8 Ivy League Business Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 2
- 7 min read
If you're a middle school student with an early interest in entrepreneurship, leadership, or financial decision-making, Ivy League business programs can offer a meaningful starting point. These programs provide a window into college-level learning, introducing you to core business topics like marketing, economics, and innovation in a structured, engaging format. Many also incorporate elements of campus life, mentorship, and exposure to real-world professionals, giving you a broader view of what a future in business could look like. And while the term “Ivy League” might suggest an expensive experience, several of these programs are free or offer full financial aid. Participating in an online or on-campus summer program is a practical way to explore business before high school, and many of these programs are designed to challenge students with rigorous coursework and hands-on projects.
We’ve curated a list of Ivy League business programs for middle school students that stand out for their academic rigor, selectivity, and professional access. Each program listed here has been evaluated for its connection to Ivy League schools, the quality of instruction, and how well it introduces young students to the business world in a thoughtful, age-appropriate way.
8 Ivy League Business Programs for Middle School Students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 1:1 student-to-PhD-mentor ratio
Dates: 8-week program
Application Deadline: August 24 (Fall Cohort)
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
Cost: Varies (need-based financial aid is available)
Location: Virtual
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an intensive and highly selective research program providing middle school students the chance to undertake advanced research. The program provides 1-on-1 guidance from PhD mentors from top universities like Harvard, Columbia, and MIT. You are encouraged to pick your subject of interest, which can range anywhere from artificial intelligence to history. Over 8 weeks, this virtual program lets you dive deep into your chosen subject, build high-standard research skills, and complete your own project by the end. Beyond gaining specialized knowledge, you also build the confidence to think critically, innovate, and approach both theoretical and practical academic endeavors with independence.
Subject Areas: Business, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Finance
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT (hosted independently by ISSOS)
Eligibility: Students aged 13–18 with B2 English proficiency or higher
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Program Dates: July 13 – August 3
Cost: $9,500 (including $670 registration fee)
The ISSOS Business & Entrepreneurship program at Yale offers a three-week, immersive experience focused on building business knowledge and entrepreneurial thinking. Through interactive workshops, guest lectures, and project-based learning, you’ll explore marketing, finance, business modeling, and leadership. The course includes case studies of successful companies and practical sessions where you’ll develop and pitch your own business idea.
By the end of the program, you’ll have the chance to present your project during a class session or participate in a "Dragons’ Den" event where student ventures are pitched to a panel. While the program takes place on the Yale campus, it operates independently and is not affiliated with the university itself. This setting still offers a glimpse of Ivy League life, paired with international peer collaboration and cultural excursions.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Python Programming, Data Science
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8; no coding or technical background required
Application Deadline: August 31 (Fall Cohort); other sessions may be offered throughout the year
Program Dates:
Weekend Track: 25 hours over 10 weekends
Summer Track: 25 hours over 2 weeks (weekdays)
Cost: varies; full financial aid available for students with demonstrated need
Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers program introduces you to core concepts in artificial intelligence and machine learning through live instruction and group collaboration. Over the course of 25 hours, you’ll learn Python programming, explore data analysis, and build models using regression and classification techniques. The program includes small-group mentoring (5:1 ratio), ensuring personalized guidance as you move through increasingly advanced topics, including neural networks and AI ethics.
A major component is the team-based capstone project, where you and a few peers apply your new skills to a real-world challenge and present your findings. While the environment is designed for beginners, the curriculum pushes you to think critically about how AI works—and how it should be used.
Subject Areas: Finance, Business, Investing, Financial Literacy
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–8
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Program Dates: July 13 – August 1
Cost: Not publicly listed
Offered through Summer Discovery at Cornell, Money Matters is a three-week course that introduces you to key financial concepts through engaging, age-appropriate instruction. You’ll explore how businesses raise and manage capital, learn the basics of investing, and gain an understanding of financial markets, including the NYSE and NASDAQ. The curriculum covers topics like corporate financial analysis, commodities trading, credit, and personal financial planning. You’ll also participate in a virtual investing simulation to determine your risk tolerance and practice decision-making in a low-pressure setting. While not officially run by Cornell University, the course takes place on campus and includes a certificate of completion and a letter recognizing your academic effort.
