14 Business Summer Programs for High School Students in Massachusetts
If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, business summer programs can be an effective way to explore these topics while still in high school. These programs enable you to develop practical skills, including leadership, teamwork, public speaking, and financial literacy, while gaining exposure to problem-solving and business strategies. Many programs also connect you with mentors and industry professionals, helping you explore potential career paths and develop experiences that can strengthen future college applications.
Why should you participate in a business summer program in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is home to reputable universities, organizations, and innovation hubs that offer business summer programs for high school students. You may work on business projects, develop product ideas, analyze markets, or pitch solutions to professionals, while also gaining exposure to business concepts used across various industries. These programs are a great opportunity for both local and out-of-state students to experience the academic environment of Massachusetts and develop their profiles.
With that, here is a list of 14 business summer programs for high school students in Massachusetts.
If you are looking for summer programs in Massachusetts, check out our blog here.
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Various locations across the U.S., including Massachusetts + Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid
Acceptance Rate: Between 5-8%
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer, including a Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC (July 21 – 26)
Application Deadline: October 14 – January 15
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors with good academic standing; Must be a permanent resident of one of the eligible locations; More details here
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is an eight-week paid summer experience where you’ll develop leadership and workplace skills by interning at a local nonprofit organization. You’ll work on hands-on projects that support community needs while learning about the business operations behind nonprofit management. As part of the program, you’ll also attend a national Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you will explore how businesses, government, and nonprofits collaborate to address economic and social challenges. The summit includes opportunities to connect with peers and learn from professionals across multiple sectors.
2. Veritas AI: AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; Full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15 week cohorts throughout the year, including in the summer
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Students who have either completed the AI Scholars program or have experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI offers an online AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program for high school students interested in developing an independent AI project. Over 12-15 weeks, you will explore AI concepts through guided instruction and one-on-one mentorship while identifying a research question that reflects your interests. You will gain first-hand experience in analyzing data, building and testing models, and troubleshooting challenges with support from an AI expert. The program also includes opportunities to present your completed project to peers, and if you choose, submit your work to a student research journal or competition. Students interested in business-focused AI applications can look into areas such as financial prediction models or market analysis tools.
3. CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) High School Internship Program
Location: CLA, Boston (Quincy), MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 16 – July 17
Application Deadline: Applications open in March
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors (16+) who are proficient with Microsoft Office products
The CLA High School Internship Program is a paid, four-week summer internship that introduces you to careers in business, accounting, and professional services. You’ll gain hands-on experience by contributing to real projects and participating in interactive case studies that simulate client services across industries. Throughout the program, you’ll also shadow professionals at different levels, sit in on internal or external meetings, and observe how client services are delivered. You might also get to take part in community-focused activities or client site visits, gaining a broader view of the industry’s impact. By working closely with experienced staff, you’ll develop practical workplace skills while exploring whether a career in business or accounting aligns with your interests.
4. Young Founders Lab
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; Full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including in the summer
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort (application link here)
Eligibility: 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 towards building a revenue-generating start-up 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 to delve into the world of business in high school and have a space to explore multiple theoretical as well as practical frameworks that lead to a successful business. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
5. Emma Bowen Foundation Internship Program
Location: Various media companies across the U.S., including Massachusetts
Stipend: Paid (exact amount not specified)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; Around 150 interns each summer
Program Dates: Minimum of 8 weeks starting in May or June
Application Deadline: September – early January
Eligibility: High school seniors (18+) planning to attend a four-year accredited U.S. college; Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and be authorized to work in the U.S.
The Emma Bowen Foundation Internship Program connects students with paid summer internships at leading media, entertainment, and technology organizations. You can choose from different tracks, including the Business track, where you will explore areas like marketing, sales, public relations, and human resources while gaining hands-on workplace experience. The program even offers you the opportunity to continue your internship with the same partner company the following summers, possibly extending throughout your college years. This allows you to build relevant skills, confidence, and long-term professional connections. Throughout your time as a fellow, you’ll learn from industry professionals, take on real responsibilities, and observe how media and tech companies operate behind the scenes.
