15 Business Summer Pre-College Programs for High School Students
If you’re a high schooler interested in business, consider participating in a business pre-college program. Many of these programs give you the chance to explore business topics, including accounting, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, and more, as well as the intersection of business with other industries, such as AI. You can also develop essential practical skills in collaboration, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and more. You’ll also gain relevant industry experience and develop valuable connections with industry experts, faculty members, and peers from around the globe.
What are the benefits of attending a business pre-college program?
Seeing as many business pre-college programs are offered by prestigious universities, participating in one will give you the chance to learn from top faculty members, engage in rigorous coursework, and sometimes even earn college credit. Some of these universities include Harvard, Babson, UPenn, NYU, Drexel University, and more. As a participant, you will explore topics like finance and financial literacy, the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, the intersection of business and AI, and more.
With that, here are 15 business summer pre-college programs for high school students.
If you’re looking for online business programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span entrepreneurship (Babson Summer Study, Wharton Essentials of Entrepreneurship, Fordham Exploring Entrepreneurship), finance and financial literacy (Harvard Personal Finance, Fordham Invest in Her, NYU SPS Career Edge), general business fundamentals (Drexel Camp Business, Tufts Business Essentials), and AI in business (Stevens Business and AI, Immerse Education).
Several programs offer college credit, including Babson Summer Study (four Babson credits), NYU Pre-College (undergraduate-level credit-bearing courses), and USC Pre-College (college credits), making them strong options for students who want early academic advancement.
Costs vary significantly, from more accessible programs like Fordham Invest in Her ($1,300) and Stevens Business and AI ($1,200) to premium residential programs like Wharton Leadership in the Business World ($11,899), with most programs offering some form of scholarship or need-based financial aid.
Most programs culminate in a capstone competition or pitch, including Wharton Leadership in the Business World, Fordham Exploring Entrepreneurship, Stevens Business and AI, and USC Pre-College, giving students practical presentation and persuasion experience.
Application deadlines are spread throughout the year, with early deadlines like Harvard Pre-College (December 1) and Babson Summer Study (December 1 for round 1) and later options like USC Pre-College (May 8) and Drexel Camp Business (May 1 priority).
1. Immerse Education’s Academic Insights Pathway
Location: Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, and Boston
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 2 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school
The Academic Insights Program provides school students with an opportunity to take undergraduate-level classes at universities around the world. Participants work with academics from universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard in classes of 4-10 students. They attend university-style lectures and 1:1 weekly sessions with their tutor. The program includes practical experiences such as dissections in medicine, building robotic arms in engineering, and moot courts in law. Students can choose from over 20 subjects, including biology, artificial intelligence, business management, computer science, economics, medicine, philosophy, and more. By the end of the program, they complete a personal project and receive written feedback and a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.
2. UC Irvine Pre-College Programs: Future Leaders Initiative
Location: University of California – Paul Merage School of Business, Irvine, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: 150 students
Dates: 6 full-day sessions
Application Deadline: January – April
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
UC Irvine offers Pre-College Programs to prepare you for a successful college and career experience. Among these programs is the Future Leaders Initiative, where you will benefit from business education, financial literacy, and career preparation. This program is different from many others in that it offers a six-day experience in which you will engage in local site visits and participate in on-campus activities and learning opportunities. Some of the sites visited in the past include Samsung, Hyundai, NVIDIA, UCI Health, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and more. As a participant, you will explore topics such as networking, business presentations, self-branding, and more. You will also learn about investment and wealth management, entrepreneurship, real estate, healthcare management and policy, and more. By the end of the program, you will receive an FLI Certification, which you can highlight on your college or job applications.
