14 Business Research Opportunities for High School Students
If you're a high school student curious about how businesses grow, innovate, and compete, participating in a research program is a smart way to explore the field. These programs help you develop essential skills, including data analysis, market research, and financial modeling, while learning how businesses make strategic decisions.
Many of these programs are hosted by top universities, nonprofits, and professional organizations. You can collaborate with mentors and peers, explore case studies, and even contribute to original research projects. Whether your interests lie in entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, or management, these research experiences can clarify your goals and enhance your college applications.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of 14 business research opportunities designed for high school students!
1. Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy at the University of Michigan
Location: Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, MI
Cost: $5,500 + $75 application fee; full and partial need-based scholarships are available.
Dates: June 13 – 27
Application Deadline: January 21
Eligibility: Current rising high school seniors. Preference will be given to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy immerses students in college-level classes and workshops led by Ross faculty, covering topics such as marketing, finance, and leadership. The curriculum emphasizes action-based learning, allowing you to work on real-world business challenges in collaboration with local companies. You will engage in team projects, create solutions for business challenges, and present your results. Additionally, you'll be able to attend guest lectures, join field trips, and engage with industry professionals to gain insights into different business careers.
2. KeyBank Business Leadership Program
Location: University of Colorado Boulder, Leeds School of Business, Boulder, CO
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 22 – 28
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility:
Current high school juniors
Priority for Colorado residents and students at Colorado high schools
Students who identify as underrepresented, diverse, low-income, and/or first-generation are encouraged to apply
The KeyBank Business Leadership Program (BLP) is a fully funded, week-long residential experience hosted by the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder. During the program, you'll work on team projects, such as creating and presenting a marketing campaign for corporate partners. The top-performing team is awarded a $1,000 scholarship to the Leeds School of Business. You'll attend lectures led by business professors, join workshops on networking and diversity, and engage with industry professionals. The program also offers an immersive college experience, with participants living on campus and engaging in various social activities.
3. Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY)
Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA
Cost: California Resident $6,292 | Out of State Resident $7,332
Dates: Session I: July 5 – 19 | Session II: July 19 – August 2
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students
The Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY) High School Entrepreneurship Program is a two-week residential course held at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. Throughout the program, you will participate in a curriculum featuring lectures by Haas faculty, independent research, computer lab exercises, and team-based projects. A central component of the program is the development of a comprehensive business plan, which teams present at the end of the session. Additionally, you will receive guidance on college preparation, including insights into crafting personal statements and application essays.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Columbia University's Pre-college Programs – Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Changing the World via Venture Creation
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: Online Summer (2 Weeks): $3,965 per session | NYC Commuter Summer (3 Weeks): $6,310 per session | NYC Residential Summer (3 weeks): $12,764 per session
Dates: Multiple 2- and 3-week sessions (in-person and virtual) between June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April
Eligibility: Domestic and international students who will be enrolled in grades 9–12 in the fall, and students currently enrolled in grade 12
Columbia University's Pre-College Program, "Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Changing the World via Venture Creation," is designed to guide you through the process of developing a new business or social enterprise. Throughout the program, you'll engage in interactive lectures, case studies, and peer activities that simulate the key steps of venture creation. These include developing a business model, identifying customers, analyzing the market, and crafting go-to-market strategies. You'll also work collaboratively with peers to refine your venture ideas, applying tools that support research and decision-making. The curriculum emphasizes the development of practical skills, including creative problem-solving, communication, negotiation, project management, financial analysis, and collaborative leadership.
6. UChicago's Pre-college Program – Economics From An Experimental Perspective
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $8,900 (financial aid ranging from $500 - $6,600 is available).
Dates: June 14 – July 4
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are at least 14 years old
The University of Chicago's Pre-College Summer Immersion course, Economics from an Experimental Perspective, provides a three-week residential program where you'll examine economic principles through practical experiments. The program blends lectures with practical exercises to demonstrate how economic theories relate to real-world scenarios. You'll participate in laboratory experiments that simulate market exchanges and strategic decision-making scenarios. These activities are complemented by discussions that delve into the economic concepts underlying each experiment. By engaging in these exercises, you'll learn to analyze data, interpret results, and apply economic reasoning to various contexts.
7. NSLC’s Business & Entrepreneurship High School Summer Program
Location: Multiple locations
Cost: $4,095 or $4,395 (Residential Program)
Program Dates: Multiple 9-day sessions are offered at various locations between June 13 – August 3.
Application Deadline: NSLC will continue to accept applications if space is available in a program or on a program’s waitlist. The online enrollment application will display all current availability.
Eligibility: Students must be between the ages of 14-18 and have completed at least one year of high school (students may attend NSLC through the summer following high school graduation).
At the NSLC on Business & Entrepreneurship, you'll engage in interactive workshops and simulations that cover key aspects of launching and managing a business. Activities involve developing a product or service, crafting a business plan, and presenting your venture to an investor panel for feedback. You'll also delve into topics like market analysis, branding, and financial planning. The program includes site visits to companies and business schools, which offer further insights into the business world.
8. Entrepreneur Academy at Georgetown University
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: $5,950 (Price includes tuition, housing, and meals); $4,145 (Commuter Student tuition)
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors during the academic year before the summer program and have good academic standing, with at least a 2.0 GPA.
