15 Free Business Programs for High School Students
Participating in business programs can give high school students a head start in developing practical skills, understanding various industries, and establishing professional connections. Business programs offer structured ways to learn about entrepreneurship, management, finance, and marketing. Many of these opportunities emphasise teamwork, communication, and leadership, skills that are valuable regardless of the career you eventually pursue.
For students interested in business, free programs are an affordable way to explore your interests while gaining work experience. Some programs focus on project-based learning, where you collaborate with peers and mentors to design business plans or launch initiatives. Others give you exposure to professionals through mentorship or site visits. Additionally, many free programs are virtual and flexible, making them accessible for more students. We’ve narrowed down the top 15 free business programs for high school students that stand out for their quality and opportunities.
1. Summer Venture in Business – University of Kansas
Location: University of Kansas School of Business (Lawrence, KS)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; small cohorts per session
Dates: June 15 – 20; July 13 – 18
Application Deadline: Typically in spring
Eligibility: Rising 11th–12th grade students
The Summer Venture in Business (SVB) is a fully funded pre-college academy designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of business while also helping you prepare for college. Through interactive classes and activities, you will explore topics like entrepreneurship, marketing, and finance under the guidance of KU faculty and program staff. The program also emphasizes college readiness by providing resources on applications, financial aid, and academic success. You will participate in group projects, presentations, and networking activities that simulate real-world business scenarios. Priority is given to students from underrepresented backgrounds, making SVB both an academic and access-driven initiative.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote (virtual)
Cost/Stipend: 100% financial aid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 – 25%;70 – 100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter (8–12 weeks each); upcoming cohort is Winter starting December 8
Application Deadline: Rolling; deadlines align with cohort; Winter Cohort: November 16
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students; must commit 10–20 hours/week for 8 – 12 weeks
Ladder Internships connects you with high-growth start-ups for immersive, project-based experiences across business-related fields like consulting, marketing, and entrepreneurship. You will collaborate with company managers and receive support from a dedicated Ladder Coach as you take on tasks such as market research, strategy development, or business planning. The program emphasizes hands-on work, culminating in a final presentation of your contributions to the start-up team. Since all internships are remote, you can participate from anywhere while still gaining exposure to fast-paced business environments. With full financial aid available, Ladder ensures that ambitious students can access professional-level opportunities regardless of background.
3. Business Leadership Program – University of Colorado Leeds School of Business
Location: University of Colorado, Leeds School of Business (Boulder, CO)
Cost/Stipend: None / $1,000 scholarship available for winning case competition team
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts admitted each year
Dates: June 21 – 27
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Colorado residents only | High school juniors or seniors; seniors must plan on attending the Leeds School of Business
The Business Leadership Program (BLP) is a free, week-long summer experience where you will develop leadership and problem-solving skills through a real-world case competition. Working in teams, you will design and present a marketing campaign for corporate partners such as EY, Deloitte, or regional businesses, gaining direct exposure to professional expectations. The program includes networking with Leeds School of Business faculty, staff, and industry leaders while also offering workshops that emphasize collaboration and diversity in business. You will stay on campus throughout the program, experiencing university life while building valuable connections. The top team earns a $1,000 scholarship to the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Remote (virtual)
Cost: Full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered year-round (Spring: March–June, Summer: June–August, Fall: September–December, Winter: December–February)
Application Deadline: Rolling; deadlines align with cohort start (January, May, September, November)
Eligibility: High school seniors who are typically from low-income families
Two fully-funded programs are offered by the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation: the esteemed Lumiere Research Scholar Program and the Humanities and Social Sciences Program. In the Breakthrough Scholar Program, high school students collaborate closely with a Ph.D. mentor on a personalized research project in various disciplines such as psychology, economics, physics, international relations, and computer science. Meanwhile, the Humanities and Social Sciences Program caters to students interested in sociology, history, languages, philosophy, education, and public policy. Across 12 weeks, you develop advanced research techniques, engage in interdisciplinary exploration, and complete an original research paper. These programs provide access to opportunities usually found in costly pre-college research initiatives.
