15 Business Programs for High School Students
Are you a high school student considering productive ways to spend your summer break and build transferable skills in business, entrepreneurship, and finance?
If you answered yes, then there are multiple ways to go about it.
You could choose to work on a research project in finance, business/entrepreneurship, and economics, which will allow you to engage in advanced academics and potentially add a research paper to your portfolio.
If you’re looking for an introduction to business and finance consider pre-college programs or immersions hosted by universities! These are usually beginner-friendly and fairly welcoming and offer a good glimpse into university life as a business student.
Finally, if you’re interested in building a professional network and solving real-world problems, consider an internship program in business! These are usually more fast-paced and competitive but can be a rewarding experience if you do get in.
Before we dive into our list of 15 business programs that include a mix of everything we’ve just covered, let’s take a look at why you might want to consider a business program in the first place.
Why should I do a business program as a high school student?
While business may seem like a super tricky field to get into as a high school student, a host of summer programs serve as great introductions to the field.
They offer a solid opportunity to gain hands-on experience and valuable exposure in accounting, creative thinking, problem-solving, and pitching.
These programs also help you build other transferable skills that can be applied across a wide range of industries, including finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and management.
Most business programs often include workshops, case studies, mentorship, and the chance to network with industry professionals and peers.
In the list below, we’ve included business programs, pre-college courses, internships in business and related fields, as well as incubator programs that allow you to work on a business idea and make it profitable!
The Young Founder’s Lab is a real-world start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.
Apart from building the start-up itself, you will also participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideations, workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and more.
The program is an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of business in high school and have a space to explore multiple theoretical and practical frameworks that lead to a successful business. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
Who is it for? If you’re looking to develop/build on a business idea and make it profitable, consider applying!
Cost: The total cost to attend the 4-week program is $2900. There is need-based financial aid.
Location: 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
Program Dates: The program usually starts on June 5 and spans over 4 weeks.
Application Deadline: There are 3 application deadlines that you can choose between: Early Decision Deadline: March | Regular Admission Deadline 1: April | Regular Admission Deadline 2: May.
You can access the application link here!
2. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is an internship designed to empower high school juniors and seniors, involving hands-on experience at local nonprofit or charitable organizations. The program culminates in a week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., a full-funded summit.
This unique opportunity is highly competitive, with a comprehensive application process that includes a letter of recommendation from a school administrator or teacher - so make sure you get started on the application well in advance!
Unlike traditional internships that allow you to directly work with them, this internship will place you with a local nonprofit organization that partners with the bank.
If you’re looking to work with non-profits and land a selective opportunity to mention in your college application/SOP, consider applying!
Cost: Paid; compensation details provided upon acceptance.
Location: Depends on the nonprofit organization assigned to you
Program Dates: National Leadership Summit and Internship Dates: Summer 2025
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school students in their junior and senior years can apply
3. PNNL High School Business Internship Program
This internship made it to our list of 15 for its unique work-learn model that complements the typical high school academic year! As an intern, here’s what a typical timeline would look like - The PNNL High School Business Internship Program offers students the opportunity to gain professional experience in a business and research environment while earning elective credits toward graduation. This academic-year internship runs from August to May and is designed to provide meaningful work experience with a focus on business operations, project management, and teamwork. You will work in collaboration with their high school’s work-based learning program to earn credits while developing essential skills that will benefit them in future educational and career pursuits.
Cost: Paid internship.
Location: PNNL, Richland, WA
Program Dates: August to May
Application Deadline: Applications open in early February.
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in a work-based learning program at their school can apply, more details here.
4. KPMG Empower High School Experience
The KPMG Empower High School Experience is a three-week paid internship designed to introduce high school students to careers in business, public accounting, and professional services. This program is part of KPMG’s Community Impact initiative, aimed at creating equitable access to career opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in the business and finance sectors. You will develop essential business skills, gain exposure to the accounting industry, and expand your professional networks through mentorship and hands-on projects. This experience offers a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing future careers in business, finance, and consulting.