Subject Areas: Business, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Economics
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY (in-person and online options)
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders (and high schoolers) with strong academic records
Application Deadline: Varies by session; typically closes 1–2 months prior to start date
Program Dates: Sessions range from 1–3 weeks in summer, fall, and spring (e.g., June 30–July 18 or July 22–August 8 for summer)
Cost:
Residential Summer (3 weeks): ~$12,764
Commuter Summer (3 weeks): ~$6,310
Online (2 weeks): ~$3,965
Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs offer a range of business-related courses for motivatedl students, including Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Early Design, Becoming an Entrepreneur, Introduction to Business, Finance, and Economics, and Investment Portfolio Management. These classes emphasize project-based learning and introduce you to key business skills like market research, venture design, financial planning, and leadership strategies. Instructors are Columbia-affiliated professionals and faculty, and courses are built around interactive lectures, group work, and real-world applications. Programs may also include case studies, simulations, and presentations, with some courses concluding in a final pitch or business model showcase. While the curriculum is academically challenging, it also focuses on building confidence in public speaking and analytical thinking. Students receive a certificate of completion and recognition for their achievements, and the courses offer a taste of Ivy League expectations in a pre-college format.
Subject Areas: Entrepreneurship, Business Planning, Marketing, Financial Analysis
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT (program independently operated by Summer Springboard)
Eligibility: Middle and high school students (typically rising 8th–12th graders)
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Program Dates:
Session 1: June 15 – June 27
Session 2: June 29 – July 11
Session 3: July 13 – July 25
Cost:
Residential: $6,298 (includes lodging, meals, and excursions)
Commuter: $3,498 (includes lunch, activities, and daily programming)
This two-week, in-person program introduces you to core areas of business through hands-on learning, case studies, and team-based startup simulations. You’ll explore business operations, product development, finance, and marketing, all while creating and pitching a startup idea alongside a small team. The course culminates in a Shark Tank–style pitch event, where students present their ventures to a panel of professionals for feedback.
The curriculum includes instruction from faculty with real-world entrepreneurial backgrounds, as well as guest speakers from companies like Goldman Sachs and McKinsey. While the program takes place on the Yale campus, it is not affiliated with or endorsed by the university. Still, it provides early exposure to business strategy, leadership, and financial planning within a high-level academic environment.
Subject Areas: Leadership, Communication, Teamwork, Personal Development
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Program Dates: July 5 – July 19 (Morning module: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM)
Cost: $5,949 (includes tuition, housing, meals, and activities); scholarships available for eligible Philadelphia public and charter school students
Offered as part of the Penn Summer Prep program, Developing the Leader Within is a non-credit residential course designed to strengthen your leadership skills through a mix of real-world case studies, interactive group work, and reflective challenges. The course focuses on helping you understand your leadership potential and how to bring ideas to life across academic and extracurricular settings. You’ll explore strategies for communication, team motivation, creative problem-solving, and peer influence—skills relevant to both school and future business environments.
The module is taught by Wayne Tarken, a leadership expert with experience coaching professionals from companies like IBM and Comcast. The program’s structure and focus on personal growth and project leadership make it a valuable early introduction to business-related skill-building.
Subject Areas: Business, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Economics, Health Innovation
Location: Online (Harvard University)
Eligibility: Open to learners of all ages, including middle and high school students
Application Deadline: None — self-paced enrollment, available year-round
Program Dates: Flexible start; most courses are available on demand
Cost: Free (certificate of completion may require a fee)
Harvard University offers a collection of free, self-paced business courses through its online portal for professional and lifelong learning. These short courses, such as Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, Negotiating Salary, and Resilient Leadership, cover foundational concepts in business strategy, innovation, and personal development. Though not specifically tailored for middle school students, many of these offerings are beginner-friendly and accessible for motivated younger learners interested in exploring business independently. Participants can explore topics like health care innovation, remote teamwork, and contract law, with each course led by Harvard faculty. Course lengths range from a single 15-minute lesson to multi-week formats. While there’s no formal cohort or application process, students can opt to purchase a certificate upon completion to document their learning.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. 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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