14 Online Business Camps for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 22 hours ago
- 10 min read
If you're interested in entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, economics, or management, an online business camp can help you explore these subjects beyond the classroom. These programs introduce you to core business concepts while helping you develop analytical thinking, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills through structured learning experiences. Since they're offered virtually, you can participate from anywhere while learning alongside students with similar interests.
Why should I do an online business camp in high school?
Online business camps provide a structured environment where you can apply business concepts to practical challenges while learning from university faculty, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals. Depending on the program, you might analyze business case studies, develop startup ideas, create marketing strategies, build financial models, collaborate on team projects, or present business pitches to instructors and peers. These experiences can help you strengthen your business knowledge, explore potential career paths, and build skills that prepare you for college-level study and future opportunities.
To help with your search, below is a list of 14 online business camps for high school students.
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 14 programs span entrepreneurship, startup development, financial technology, marketing, social entrepreneurship, leadership, and business strategy, so students with a wide range of business interests can find a relevant online option.
Several programs are free or low-cost, including Kelley Women's Leadership Institute (free), Yale Social Entrepreneurship on Coursera (free enrollment), and Wake Forest Online Immersion ($1,595), while programs such as Wharton Global Youth and Babson Summer Study offer need-based scholarships.
Several programs are hosted by highly recognized business schools, including Wharton at UPenn, Harvard Pre-College, Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes, Babson College, and Rice University, providing academic exposure and certificates that strengthen college applications.
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from two-day leadership workshops, such as Kelley KWLI, to self-paced open-enrollment courses, such as Yale on Coursera, to three-week immersive programs, such as Babson Summer Study and BRIDGE at UCSD, so students can choose based on their schedule and depth of interest.
Several programs have early application deadlines, including Harvard Pre-College (January 7 early deadline), Babson Summer Study (February 13 early bird), Wharton Global Youth (January 28 priority), and Stanford Pre-Collegiate (March 13), so students should begin researching and applying in the fall.
Location: Remote 
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.Â
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshopsÂ
Cost: Varies depending on program type | Financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can apply here!
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
The Young Founder’s Lab is a 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 complex 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 to have a space to explore multiple theoretical and practical frameworks that lead to a successful business.Â
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,099 | Scholarships available
Dates: June 15–26 | July 6–17
Application Deadline: Priority: January 28 | Rolling until filled post that
Eligibility: Grade 9th-12th high school students with a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA
Wharton Global Youth: Future of the Business World is a two-week summer program for high school students. The program will introduce you to various business themes, have you participate in interactive simulations, and have you work on real-world business challenges. You will explore a range of topics, including strategic foresight, market research, consumer insights, entrepreneurial thinking, customer-focused innovation, and more. You will engage in independent learning, attend online events, apply your learning to work on final projects, and predict the future of the world of business.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1595
Dates: Multiple 1-, 2-, and 4-week sessions available throughout the yearÂ
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students ages 13 and aboveÂ
Wake Forest University Online Immersion Program: Business Strategy and Innovation is a multi-length learning opportunity for high school students. You will get to explore business strategies through real-world examples of company success, such as Apple and Netflix. You will gain knowledge about a range of topics, including fundamental principles of innovation, performance analysis, customer experience, business ethics, the role of workplace culture and leadership, and business marketing. You will learn from Wake Forest professor, Dr. Dan Fogel, and Lee Weiss, who is the Chief Executive, General Manager, and business expert. The program concludes as you share your work through a final Capstone project and receive a Certificate of Completion from the university.
Location: VirtualÂ
Cost: Free
Dates: April 22 and April 29 (7-9 p.m. ET)
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors | Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5
The Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute is a selective program designed for high school students interested in business and leadership. You attend interactive workshops, hear from Kelley School of Business faculty, and engage with professionals working across different business fields. The program explores leadership development, career planning, communication, and the challenges and opportunities women encounter in business. Students also collaborate on activities that encourage teamwork and problem-solving.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,895
Dates: Multiple 2-week and 4-week sessionsÂ
Application Deadline: Rolling basisÂ
Eligibility: High school students ages 13 and aboveÂ
Northwestern Pre-College Online: Business Course offers multi-length sessions to high school students. You will gain a foundation in business and learn about product development, outreach, and how companies deliver value through real-world examples. You will have the opportunity to explore a range of topics, including business strategy, product development, product management, product-market fit, business operations, and more. The program will allow you to work on a final capstone project, sharing your learnings through developing an effective business strategy.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,115
Dates: July 6–23
Application Deadline: June 26
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12)
Business Research for Innovation, Design, Growth, and Entrepreneurship (BRIDGE) will help you gain foundational knowledge of business. You will explore a range of topics, including venture financing, innovation strategy, organizational growth, business design, and more. You will develop analytical, strategic, creative, and critical thinking skills, improve your economic literacy, and create an innovative business proposal. You will gain knowledge in identifying market needs, strategic development and execution, designing scalable business models, synthesizing business plans, and capturing value.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $6,295 | Limited need-based full- or partial-tuition scholarship available
Dates: July 8–28
Application Deadline: February 13 (early bird) | March 13 (regular)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors | Must be at least 15 by the start date
