start Date: June 18, 2024
Application Deadline: March 31
Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS) is one of the best business summer programs for high school students that provides a dynamic learning experience, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills. What makes this program top is its real-world projects and mentorship.
Participants engage in hands-on business simulations, enhancing problem-solving abilities. The program cultivates a collaborative environment, encouraging students to network and develop a global perspective.
Location: Indiana University Bloomington
Program Length: 4 weeks
Cost: $1,900
Eligibility: High school students
Start Date: July 25
Application Deadline: April 14
This four-week program is one of the top summer business programs for high school students. The program offers a blend of language acquisition with real-world insights. Beyond language, participants gain cultural competence and a diverse understanding of international business.
Business Is Global does interactive classes, workshops, and excursions, equipping participants with a global mindset essential for future business leaders.
Location: Drexel University
Program Length: 2 weeks
Cost: Commuter session ($950), Residential session ($2,000)
Eligibility: 10th to 12th Grades
Start Date: Commuter session (July 9), Residential session (July 16)
Application Deadline: N/A
Camp Business is one of the summer business schools in the US where students are taught the fundamentals of business and entrepreneurship. The program cultivates critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills, equipping students with a competitive edge.
Camp Business goes beyond traditional education, empowering young minds to explore, innovate, and envision their future success in business and entrepreneurship.
Location: George Washington University
Program Length: 3 Weeks
Cost: Varies (Scholarships Available)
Eligibility: High School Juniors
Start Date: July 2
Application Deadline: N/A
Caminos al Futuro is one business summer program that offers business, leadership, and culture classes. With a blend of workshops, mentorship, and cultural activities, participants gain a global perspective and essential skills for future success.
The program's inclusivity and diversity contribute to a rich learning environment, preparing students for leadership roles in international business.
Location: Georgetown University
Program Length: 2 Weeks
Cost: $5,500
Eligibility: High School Students (Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors)
Start Date: July 2
Application Deadline: May 15
In Entrepreneurship Academy, participants engage in hands-on experiences, business simulations, and mentorship from successful entrepreneurs. This program equips students with the skills to develop and pitch business ideas.
Entrepreneurship Academy empowers the next generation of business leaders, instilling confidence and a passion for turning ideas into successful ventures.
Location: Various (Nationwide)
Program Length: Varies by location
Cost: $2,100
Eligibility: High School Juniors and Seniors
Start Date: Varies by location
Application Deadline: April 12
Economics for Leaders is a transformative program that offers high school juniors and seniors the principles of economics and leadership. It encourages critical thinking and decision-making through interactive lessons and group activities.
Students explore economic concepts, develop leadership skills, and engage in real-world problem-solving. Finally, the program is hosted at various locations nationwide.
Location: Fordham University
Program Length: 5 days
Cost: $1,000
Eligibility: High School Students (Grade 9-12)
Start Date: Session 1 (June 26), Session 2 (July 24)
Application Deadline: April 1 and Rolling
Fordham University's Finance Institute brings Wall Street to the classroom for a five-day immersive experience. This program is tailored for high school students and covers finance, investment strategies, and financial markets.
Participants gain hands-on experience through simulations, interact with industry professionals, and visit financial institutions.
Location: Fordham University
Program Length: 5 days
Cost: $1,000
Eligibility: High School Students (Grade 9-12)
Start Date: June 26
Application Deadline: April 1
Fordham University's Gabelli School of Business helps participants develop an entrepreneurial mindset, learn about ideation, and build business planning and marketing. They develop creativity, critical thinking, and leadership skills through interactive workshops.
The program includes guest speakers, site visits to startups, and hands-on projects. With a focus on innovation and problem-solving, this program empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality.
Location: Online
Program Length: Varies (Online Modules)
Cost: Varies
Eligibility: High School Students
Start Date: Flexible
Application Deadline: Rolling
The Wharton Global Youth Program is a unique platform for high school students interested in business education. With a flexible program length, participants can engage in several modules covering finance, marketing, and leadership. Students can explore real-world business scenarios, enhance critical thinking skills, and earn a certificate of completion.
Location: University of Houston
Program Length: 3 days
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High School Students
Start Date: June 11
Application Deadline: April 3
The EXPLORE Financial Empowerment Institute at the University of Houston immerses high school students in an intensive program focused on financial literacy and empowerment.
Participants learn personal finance, investment strategies, and entrepreneurial concepts. The program aims to equip students with the skills to make informed financial decisions and build a strong foundation for future success.
Location: Barnard College
Program Length: 3 weeks
Cost: Commuter ($7,772), Residential ($9,058)
Eligibility: High School Women (Rising Juniors and Seniors)
Start Date: June 25
Application Deadline: April 15
The Young Women’s Leadership Institute offers a transformative three-week experience for high school women entering their junior or senior year. The program focuses on leadership development, covering public speaking, negotiation, and strategic decision-making topics.
