11 Business Programs for High School Students in Washington State
If you’re a high school student interested in business, structured programs can provide a concrete way to explore how companies, nonprofits, and public organizations operate. These programs often emphasize practical skills such as collaboration, communication, analytical thinking, and project management, while also introducing you to industry expectations and professional environments. They also give you opportunities to build connections with mentors, professionals, and peers who share your interests, helping you start developing a meaningful network early on.
Why should you attend a program in Washington?
Washington State offers a wide range of business-related opportunities for high school students through its universities, public agencies, and community organizations. You’ll find programs focused on entrepreneurship, finance, leadership, nonprofit management, and social impact, with formats ranging from short bootcamps and summer institutes to internships and pre-college courses that offer college credit. Some programs include team-based projects, case competitions, mentorship from professionals, and exposure to the state’s broader business and innovation ecosystem, making them valuable options for both in-state and out-of-state students.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 11 business programs for high school students in Washington State.
If you are looking for internships in Washington State, you can check out our blog here.
1. Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program
Location: Microsoft Headquarters in Redmond, WA
Cost | Stipend: Free | Paid; exact amount is not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: No information available
Program Dates: July 7 – August 1 (tentative; based on previous years)
Application Deadline: February 26 (tentative; based on previous years)
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who live and attend high school within 50 miles of Redmond, WA. | Must have completed pre-calculus or an equivalent course before the start of the program | Must be a member or participant of one of the eligible Microsoft-sponsored organizations
Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program is a four-week, in-person internship designed for graduating high school seniors interested in technology-related careers. As a participant, you will work in a small team on a hands-on project connected to a real Microsoft product group, gaining exposure to the full product development pipeline, from identifying customer needs to shaping product concepts. The program also introduces you to product management, UX design, and software engineering. You will receive mentorship from Microsoft employees as you develop professional skills, such as collaborating with peers and communicating project decisions. The experience also includes structured opportunities to attend discussions, learn about Microsoft's different teams and technologies, and interact with professionals across the organization.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here.
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work to build a revenue-generating startup that addresses a complex 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 for high school students to explore the world of business and to explore multiple theoretical and practical frameworks that lead to business success.
3. Teen in Public Service (TiPS) Internship
Location: Various nonprofits across the Greater Puget Sound Region, WA
Cost | Stipend: Free | Up to $3,300
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Around 86 interns (tentative; subject to change)
Program Dates: Internships will start between June 15 and 29 and end on August 22 (specific dates vary by internship placement) | Interns are required to attend mandatory program events on May 20, July 21, and August 15
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–19 from Washington State | Must be legally allowed to work in the U.S.
TIPS is a paid summer internship program that places high school students aged 15–19 with nonprofit organizations across the Greater Puget Sound region. You will work part-time for 6–8 weeks in areas such as arts and culture programs, environmental advocacy, community outreach, or fundraising, gaining firsthand insight into how nonprofits operate behind the scenes. The internship focuses on developing practical skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and ethical leadership. You will also participate in mandatory trainings and professional development activities, including orientation, a mid-summer Leadership Day, and a final Celebration of Service. Throughout the experience, you will complete a structured reflection and either a final presentation or a written assignment that documents what you’ve learned and the impact of your work.
4. Seattle City Light High School Internships
Location: Seattle City Light facilities, Seattle, WA
Cost | Stipend: Free | Paid; exact amount is not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer (mid-June/early July – August)
Application Deadline: Opportunities are posted in early April; exact deadline TBA
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old (graduating high school seniors are not eligible to apply) | Must have a minimum GPA of 2.00 | Must be a US Citizen or have a US legal work permit (preference given to students who live in the Seattle City Light service area)
Seattle City Light High School Internships are 8-week, paid summer positions that introduce you to the business and operations behind public utility departments. As an intern, you may support administrative work and assist with key projects across the department. The internship includes mentorship from managers and staff, as well as professional development workshops. You will also have opportunities to meet with executive leaders, participate in specialized training, and visit worksites to gain firsthand insight into the utility field. Throughout the internship, you will explore equity and social justice principles in the workplace and their application to public service organizations. At the end of the program, you will prepare and present a summary of your work to mentors and colleagues, building professional communication and presentation skills.
5. University of Washington’s Lead Forward: Fostering Equity in Business
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost | Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: August 3 – 8 (tentative; based on previous years)
Application Deadline: February – April 30 (tentative; based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from Washington State | Preference given to students with a demonstrable interest in learning about business
University of Washington’s Lead Forward: Fostering Equity in Business is a five-day, in-person summer program designed for rising high school seniors who want to explore business and leadership. Over the course of the program, you will engage in workshops, lectures, and team-based activities that introduce you to key business concepts, leadership development, and professional skills. You will also participate in company site visits and networking opportunities with business professionals and UW faculty and staff, providing exposure to real-world business environments. The program emphasizes teamwork, communication, and understanding different career pathways in business. No prior business experience is required, making the program accessible to students who are early in their exploration of business careers.