3. Harvard’s Pre-College Summer Program: Business and Leadership
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $6,100 + $75 application fee; Financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Dates: June 21 – July 2 (session I); July 5 – 17 (session II); July 19 – 31 (session III)
Application Deadline: December 1 – January 7 (early), February 11 (regular), April 1 (late)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (ages 16-18)
Harvard’s Pre-College Summer Program offers you a two-week immersive experience on the Harvard campus, where you’ll explore college-level learning and campus life. As a participant, you will have the option to choose from several subject areas, including business and leadership, law, politics, history, philosophy, STEAM, and more. If you’re interested in business, some courses you can choose from are Invention, Innovation, and Markets; Personal Finance and Financial Well-Being; and more. The Personal Finance and Financial Well-Being course allows you to develop personal finance literacy and teaches you the fundamental principles and skills of financial planning. During the Invention, Innovation, and Markets course, you will explore the micro- and macroeconomic effects of invention and innovation.
4. Wharton Global Youth Program: Leadership in the Business World
Location: The University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $11,899; Scholarships offered
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Dates: June 7 – 27; June 28 – July 18; July 19 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 28 (priority); March 18 (final)
Eligibility: Current 11th graders with demonstrated leadership experience and an unweighted GPA of 3.5+
The Wharton Global Youth Program offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in an intensive, college-level program, where you will learn from Wharton faculty. If you are interested in business, you will pursue rigorous business education while networking with peers from around the globe. During the Leadership in the Business World program, you will spend three weeks developing a strong foundation in business fundamentals and organizational strategy. You will participate in team-based projects, simulations, and debates, and learn to analyze business environments using essential management frameworks such as SWOT analysis, Porter’s Five Forces, and more. You will also get to study and evaluate real-world businesses through case studies and simulations. The program ends with a capstone case competition, where you will get to apply your new skills to a real-world business scenario.
5. Babson Summer Study for High School Students
Location: Babson College, Babson Park, MA + Online
Cost: $6,295 (online); $9,295 (commuter); $12,995 (residential); Limited need-based financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Dates: July 8 – 28
Application Deadline: December 1 – February 13 (round 1), March 13 (round 2)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Babson Summer Study for High School Students gives you the chance to spend three weeks developing an entrepreneurial mindset and learning what it takes to be an innovator and changemaker. As a participant, you will be enrolled in the EPS 1110 Introduction to the Entrepreneurial Experience course, where you will explore social, economic, and environmental problems framed by the U.N. Global Goals. The course also covers topics like leadership, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and business communication. Aside from this, the program gives you access to a global network, top faculty members who may also act as mentors, and an entrepreneurial ecosystem. By the end of the course, you’ll earn four college credits from Babson.
6. Wharton Global Youth Program: Essentials of Entrepreneurship
Location: The University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $8,299; Scholarships offered
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Dates: June 7 – 19; June 21 – July 3; July 12 – 25; July 6 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 28 (priority); March 18 (final)
Eligibility: 9th-11th graders
The Wharton Global Youth Program offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in an intensive, college-level program, where you will learn from Wharton faculty. For those interested in business, you will engage in rigorous business education while networking with peers from around the globe. During the Essentials of Entrepreneurship program, you will spend two weeks learning how to launch a startup. You will develop skills in innovation, marketing, and venture creation through interactive lectures, hands-on activities, and team projects. You’ll also learn how to discover market needs using tools like Google Scholar, Pew Research, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program ends with a final pitch competition, where you will present your startup idea and receive feedback. Once you complete the program, you’ll receive a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion.
7. NYU Pre-College: Business
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: Varies; $50 application fee
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Dates: July 1 – August 12
Application Deadline: February 1 – June 15
Eligibility: Rising 11th-12th graders with a cumulative GPA of 3.0+
NYU’s Pre-College program gives you the chance to experience life on a college campus, explore various areas of study, and earn college credits. As a participant, you will take part in rigorous undergraduate-level courses taught by top NYU faculty in a variety of fields, including business. Under the business track, you will learn about the principles of marketing, basic statistics, the principles of accounting, and business organizations & management. The program also helps you prepare for college through College 101, a series of informative sessions and workshops covering topics such as the college admissions process, financial aid, and more. You’ll also get to learn alongside several talented students from around the world and expand your network.