6. Get Girls Going: Summer Incubator Program
Location: Boston, MA
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 7 – August 15
Application Deadline: June 18
Eligibility: Black or brown high school girls between the ages of 14 and 18; Must be a Boston resident
Get Girls Going’s Summer Incubator Program is a free, six-week entrepreneurship experience for Black high school girls based in Boston. You will learn how to develop a business from the ground up to address real social issues in your community, such as access to healthcare or education. Through workshops and mentorship from local entrepreneurs and professionals, you’ll explore key concepts such as market research, budgeting, product development, and branding. You’ll collaborate with peers to refine your business idea and present it at a final pitch night, where select participants may receive funding to continue building their ventures. This experience will help you build confidence, develop entrepreneurial skills, and understand how entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for social change.
7. Suffolk University: Summer Entrepreneurship Program for High School Students
Location: Suffolk University, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: July 7 – 24
Application Deadline: March 14; Rolling admissions until full
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from the metro-Boston area; Rising high school juniors are considered on a space-available basis
The Summer Entrepreneurship Program for High School Students at Suffolk University is a three-week, commuter program designed primarily for rising seniors interested in business and innovation. You’ll explore how entrepreneurs develop new ventures through hands-on classes, team projects, and visits to entrepreneurial organizations in Boston. Throughout the program, you may meet business leaders and gain insight into the value-creation process in companies of different sizes. The experience also includes access to campus resources and guidance on navigating the college application process. The program concludes with a presentation where you share your own business concept with peers and professionals. Offered at no cost, this business summer program is not only worth three Suffolk credits but also gives you practical insight into Boston’s startup environment.
8. Boston Private Industry Council (PIC): Summer Internship Program
Location: Various companies and institutions across Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: 6-8 weeks starting in July
Application Deadline: February – May (dates vary by employer or organization)
Eligibility: Boston public high school students (some positions may have a required minimum age or grade level)
As part of the PIC Summer Internship Program, you’ll gain early exposure to the business world by working in paid roles at companies across fields such as financial services, healthcare administration, and technology. Through hands-on assignments, you might support your assigned organization in areas like marketing, operations, human resources, or IT while learning how professional workplaces function. The experience may combine day-to-day project work, such as gathering data, organizing events, or assisting with customer-facing tasks, with opportunities for career exploration and workplace skill-building. You’ll also connect with staff and mentors who’ll introduce you to different business pathways and professional expectations.
9. Harvard’s Pre-College Program: Business Tracks
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $6,100 + $75 application fee (limited number of scholarships available)
Cohort Size: Average of 15 students per class
Program Dates: June 21 – July 2 (Session I); July 5 – 17 (Session II); July 19 – 31 (Session III)
Application Deadline: December 1 – April 1 (or earlier if all course waitlists are full)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (ages 16-18)
At the Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program, you’ll spend two intensive weeks on the Harvard campus taking a non-credit, college-level course taught by Harvard faculty. If you’re interested in business, you can choose from courses in economics, management, leadership, or digital media, where you’ll analyze real-world case studies and discuss the economic and social factors that influence business and financial decisions. Classes are small, allowing you to engage directly with instructors and peers through debates, group discussions, and daily assignments. Outside of class, you’ll join required and optional co-curricular activities, such as college-readiness workshops, academic lectures, campus-based activities, and local excursions that give you a glimpse of college life in Cambridge.
10. Pre-College @ UMass Amherst – Entrepreneurship: Becoming a Game-Changer
Location: University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Cost: $2,262 (Commuter); $3,907 (Residential); Partial scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 27 – August 9
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors
This pre-college course at UMass Amherst introduces you to the core stages of entrepreneurship through hands-on teamwork and problem-solving. You’ll learn how to identify real-world challenges, develop a product or business idea, gather input from potential users, and pitch your ideas with guidance from mentors. Coursework covers essentials such as exploring funding options, testing ideas in the community, and understanding the local support ecosystem for startups. You may also have the opportunity to access resources like the UMass 3D printing lab or learn about regional business incubators and accelerators. The program concludes with a final presentation where each team demonstrates its proposed solution.
