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8 Business Management Programs for High School Students

Writer's picture: Stephen TurbanStephen Turban

Are you a high school student with an interest in business and a drive to learn? Gaining hands-on experience through business management internships and programs can be valuable for your academic and career future. In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best business management programs for high school students.


These internships offer you a deep dive into essential business practices like entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and leadership. Through real-world projects, mentorship, and exposure to business environments, you’ll gain invaluable insights that go beyond classroom learning. Moreover, these experiences will help you build a strong foundation for your college applications, showcasing your initiative, commitment to growth, and serious interest in a business career.


Note: The following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.




The Young Founder's Lab is a start-up boot camp led by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you'll build a revenue-generating start-up that tackles a real-world problem with guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and professionals from companies like Google and Microsoft.


Alongside developing your start-up, you'll engage in interactive classes on business fundamentals, workshops, skill-building sessions, case studies, and panel discussions. This program is a great chance to explore the business world in high school, offering a space to learn both theoretical and practical approaches to creating a successful business. Check out the program’s brochure for more details.


Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops 

Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. The Winter cohort starts in December

Cost: The total cost to attend the 3-week program is $2,900. There is need-based financial aid

Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students

Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. October 20 for the upcoming Winter cohort. You can access the application form here!




The Bank of America Student Leaders Program selects hundreds of community-minded high school students each year. These students intern with nonprofits like Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity, gaining community service experience through a paid eight-week internship. The program aims to build your business and leadership skills while you engage meaningfully with your local community. 


As part of this selective leadership program, you will attend the fully funded National Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you will learn how nonprofits, governments, and businesses collaborate to address local needs. This experience equips you to drive change and positively impact lives. You can learn more about this program in our blog here


Location: Internship at a local nonprofit, leadership summit in Washington, D.C.

Program Dates: Vary according to internship; 8 weeks, including a one-week leadership summit typically held in July

Cost: Fully funded, stipend provided

Eligibility: A current high school junior or senior legally authorized to work in the U.S. and residing in an eligible area

Application Deadline: TBA. Applications typically close in January




The Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS) at Penn State's University Park campus is a two-week residential program for high school students looking to get a head start in business education and college life. You'll take college prep and business courses taught by Penn State faculty, giving you a taste of the academic challenges ahead.


The program covers essential business topics, including Management and Organization, Supply Chain, Ethics and Social Responsibility, and Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship. You'll also develop key skills in business writing, presentations, and communication, providing a solid foundation for future success in the business world.


Location: Penn State’s University Park campus, University Park, PA 

Program Dates: June 15 – 27

Cost: TBA

Eligibility: Students entering 12th grade residing in the U.S. or Puerto Rico

Application Deadline: Applications will open on October 7




The KeyBank Business Leadership Program at the University of Colorado Boulder is a fully-funded, week-long program for high school students who identify as underrepresented, diverse, students of color, or first-generation and are interested in exploring business. The program offers hands-on learning through a case study.


You'll compete in a case challenge that addresses real-world business problems. You'll work in teams to create and implement a marketing campaign for the program’s corporate partners. The team with the best solution wins a $1,000 scholarship to the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business. Learn more about the program in our blog here


Location: Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO

Program Dates: June 23 – 29

Cost: Free!

Eligibility: Current high school juniors who identify as underrepresented, diverse, students of color and/or first generation, or who are interested in learning about business and diversity. Priority consideration for Colorado Residents and students enrolled in a Colorado High School 

Application Deadline: Applications typically open in December and close in April




The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) High School Business Internship Program offers students practical business experience during the school year. You'll split time between classes and work up to 4 hours daily at PNNL, collaborating with a mentor. The program includes hands-on work, lab demonstrations, field trips, and career workshops. Integrated with your school’s work-based learning program, this internship runs from August to May, earning you elective credits. 


Note: To apply, visit the PNNL careers page in February, search for "High School" internships, and submit a cover letter and resume in a single PDF.

Location: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), locations vary

Program Dates: Academic year internship; up to 4 hours per day, 5 days a week, during the school year (August to May)

Cost: Free!

Eligibility: High school students participating in their school’s work-based learning (WBL) program

Application Deadline: Open in early February




The Meta Summer Academy, formerly Facebook Summer Academy, is a 6-week internship to introduce high school sophomores to the day-to-day operations of one of the world’s biggest companies. You'll explore careers, develop coding skills, and enhance soft skills. The program aims to help students develop the skills they would need for future career success. To apply, you have to submit your transcript including your first semester grades from sophomore year, and a recommendation letter. Read more about this internship in our blog here.   


Location: Meta headquarters, Menlo Park, CA

Program Dates: June 17 – July 26,

Cost: Free, students receive a stipend upon completion 

Eligibility: High school sophomores with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA who are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City

Application Deadline: Applications will open in December




The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy is a two-week pre-college program for high school students from diverse backgrounds interested in exploring a career in business. You'll get an in-depth look at how companies operate, the problem-solving approaches of business leaders, and what it's like to be a business student at Michigan Ross. 


The program offers insights into business operations, career paths, and the college experience as you collaborate with peers. You'll also engage with Ross faculty, corporate partners, and industry professionals, enhancing your knowledge and expanding your network. The program emphasizes leadership with purpose, encouraging reflection on the importance of ethical business leadership. Check out our comprehensive guide to the Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy here


Location: Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 

Program Dates: June 14 – 28

Cost: $5,000 (Full and partial need-based scholarships available) plus a $50 application fee

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preference will be given to U.S. citizens or permanent residents

Application Deadline: Applications for the Summer Business Academy will open in November



8. University of Kansas's Summer Venture in Business


The Summer Venture in Business is a week-long pre-college program at the University of Kansas (KU) School of Business for high school students. It aims to introduce you to the college experience both inside and outside the classroom, helping you connect with the academic support and opportunities available at KU. 


In addition to learning about business, the program provides the tools and knowledge needed to apply to college as well as succeed in your future future career. All accepted students receive a scholarship covering program costs, including housing, dining, and materials.


Location: University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS

Program Dates:

  • First session: June 16 – 20

  • Second session: July 13 – 18

Cost: Free! Students are responsible for their own travel costs

Eligibility: Rising grade 10-12 students. Preference will be given to rising sophomores and juniors, underrepresented students, and students from the state of Kansas and the Greater Kansas City area 

Application Deadline: Typically in March/April


Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.


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