8. USC Pre-College Summer Programs: Introduction to Business
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Varies; $85 application fee
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – July 17
Application Deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders pursuing a rigorous high school curriculum
USC’s Pre-College Summer Programs allow you to participate in college-level courses while also earning college credits. Each course is interactive and challenging, giving you the chance to learn from lectures, hands-on workshops and labs, and guest speakers. For those interested in business, consider the Introduction to Business program, which gives you insight into an organization’s success and assesses the impact of effective marketing, operations, finance, and leadership. The program offers insight into how entertainment and sports work in Los Angeles and the chance to learn from USC faculty and industry experts. It’ll end with a Capstone Case Competition, where you and your team will have to analyze a real company and pitch data-driven solutions. The program also covers topics such as marketing, accounting, product design, data analytics, and more.
9. Tufts Pre-College Business Programs for High School Students: Business Essentials
Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Cost: $4,225 (Commuter); $5,750 (Residential); Limited need-based scholarships offered
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Dates: July 19 – 31
Application Deadline: December 1 – May 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders + graduating 12th graders
Tufts Pre-College Business Programs gives you the chance to participate in interactive seminars, workshops, and courses for high school students interested in learning more about business, marketing, management, and so on. Among these programs is Business Essentials, where you will get to spend two weeks learning about several business concepts. You will examine the role businesses play in the modern landscape, learn about the global context of business, and gain an understanding of its various roles and functions. You’ll also learn about various business terminology, concepts, and practices, and identify what aspect of business interests you. You’ll also get to hear from guest speakers from many different types of businesses and gain real-world insight. Additionally, the program examines the cultural, ethical, and technological factors that can affect business decisions, including artificial intelligence and corporate social responsibility.
10. LeBow College of Business Pre-College Programs: Camp Business
Location: Drexel University – LeBow College of Business, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Residential Blue + Gold Sessions: $2,000; Commuter Session: $950; Scholarships offered
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Dates: Residential Blue Session: July 13 – 17; Commuter Session: July 20 – 24; Residential Gold Session: July 27 – 31
Application Deadline: May 1 (priority)
Eligibility: Exceptional rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors
Drexel University offers several Business Pre-College Programs for interested high school students, including the Camp Business program. During this program, you will be exposed to both collegiate and corporate business education. It covers the basics of topics like accounting, finance, management, and marketing. You’ll learn about the importance of effective leadership, etiquette, professional image, and team building and strategy. You’ll also learn about the stock market, technology, and financial documents. By the end of the program, you will receive a certificate of completion.
11. NYU SPS High School Academy: Career Edge – Business
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: $2,579 tuition + $50 non-refundable application fee + $684 housing fee
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Dates: Multiple 1-week sessions in the summer
Application Deadline: May 8 (residential); June 12 (commuter)
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders
The NYU SPS High School Academy: Career Edge program offers you the chance to explore potential career options across a variety of fields, including business, publishing, startups, finance, event planning, and so on. Along the way, you’ll also get to experience life on an urban college campus. For students interested in business, the Career Edge program offers opportunities to explore relevant topics such as finance, financial technology, startups, investing, investment banking, and more. You’ll also attend lectures led by industry experts and go on field trips that allow you to gain first-hand experience with essential financial tools, stock trading, and Wall Street culture.
12. Fordham University’s Summer Business Programs – Invest in Her: Financial Literacy and Leadership for Women
Location: Fordham University – Gabelli School of Business, Bronx, NY
Cost: $1,300
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 13 – 17
Application Deadline: April 1 (priority)
Eligibility: Female high school students
Fordham University offers several summer business programs to interested high schoolers that give you a firsthand experience of what it would be like to study business in college. One of these programs is Invest in Her: Financial Literacy and Leadership for Women, which offers female high school students the opportunity to learn about the business world. As a participant, you will learn fundamental financial literacy, including a basic understanding of financial markets, financial statements, and accounting principles. The program also gives you the chance to engage in collaborative work and develop critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
13. University of Washington Pre-College Programs: Business and Leadership Program
Location: University of Washington – Foster School of Business, Seattle, WA
Cost: $4,498 (Commuter); $4,498 + $3,000 (Residential)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 5 – 17
Application Deadline: Apple through Summer Springboard
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders + graduating 12th graders
The University of Washington provides Pre-College Programs in various fields, including business, where students learn from world-class faculty, build essential skills, and experience campus life at a leading university. During the Business and Leadership Program, you will spend two weeks developing innovative thinking, leadership development, and learning about what it takes to run a successful business. You’ll pick up on essential skills in leadership, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication, and participate in hands-on workshops. The program also offers the chance to participate in a team-based case competition, where you will tackle a real-world business problem and develop viable solutions. Aside from this, you will also get to visit two leading Seattle corporations.