6. University of Washington’s Young Executives in our Community (YEOC) Program
Location: University of Washington Foster School of Business, Seattle, WA
Cost | Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective, with over 160 high school students selected from 73 schools in Washington State
Program Dates: September 27 – May 11
Application Deadline: February – May 31
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors from Washington State who are active leaders in their high school and community | Preference given to students with a GPA of 3.0 and above (not a requirement)
University of Washington’s YEOC program is a free, nine-month academic readiness and business program for high school sophomores and juniors across Washington State. You will attend monthly Saturday sessions on the UW Seattle campus, where you will engage in business lectures, hands-on activities, and workshops focused on college preparation and professional development. Each session centers on a specific business topic, such as marketing, finance, accounting, or information systems, and includes a keynote speaker and business challenges. You will be paired with mentors who will support you during sessions and check in regularly throughout the year, providing guidance on academics and the college-planning process. The program concludes with an end-of-year case competition, where you apply business concepts to a real-world scenario and present your work to peers and professionals.
7. Port of Seattle High School Internships
Location: SEA Airport or along the Seattle waterfront in WA
Cost | Stipend: Free | Paid, but the exact amount is not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Summer and winter internships available
Application Deadline: Summer internship application timeline is May 5 – 18 (tentative; based on previous years) | Winter applications will be available in November
Eligibility: Current high school students, recent high school graduates, or students currently enrolled in a GED completion program | Must be at least 16 years old and authorized to work in the U.S. | Ideal candidates have demonstrated the ability to complete projects, have volunteered with community organizations, and/or participated in extracurricular activities
Port of Seattle High School Internships are paid opportunities that provide high school students with hands-on experience in a major public organization that manages aviation, maritime, and community-focused operations. You will work on real projects in areas such as aviation, maritime, governance, community engagement, or environmental initiatives, depending on the internship. The program emphasizes professional skill development, including project management, process improvement, workplace communication, public speaking, and leadership. You will also take part in career awareness activities, including mentorship meetings, facility tours at SEA Airport or along the Seattle waterfront, and resume and LinkedIn workshops. Through structured training and daily work, you will learn how a public sector organization operates and how its projects support local communities and the regional economy.
8. TiE Young Entrepreneur (TYE) Seattle
Location: Hybrid, with in-person sessions held in Seattle, WA
Cost | Stipend: $499 (discounts and financial aid available) | Prizes of up to $10,000 available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: First-come, first-served basis for up to 50 seats
Program Dates: October – May
Application Deadline: September 21 (tentative; subject to change)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
TYE Seattle is a year-long entrepreneurship program for high school students interested in building and testing startup ideas. You will work in small teams to develop a business concept using customer feedback, design thinking, and Lean Startup frameworks, progressing from ideation through product and business model development. The curriculum covers core business areas, including marketing, finance, product development, legal basics, and presentation skills, with structured milestones throughout the school year. Mentorship is a central component, with guidance from local entrepreneurs, founders, and industry professionals, along with guest sessions featuring venture capitalists. The program concludes with a competitive pitch event, where you present your business model, product demonstration, and supporting materials; top teams advance to the TYE Global Finals.
9. Seattle University’s Albers Summer Business Institute (SBI)
Location: Seattle University, Seattle, WA
Cost: $1,500 (scholarships available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 19 – 25
Application Deadline: April 15 (tentative; based on previous years)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12
SBI is a one-week, residential summer program that introduces high school students to college-level business study. You will take classes taught by Seattle University faculty and explore core business disciplines through lectures, team projects, and experiential activities. The program is designed to give you a preview of business school instruction and to develop skills such as collaboration, communication, and analytical thinking. You will also participate in company visits and networking activities that connect academic concepts to real business environments. Upon successful completion, you will earn two college credits and gain exposure to campus life.
10. Stevens School of Business – Finance and Investing Virtual Bootcamp
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,500
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 7 – 11 (tentative; based on previous years)
Application Deadline: December 20 – March 1 (tentative; based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Stevens School of Business’s Finance and Investing Virtual Bootcamp is a one-week, intensive online program that introduces high school students to the fundamentals of finance and investment management. You will study core topics, including equity analysis, risk assessment, portfolio diversification, and market data analysis, through live lectures and applied exercises. A central component of the program is hands-on portfolio management using the S&P Capital IQ academic platform, where you build and manage simulated investment portfolios. You will also work toward earning introductory S&P certifications, including Capital IQ Pro 101 and Pro 201, which will provide you with a competitive edge in your future academic and career pursuits. The program includes daily breakout sessions led by teaching assistants, offering guided practice and mentorship as you apply financial concepts to market data.
11. Wharton Global Youth Pre-baccalaureate Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,387 + $100 application fee (tuition and fee waivers available for Students attending a School District of Philadelphia public or charter high school)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Spring 1: January 20 – March 3 | Summer 1: May 26 – July 1 | Summer 2: July 2 – August 7 (tentative; subject to change)
Application Deadline: December 5 (Spring 1) | March 25 (Summer 1) | May 6 (Summer 2)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 or equivalent
The Wharton Global Youth Pre-baccalaureate Program is an online, credit-bearing academic program for high school students seeking to study business at the undergraduate level. You will enroll in Wharton courses across areas such as finance, management, marketing, economics, statistics, and analytics, participating in weekly live sessions led by Wharton instructors. Classes are composed entirely of high school students and emphasize discussion, case studies, simulations, group projects, and formal assessments such as exams or final papers. Successful completion earns an official University of Pennsylvania transcript, with each course equivalent to two college credits. You will receive structured academic support through assigned advisors, instructor office hours, and access to university research and library resources. Students are also included in the Wharton Youth Network, an online community that supports peer interaction and collaboration during and beyond the program.
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