15 Online Business Programs for High School Students

Why should you do an Online Business Program in High School?

Ever  wondered what it is like to study business before college, or how entrepreneurs turn ideas into success stories? Pre-college business programs give  high school students a practical way to explore their interests, build essential skills and get a head start on future goals. Many of these programs are  hosted by leading universities and organizations, and focus on applied learning – where you learn by doing, not just reading. You’ll dive into real business concepts, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and gain insights into how industries work, all at a fraction of typical college costs. These programs also help you connect with mentors and other students from around the world. 

If you’re interested in learning about the online programs in other subjects, check out some science internships here & find economic internships here.

We’ve rounded up 15 of the best online business programs for high school students below that balance academic challenge with real-world experience to prepare you for the next steps in your academic journey.

1. Wharton Global Youth Program: Financial Decision Making

Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,099 + $100 application fee
Dates: June 15 – 26 | July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: May 1 (final deadline)
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in grades 9–12

Wharton’s Financial Decision Making program is an online business program for high school students to learn the fundamentals of economics and personal finance. Through daily lectures on saving, investing, debt management, and financial tools, you’ll gain practical financial knowledge and develop practical money management and decision making skills. The program uses project-based learning and data analysis to strengthen your ability to interpret information and make sound financial decisions. Modeled on Wharton’s undergraduate finance curriculum, it also offers opportunities to collaborate with students from around the world, improving teamwork and problem-solving skills. Upon completion of the program, students  earn a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Location:  Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!

Ladder Internships is a selective program that connects high school students with emerging start-ups across industries such as technology, Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning, deep tech, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. The program partners with companies that have typically secured over a million dollars in funding, offering students insights into the operations of dynamic, growth-stage companies. During the eight-week virtual program, interns collaborate with managers and Ladder Coaches on real projects and present their work at the end of the internship. The program offers a structured introduction to the startup ecosystem and real-world experience in a professional environment.  If you’re ready to dive in, you’ll find the application form here. 

3. Wharton Global Youth Program: Future of the Business World

Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,099 + $100 application fee
Dates: Session 1: June 15–26 | Session 2: July 6–17
Application Deadline: May 1 (final deadline)
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in grades 9–12

Wharton’s Future of the Business World is a two-week online business program for high school students passionate about global business innovation. You’ll attend interactive lectures, simulations, and collaborative discussions on topics such as design thinking, strategic forecasting, and group problem-solving. Working in teams, you’ll develop a final project that explores new ideas for the future of international business. The program teaches high school students to think critically about how you can shape the business world of tomorrow.

4. Young Founders Lab

Location: This program is 100% virtual
Cost: Varies according to program; there is need-based financial aid
Dates: Individual Program - Flexible start dates | Summer II Group Program - August 4-24
Application Deadline: Early Summer II Deadline: May 30; Final Summer II Deadline: June 23
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students (grades 9-12)

The Young Founder’s Lab is a startup accelerator for high school students founded by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you’ll build a real, revenue-generating startup that addresses a real-world challenge. You will be guided by mentors from leading companies such as Google, Microsoft, and X, through workshops, case studies, and classes on core business concepts. You’ll gain practical experience in ideation, strategy, and execution while applying entrepreneurial theory in real time. The program provides a platform to develop both business insights and real-world startup experience while still at high school. You can learn more and view the program brochure here. You can access the application link here!

5. Wharton Global Youth Program: Sport Business Academy

Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,799 + $100 application fee
Dates: July 6 - 24
Application Deadline: May 1 (final deadline)
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 10-11

The Wharton Sport Business Academy introduces high school students to  the business and legal foundations of the global sports industry. Taught by Wharton faculty, you’ll study management, negotiation, and leadership within the context of professional, collegiate, and Olympic sports. The program also features guest lectures with professionals, including agents, marketers, and executives. You’ll collaborate in teams to develop a business plan for an innovative sports venture, gaining both strategic and collaborative experience. Virtual site tours and guest speakers will provide additional insights into how the industry operates. On completion of the program, you’ll receive a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion.

6. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) High School Business Internship

Location: Varies based on internship position; virtual options included
Stipend: Paid 
Dates: June - August (Summer internships) | August - May (Academic year internships)
Application Deadline: February - March (Summer internships) | Early February - June (Academic Year internships)
Eligibility: High school students

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) High School Business Internship offers high school students real-world experience in a range of business fields. Interns work in areas such as finance, operations, business services, and communications, learning how research institutions manage complex business functions. Each weekday includes morning classes followed by up to four hours of lab work. You might also undertake lab tours, field visits, communication projects, and business-oriented research as part of the internship experience. Students with an interest in finance or economics can pursue roles in departments such as finance, operations, or communications.

7. Building-U Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Internships run year-round for 3 months
Application Deadline: Applications are rolling; interested students can send an email
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in grades 9-12

Building-U gives high school students an opportunity to solve real-world business challenges while developing skills in marketing, coding, multimedia creation, and research. As an intern, you’ll join teams including Resource R&D, Student Ambassadors, Blog Squad, Marketing, Social Media, Coding, Animation, Data Privacy, and Business Development. Each group works on impactful projects such as designing Google Ad campaigns, producing YouTube videos, hosting podcasts, and developing websites. Along the way, you’ll strengthen your leadership, teamwork, and communication skills  while collaborating across teams. The program’s marketing and business development tracks are especially suited for students interested in entrepreneurship.

