13 Free Business Summer Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student looking to explore business, consider participating in a business summer program. Free business summer programs provide an opportunity to experience college-level academics, build practical skills, and network with industry leaders. Free programs are often selective and prestigious, helping you make an impression on admissions officers.
These summer business programs allow you to connect with peers, professors, and professionals who share your interests. From projects to site visits and mentorship, they offer a range of activities that can prepare you for success in business school and beyond. The 14 programs in our list are fully funded, have low acceptance rates, and are hosted by well-regarded institutions.
Here are 13 great free business summer programs for high school students!
Cost: There is need-based financial aid.
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
Program Dates: Varies according to cohort.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. You can access the application link here!
The Young Founder’s Lab is a real-world 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 real-world 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.
Cost: Free with a $250 registration fee for accepted students. Scholarships are available that are both needs- and merit-based.
Location: Penn State, Smeal College of Business, PA
Eligibility: High school juniors residing in the U.S. or Puerto Rico who are interested in pursuing a business education in college
Program Dates: June 15 – 27
Application Deadline: The application will open on October 1, and the application deadline is March 19.
BOSS at Penn State's University Park campus provides high school students with an opportunity to begin their business education. This program introduces you to the challenges of college life through college prep and business courses led by Penn State faculty. You will participate in classes and activities that cover fundamental aspects of business. Topics include management and organization, the complexities of supply chains, and ethics and social responsibility. Additionally, you can refine your business writing, presentation, and communication skills. The program also emphasizes corporate innovation and entrepreneurship.
Cost: Free
Location: Various locations across the country
Eligibility: Junior or senior in high school
Program Dates: 8 weeks in June - July with compulsory attendance at the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. from July 21 – 26.
Application Deadline: January 15
The Bank of America Student Leaders program provides an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors who want to make a difference in their communities. You will be paired with local nonprofits for an 8-week internship focused on addressing critical community issues. The program culminates in an all-expenses-paid Student Leader Summit in Washington, D.C., where you will explore the intersections of business, nonprofits, and government in tackling societal challenges. During the summit, you will also meet with Congressional representatives to discuss the community issues you are most passionate about. To learn more about this program, check out our full guide here.
Cost: Free (includes educational, food, and boarding costs covered by sponsors)
Location: University of Texas, Austin, TX
Eligibility: Open to current high school sophomores and juniors. Subiendo is exclusively for Texas high school juniors.
Program Dates: June 1 – 6 (MFEA), June 8 – 12 (Subiendo) and June 22 – 27 (DYNAMC)
Application Deadline: Opens November 1.
The University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business hosts several free summer programs, each offering an opportunity to explore business and leadership through workshops, mentorship, and networking. McCombs Future Executive Academy (MFEA) is a week-long program to learn about various fields in business through workshops and activities. You will gain foundational knowledge and explore career paths in the business sector. Subiendo: The Academy for Rising Leaders is a five-day leadership development program that helps high school juniors in Texas develop leadership skills and explore solutions to real-world challenges. Discover Yourself in Accounting Majors and Careers (DYNAMC) introduces you to career opportunities with an accounting degree.
Cost: Free
Location: Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder, CO
Eligibility: Current high school juniors entering their senior year, with priority given to Colorado residents and students enrolled in Colorado high schools.
Program Dates: June 22 – 28
Application Deadline: March 30
The KeyBank Business Leadership Program at the University of Colorado Boulder offers high school students an opportunity to explore business and diversity. Designed for underrepresented and first-generation students, this program helps you tackle real-world challenges through a business case study. You will participate in activities, including a case challenge to solve business problems. You will work in a team to create a marketing campaign for corporate partners. The winning team is awarded a $1,000 scholarship to the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Cost: Free
Location: University of Kansas, KS
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders from underrepresented backgrounds or potential first-generation college students. Preference is given to students from Kansas and the Greater Kansas City area—minimum high school GPA of 2.75+.
Program Dates: First session: June 15 – 20; Second session: July 13 – 18
Application Deadline: April 28
The Summer Venture in Business program at the University of Kansas (KU) School of Business offers high school students an introduction to college life and business education. You will gain valuable insights into the academic and social aspects of college while building the tools needed to thrive in your future career. This program equips you with essential knowledge about business concepts while providing support and resources for the college application process. Accepted students receive a scholarship that covers all program costs, including housing, dining, and materials.