14. Fordham University’s Summer Business Programs – Exploring Entrepreneurship
Location: Fordham University – Gabelli School of Business, Bronx, NY
Cost: $1,950 + $150 non refundable fee (will be applied to tuition fee if accepted)
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: April 1 (tentative)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Fordham University offers several summer business programs to interested high schoolers that give you a firsthand experience of what it would be like to study business in college. Among many is the Exploring Entrepreneurship program, during which you will spend a week learning from the Foundry’s staff, working within a team, and developing a new business idea. You will then pitch this idea to a panel of start-up experts and entrepreneurs. As a participant, you will learn to develop a business model canvas, make use of design thinking, and articulate your value proposition. You will also get to create a minimum viable product (MVP) or prototype and learn what goes into financing your startup, whether that’s venture capital, bootstrapping, or angel investing. The program also offers the chance to visit a startup incubator, where you will learn about what the startup environment is like.
15. Stevens Institute of Technology: Business Programs For High School Students – Business & AI
Location: Stevens Institute of Technology – School of Business, Hoboken, NJ
Cost: $1,200
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 27 – 31
Application Deadline: March 16 (Priority); May 8 (Final 1); June 1 (Final 2)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Stevens Institute of Technology offers several pre-college programs for high school students interested in business, including the Business & AI course. During this course, you will spend a week exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and business and understanding how AI is changing business and society. You will collaborate in teams to design and prototype your own AI-powered app while exploring topics such as design thinking, AI in business, machine learning, AI prototyping and integration, among others. You’ll also get to learn from Gusset speakers who will share insights on the industry. The program ends with a final showcase presentation of your app.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best business summer programs for high school students?
Strong options depend on a student's interests. Students drawn to entrepreneurship might consider Babson Summer Study or Wharton Essentials of Entrepreneurship, those interested in finance might look at Fordham Invest in Her or NYU SPS Career Edge, and those interested in AI and business might consider Stevens Business and AI or Immerse Education's Academic Insights Program.
Do any business summer programs for high schoolers offer college credit?
Yes, Babson Summer Study awards four college credits, NYU Pre-College offers undergraduate-level credit-bearing courses, and USC Pre-College also awards college credits, making these strong options for students who want formal academic recognition alongside program experience.
Which business programs are most focused on entrepreneurship?
Babson Summer Study, Wharton Essentials of Entrepreneurship, and Fordham Exploring Entrepreneurship all center specifically on startup thinking, from developing a business model canvas and minimum viable product to pitching to judges and learning about venture capital and angel investing.
Are there business programs focused specifically on women or underrepresented students?
Fordham University's Invest in Her: Financial Literacy and Leadership for Women is specifically designed for female high school students, covering financial markets, accounting principles, and leadership development within a supportive cohort.
Which programs focus on the intersection of AI and business?
Stevens Institute of Technology's Business and AI course focuses directly on designing AI-powered apps and understanding how AI is reshaping industries, while Immerse Education's Academic Insights program offers business management alongside AI as a subject option.
When should I apply to business summer programs for high school students?
Deadlines vary widely. The earliest include Harvard Pre-College and Babson Summer Study (both December 1 for early rounds), while others like USC Pre-College (May 8) and Drexel Camp Business (May 1 priority) fall later in the spring.
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