Do you want to get started on your future in entrepreneurship while you're still in high school? Whether you’re considering entrepreneurship or leadership roles, applying for a summer program is an option worth considering. These programs give you hands-on experience, valuable mentorship, and a first-hand look at the functioning of businesses. 

Participating in an entrepreneurship/business program can also help your college applications—it shows you're committed to learning outside the classroom and building new skills. It can give you a competitive edge in other areas, too, helping you stand out when applying to business schools or scholarships. 

Check out these 7 entrepreneurship/business programs for high school students in Colorado!

1. Young Founders Lab

The Young Founders Lab is a hands-on startup boot camp designed by Harvard students. In this program, you'll work on creating a revenue-generating business that solves a real-world issue. Along the way, you’ll be guided by entrepreneurs and industry experts from leading companies like Google, Microsoft, and others.

Beyond launching your startup, you’ll take part in engaging sessions on business fundamentals, creative ideation, skill development, case studies, and panel discussions. This program offers an excellent opportunity for high school students to explore the business world, understanding both theoretical and practical strategies that lead to successful ventures.

Cost: The total cost to attend the 3-week program is $2,900. 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: Multiple year-round cohorts. December 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025 for the upcoming winter cohort

Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. November 24, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort. You can access the application link here!

2. CU Boulder’s KeyBank Business Leadership Program

The University of Colorado Boulder's KeyBank Business Leadership Program (BLP) is a fully-funded, week-long program for students from underrepresented backgrounds, including students of color and first-generation students, who are interested in learning more about business. The program focuses on leadership development and teamwork, allowing you to see the world of business through a unique lens.

At the heart of BLP is a case competition where you will work in teams to solve a real-world business problem presented by a corporate partner. Projects could involve crafting a marketing strategy, solving a customer service issue, or proposing new product ideas. You will gain hands-on experience, collaborating with peers to develop practical solutions. Teams compete to create the best marketing campaign for a corporate partner, with the winning group receiving a $1,000 scholarship toward the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business. To learn more about this program, check out our full guide here. 

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

Cost: Free for all accepted participants

Program dates: June 22 – 28, 2025 

Application deadline: March 31, 2025

Eligibility: Current high school juniors from underrepresented backgrounds, including students of color and first-generation students, with priority given to Colorado residents and those attending a Colorado high school

3. Colorado College Summer Pre-College Program—Business and Economics

Colorado College’s Pre-College program offers courses for high school students, including EC 110: Business and Economics. This class delves into the complexities of management beyond the basic activities of planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and reporting. You will explore the challenges of the fast-paced environment managers and entrepreneurs navigate as they run a business. You can earn 0.75 credits per course, which you can transfer to other colleges and universities. 

Location: Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO

Cost: $6,919–$9,609, depending on things like international or domestic, kind of housing, etc. See the full-cost breakup here. 

Program dates: July 8 – 24, 2025 (tentative, based on last year’s dates)

Application deadline: Information about Summer 2025 will be available shortly. If you have any questions, feel free to email precollege@coloradocollege.edu

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors

4. CSU’s Venture Validator Summer Camp

The Venture Validator Summer Camp is a week-long exploration of entrepreneurship. You will tackle real-world problems, brainstorm solutions, and learn what it takes to start a business—all while tapping into your creativity and critical thinking skills. The camp also introduces design thinking, a widely used framework in business, ensuring you gain a solid foundation for problem-solving. 

Designed to be interactive, the camp mixes games, simulations, and group activities to make learning fun. Throughout the week, you'll build practical skills in customer discovery, market research, and developing business models. You’ll also get hands-on experience analyzing competition, prototyping products, and pitching ideas. Plus, the program offers insight into core business principles and introduces you to potential career paths in fields like marketing, supply chain management, and innovation.

Location: Online or in-person at various locations in Colorado

Cost: $75 

Program dates: June 9 – 13, 2025

Application deadline: Applications are typically open till the end of May

Eligibility: Colorado residents who are enrolled in a Colorado high school

5. CSU’s Global Business Academy

The Global Business Academy, hosted by Colorado State University, is an intensive 10-day summer program designed for students who want to be entrepreneurs. You'll work on real-world business problems, engage with industry professionals, and get an inside look at how successful companies operate. The program features interactive workshops, team-building activities, and sessions focused on developing soft skills. By the end of the academy, you’ll leave with valuable business and leadership knowledge, a global network of peers, and the confidence to pursue your entrepreneurial goals.

Location: Colorado State University’s College of Business, Fort Collins, CO

Cost: $3,750, including housing, meals, and activities; scholarships are available

Program dates: July 13 – 23, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)

Application deadline: February 1, 2025

Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 15-18 years old who are enrolled in a high school for Fall ‘25

6. CSU’s IT in Business Summer Business Program

IT in Business is a five-day program that explores the role of technology in shaping the business landscape. Designed for high school students, the program offers hands-on learning at the intersection of tech and entrepreneurship led by Colorado State University's College of Business faculty. You’ll participate in activities like building robots, developing apps, and tackling cybersecurity challenges. You will also explore data visualization and the potential of Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence in business.

Geared toward tech-savvy students interested in entrepreneurship, this program equips you with critical skills for future business careers, sharpens your creative thinking, and provides practical experience in navigating the tech world. It also emphasizes networking, giving you the chance to connect with like-minded peers and build professional relationships.

Location: Colorado State University’s College of Business, Fort Collins, CO

Cost: Free for all accepted participants, including teaching materials and lunch 

Program dates: June 17 – 21, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)

Application deadline: Not yet open for 2025; applications are typically open till the end of May

Eligibility: Colorado residents who are enrolled in a Colorado high school

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research in business, economics, or related fields, 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.