Babson Summer Study for High School Students is a three-week program for high school students. The program will allow you to engage with real-world problem-solving frameworks aligned with the U.N. Global Goals in environmental, social, and economic areas. You will explore a range of concepts, including entrepreneurship, finance, leadership, business communication, and marketing. You will receive expert mentorship and gain knowledge from world-leading faculty at Babson. The program also offers group activities that support personal growth and social interaction.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795
Dates: Multi-length sessions offered year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling admissionsÂ
Eligibility: High school students ages 13 and aboveÂ
Rice University Pre-College Online Program offers multi-length courses to high school students. Through the entrepreneurship course offered by the program, you will gain knowledge about traditional financial services, learn about blockchain technologies, and engage in a range of real-world case studies focused on Apple Pay, PayPal, and Venmo. The program will help you understand the operations of Fintech companies and the use of technology to develop financial solutions. By the end of the program, you will earn a certificate of completion from Rice University.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,990 ($35 Application fee)
Dates: Multiple sessions | Check here for upcoming dates
Application Deadline: Varies by session (Typically 5 days before the course begins)
Eligibility: High school students ages 14 and above
USC Pre-College Online: Building Blocks of Business offers a flexible learning experience to high school students. You will attend lectures and reading sessions and work on assignments. The program will allow you to learn through business simulations, video content, and learning modules. You will gain knowledge from industry experts and the USC Marshall School of Business and explore a range of topics, including marketing, finance, accounting, and leadership. The program culminates in an opportunity to apply your learning as an investor and analyze two business models, choosing the one with the most potential to succeed and make a profit.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,200 | Financial aid available
Dates: Session 1: June 15–26 | Session 2: July 6–17
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Grade 9th-11th studentsÂ
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes: Innovation and Entrepreneurship program offers two sessions to high school students. You will attend live classes, gain access to learning materials, and participate in engaging exercises. You will develop design thinking skills, engage in real-world problem-solving, and explore a range of topics, including product development, customer insights, business models, and marketing. You will learn fundamental business concepts and explore their links to real-world companies in Silicon Valley. The program will allow you to work on a team-based startup project and explore future career pathways in the field.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $6,100$ + 75 non-refundable application fee | Financial aid available
Dates: June 21–July 2 | July 5–17 | July 19–31Â
Application Deadline: January 7 (early) | February 11 (regular) | April 1 (late)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (ages 16–19)
Harvard Pre-College Program: Business and Leadership offers a two-week virtual learning opportunity to high school students. Depending on the course selection, you examine topics such as management, economics, leadership, communication, digital media, and public policy. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical writing, and collaborative learning through readings, assignments, and classroom discussions. You engage with challenging academic material while experiencing Harvard's teaching style in a structured virtual environment. Upon successful completion, participants receive a Certificate of Completion from Harvard Pre-College.
Location: Virtual (on Coursera)
Cost: Free enrollment | Paid Certificate (Optional)
Dates: Self-paced | Typical commitment of two weeks
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to all
Creating Change through Social Entrepreneurship is a flexible, beginner-level course for high school students. The program will allow you to explore topics such as pitching, funding, measuring social change, ensuring financial viability, and more. You will develop a range of skills in design thinking, communication, sales presentation, business modeling, sustainable business, entrepreneurship, stakeholder engagement, and more.Â
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $1,990 ($35 application fee)
Dates: Multiple sessions | Check here for upcoming dates
Application Deadline: Varies by session (Typically 5 days before the course begins)
Eligibility: High school students ages 14 and aboveÂ
USC Pre-College Online- Entrepreneurship: Exploring What It Takes to Create Your Own Business allows high school students to explore the fundamentals of engineering and entrepreneurship. You will have the opportunity to cover a range of topics, including small-business finance, customer value identification and delivery, venture pitching and management, market sizing, competitor analysis, and more. You will spend 20-25 hours attending recorded lectures, engaging with case studies, and completing assignments on a flexible schedule. Students who complete the course earn a USC Certificate of Completion.
Frequently asked questions
What online business camps are available for high school students?
Options include startup and entrepreneurship programs, such as Young Founders Lab, Stanford Pre-Collegiate Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and USC Entrepreneurship, strategy and management programs, such as Wharton Future of the Business World, Wake Forest Business Strategy, and Northwestern Pre-College Business, fintech programs, such as Rice University Pre-College, social entrepreneurship programs, such as Yale on Coursera, leadership programs, such as Kelley KWLI and Harvard Pre-College Business and Leadership, and academic research programs, such as Lumiere Research Scholar Program.
Are there free online business camps for high school students?
Yes, Kelley Women's Leadership Institute is free for eligible students, and Yale's Creating Change through Social Entrepreneurship on Coursera is free to audit. Young Founders Lab and Lumiere Research Scholar Program offer financial aid, and Wharton Global Youth and Babson Summer Study also provide need-based scholarships for eligible students.
Which online business programs are best for students interested in entrepreneurship?
Students interested in entrepreneurship might consider Young Founders Lab for building a revenue-generating startup with mentors from Google and Microsoft, Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes for team-based startup projects using Silicon Valley frameworks, Babson Summer Study for entrepreneurial problem-solving aligned with the UN Global Goals, and USC Entrepreneurship for a structured introduction to venture pitching and small-business finance.
Do any online business camps offer certificates or college credit?
Yes, Harvard Pre-College awards a Certificate of Completion, Wake Forest Online Immersion provides a Certificate of Completion, Rice University Pre-College and USC Pre-College both award completion certificates, and Babson Summer Study provides a formal academic credential from Babson College.
When should I apply to online business camps for high school students?
The earliest deadlines include Wharton Global Youth (January 28 priority), Harvard Pre-College (January 7 early deadline), and Babson Summer Study (February 13 early bird). Stanford Pre-Collegiate closes March 13 and Kelley KWLI closes March 20. Programs, such as Young Founders Lab, Lumiere, Wake Forest, Northwestern, Rice, USC, and Yale on Coursera, accept rolling or open enrollment applications, so students should apply as soon as they are ready.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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.