Georgetown University's Entrepreneurship Academy is a two-week summer program exploring the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. The program integrates classroom learning with practical experiences, featuring lectures, group discussions, and hands-on activities. These cover topics like startup selection, prototype testing, market research, social innovation, global business, and business operations. Throughout the program, you'll get chances to connect with seasoned entrepreneurs from different industries, learning about their challenges and successes in starting and running businesses. The program culminates in a final pitch competition, where you'll present your business concept to a panel and receive feedback to refine your approach.
9. Wharton Global Youth Program – Future of the Business World
Location: Online
Cost: Varies depending on program. Check the exact costs here!
Dates:
Session 1: June 16 – 27
Session 2: July 7 – 18
Session 3: July 21 – August 1
Application Deadlines:
Priority: April 2
Final: May 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 with strong academic records
The Wharton Global Youth Program's Future of the Business World is a two-week virtual course for high school students in grades 9–12 interested in exploring modern business challenges and innovations. Through live virtual sessions and independent assignments, you'll explore topics like design thinking, scenario planning, and global business strategies. Interactive simulations and faculty-led lectures provide opportunities to analyze real-world business problems and develop forecasting skills. Working with peers, you'll complete a final project where you'll forecast the future of the business landscape and present your insights to the cohort.
10. Penn State Business Opportunities Summer Session
Location: Penn State University Park, State College, PA
Cost: $250 (scholarships may be available)
Dates: June 15 – 27
Application Deadline: March 19
Eligibility: High school juniors (rising seniors) residing in the U.S. or Puerto Rico with a strong interest in pursuing a business education
BOSS is tailored for rising high school seniors from the U.S. and Puerto Rico, providing an engaging, college-level business education experience. You will take courses led by Penn State faculty that cover essential topics in business and college readiness. The program includes workshops on professional skills, team projects, and a final business presentation. Additionally, BOSS offers chances to explore career options via company visits and networking with industry experts. The program emphasizes ethical leadership and aims to support students from diverse backgrounds in their academic and professional development.
11. Drexel Camp Business
Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Commuter Session: $950 | Residential Session: $2,000
Program Dates:
Residential Session I: July 13 – 18
Commuter Session: July 20 – 25
Residential Session II: July 27 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 1 (priority deadline; rolling admissions until capacity is met)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Drexel University's Camp Business is a week-long summer program exploring collegiate and corporate business education. The curriculum emphasizes core concepts including leadership, professional image, etiquette, team building, and strategy. During the program, you'll engage in interactive sessions covering key business disciplines, including accounting, marketing, finance, and management. You'll also gain practical insights into essential business tools like the stock market, financial documents, and technology. Camp Business features guest lectures from industry professionals, offering you real-world perspectives on various business careers.
12. Stevens Organizational Leadership Virtual Summer Research Experience
Location: Virtual (asynchronous with live weekly office hours)
Cost: $1,500
Program Dates: July 7 – August 11
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors entering the fall academic year
The Organizational Leadership Virtual Summer Research Experience, offered by the Stevens School of Business, is a five-week online program designed for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Throughout the course, you'll explore topics like organizational leadership, corporate culture, ethics and social responsibility, and strategic communication. The curriculum comprises weekly learning modules that enable you to explore management principles at your own pace, while live sessions provide opportunities for direct interaction and guidance. The program aims to develop your foundational skills in business and leadership, preparing you for future academic and professional endeavors.
13. Columbia University – Introduction to Business, Finance, and Economics
Location: Columbia University, NY
Eligibility: Domestic and international students who will be enrolled in grades 9–12 in the fall, and students currently enrolled in grade 12
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April
Dates: Multiple 2 and 3-week (in-person and virtual) sessions between June 30 – August 8
Cost: Online Summer (2 Weeks): $3,965 per session | NYC Commuter Summer (3 Weeks): $6,310 per session | NYC Residential Summer (3 weeks): $12,764 per session
Columbia University's Pre-College Program offers a course titled "Introduction to Business, Finance, and Economics," designed for high school students interested in exploring the financial and economic behavior of firms. The course examines how businesses identify worthwhile investments, secure funding, and navigate financial markets. You will explore different financial instruments such as stocks and bonds, and understand valuation models used for assessing investments and companies. The curriculum also covers microeconomic models that describe the behavior of firms in markets. Through case studies and independent projects, you'll gain insights into optimal investment strategies, financial statement analysis, and risk assessment.
14. UChicago's Pre-college Programs – Business and Entrepreneurship
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are at least 14 years old
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March
Dates: June 14 – June 27
Cost: $5,625 (financial aid ranging from $500 - $6,600 is available)
The University of Chicago's Pre-College Program offers a two-week residential course titled Career Insight: Business and Entrepreneurship. This program aims to help high school students explore core topics in entrepreneurship, finance, leadership, and economics through lectures, discussions, and interactive activities led by the University of Chicago faculty. In the afternoons, you'll engage with industry professionals through presentations and career treks around Chicago, gaining practical insights into the business world. You'll maintain a response journal and complete assignments that will culminate in a final portfolio. The program is non-credit and requires participants to reside on campus, providing an immersive college experience.
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Image source - Columbia University