10 Ivy League Business Programs for High School Students
If you’re in high school and interested in business, there are a lot of programs out there for you to choose from. A lot of Ivy League Schools also have their business programs for high school students. We’ve curated a list for you in this blog!
Pro tip: do your research on the prestige level before you enroll, if that’s a primary consideration for you. Try to look for acceptance rates, and eligibility criteria to get a sense of this. Don’t assume that just because the program is run by an Ivy League School it is prestigious.
What is the Ivy League?
The Ivy League represents a group of eight prestigious, world-renowned universities in the United States, celebrated for their academic rigor and distinguished faculty. There is also a set of universities informally known as the Little Ivies, but they are not considered as prestigious or competitive as the 8 Ivy League schools above.
Why should I apply to an Ivy League business program as a high school student?
First off, these programs are hosted at Ivy League universities, which adds prestige and value to your profile if selected.
These programs are mostly fully-funded, and have a competitive application process, making them a prestigious addition to your resume!
These business programs offer access to rigorous resources, engaging learning opportunities with Ivy League professors, and an early glimpse into college-level business studies at some of the most competitive universities in the world.
They help strengthen your college applications and provide practical experience in the world of business through hands-on projects, networking, and mentorship.
Here’s a list of 10 Ivy League business programs that allow high school students to apply!
1. Harvard Pre-College Program: Business and Leadership
Harvard's Pre-College Program in Business and Leadership offers an introduction to essential business concepts. Small class sizes, typically 12 to 18 students, allow for a collaborative environment where you can engage in discussions, practice diplomacy, and tackle complex problem sets.
Under the guidance of Harvard-affiliated instructors, you can study business-related articles and present your research at the end of the program.This course is a great opportunity for high school students interested in a structure program that allows them to receive mentorship from qualified mentors.
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (also available online)
Cost: Approx. $4,750 per session (financial aid available) and $75 nonrefundable application fee.
Program Dates:
Session I: June 22–July 3, 2025
Session II: July 6–July 18, 2025
Session III: July 20–August 1, 2025
Application Deadline: April 9
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
2. Wharton Leadership in the Business World (LBW)
Designed to explore leadership in 21st-century organizations, the program features a mix of lectures, real-time business simulations, and team-building activities. This program is highly selective and competitive and shortlists approximately 120 students to attend per session. However, this is partially offset by its cost, which is quite steep.
You will gain insights into core business disciplines and leadership strategies through engaging interactions with Wharton professors and industry leaders. Session topics may include: Organizational Strategy, Leadership Competencies, Negotiation, Customer Centricity, Business Model Generation, and Management. LBW is an ideal program for students seeking to develop their leadership skills and gain a comprehensive understanding of business practices in a real-world context.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $8,000 (financial aid available) and a non-refundable application fee of $100.
Program Dates: June 8 - June 28; June 29 - July 19; July 20 - August 9
Application Deadline: April 2
Eligibility: High school students (grade 11) with leadership experience and a 3.5 unweighted GPA or higher.
3. Summer@Brown for Business Studies
The Summer@Brown Business Studies allows you to explore a range of topics in business through lectures, case studies, and hands-on projects. The curriculum is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for leadership in the business world.
You will dive into key areas of business, including entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and management. The program is ideal for students interested in understanding the dynamics of global markets and enhancing their business acumen, all while collaboraying with peers from diverse backgrounds.
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: $6,250 (financial aid available) and a non-refundable application fee of $50.
Program Dates: Multiple dates based on the program selected. Check here.
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students (grades 10-11) with a strong academic record and a demonstrated interest in business.
4. Columbia University Summer Programs for Business
Columbia University offers a variety of summer programs that allow high school students to gain a deeper understanding of business and explore college-level academic experiences. These programs are designed to engage you in challenging coursework, interactive discussions, and unique co-curricular activities, all within the vibrant setting of New York City.
Whether you're looking to experience the dynamic atmosphere of Columbia’s Morningside Campus, immerse yourself in the city, or participate from the comfort of your own home, Columbia’s summer options are tailored to suit different needs and preferences.Check out the course list, which contains topics like - Becoming An Entrepreneur, Introduction to Business, Finance, and Economics, Investment Portfolio Management etc.
Program Options:
NYC Residential Summer: On campus studies and collaborative academic community with direct access to Columbia’s classrooms, libraries, and New York City.
NYC Commuter Summer: Off-campus in New York City or the surrounding areas and commute to campus for classes, activities, and events.
Online Summer: Interactive classes, engaging activities, and access resources like Columbia’s online library, all from anywhere in the world.
Through this experience, you’ll dive into various aspects of business, from entrepreneurship to management strategies, all while building key skills for success in a global economy.