Cost: Paid internship.
Location: Varies
Program Dates:
Winter Internship: January to Mid-March
Summer Internship: June to August
Application Deadline: Not specified on the website.
Eligibility: High school students graduating between Spring 2025 and Summer 2026.
5. Babson Summer Study for High School Students
Babson Summer Study is a 3+-week experiential program designed for rising high school juniors and seniors who are interested in developing an entrepreneurial mindset. In this program, you will explore the United Nations Global Goals and collaborate with peers from around the world to address real-world problems. Students can choose between fully online or in-person participation at Babson’s New England Innovation Academy (NEIA).
Cost: $6,295 (+ $95 application fee)
Location: Online or in-person at NEIA
Program Dates: July 7–28
Application Deadline: Varies by application round
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 by the program’s start date
6. Business Is Global: Where Business, Language, and Culture Meet
This two-week intensive program is ideal for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors eager to explore global business practices and cultures. Students will learn from world-class faculty and experience hands-on learning through exposure to international business fundamentals, language, and cultural immersion.
The program emphasizes personal and professional development, helping students gain insights into higher education and the world of international business. Students will also have access to various resources on campus and engage in a range of cultural activities, enhancing their understanding of how business operates globally.
Location: Indiana University Bloomington, IN
Cost: $2,000 (includes food, lodging, and classroom materials)
Program Dates: Two-week program in the summer
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
7. The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy
As part of the program, you will gain hands-on experience in business operations, and leadership problem-solving, and explore career opportunities in a collaborative, action-based learning environment. This program provides a solid college experience, allowing students to engage in advanced academics and live on campus as a business student at Ross.
Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity to interact with Ross faculty, company partners, and industry field experts, gaining valuable insights into the business world.
Location: Michigan Ross School of Business, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: $5,500
Program Dates: June 13 – 27
Application Deadline: January 2, at 3 p.m. EST
Eligibility: Current rising high school seniors with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to U.S. citizens or permanent residents
8. Chicago Summer Business Institute
The program helps students gain exposure to business principles and leadership opportunities. This is less focused on the academic side of business as much as it is on the leadership side of it! The program is designed for students who are committed to improving themselves while contributing to their community, with a focus on students from families with lower household incomes. This program is a solid choice if you wish to demonstrate leadership in your college applications.
Cost: Stipend not specified
Program Dates: Dates not specified, typically during summer months
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Must be a high school sophomore or junior residing in Chicago.
9. Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) Summer Internship
The Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) Summer Internship offers students of color a pathway to careers in media, entertainment, and technology. Interns, known as EBF Fellows, gain hands-on experience in fields like journalism, production, business, public relations, sales, and web development while working with EBF’s industry-leading partner companies. This program is designed to build a solid foundation for long-term success in competitive industries by fostering professional growth and expanding networks.
Cost: Fully-funded, stipend provided
Program Dates: The internship typically starts in May or June and lasts a minimum of 8 continuous weeks (35–40 hours per week).
Application Deadline: Typically in early January.
Subject Areas: Media, entertainment, technology, journalism, production, business, public relations, and sales.
Eligibility: High school seniors or undergraduate students graduating in or later.
10. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Business Track
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program in Business offers high school students the opportunity to conduct independent, in-depth research on advanced business topics under the mentorship of PhD experts from top universities. Students can explore areas such as business strategy, market analysis, entrepreneurship, and corporate governance.
The program begins with students collaborating with their mentor to select a research topic, followed by formulating a research question, conducting a literature review, and developing a comprehensive research paper. The program concludes with revisions, submission of the final paper, and an optional presentation at the Lumiere Research Symposium.
This program is ideal for students passionate about business who want to build critical thinking, technical writing, and research skills. Participation will not only enhance college applications but also prepare students for university-level work in business and related fields.
