Best summer business programs for high school students
Are you a high school student eager to explore the world of business this summer? Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, future finance guru, or simply curious about how businesses work, summer business programs offer a unique opportunity to dive into real-world business concepts, develop leadership skills, and network with like-minded peers. From top-tier universities to immersive virtual experiences, these programs are designed to equip you with the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive business landscape.
Programs like Babson’s Summer Study, UC Berkeley’s B-BAY, and Wharton Global Youth provide in-depth learning on entrepreneurship, finance, and business strategy, while Penn State’s BOSS and Drexel’s Camp Business offer hands-on experiences in leadership and business operations. Other programs, such as Business Is Global at Indiana University and Caminos al Futuro at George Washington University, blend business with cultural studies and leadership training, helping students build a broader perspective on the global market.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best summer business programs for high school students, breaking down the offerings, eligibility, and unique experiences each program provides. Whether you’re looking for an intensive entrepreneurship boot camp or a comprehensive introduction to business, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s jump in and discover the perfect program to match your goals!
Babson Summer Study for High School Students
Babson’s online program gives students a strong foundation in entrepreneurship and business. You’ll engage in live and self-paced classes, learning marketing, finance, and real-world problem-solving. Collaborative group work is a key part of this three-week experience, where you tackle global challenges through business lenses.
| Location | Online |
| Duration | 3 weeks (July 8 – July 29, 2024) |
| Cost | $6,295 |
| Focus Areas | Entrepreneurship, marketing, finance |
| Target | Rising juniors and seniors |
| Teaching Style | Live and asynchronous classes |
| Teamwork | Heavy emphasis on group projects |
| Global Perspective | Tackles global challenges |
| Certification | Babson Academy Certificate |
Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY)
Held at UC Berkeley, this program immerses students in business fundamentals through lectures, hands-on projects, and group work. Over two weeks, you’ll create a business plan, dive into economics, and build a network with peers and professionals. The program prepares students for college applications and beyond.
| Location | UC Berkeley |
| Duration | 2 weeks (July 6-20, or July 20-August 3) |
| Cost | $6,050 (CA), $7,050 (out-of-state) |
| Focus Areas | Business planning, teamwork, leadership |
| Target | All high school students |
| Teaching Style | Lectures, hands-on projects, group work |
| Networking | Industry guest speakers, college advisors |
| Certification | UC Berkeley Business Academy Certificate |
Business Is Global (Indiana University)
A two-week intensive program focusing on how business interacts with culture and language, this Indiana University program offers hands-on learning in Arabic, Brazilian, Korean, and Russian business environments. Students get to explore global economics while developing their language and business skills.
| Location | Indiana University |
| Duration | 2 weeks (June 25 – July 8, 2024) |
| Cost | $1,900 |
| Focus Areas | Global business, language immersion |
| Target | Sophomores, juniors, and seniors |
| Cultural Activities | Exposure to global cultures |
| Business Skills | International business strategies |
Penn State Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS)
BOSS at Penn State is all about real-world business experience. In this two-week program, you’ll learn from faculty and staff, culminating in a business case competition. It’s designed for high school seniors to gain hands-on knowledge of business operations and leadership skills.
| Location | Penn State University |
| Duration | 2 weeks (June 16 – June 28, 2024) |
| Cost | $50 (registration fee) |
| Focus Areas | Real-world business, leadership |
| Target | High school seniors |
| Teaching Style | Hands-on, faculty-led sessions |
| Final Activity | Business case competition |
| Housing | On-campus housing provided |
Caminos al Futuro (George Washington University)
This fully-funded leadership program at George Washington University is aimed at rising seniors of Hispanic and Latinx backgrounds. Over three weeks, students explore leadership in public policy and business through seminars, networking, and hands-on projects. The program emphasizes social and economic development.
| Location | George Washington University, Washington D.C. |
| Duration | 3 weeks (July 1 – July 21, 2024) |
| Cost | Fully Funded (Free) |
| Focus Areas | Leadership, public policy, social change |
| Target | Rising seniors (Hispanic/Latinx) |
| Teaching Style | Seminars, hands-on projects |
| Networking | Access to professionals in D.C. |
Drexel University Camp Business
Drexel’s week-long camp dives into business basics—accounting, finance, management, and team-building. Students also learn about stock markets and leadership, with options for both commuter and residential participants. It’s a practical introduction to key business concepts in a university setting.
| Location | Drexel University, Philadelphia |
| Duration | 1 week (July 9-14 commuter; July 16-21 residential) |
| Cost | Varies depending on commuter or residential option |
| Focus Areas | Accounting, finance, management, leadership |
| Target | Sophomores, juniors, and seniors |
| Hands-on Learning | Stock market analysis, leadership skills |
| Housing | Optional (commuter or residential) |
Economics for Leaders
This program, offered at multiple campuses, combines economics education with leadership training. Through simulations, group projects, and lectures, high-achieving students develop their communication and critical thinking skills. It’s a great balance of theory and practice for future leaders.
| Location | Multiple campuses (varies by year) |
| Duration | 1 week |
| Cost | $2,100 (scholarships available) |
| Focus Areas | Economics, leadership, decision-making |
| Target | High-achieving high school students |
| Teaching Style | Simulations, group projects, lectures |
| Certification | Certificate from the Foundation for Teaching Economics |
Entrepreneurship Academy at Georgetown University
This two-week program at Georgetown covers entrepreneurship from start to finish, including market research, design thinking, and pitching. Students will work in teams, practicing public speaking and leadership, while preparing for a final pitch competition that simulates real-world business challenges.
| Location | Georgetown University, Washington D.C. |
| Duration | 2 weeks (June 16 – June 28, 2024) |
| Cost | $5,775 (includes housing and meals) |
| Focus Areas | Entrepreneurship, market research, pitching |
| Target | High school freshmen to seniors |
| Teaching Style | Hands-on, teamwork-based, case studies |
| Final Activity | Business pitch competition |
Exploring Entrepreneurship (Fordham University)
At Fordham University, students interested in starting their own business can learn about entrepreneurship through workshops and guest speakers. The two-week program helps students develop a business idea, plan, and pitch, all while building a valuable network.
| Location | Fordham University, New York City |
| Duration | 2 weeks |
| Cost | Varies |
| Focus Areas | Entrepreneurship, business planning, networking |
| Target | High school students |
| Teaching Style | Workshops, guest speakers, interactive |
| Final Activity | Business pitch |
Wharton Global Youth Program
Wharton offers both virtual and in-person options for high school students to explore business fields like finance, data science, and entrepreneurship. The program emphasizes leadership and critical thinking through case studies, team projects, and guest lectures from business professionals.
| Location | University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia |
| Duration | Varies |
| Cost | Varies |
| Focus Areas | Finance, leadership, data science, entrepreneurship |
| Target | High school students globally |
| Activities | Case studies, team projects, guest lectures |
| Certification | Wharton Global Youth Certificate |
Wrapping Up: Finding the Right Fit for Your Business Journey
Choosing the right summer business program can be a game-changer for your future. Whether you want to build a startup, dive into finance, or develop leadership skills, there’s a program designed to match your ambitions. From hands-on entrepreneurship at Babson Summer Study to exploring global business strategies at Indiana University, each program offers a unique experience that prepares you for the dynamic world of business.
These programs do more than teach business fundamentals—they give you real-world skills, lifelong networks, and the confidence to navigate future challenges. No matter which path you choose, investing your summer in a business program is a step toward building a brighter, more successful future. Take the leap, and get ready to make your mark!