Cost: Free
Location: University of Houston, TX
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in business or accounting.
Program Dates: 5-7 days in summer
Application Deadline: TBD
The EXPLORE Business Summer Institute, hosted by the University of Houston’s Bauer College of Business, offers an opportunity to explore business through two distinct programs. These fully funded programs offer practical experiences and expert guidance. The EXPLORE Entrepreneurship Institute is focused on learning how to start your own business through workshops led by CEOs and industry leaders. This program emphasizes creativity, innovation, and real-world applications. The Accounting Careers Awareness Program introduces basic accounting concepts and explores diverse career opportunities in the field.
Cost: Free
Location: Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: Rising seniors and recent graduates
Program Dates: June 9 – 12
Application Deadline: April 9
Harvard Business School offers a free summer business program for high school students from diverse, underrepresented backgrounds. The one-week program centers around the case method, an interactive approach where you and faculty learn from each other. Harvard’s case studies focus on real-world management challenges, covering various business areas and involving complex, interdependent factors. You will analyze these cases and recommend solutions, mimicking the projects completed by college students at HBS. All costs, including room and board, are fully covered, but this program is highly competitive, so be prepared for a rigorous selection process.
Cost: Free
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Eligibility: Rising seniors and recent graduates
Program Dates: Varies based on opening. Check here.
Application Deadline: Varies based on opening. Check here.
Jimerson Birr, a leading business law firm in Florida, offers high school students the opportunity to gain experience in accounting, marketing, legal services, and information technology. Internships last 4-6 weeks and provide substantive work across various aspects of business administration. The firm is frequently recognized as one of the best places to work in Florida. As a summer intern, you will work closely with department heads and their teams, enhancing your professional skills. Many former interns have gone on to pursue diverse college majors, including communications, psychology, economics, and biology.
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Rising seniors and recent graduates
Program Dates: June 16 – 27 and July 7 – 18
Application Deadline: May 1
The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania offers high school students a program featuring lectures, small group discussions, collaborative projects, and individual assignments. Essentials of Leadership is a two-week summer program who want to explore undergraduate business education. You will enhance your leadership, teamwork, and communication skills through activities. You will collaborate with Wharton faculty, guest speakers, and a global cohort of talented high school peers. This online program features case competitions and interactive digital simulations.
Cost: $1,600 (99% need-based financial aid available)
Location: Harvard University Campus, Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 (must be 14+ at the time of the program)
Program Dates: June to August
Application Deadline: Rolling
The Harvard Student Agencies Business Academy offers an introduction to entrepreneurship and business management through two week-long programs. In Business: Entrepreneurship Academy, you will explore the essentials of launching a business, enhancing financial literacy, and navigating the startup ecosystem. You will gain practical experience, develop analytical thinking, and pitch business ideas in a startup simulation judged by experts. In Business: Management and Strategy Academy, you will act as a consultant and tackle corporate challenges, such as improving profitability and expanding market penetration. This academy focuses on analyzing business data, developing solutions for major firm issues, and understanding mergers, acquisitions, pricing strategies, and financial statements.
Cost: $5,000 (full and partial need-based scholarships available)
Location: Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, MI
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.0+ (preference for U.S. citizens or permanent residents)
Program Dates: June 13 – 27
Application Deadline: January 21
The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy is for high school students from diverse backgrounds who want to explore careers in business. You will receive a comprehensive introduction to business operations, leadership strategies, and the college experience at Michigan Ross. Through activities, you’ll gain insights into how companies function, explore career paths, and collaborate with peers. The program emphasizes purposeful leadership, encouraging reflection on the importance of ethical business practices. You will interact with Ross faculty, corporate partners, and industry professionals to expand your network. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Cost: $6,295 + $95 application fee (full and partial need-based scholarships available)
Location: Online and in-person at the New England Innovation Academy (NEIA) in Marlborough, MA.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (must be 16+ by program start)
Program Dates: July 7 – 28
Application Deadline: TBD
Babson Summer Study allows high school students to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset while gaining foundational knowledge in leadership, marketing, finance, and business communication. Guided by the United Nations Global Goals, you will tackle real-world challenges to make a meaningful impact. Successful completion of the program earns 4 college credits from Babson College. You’ll engage with Babson’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through panel discussions and presentations featuring faculty, alumni, and industry leaders. The curriculum combines live daily sessions with asynchronous coursework and assignments. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
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.