8. Georgetown’s Pre-College Online Program in Entrepreneurship

Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,895
Dates: Deadlines vary depending on the program dates you choose. The program is available in 3 formats: 1-week intensives, 2-week sessions, and 4-week sessions
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the program dates you choose
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and above

Georgetown University’s Becoming an Entrepreneur: An Inside Look at Innovation introduces high school students to the process of identifying market opportunities and building a business from the ground up. You’ll study the foundations of entrepreneurship, learn to recognize market gaps, and explore strategies for networking and securing funding. The course covers business models, pitching techniques, and lessons that come from failure. The program concludes with a Capstone Project, where you’ll create a video presentation outlining your business concept, target audience, value proposition, and revenue model.

9. Babson College Introduction to the Entrepreneurial Experience

Location: Virtual/In person
Cost: $6,295 + $95 application fee (for fully virtual format)
Dates: July 8 – 28
Application Deadline: February 13 | March 13
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors aged 16 or older by the program's start.

The Babson Summer Study introduces high school students to Babson’s Entrepreneurial Thought & Action approach, while addressing the social, economic, and environmental issues aligned with the U.N. Global Goals. At the heart of the program is EPS 1110: Introduction to the Entrepreneurial Experience, a 4-credit college course. You’ll explore core concepts in entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, finance, and communication, under the guidance of academic mentors. You’ll apply what you learn to develop social ventures that create an impact in the real world.

10. Interns 4-Good

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Depends on the internship
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; Opportunities are available year-round
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12)

Interns4Good connects high school students with internship opportunities at nonprofits across the country. The platform regularly posts openings in a variety of fields, allowing you to build practical skills while contributing to meaningful causes. Interns must submit weekly reports detailing their tasks and hours, which are documented for official verification. Applications are accepted year-round, offering flexible start dates. Your schedule will vary based on the specific nonprofit you choose to work with.

11. New York Institute of Finance Programs

Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program
Dates: Varies by program
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 15-18 years

The New York Institute of Finance offers a range of programs for students passionate about finance, economics, and business. The Young Finance Scholar Program helps build a strong foundation in corporate finance, Wall Street fundamentals, and equity markets through interactive lessons and team projects. The YFS Online Program, open to middle and high school students, blends theory with hands-on learning to foster analytical and ethical decision making skills. The YFS Accelerated Program focuses on key financial and entrepreneurial principles, featuring five expert-led lectures designed to deepen students’ understanding of the financial world.

12. UCSD’s Research Scholars - Business Research Track

Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,500
Dates: July 6 - 23
Application Deadline: Enrollment is on a first-come first first-served basis
Eligibility: Current high school students entering 9th through 12th grade with a minimum 3.3 GPA

The Business Research Track within UC San Diego’s Research Scholars introduces high school students to the fundamentals of business innovation, venture financing, and growth strategy. You’ll take part in in-class discussions, case studies, and venture simulations modeled after top universities. These simulations help you understand how startups move from idea to market while managing funding and leadership challenges. The course also includes reviewing research papers on innovation and creativity. By the end of the program, you’ll strengthen your strategic, analytical, and leadership skills by designing and presenting a scalable, innovation-driven business proposal.

13. Understanding Your Money

Location: Virtual
Cost: $329 + $100 application fee
Dates: Students set their course completion schedules and work at their own pace
Application Deadline: Students are not required to apply to enroll in the program
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9–12

Understanding Your Money is a self-paced Wharton program that introduces high school students to the fundamentals of personal finance and economic decision-making. The course explores how individuals handle saving, budgeting, and investing within larger financial systems. You’ll study core concepts such as compound interest, risk and return, opportunity cost, and utility through video lectures, quizzes, and interactive activities. You’ll also practice managing budgets, allocating assets, and understanding how banking and currency function. Each module strengthens your decision-making and financial reasoning skills, and completion of the course earns you a Wharton Certificate of Completion.

14. The Startup UCLA: Social Entrepreneurship Summer Institute

Location: Virtual
Cost:  $1,850
Dates: Multiple sessions available from June - August
Application Deadline: Depends on the session you apply for
Eligibility: Students in 10th - 12th grade in Spring

The Social Entrepreneurship Summer Institute at Startup UCLA introduces high school students  to the process of building ventures that drive social change. You’ll explore core startup concepts such as mission design, user research, and financial modeling, applying them to real-world public-interest challenges. The program also covers legal structures for nonprofits and social enterprises while teaching frameworks such as the theory of change. Working in teams, you’ll identify a social problem, test solutions, and build a stakeholder - focused pitch deck. The program course concludes with a five-minute presentation, helping you strengthen your skills in impact modeling, problem-solving, and storytelling.

15. UCLA's Introduction to Investments Summer Institute

Location: UCLA/ Virtual
Cost: $2,170
Dates: June 23 – July 11
Application Deadline: June 13
Eligibility: Students who are in 9th – 12th grade in the spring

The Introduction to Investments Summer Institute at UCLA examines how financial systems move money through stocks, bonds, commodities, and private equity. You’ll learn about market mechanisms, asset valuation, and how economic cycles affect investment decisions. Topics of study include the Federal Reserve’s role, asset pricing models, and major financial crises. Through faculty lectures, peer discussions, and case studies, you’ll understand core concepts such as earnings multiples, risk-adjusted returns, and the efficient market hypothesis. The program also introduces students to finance career paths and the analytical and strategic skills required to succeed across asset classes.

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