Participants engage in workshops, connect with accomplished women leaders, and work on projects to enhance their leadership skills.
Location: University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Program Length: 2 weeks
Cost: $3,250
Eligibility: High School Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors
Start Date: June 18
Application Deadline: January 23
The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy at the University of Michigan introduces high school students to the business world. The program fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills, preparing students for future success in the business world.
With a focus on experiential learning and mentorship, this academy offers a unique opportunity for young minds to explore their passion for business.
Location: Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis, Missouri)
Program Length: 2 weeks
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High School Juniors
Start Date: July 9
Application Deadline: March 8
The Olin Fleischer Scholars Program provides a comprehensive understanding of business concepts through engaging lectures, hands-on projects, and mentorship from faculty and industry professionals.
Participants explore various business areas, including marketing, finance, and strategy, while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The program's academic diligence and experiential learning prepare students for future leadership roles in the business world.
Location: University of Houston
Program Length: 3 days
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High School Students (Grades 10-12)
Start Date: June 11
Application Deadline: April 3
Boston University's EXPLORE Financial Empowerment Institute is a blend of classroom instruction, real-world case studies, and interactive simulations. In this business summer program for high school students, participants gain insights into financial markets, investment strategies, and economic principles.
The program cultivates financial literacy and critical-thinking skills, empowering students to make informed decisions about their financial future.
Location: Marist College (Poughkeepsie, New York) and Online
Program Length: 2 weeks
Cost: Online ($1,500), In-person ($3,500)
Eligibility: High School Students (Rising Juniors and Seniors)
Start Date: Session 1 (In-person, July 25), Session II (In-person, July 9), Session III (Virtual, July 10)
Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions (Limited Spots)
Situated at Marist College's scenic campus, Marist Summer Pre-College offers an immersive introduction to business. Participants engage in interactive classes, case studies, and collaborative projects, gaining an understanding of business principles.
With exposure to industry professionals and a focus on hands-on learning, students develop critical skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving.
Location: University of Southern California (Los Angeles, California)
Program Length: 3 weeks
Cost: Commuter ($7,160), Residential ($10,020)
Eligibility: High School Students (Rising Juniors and Seniors)
Start Date: June 18
Application Deadline: May 5
The USC Exploring Entrepreneurship Program is a business summer program for ambitious high school students aspiring to explore entrepreneurship. In this program, participants experience theory and practical application of business.
Through workshops, mentorship sessions, and collaborative projects, students gain insights into business innovation and startup strategies. Engaging with successful entrepreneurs and industry experts, attendees cultivate valuable networks.
Location: University of Georgia
Program Length: 4 days
Cost: Approximately $195
Eligibility: High School Juniors and Seniors
Start Date: June 4
Application Deadline: March 24
The Terry Accelerated Business Program provides participants with essential business concepts, from finance to marketing. The program emphasizes experiential learning, including case studies, team projects, and interactions with industry professionals. Students benefit from mentorship opportunities and gain insights into the business world.
Location: University of Maryland and Online
Program Length: 3 weeks
Cost: Online ($1,500), Commuter ($2,500)
Eligibility: Rising High School Juniors and Seniors
Start Date: July 10
Application Deadline: May 1
The Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows (SELF) Experience is a three-week program for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in entrepreneurship and leadership. Participants are provided with a curriculum that blends classroom learning with real-world experiences.
Through interactive workshops, mentorship opportunities, and site visits to local businesses, students gain insights into various aspects of entrepreneurship. The program also emphasizes team projects, allowing participants to apply their knowledge to solve real business challenges.
Here are answers to frequent questions on the best business summer programs for high school students.
High school students benefit from business summer programs by gaining practical insights, hands-on experience, and exposure to diverse business fields, fostering personal and academic growth.
Participation in a business summer program enhances college applications, showcasing a proactive learning approach, genuine interest in business, and unique experiences that set applicants apart in the admissions process.
Business summer programs teach financial literacy, marketing, teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and leadership.
Business summer programs welcome students with diverse interests. While emphasizing business concepts, they also nurture critical skills applicable to various fields.
The duration of business summer programs varies, with most ranging from one to six weeks. During this time, programs often offer an immersive experience.
Business summer programs frequently incorporate networking events, guest speakers, and industry exposure. Participants connect with professionals, mentors, and peers, fostering valuable relationships.
College summer programs for high school students equip students with essential skills and insights. Beyond statistics, each program presents a unique personal and academic growth opportunity. These experiences enhance college applications and cultivate a strong foundation for future success.