5. More Spark! – Colorado State University Institute for Entrepreneurship
Location: Virtual (hosted by CSU’s Institute for Entrepreneurship)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment for Spark! alumni; varies by session
Dates: Offered in multiple sessions throughout the year; includes a December session with pitch practice
Application Deadline: Registration typically opens in early fall; deadline not specified
Eligibility: High school students, educators, and school clubs who have previously completed Spark! or Venture Validator
More Spark! is a free, virtual program designed to help you refine entrepreneurial ideas and develop them into actionable ventures. Building on the foundational Spark! program, this follow-up focuses on advanced concepts like the Business Model Canvas, marketing strategies, and project management. You will learn from CSU’s Venture Development Specialists and undergraduate mentors, while also gaining access to exclusive entrepreneurship events hosted by the College of Business. A highlight of the program is the Venture Rams Showcase, where participants present their ideas to a broader audience. Additionally, Spark! Pitch Practice offers you the chance to prepare and present for potential seed funding from OtterCares, giving your ideas real-world launch potential.
6. Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute – Indiana University Kelley School of Business
Location: Bloomington, IN (in-person) and virtual options
Cost/Stipend: None; travel and housing not covered for in-person sessions
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 40 – 50 students per session
Dates: Virtual session: November 5 & 12; additional in-person events typically offered multiple days in June and July
Application Deadline: October 3 for virtual session; In-person: vary by session
Eligibility: In-person: Rising juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5; Virtual: Current sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute (KWLI) introduces you to business careers and leadership opportunities while emphasizing the challenges and impact of women in business. Through lectures with Kelley School of Business faculty, case projects, and peer collaboration, you will develop skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership. The program combines mentorship and experiential learning, allowing you to explore business disciplines that align with your personal goals. While in-person sessions provide a one-day immersive experience on the IU campus, the virtual version is spread across two evenings to allow for broader access. Funded entirely by Kelley and its corporate partners, the program has no registration fees, ensuring it remains accessible to students selected worldwide.
7. Mary Miller Summer Program – PHC Group
Location: Virtual (with global collaboration opportunities)
Cost/Stipend: None / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited spots
Dates: Summer; typically between May – August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Mary Miller Summer Program, hosted by PHC Group, honors the legacy of community leader and educator Mary Miller by fostering youth leadership, academic achievement, and career readiness. As an intern, you will work directly with senior leadership on team-based projects and independently explore interests that support PHC Group’s mission. Typical assignments include social media management, community engagement, and market research, allowing you to develop both technical and professional communication skills. You will also contribute to collaborative planning discussions, analyze trends, and report findings to leadership teams. This program offers a unique opportunity to grow as both a student and an emerging professional.
8. Yale University - Capitalism: Success, Crisis, and Reform
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open access; no limit on participants
Dates: Self-paced; available year-round
Application Deadline: None (open access)
Eligibility: All high school students
This free Yale course, taught by Professor Douglas W. Rae, examines capitalism through the lens of biological evolution by comparing firms’ survival strategies to natural selection. As a participant, you will explore how capitalism shapes, and is shaped by, issues like public health, poverty alleviation, education, and the environment. The course introduces you to key texts that debate both the benefits and drawbacks of capitalism, giving you a nuanced understanding of economic systems. Delivered via recorded lectures and an accompanying syllabus, the course is self-paced and accessible worldwide. While not an internship or mentorship program, it provides a rigorous foundation for high school students interested in exploring business, economics, and policy without cost barriers.
9. Economics Awareness Council - On the Money Magazine Internship
Location: Chicago, IL (DePaul University’s Writing Center) + Virtual components
Cost/Stipend: None / Stipend paid, amount unspecified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Spring/Summer: January – May; Fall/Winter: September – December
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring/Summer: January; Fall/Winter: September
Eligibility: High school students residing in Chicago aged 14 to 18
The On the Money Magazine Internship introduces you to business and finance through the lens of student-led journalism. As an intern, you will research and write articles on topics such as entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and personal money management. The program includes mentorship, weekly editorial meetings, and workshops that strengthen your writing, public speaking, and interviewing skills. Partnering with DePaul University’s Writing Center and the Economic Awareness Council, the internship emphasizes both professional development and community engagement. In addition to publishing your work, you will gain insight into business communication while receiving a stipend for your contributions.
10. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) High School Business Internship
Location: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (WA); some virtual roles offered
Cost/Stipend: None / Stipend paid, amount unspecified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 5 – 6 students per year
Dates: August–May (school-year internship)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors | Must attend a partnering local high school (Tri-Cities, WA) and be able to attend in-person | U.S. work eligibility required
The PNNL High School Business Internship allows you to gain firsthand exposure to business operations within a major national research laboratory. Over the school year, you will spend up to four hours each weekday balancing academic classes with professional responsibilities. Tasks can include financial research, supporting operations, assisting with communications, and contributing to lab demonstrations. The internship emphasizes both workplace readiness and technical skills, giving you a strong foundation in business services while working alongside professionals. With paid stipends and flexible scheduling, PNNL offers a structured way to explore business careers in a unique research-driven environment.
11. Seattle University Summer Business Institute (SBI)
Location: Seattle University (Seattle, WA) and online
Cost/Stipend: None, but requires $50 refundable registration deposit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts admitted annually
Dates: July 19 – 25
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: 9th–11th grade high school students
The Seattle University Summer Business Institute (SBI) introduces you to college-level business concepts through a combination of coursework and applied projects. Over two weeks, you will study topics such as business management, financial literacy, and marketing strategy under the guidance of university faculty. Team-based activities allow you to design and refine a business plan, applying skills in budgeting, pricing, and market analysis. The program culminates with a pitch presentation to industry professionals, giving you the chance to showcase your work and receive feedback. By blending academic learning with hands-on practice, SBI provides a well-rounded introduction to the business world while remaining accessible through full financial support.
12. DreamBig Academy – University of Nebraska
Location: College of Business, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska,
Cost/Stipend: None / No stipend, but participants may qualify for a renewable $2,000 scholarship upon completing the program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 40 – 60 students per year
Dates: June 22 – 24
Application Deadline: Typically early spring
Eligibility: Current high school juniors expected to graduate in May | Minimum GPA of 3.0
The DreamBig Academy at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is a free, immersive three-day summer program designed for rising high school seniors interested in exploring business, leadership, and entrepreneurship. It covers foundational business topics, including marketing, finance, leadership, communication, and teamwork. You participate in activities including interactive workshops, business idea presentations, team challenges, and networking sessions with faculty and industry professionals. Unique features of the program include mentorship from university faculty and business leaders, the opportunity to experience college campus life, and a focus on supporting first-generation and underrepresented students. Through DreamBig Academy, you develop critical skills like problem-solving, public speaking, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking.
13. SCA High School Summer Internship Program
Location: New York City
Stipend: $16.50/hour (~30 hours per week)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 20 interns
Dates: Six weeks, June – August
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: NYC public high school students
The SCA High School Summer Internship Program places you in professional settings across industries such as business, architecture, public administration, engineering, and construction management. As an intern, you will work four days a week at a host site, contributing to projects in areas such as administrative support, financial planning, compliance, or design. Fridays are dedicated to professional development, including career readiness workshops, guest panels, and design challenges. The program also provides OSHA construction safety training, mentorship, and guidance for college preparation. With placements at leading firms like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and Gannett Fleming, this internship offers both real-world work experience and valuable networking opportunities.
14. Futures and Options – The Internship Program
Location: New York City
Stipend: Minimum $17/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; placements individually matched to students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Summer sessions run for 6 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: NYC high school juniors and seniors (ages 16–19) with valid working papers
Futures and Options offers a structured internship experience that combines paid work placements with career readiness support. The program matches you with an internship site in industries such as business, finance, marketing, or public service, allowing you to gain direct workplace experience while developing professional skills. In addition to your internship, you will participate in orientations, skill-building workshops, and career exploration field trips to companies like BlackRock and Infor. A program coordinator provides mentorship and guidance throughout, ensuring you make the most of your experience. Networking events and hands-on assignments make this program a strong stepping stone toward both college and career pathways.
15. Gateway Summer Program – University of Iowa
Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Two 1-week sessions in late June and mid-July
Application Deadline: Typically early April
Eligibility: High school juniors
The Gateway Summer Program at the University of Iowa is a free, one-week residential program designed specifically for high school juniors interested in exploring careers in business and gaining a preview of college life. The program covers foundational topics such as entrepreneurship, business management, marketing, and financial literacy, providing students with a broad understanding of business principles. You participate in activities like interactive workshops with faculty and business professionals, team-based problem-solving challenges, case study analyses, and networking events. Throughout the program, students develop critical skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and strategic thinking.
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