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Writer's pictureStephen Turban

10 Business Programs for Middle School Students 

If you’re a middle school student, participating in business programs can lay a strong foundation for your future academic endeavors. These programs foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills, which are essential in today’s business environment. 


Early exposure to business concepts not only cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset but also prepares you for high school-level coursework. A business program would allow you to explore your interests beyond the traditional classroom setting, helping you make informed decisions about your future academic path.


Below is a list of 10 business programs designed for middle school students in 2024.




The program is designed to introduce middle school students to the fundamentals of business and entrepreneurship in an engaging and interactive environment. The program combines online learning with hands-on projects to provide a comprehensive understanding of key business concepts. You will participate in weekly interactive workshops covering topics such as entrepreneurship, marketing strategies, financial management, and leadership skills. 


Each week includes practical assignments where you get to develop your own business ideas, conduct market research, and create marketing campaigns. Additionally, the program features mentorship from industry professionals who provide personalized guidance and feedback. The program culminates in a final presentation where you showcase your business projects to a panel of mentors and peers, receiving valuable feedback and insights.


Location: Online 

Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6-8)

Application Deadline: November 24, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort

Program Dates: Varies according to cohort

Cost: $2,400, financial aid available




The Young Founders Lab is a virtual startup boot camp created to develop students' entrepreneurship skills under the guidance of experienced entrepreneurs from Harvard. Participants receive direct mentorship from professionals at top tech companies like Google and Microsoft, who guide them through building revenue-generating startups. 


The program emphasizes solving real global challenges with innovative business ideas. Throughout the course, students engage in interactive classes covering business fundamentals, ideation, and problem-solving techniques, as well as immersive workshops and panel discussions that provide in-depth knowledge of the startup ecosystem. The Young Founders Lab aims to foster an entrepreneurial spirit and drive positive, meaningful change in the world.


Eligibility: Open to students in Grade 8 and above

Dates: December 21, 2024 – January 6, 2025 for the upcoming winter cohort

Cost: $2,900 (financial aid available based on need)

Location: Virtual

Application Deadline: November 24, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort




Ladder Internships, created by Harvard alumni, offers middle school and high school students the chance to intern with startups and nonprofits worldwide. Interns work on real-world projects, assisting with marketing campaigns, financial planning, and operational tasks. The program includes mentorship from experienced business professionals, offering practical experience and insights into the business world.


Additionally, students participate in virtual meetings, skill-building workshops, and collaborative projects that enhance their understanding of business operations and develop essential workplace skills. The internships are designed to provide a hands-on learning environment where students can apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, fostering both personal and professional growth.


Location: Virtual (Work from anywhere globally)

Eligibility: Open to grade 8 students and above

Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year, November 24, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort

Program Dates: December 16, 2024 onwards for the winter cohort

Fees: Starting at $2,490; financial aid is available




The Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY) at UC Berkeley offers you a comprehensive introduction to business disciplines. The program includes lectures from UC Berkeley faculty, interactive workshops on entrepreneurship and marketing, and hands-on projects where you can develop your own business ideas. You will work on team projects, conduct market research, and create marketing strategies. 


The residential option includes field trips to local businesses and networking events with business leaders, providing practical exposure and professional connections. Virtual participants access live online sessions, collaborative tools, and virtual mentorship, ensuring an inclusive and interactive learning environment. The program emphasizes the development of leadership skills and financial literacy, equipping you with the tools necessary to succeed in future business endeavors.


Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA or virtual

Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6-8)

Application Deadline: May 20, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)

Program Dates: June 10 – 21, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)

Cost: $3,640 (California residents) | $4,160 (Out-of-state)




FBLA Middle School Programs focus on developing leadership and business skills through a series of structured activities and workshops. The program covers topics such as business ethics, strategic planning, marketing techniques, and financial management. You will participate in leadership exercises, case studies, and team projects that challenge you to apply business concepts in practical scenarios. Competitive events also provide opportunities to showcase skills and gain recognition. To get involved, locate your local FBLA chapter for more information.


Location: Local FBLA Chapters and online

Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6-8)

Application Deadline: May 25, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)

Program Dates: July 25 – August 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)

Cost:

  • Membership Fee: $10

  • State Dues: $5 to $15 (varies by state)




The Middle School Entrepreneurship for Young Innovators program, offered by UC San Diego's Extended Studies, is designed to cultivate entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking among middle school students. This program provides a comprehensive curriculum covering essential aspects of entrepreneurship, including ideation, business planning, marketing strategies, and financial literacy. You will engage in hands-on projects and collaborative activities, learning from peers who are also interested in business. 


Location: University of California, San Diego, CA

Program Dates: No information available

Program Fee: $495

Application Deadline: TBA for 2025

Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6-8)




The Girls Crushing It Program is designed to empower girls aged 8-18 by fostering leadership skills, entrepreneurial acumen, and personal growth. This program provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes workshops, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on projects. You will launch your own business, gaining experience in every part of the process, from ideation to marketing. You will also learn about prototyping, team management, communication, and more.   


The program begins with an Entrepreneurship 101 workshop before you start to develop your own product ideas. You will have the chance to sell your products at the program’s pop-up shop with the assistance of a marketing plan you’ll design yourself. Girls Crushing It also connects you with female role models and industry professionals who provide guidance and inspiration. 


Program Fee: Varies depending on event; please visit the website for detailed information

Application Deadline: Varies by event

Eligibility: Girls aged 8-18

Program Dates: Rolling

Location: Virtual or various locations in California, depending on the event




Discover Business Academy, offered by World Scholars Academy, is an immersive program designed to introduce middle school students to the fundamental concepts of business and entrepreneurship. The program cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset, enhances critical thinking, and develops essential business skills through a combination of interactive lessons, hands-on projects, and mentorship from industry professionals. 

The curriculum includes modules on entrepreneurship, marketing strategies, financial planning, and leadership development. You will participate in team projects such as creating business plans, conducting market research, and developing marketing campaigns. Additionally, the program features workshops led by business experts, virtual networking events, and a final presentation where you showcase your business ideas to a panel of mentors and peers, getting valuable feedback and real-world insights.


Location: Online 

Eligibility: Students aged 12-14

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions, apply early to secure a spot

Program Dates: June 9 – 20, 2025

Cost:  $2,795




Georgetown University offers a summer business program tailored for middle school students through Summer Springboard. This program introduces you to the key components of business operations, including marketing, sales, and financial management. You will hear directly from entrepreneurial founders about the realities of launching and sustaining a startup. 


The curriculum also incorporates case studies, enabling you to gain a better understanding of how successful businesses operate. In addition to classroom learning, you will have the chance to tour Georgetown's campus and meet with current students, gaining insight into university life. The program culminates in a pitch competition where you will present your business ideas to a panel of judges, practicing your public speaking and strategic thinking skills.


Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6-8)

Dates: July 21 – 26, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)

Cost: Residential: $2,898; Commuter: $1,498

Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

Application Deadline: May 15, 2025




Prequel Explore, previously known as Beta Camp, is an eight-month immersive program tailored for middle school students that offers virtual 90-minute workshops each week. The curriculum consists of four distinct courses, each lasting two months, and you have the flexibility to enroll in any combination of courses or complete all four. In the Entrepreneurship course, you will work to establish a small business, aiming to generate at least $100 in profit. Previous projects have included pop-up stalls, Etsy products, and custom apparel businesses.


Eligibility: Students aged 9-13

Dates: Starts October 1, 2025

Cost: $425 per month (one course, two months). Financial aid is available

Location: Virtual

Application Deadline: Rolling


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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