11. Tufts University’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp
Location: Tufts University Medford / Somerville Campus in MA
Cost: $4,225 (Commuter); $5,750 (Residential); Limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: July 5 – 17
Application Deadline: December 1 – May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors, as well as graduating high school seniors
Tufts University’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp is a two-week, in-person business summer program for high school students in Massachusetts, where you will work in teams to design, build, and pitch a new startup, small business, or nonprofit venture. As part of this program, you’ll learn core entrepreneurial skills such as creating a business case, developing a go-to-market strategy, and practicing elevator pitches. The program includes hands-on workshops, collaboration with Tufts students and alumni mentors, and opportunities to explore the Boston entrepreneurship scene. It concludes with a Demo Day-style pitch event, where student teams present to a panel of judges. This program structure enables you to gain practical experience in communication, leadership, and creative problem-solving within a real-world business context.
12. Northeastern University: Experiential Entrepreneurship
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Cost: $7,095; Financial aid available
Cohort Size: Around 15-30 students
Program Dates: July 12 – 24
Application Deadline: Early December – February 27 (regular deadline); Late application deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors
The Experiential Entrepreneurship program at Northeastern University is a hands-on summer experience where you form a team and build a startup idea from concept to pitch. You’ll learn entrepreneurial skills through activities focused on creativity, customer understanding, and brand development. The program includes guidance from industry professionals on topics such as business planning, negotiation, product development, and presenting your ideas effectively. As you collaborate with peers, you’ll also practice communication, teamwork, and systems thinking to understand the broader impact of business decisions. The experience concludes with you presenting your business pitch to peers and mentors.
13. Bentley University’s Pre-College Programs
Location: Bentley University, Waltham, MA (online options available)
Cost: $1,490 (Online); $2,450 (Commuter); $3,380 (Residential); $75 application fee; Scholarships available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: 1 week in June or July (exact dates vary by course)
Application Deadline: June 1 (or until the courses are full)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who have completed at least two years of college preparatory coursework at the high school level; Only students 16+ can apply to the Residential program; See individual program pages here for course-specific prerequisites
Bentley University’s Pre-College Programs give you the chance to experience college-level business education while also exploring campus life. You can choose from business-focused courses such as Business of Health and Wellness, Social Entrepreneurship, Sports Management, Quant Risk Management, and Innovation and Design for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs. Classes take place in the Smith Academic Technology Center, where you’ll participate in interactive lessons and collaborative projects using university-provided laptops. You might also go on supervised evening trips to Boston landmarks like Copley Square Mall and Faneuil Hall, gaining exposure to the local business environment. Along the way, you will develop academic skills, explore career interests, and build connections with peers and faculty.
14. Babson Summer Study for High School Students
Location: Virtual or in-person at New England Innovation Academy (NEIA), Marlborough, MA
Cost: Online: $6,295; In-person: $9,295 (day students) & $12,995 (residential students); Need-based financial assistance available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 6 – 28 (the Virtual Format will start on July 8)
Application Deadline: December 1 – February 13 (In-person), March 13 (Virtual)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors (16+) who can demonstrate English proficiency
Babson Summer Study for High School Students is a three-week, credit-bearing program designed to help you develop an entrepreneurial mindset through hands-on, project-based learning. Offered both online and in person at NEIA, the program gives you access to the course, EPS 1110 Introduction to the Entrepreneurial Experience, a Babson College course that earns you four college credits. You’ll explore entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, finance, business communication, and venture creation, as you work on team projects addressing real-world challenges tied to the United Nations Global Goals. Throughout the program, you’ll receive guidance from Babson faculty, industry leaders, and academic mentors, gaining exposure to the college’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and professional networks. You will also have the chance to collaborate with peers from around the world to design socially conscious business solutions, building creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
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