12 Free Business Programs for High School Students
Looking for an accessible way to explore business, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, or management as a high school student? Business programs should be on your radar. However, These programs require you to pay a fee and we understand that this may not be an option for everyone. The good news is that there are a lot of programs that you can attend free of cost or with significant scholarships. Fair warning, most of these programs that are free or offer scholarships are very competitive for the same reason.
Business programs offer hands-on experience, real-world problem-solving, and exposure to industry professionals—which make for great additions to your resume or college applications. Many of the free business programs in this blog are designed to fit into your summer or winter breaks, making sure that you can gain practical skills and network without disrupting your academic year.
Participating in such programs allows you to make more informed decisions about the subjects you choose at school, the internships and research programs you apply to, and your SOPs for college!
Here are 12 free business programs that you can check out as a high school student.
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 as well as practical frameworks that lead to a successful business. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
Cost: There is need-based financial aid.
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
Program Dates: The 2024 edition of the program starts on June 5th 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. 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. You 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 a 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.
Location: Remote
Program Dates: Varies from cohort to cohort
Application Deadline: Varies from cohort to cohort
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students with a strong interest in business and academic research
3. Summer Venture in Business (SVB) @University of Kansas
The Summer Venture in Business (SVB) is a pre-college summer academy hosted by the University of Kansas School of Business for high school students interested in exploring business. This program introduces you to college life, both academically and socially, while providing insight into various business topics. SVB serves as a gateway for you to access academic resources at KU and prepares you for college applications, advanced academics, and future career opportunities in the field. You will engage in workshops, interactive projects, and mentorship opportunities that will help you build practical business skills and a strong portfolio.
Location: University of Kansas, School of Business
Cost: Free
Dates: June 15–20 or July 13–18
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in business
4. Business Leadership Program (BLP) @Leeds School of Business
The Business Leadership Program (BLP) at the Leeds School of Business offers high school students an opportunity to engage with real-world business challenges. Through hands-on learning, participants work in diverse teams to develop marketing campaigns for corporate partners. The program features a competitive case challenge, allowing you to apply problem-solving and leadership skills to address current business issues. The winning team receives a $1,000 scholarship to the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business. BLP also provides solid networking opportunities with faculty, staff, and industry professionals.
Location: Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado
Cost: Free
Dates: June 22–28
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in business and leadership
5. Caminos al Futuro @George Washington University
Caminos al Futuro is a fully funded, pre-college residential summer program hosted by George Washington University's Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute. This three-week program is designed for rising high school seniors with strong academic records and a demonstrated commitment to leadership within the Latino/Hispanic community. You will live on GW's campus and engage in discussions on the social, economic, and political issues impacting the Hispanic/Latino community. The program includes visits to Congress, government agencies, and leading nonprofits, offering a unique perspective on policymaking in Washington, D.C. You will also participate in university-style lectures, writing labs, community action projects, and college admissions workshops.
Location: George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Fully funded
Dates: July 3–19
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with strong academics and leadership in service of the Latino/Hispanic community
6. Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP)
The Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP) offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to work on their 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: Fully funded; compensation varies by company.
Program Dates and Deadlines:
Application Deadline: February 1
Qualifiers Notified: March 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are available for in-person work in Kansas City.
7. Ladders for Leaders 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. By joining, you can also become part of a growing alumni network that offers continued post-internship opportunities and exclusive networking events.
Cost: Fully funded, stipend offered
Location: New York City
Program Dates: Usually take place in the summer (specific dates will vary by internship)
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: Must be between the ages of 16–24, and must be a resident of one of New York City's five boroughs.
8. 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.
Cost: Fully funded, stipend offered
Location: Multiple locations in the US
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.
Eligibility: High school seniors who identify as a student of color graduating in spring.
9. Chicago Summer Business Institute
The Chicago Summer Business Institute offers high school students the opportunity to explore leadership and business skills that can set them on a path toward future success. The program helps students gain valuable exposure to business principles and leadership opportunities. Participants are given the tools they need to navigate the professional world, preparing them for impactful careers. 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.
Cost: Fully funded, stipend not specified
Location: Chicago
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.
10. 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. Interns will develop essential business skills, gain exposure to the accounting industry, and expand their 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: Fully-funded
Location: One of the following locations depending on your assignment - Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Hartford, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, San Francisco, and St. Louis.
Program Dates:
Winter Internship: January to Mid-March
Summer Internship: June to August
Application Deadline: Not specified.
Eligibility: High school students graduating between spring and summer.
11. PNNL High School Business Internship Program
The PNNL High School Business Internship Program offers you 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 school credits.
Cost: Fully funded, stipend offered
Location: PNNL, WA
Program Dates: August to May (academic year).
Application Deadline: Applications open in early February.
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in a work-based learning program.
12. Kelley Women's Leadership Institute
The Kelley Women's Leadership Institute at Indiana University offers high school students an opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills in a business-focused environment. Selected participants engage in workshops led by top Kelley School of Business faculty, collaborate with alumni and current students, and work on a real-world business case project. This program fosters connections among like-minded young women interested in business and encourages leadership development through interactive sessions.
Location: Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
Cost: Free
Dates: June 13 or June 27
Application Deadline: May 13 for the June 13 session, May 27 for the June 27 session
Eligibility: Rising junior and senior high school students with a minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale