20 Business Summer Programs for High School Students

Many students want to continue learning about business-related topics when school’s out for the summer.

June 9, 2023
Academic opportunities , Helpful resources , News , Summer programs
international business

Many students want to continue learning about business-related topics when school’s out for the summer. With so many available pre-college summer programs, finding the right one can be time-consuming and exhausting.

To help you out, Pioneer Academics used its rigorous standards to compile a list of the best online and on-campus summer business programs for high school students that you may not have heard of.

Brett Fuller 1
Advice from a Former Admissions Officer

Brett Fuller

Academic Development Manager | Pioneer Academics
Former Associate Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Wake Forest University
Former Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions

Important note: The “best” program is always going to be the program that best fits your needs, goals, and interests. Check out my thoughts on things to consider when selecting a summer program here: College Application: Tips on Selecting a Summer Program Meeting Admission Officers’ Standards.

Business summer programs can be a really incredible opportunity for students for a couple of reasons. First, like many other areas of study, there are often limited chances to study business at a high level within a high school curriculum. A business course may be offered, but it is often difficult to find an avenue to expand on the foundational understanding. The second is that business, as a discipline, is so closely linked with pre-professional experiences. Summer programs can be a great way to dip your toes into the professional world to gain access to a new lens on some possible pathways through both your education and potential career. Most importantly, however, is that business is far more academically oriented than many students realize. For students considering economics or finance as a potential major, for example, many of the concepts that you will encounter as an undergraduate are far more intellectual and even abstract than you may expect. The strongest business students are generally the ones that can combine the practicality of a pre-professional mindset with the intellectual curiosity of a researcher.

💡Bonus tips for choosing the right academic programs:

Click here to read the in-depth investigative report and its summary on the academic programs and publications by the Pulitzer-winning journalist on ProPublica and Chronicle of Higher Ed!

Pioneer Academics

This program When it comes to summer programs for high school students interested in business, Pioneer Academics stands out with its world-renowned, fully accredited online research program. The program is highly selective and maintains rigorous academic standards, ensuring that students develop the skills required to conduct research at the undergraduate level. Pioneer Academics provides mentorship and education from some of the leading instructors in the field while offering students access to digital libraries and methodology seminars to support in-depth research in various business areas. By the end of the summer program, each participant will complete a comprehensive research paper on their chosen topic, making Pioneer Academics an exceptional option for students seeking a robust and challenging business summer program.

FormatOnline
Cost$6,650 US dollars
Program DatesJune-August (Some Students May Extend to September)
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: April 9, 2023
FormatOnline
Cost$6,650 US dollars
Program DatesJune-August (Some Students May Extend to September)
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: April 9, 2023
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Babson Summer Study 2023 – Babson College

Babson Summer Study is an online program teaching students how to form a global business. This program is for rising high school juniors and seniors wanting to develop entrepreneurial mindsets. Students discover real-world challenges and opportunities that exist among global businesses. Students also receive college credits after completing this program.

FormatOnline
Cost$5,995
Program DatesJuly 7, 2023 – July 28, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: March 15, 2023
FormatOnline
Cost$5,995
Program DatesJuly 7, 2023 – July 28, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: March 15, 2023

Athena Summer Innovation Institute – Barnard College

The Athena Summer Innovation Institute is a 10-day pre-college summer program for female high school students. In this program, participants collaborate to develop new companies, organizations, and ventures. Students interested in attending this program also learn from renowned female instructors and real-world entrepreneurs. Another perk of this course is seeing business leaders in action through its on-site visits.

FormatIn-person
Cost$4,850
Program DatesJuly 23rd- August 11th, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: April 15, 2023
FormatIn-person
Cost$4,850
Program DatesJuly 23rd- August 11th, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: April 15, 2023

Berkeley Business Academy for Youth – University of California

The Berkeley Business Academy for Youth gives 50 selected students a chance to work in teams to form innovative business ideas. First, each team uses this course’s teachings to develop a business plan. As this academy continues, teams receive business education to help them fine-tune their business ideas. At the end of this business program, students present their plans.

FormatIn-person
CostCalifornia Resident $6,050*
Out of State Resident $7,050*
Program DatesJuly 22-August 5, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline:March 17, 2023
FormatIn-person
CostCalifornia Resident $6,050*
Out of State Resident $7,050*
Program DatesJuly 22-August 5, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline:March 17, 2023

Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS) – Penn State University

High school students interested in on-campus programs should learn about a two-week opportunity from Penn State University. The BOSS program gives students in high school a closer look at college life, especially when choosing a business-related college major. This pre-college program lets students participate in Penn State University’s prestigious business courses.