Location: Remote
Cost:
Individual Research Program: $2,990 (12 weeks)
Premium Research & Publication Program: $5,900 (16–20 weeks)
Research Fellowship: $8,900 (6–12 months)
Program Dates: Varies by program selection
Application Deadline: February 9 (for the upcoming Spring Cohort)
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students with a strong interest in business and academic research
11. Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP)
The Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP) offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to develop business acumen and entrepreneurial skills through internships with Kansas City-based companies. While remote options are available, most internships require in-person participation, including Friday company visits. Participants gain hands-on experience in real-world business environments, engage with professionals in diverse industries, and cultivate leadership, communication, and critical-thinking skills essential for future entrepreneurial endeavors. The program emphasizes professional growth and networking to prepare students for higher education or career paths in business and entrepreneurship.
Cost: Paid; compensation varies by company.
Program Dates: Starts in March
Application Deadline: February 1.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors.
12. Ladders for Leaders Paid Summer Internship Program
Ladders for Leaders provides high school and college students in New York City the opportunity to participate in paid internships with top corporations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. The program offers students 30 hours of pre-employment training, where they learn key skills such as resume writing, cover letter crafting, and interview techniques. You will then gain hands-on experience in various industries, with each opportunity tailored to student interests. Quick Facts:
Cost: Fully-funded, stipend offered
Program Dates: Summer (specific dates will vary by internship)
Application Deadline: January 20, 2025
Eligibility: Must be between the ages of 16–24.
13. Wharton Global Youth Program - Essentials of Finance
The Wharton Global Youth Program offers an Essentials of Finance course, designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of both personal and corporate finance. You will explore key topics like the time value of money, the trade-off between risk and return, equities, and corporate accounting, using real-world applications and case studies.
The program provides a comprehensive understanding of finance, based on the undergraduate curriculum at the Wharton School. Students will have the opportunity to engage with Wharton faculty, lecturers, and PhD students during lectures and presentations. Additionally, you will collaborate in small teams to complete an analysis project, gaining hands-on experience in financial analysis and problem-solving.
Location: Philadelphia, USA (on campus)
Cost: $7,899
Program Dates: 4 cohorts offered each year, each cohort spans 2 weeks
Application Deadlines:
Priority Deadline: January 29
Final Deadline: April 2
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in finance and business
14. USC Pre-College - Exploring Entrepreneurship
The USC Pre-College - Exploring Entrepreneurship course offers high school students an immersion into the world of starting and running a business. This program blends business theory with the hands-on practice of entrepreneurship, covering topics such as accounting and finance, marketing, human resources, creativity and innovation, business planning, ethics, personal branding, and networking.
You will learn the fundamentals of what it takes to build a business, from formulating a business plan to establishing a personal brand, all while engaging with real-world scenarios that entrepreneurs face daily.
Location: USC campus (Los Angeles, USA)
Cost: $11,347
Program Dates: June 15 – July 12
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions – apply as early as possible because classes fill quickly!
Eligibility: Must have completed at least 9th grade by June 15
15. Cornell University Pre-College Summer Programs
Cornell University’s pre-college summer programs offer high school students the chance to immerse themselves in business courses taught by Cornell faculty. These programs are designed to provide an authentic college experience, where students can explore potential majors, investigate future career paths, and gain a head start on their academic journey—all while earning college credit.
Cornell offers three flexible program formats, giving students the option to live on campus, commute to classes, or participate online. Each format provides a challenging academic experience, alongside a rich set of extracurricular activities that help students develop both their business acumen and personal growth. Some courses include: AEM 1200: Introduction to Business Management, AEM 3991: Global Business Strategy, NBA 2650: Strategic Management of Tech & Innovation etc.
These programs are great for students interested in gaining comprehensive academic and professional experience in business disciplines such as marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and management.
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (varies by program option)
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid options available) approx $10,239 - $5,520.
Program Dates: Summer and Winter sessions available (dates vary by program, check here)
Application Deadline: Check Cornell’s website for specific deadlines
Eligibility: High school students (grades 11-12) with an interest in business and strong academic performance