12 Business Summer Programs for High School Students in Texas
If you are a high school student interested in entrepreneurship, finance, or management, consider exploring a summer program. These programs introduce you to core business concepts like marketing, accounting, and leadership through workshops, simulations, case studies, and projects. They also help you build foundational skills that may support future coursework or internship experiences.
Why should you attend a program in Texas?
Texas hosts a wide range of business summer programs at top universities and institutions across the state. Whether you're a Texan or a visiting student, you can find opportunities that align with your interests, such as research programs, internships, and courses, where you also receive networking opportunities. Attending a program in Texas can also help you get to know campuses you might consider for college.
Below are 12 business summer programs for high school students in Texas, selected for their academic quality, practical learning experiences, and focus on skill-building.
If you are looking for research programs and internships in Texas, check out our blogs here and here.
1. Dallas College – Youth Entrepreneurship Camp
Location: Pleasant Grove Center & Dallas College Venture Club, Dallas, TX; hybrid
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 9 – July 19
Application deadline: May 23
Eligibility: Middle and high school students in grades 7–10
This free, hands-on summer camp is designed for younger high school students interested in exploring entrepreneurship without financial barriers. The program focuses on providing real-world experience in starting and growing a business by having students work on creative projects and participate in field trips. You will be introduced to foundational business concepts while developing essential skills in creativity, leadership, and problem-solving. Sessions are held on most weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing ample time for idea development and collaboration with peers.
2. Veritas AI – AI+Finance Deep Dive
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students in grades 8-12; AI Fellowship applicants should have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior experience with Python and AI concepts
If you want to combine artificial intelligence with business, the AI+Finance Deep Dive offers a rigorous pathway. In this virtual program, you learn Python, machine learning fundamentals, and quantitative finance concepts, including predictive modeling, risk assessment, and algorithmic trading. Small cohort sessions let you work closely with mentors from universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, and you’ll use real financial datasets to build your own predictive models. Over about 10 weeks, you’ll develop an independent project. The program also provides publication support and a mentor recommendation letter.
3. UT Austin – Subiendo: The Academy for Rising Leaders
Location: The University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: None (food and boarding included)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 14 – June 18
Application deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors with a strong academic standing
Subiendo is a five‑day leadership development program that prepares you to address challenges in healthcare, energy/environment, and education. You’ll engage in team‑building exercises, network with industry leaders, and participate in project‑based learning to analyze policy issues. Communications workshops will help you refine your presentation skills, and you’ll gain insight into college life by staying in UT’s residence halls. The program’s mission is to empower the next generation of Texas leaders and encourage civic engagement. There is no cost to attend, making Subiendo an accessible way to build leadership and policy knowledge within a business context.
4. Young Founders Lab
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered year‑round
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
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. UT Austin – DYNAMC (Discover Yourself in Accounting Majors and Careers)
Location: The University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: None (food and boarding included)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 21 – June 28
Application deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors with a strong academic standing
DYNAMC introduces you to the world of accounting through a week of workshops, case studies, and mentorship sessions. You’ll learn how accounting supports decision‑making in organizations, explore careers in auditing and tax, and meet professionals from top firms. Students work in teams on a real‑world case competition, applying accounting principles to solve business challenges. The program also provides networking opportunities with current UT students and faculty and includes an on‑campus living experience. Because DYNAMC is tuition‑free, it’s an accessible way to explore an accounting career while strengthening your business acumen.
6. UT Austin – McCombs Future Executive Academy (MFEA)
Location: The University of Texas, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: None (food and boarding included)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 31 – June 5
Application deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors with a strong academic standing
The McCombs School of Business hosts MFEA, a free, six-day program focused on business and leadership with team-based activities such as case competitions, business simulations, and leadership exercises. Faculty and keynote speakers will cover various subjects, including marketing, finance, and ethics. The program emphasizes networking with industry professionals and current UT students, giving you insider perspectives on different business careers. Sessions culminate in a team presentation where you showcase your strategic recommendations. Because the program is tuition‑free and covers lodging and meals, it’s a great option among business summer programs for high school students in Texas.
7. Prairie View A&M University – Young Business Leaders (YBL) Summer Program
Location: Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX
Cost: $500 (covers materials, meals, and housing; scholarships may be available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Week‑long program in June
Application deadline: TBD
Eligibility: High school students ages 14‑18 (grades 9‑11) with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The YBL Summer Program introduces you to the principles of business through presentations, experiential learning, and visits to local businesses. Over a week on campus, you’ll engage in problem‑solving activities, team projects, and workshops led by PVAMU faculty and industry professionals. Field trips to regional companies expose you to different career paths and allow you to see business concepts in action. The program encourages leadership development and peer networking across Texas. If you’re looking for a residential experience focused on core business skills and community connections, YBL is a strong option among business summer programs for high school students in Texas.
8. Texas Tech University – Financial Planning Academy
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost: $250
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 8 – June 13
Application deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Financial Planning Academy, a program developed by Texas Tech with funding from the Charles Schwab Foundation, offers a deep dive into the financial planning profession and personal finance. You’ll work in small teams on a financial planning case study, developing budgets and investment strategies while competing for scholarships and prizes. Workshops cover topics such as entrepreneurship, communication, team building, and leadership. Professional advisors are on hand to mentor you, and the program introduces you to careers in the Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) industry. Participants receive a certificate at the end of the week.
9. UT Dallas – ITS Exploration Summer Camp
Location: University of Texas, Jindal School of Management, Dallas, TX
Cost: $395 (covers meals, snacks, materials, and T‑shirt)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 23 – June 27
Application deadline: TBD
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
Although technically an information technology camp, the ITS Exploration Summer Camp showcases how IT systems underpin modern business operations. Over the course of five days, you’ll explore modules in information systems, cybersecurity, data visualization, and business analytics. The camp includes a corporate site visit to companies such as State Farm or Texas Instruments, providing you with insight into how businesses utilize IT. The program features team‑building activities, guest panels with current UT Dallas students, and a final showcase where you present your work. With its combination of technical skill‑building and exposure to corporate environments, this camp can be a strong option for students interested in the technology side of business.
10. UMass Amherst — How Business Works
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,925; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 14 – 25
Application Deadline: Varies yearly
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores to seniors
This online program offers an exploration of the fundamental concepts of business and entrepreneurship, covering key operational areas like management, finance, and marketing. Participants will engage in discussions and assignments to apply these concepts to relevant case studies and current events. Upon completion, you can gain a solid grasp of how businesses operate within a global economic context.
11. Harvard Student Agencies — Virtual Business Bootcamps
Location: Virtual
Cost: $450
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple week-long sessions during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
If you enroll in this bootcamp, you’ll spend an intensive week learning business basics with Harvard undergraduates as your instructors. You’ll explore areas like marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship through interactive sessions and group projects. You’ll also develop presentation skills as you prepare a final pitch with your peers. The short format makes it a flexible way to get a concentrated introduction to business.
12. Georgetown University's Becoming an Entrepreneur: An Inside Look at Innovation Course
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,895
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Sessions of varying lengths available year-round
Application deadline: Varies by session; typically, one week before the session starts
Eligibility: Students aged 13 and up
In this Georgetown University course, you will learn about the history of entrepreneurship, different types of business models, and how to network to raise support for your venture. The program also offers exposure to creating and delivering business pitches and academic paths in entrepreneurial business. You will work on a capstone project, which will be a video presentation discussing your business idea and the value it offers. Throughout the program, you will have access to the guidance of a mentor.
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