FormatIn-person
Cost$50.00 registration fee
The program is free
Program DatesJune 18-June 30, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline:March 31, 2023
FormatIn-person
Cost$50.00 registration fee
The program is free
Program DatesJune 18-June 30, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline:March 31, 2023

Economics for Leaders – Foundation for Teaching Economics

Economics for Leaders gives high school students an interactive environment to learn about economics and how it helps them make better business decisions. Each student receives a foundation in economic concepts and how they relate to public policy. Students also learn how to utilize economic analysis and leadership skills together.

FormatIn-person and Online
Cost$2,100
Program DatesJune 5, 2023 – August 6, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: April 12, 2023
FormatIn-person and Online
Cost$2,100
Program DatesJune 5, 2023 – August 6, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: April 12, 2023

Camp Business – Drexel University

Camp Business welcomes high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors each summer for residential and commuter sessions. These summer programs teach students about core business concepts, including accounting, finance, management, and marketing. Other subjects explored in these summer business programs include the stock market and financial technology.

FormatIn-person
CostCommuter Session: $950
Residential Session: $2,000
Program DatesCommuter Session: July 9, 2023- July 14, 2023
Residential Session: July 16, 2023 – July 21, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: April 14, 2023
FormatIn-person
CostCommuter Session: $950
Residential Session: $2,000
Program DatesCommuter Session: July 9, 2023- July 14, 2023
Residential Session: July 16, 2023 – July 21, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: April 14, 2023

Business Bootcamp: Innovation Management – University of Rochester

This program is a three-week residential learning experience focused on forming new business ideas. High school students get an exclusive chance to learn about and test business tools that help turn raw ideas into business simulations. There are also bonus team-building opportunities through this program’s optional after-hours group projects.

FormatIn-person
Cost$8,505
Program DatesJuly 10, 2023- July 28, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: April 5, 2023
FormatIn-person
Cost$8,505
Program DatesJuly 10, 2023- July 28, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: April 5, 2023

The Young Women’s Leadership Institute – Barnard College

Barnard College hosts a range of business summer programs for young women. One of these programs teaches participants how to become better leaders. Students work alongside the Athena Center for Leadership team to develop collaboration and communication skills.

FormatIn-person
CostTuition (Residential) – $9,058
Tuition (Commuter) – $7,772
Program DatesSession 1: Sunday, June 25th- Friday, July 14th, 2023

Session 2: Sunday, July 23rd- Friday, August 11th, 2023

Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: April 15, 2023
FormatIn-person
CostTuition (Residential) – $9,058
Tuition (Commuter) – $7,772
Program DatesSession 1: Sunday, June 25th- Friday, July 14th, 2023

Session 2: Sunday, July 23rd- Friday, August 11th, 2023

Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: April 15, 2023

Caminos al Futuro – University of Washington

Caminos al Futuro is a three-week program for rising high school seniors. Program students learn about the political, social, and economic issues affecting Latino and Hispanic communities. This summer course also has business leaders and university professors giving speeches to students. Besides learning business fundamentals, students also get to attend writing workshops.

FormatIn-person
CostFree
Program DatesJuly 2, 2023 – July 21, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: Rolling basis
FormatIn-person
CostFree
Program DatesJuly 2, 2023 – July 21, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: Rolling basis

Exploring Entrepreneurship – Fordham University

The Exploring Entrepreneurship program brings motivated students together to have them create and develop business pitches. Students also learn how to build prototypes, finance companies, and prepare pitches. At the end of this week-long course, program participants pitch their ideas to an exclusive panel of entrepreneurs.

FormatIn-person
Cost$950 Program fee
$50 deposit
Program DatesJune 26, 2023 – June 30, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: Rolling basis after April 1, 2023
FormatIn-person
Cost$950 Program fee
$50 deposit
Program DatesJune 26, 2023 – June 30, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: Rolling basis after April 1, 2023

Finance Institute: Wall Street in the Classroom –  Fordham University

Unlike other programs on this list, this college prep course is for students who want to learn about the financial side of business practices. This pre-collegiate summer institute educates participants on investing, economics, and managing personal finances. Each student in this program also has the opportunity to meet with several of New York City’s leading executives.

FormatIn-person
Cost$950 Program fee

$50 deposit

Program DatesJune 26, 2023-June 30, 2023

July 24, 2023-July 28, 2023

Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline:Rolling basis after April 1, 2023
FormatIn-person
Cost$950 Program fee

$50 deposit

Program DatesJune 26, 2023-June 30, 2023

July 24, 2023-July 28, 2023

Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline:Rolling basis after April 1, 2023

Moneyball Academy: Training Camp FLEX – University of Pennsylvania

Moneyball Academy: Training Camp FLEX is a three-week online program led by Wharton Professor Adi Wyner and the Wharton Sports Analytics and Business Initiative. It offers talented students without a formal statistics background an opportunity to explore statistics and coding through a sports lens. The program focuses on fundamental principles of sports statistics rather than heavy computing. Participants will gain a better understanding of sports analyses, learn basic coding in R, interact with Professor Wyner and Teaching Assistants, attend live guest lectures, and engage in virtual social events. Successful completion earns a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion and the chance to apply for a more in-depth program.