Location: Columbia University, Morningside Campus, New York, NY (varies by program option)
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid options available)
Program Dates: June to August (specific dates vary by program, check here)
Application Deadline: Check the specific program page for deadlines
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-11) with an interest in business and a strong academic background.
5. 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 world-renowned 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.
Program Options:
Summer Residential Program: Live on campus at Cornell, study business alongside college students, and experience all that the Ivy League environment has to offer.
Summer Commuter Program: Live off-campus in Ithaca or the surrounding areas, while commuting to campus for in-person business courses and activities.
Summer/Winter Online Program: Participate in business courses remotely from anywhere in the world, earning college credit and learning through Cornell’s interactive online platform.
These programs are perfect 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
6. Strengthening Educational Access with Dartmouth (SEAD)
SEAD aims to break barriers for first-generation and/or low-income students by providing immersive learning experiences, academic enrichment, and mentoring, starting from high school through their sophomore year of college.
SEAD’s 4-year model follows a cohort of students from their sophomore year of high school up through their sophomore year of college. The program integrates personalized mentoring and academic preparation, and allows you to experience life at Dartmouth! Once you move to an undergraduate program, you will receive continued guidance through coaching, leadership-building opportunities, and connections to campus resources that support your business studies.
Location: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
Cost: Program is free for high school students, with various opportunities for paid student roles.
Program Dates: Late June
Application Deadline: To be Declared
Eligibility: High school students (grades 10-12) from under-resourced communities, first-generation and/or low-income.
7. Business & Entrepreneurship at Yale University
The Business & Entrepreneurship program at Yale University provides high school students with an in-depth understanding of how businesses operate, from market research to launching a company. This program is designed to teach the fundamentals of business, entrepreneurship, and the various strategies that drive success. Through hands-on experience, you will develop the skills needed to evaluate company performance, create a business plan, and pitch a startup venture to investors and mentors.
You will also understand how key business functions—operations, marketing, sales, and finance—work together to drive success.
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost:
Residential Tuition: $6,298
Commuter Tuition: $3,498
Program Dates:
Session 1: June 15 – June 27
Session 2: June 29 – July 11
Session 3: July 13 – July 25
Application Deadline: To be Declared
Eligibility: High school students (grades 10-12) with an interest in business and entrepreneurship.
8. Harvard Student Agencies Business Academy
The Harvard Student Agencies Business Academy offers high school students an introduction to business through two distinct academies: Business Entrepreneurship and Business Management & Strategy. Located on the prestigious Harvard University campus, this program allows students to explore key aspects of business in a hands-on, immersive environment.
You will develop a better understanding of entrepreneurship and business management through practical experiences, including market research, business planning, and strategic decision-making.
More on the two academies:
Business Entrepreneurship Academy: The program culminates in a startup pitch to judges, providing valuable feedback and an opportunity to refine your idea. Key skills developed include SWOT analysis, financial planning, and elevator pitches.
Business Management & Strategy Academy: The program covers business data analysis, mergers and acquisitions, pricing strategies, and understanding corporate financial statements and strategic decision-making.
Location: Harvard University Campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $1,450
Program Dates: Five-day sessions available between June and August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to 9th-12th grade high school students (must be 14+ at the time of the program)
9. Brown Pre-College: Leadership in Changing Business: Social Entrepreneurship
Brown University’s Pre-College course, Leadership in Changing Business: Social Entrepreneurship, introduces high school students to social entrepreneurship. This program explores how entrepreneurs address critical societal challenges through business solutions, with a focus on sectors such as health, education, and environmental sustainability. You will gain insight into the intersection of business and social impact, making this course perfect for those eager to drive positive change.
Throughout the program, you will engage with guest speakers, analyze case studies, and collaborate in group discussions. As part of the curriculum, you’ll develop a business plan for a social enterprise and deliver an elevator pitch as a capstone project. By the end of the course, you will gain a deeper understanding of how business models can solve social problems and build the leadership skills necessary to succeed in impactful careers.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,000–$5,000 (2–4 weeks)
Program Dates: June 24 – July 19
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
10. Yale Online: PLSC 270 - Capitalism: Success, Crisis, and Reform
Yale Online’s Capitalism: Success, Crisis, and Reform offers high school students an in-depth exploration of the economic system that shapes much of the modern world. This course provides a balanced view of capitalism, examining both its achievements and the challenges it faces and how it can be used to set- up business models. You’ll study the foundations of capitalism, market behavior, and the crises and inequalities that have emerged over time.
Through interactive modules, real-world examples, and engaging content, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of capitalism’s impact on society. You’ll also explore potential reforms aimed at creating a more equitable future. This course is a solid, self-paced choice for high school students interested in learning about the complexities of economic systems without committing to an in-person or full-time program.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Course Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Looking to build a business in high school? Consider the Young Founders Lab!
The Young Founders 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.
You can access the application link here!