FormatOnline
Cost$2,099
Program DatesApril 2nd, 2023 – April 22nd, 2023
Application Deadline(s)March 24, 2023
FormatOnline
Cost$2,099
Program DatesApril 2nd, 2023 – April 22nd, 2023
Application Deadline(s)March 24, 2023

Business Summer Institutes for High School Students – University of Houston

Texas Tech University isn’t the only university in Texas offering summer programs. The University of Houston regularly hosts pre-college programs for high school entrepreneurs interested in business. Available to current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, these business classes teach students how to manage their educational and professional finances. This program covers budgeting, financial goal setting, and money management.

FormatIn-person
CostFree
Program DatesJune 11 – June 14, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: April 3, 2023
FormatIn-person
CostFree
Program DatesJune 11 – June 14, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: April 3, 2023

The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy – University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Rising high school seniors wanting a closer look at business management might consider attending the Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy. This two-week program gives students a broad overview of what it takes to run a business. Students also speak with Ross business faculty members, guest instructors, and like-minded peers.

FormatIn-person
Cost$3,250
Program DatesJune 18 – 30, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: Jan. 23, 2023
FormatIn-person
Cost$3,250
Program DatesJune 18 – 30, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: Jan. 23, 2023

Olin Fleischer Scholars Program – Washington University in St. Louis

Another of the best business summer programs is the Olin Fleischer Scholars Program. This program shows each student how to bring a business idea to life, including anything from a marketing startup to a sports business academy. Students also learn about handling business operations, speaking publicly, and working well as part of a team.

FormatIn-person
CostFree
Program DatesJuly 9th, 2023 – July 15th, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: April 1st, 2023
FormatIn-person
CostFree
Program DatesJuly 9th, 2023 – July 15th, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: April 1st, 2023

USC Exploring Entrepreneurship Program – University of Southern California

The University of Southern California’s business program has students attend guest lectures, go on short field trips to local businesses, and form stronger teamwork skills. Several topics covered in this program include business planning, human resources, personal branding, marketing, and finance.

FormatIn-person
CostCommuter: $7,160

Residential: $10,020

Program DatesJune 18, 2023 – July 15, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: May 5, 2023
FormatIn-person
CostCommuter: $7,160

Residential: $10,020

Program DatesJune 18, 2023 – July 15, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: May 5, 2023

Marist Summer Pre-College: Business – Marist College

Students with a particular interest in business administration should sign up for a program offered by Marist College. In this pre-college program, students learn about what managerial work consists of, planning, organizational structures, the administrative thought process, and the nature of modern management in today’s business world.

FormatIn-person and Online
CostSession I (in-person): June 25 – July 8

Session II (in-person): July 9 – July 22

Session III (online): July 10 – July 28

Program DatesNew York Session I or Session II, 3 college credits: $3,500

New York Session I and Session II, 6 college credits: $6,300

Virtual Session, 3 college credits: $1,500

Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: Rolling basis
FormatIn-person and Online
CostSession I (in-person): June 25 – July 8

Session II (in-person): July 9 – July 22

Session III (online): July 10 – July 28

Program DatesNew York Session I or Session II, 3 college credits: $3,500

New York Session I and Session II, 6 college credits: $6,300

Virtual Session, 3 college credits: $1,500

Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: Rolling basis

Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows (SELF) Experience – University of Maryland

The SELF Experience is an online and on-campus program that teaches students how to rely on themselves to solve problems and face real-world challenges business owners deal with. Like a few business programs on this list, the SELF Experience covers the foundations of management, marketing, and finance.

FormatIn-person and Online
CostOnline: $1,500

Commuter: $2,500

Program DatesJuly 10, 2023- July 28, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: May 1, 2023
FormatIn-person and Online
CostOnline: $1,500

Commuter: $2,500

Program DatesJuly 10, 2023- July 28, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: May 1, 2023

Terry Accelerated Business Program – University of Georgia

This program provides a broad overview of business-related topics with guest lectures from local executives. While this is one of the shorter business programs on this list, it offers time for participants to tour Athens, attend a supervised pool party with undergraduate students, and learn about the college admissions process.

FormatIn-person
Cost$195
Program DatesJune 4, 2023- June 7, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: March 24, 2023
FormatIn-person
Cost$195
Program DatesJune 4, 2023- June 7, 2023
Application Deadline(s)Regular Admission Deadline: March 24, 2023

💡Bonus tips in choosing the right academic programs:

Read the in-depth investigative report and its summary on the academic programs and publications by the Pulitzer winning journalist on ProPublica and Chronicle of Higher Ed! (Link to our blog of info graph of the report)

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