13 Online Summer Business Programs for High School Students

High school students interested in business can explore the field through online summer programs. These programs provide practical skills, industry exposure, and valuable networking opportunities with a flexible format. By participating in an online summer business program, you’ll gain exposure to entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and management without the travel required by in-person camps. You’ll engage with advanced content, explore career paths, and strengthen your resume. 

Many online summer business programs for high school students are hosted by universities and established organizations. Whether you’re interested in startups, finance, or general business leadership, here’s our list of the top 13 online summer business programs for high school students.

13 Online Summer Business Programs for High School Students

1. Wharton Global Youth Program: Financial Decision Making

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $4,099 + $100 application fee (non-refundable; waivable); extra fees for materials; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: June 16 – 27 (Session 1); July 7 – 18 (Session 2)
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12; international students included

This two-week online course, taught by the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) faculty, introduces key finance concepts and decision‑making tools. You’ll learn stock valuation, bonds, corporate finance, and financial metrics (P/E ratio, NPV, IRR, etc.), and end by building a company financial model in teams. The curriculum combines video lectures and live discussions. You’ll apply advanced financial concepts to real-world scenarios, developing skills in investment analysis and teamwork. Mentorship comes from Wharton faculty and instructors, and you work on interactive exercises rather than simply listening to lectures. Overall, this highly regarded program strengthens your analytical skills and understanding of capital markets, preparing you for future finance or entrepreneurship studies.

2. Ladder Internships

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available / None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 10-25%
Dates: Multiple cohorts: Spring, Summer, Fall (starts September 15), and Winter; Summer Cohorts I and II on June 2 and July 14, respectively
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Summer Cohort I: May 11; Summer Cohort II: June 23
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to work 10-20 hours/week for 8-16 weeks 

Ladder’s virtual program matches you with real startups or companies for a business-focused internship. You’ll work on projects in marketing, finance, or entrepreneurship under professional mentorship. During the program, you will collaborate remotely with professionals on tasks like market analysis, business planning, or product strategy. You also have Ladder mentors who will guide you throughout the program’s duration. It also includes community events and final presentations. You’ll gain hands-on skills in business operations and teamwork, adding a solid internship experience to your résumé. Ladder’s structure simulates a real work environment, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge (like Excel or marketing) to actual company needs.

3. Babson College – Summer Study

Location: Virtual (online option)
Cost/Stipend: $6,295 + $95 application fee; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: July 6 – 27
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, aged 16+

Babson College’s Summer Study program is a 3+-week experiential course designed for rising high school juniors and seniors to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and become changemakers. The program covers key business topics such as entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, finance, and business communication while framing challenges through the United Nations’ Global Goals to solve real-world problems. You engage in market research, feasibility analysis, developing social impact projects, and collaborating with global peers in a dynamic virtual or in-person setting. Unique features include learning Babson’s ‘Entrepreneurial Thought & Action’ methodology, earning 4 college credits, and receiving mentorship from Babson faculty and student mentors who are successful entrepreneurs and leaders.

4. Young Founders Lab Startup Bootcamp

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Individual Program: Rolling start date | June 9 – 29 (Group Program Summer 1); August 4 – 24 (Group Program Summer 2); Fall, Winter, and Spring cohorts available
Application Deadline: Early Summer II: May 30; Final Summer II: June 23; apply here
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) interested in entrepreneurship worldwide

Young Founders Lab (YFL) is a startup incubator that has both individual and team programs. Its team-based track places you in a 5–10 student group where you collaborate virtually to build a real venture or social enterprise. The 3-week sessions include live online classes, mentorship from entrepreneurs, and weekly check-ins where you learn lean startup methods, market research, and pitch skills. YFL emphasizes teamwork and communication; every afternoon, you work in teams on deliverables, and mentors (some YFL alumni or industry pros) guide your progress. You’ll gain practical entrepreneurship skills and presentation experience, culminating in a final pitch to a panel.

5. Georgetown University Pre-College Online (Business Courses)

Location: Virtual (self-paced courses)
Cost/Stipend: $1,895 (Enrichment course); $3,995 (College credit course); need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment
Dates: Year-round courses (various start dates)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 13 and up  

Georgetown’s online pre-college program offers multiple business-related courses (entrepreneurship, investing, marketing, etc.) taught by Georgetown faculty. Classes are self-paced video lessons with mentor support. You choose 2- to 4-week course lengths and study on your schedule. Courses include dynamic lectures and a final capstone project, giving a taste of college-level business classes. You’ll learn foundational concepts (e.g., how markets work, startup planning) and get feedback on projects. The format is flexible, and you can take multiple courses sequentially. Students earn a certificate from Georgetown or college credit. Overall, this program is a good option to explore business topics at your own pace.

6. Rice University Pre-College Online (Business Courses)

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $1,795/course; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment
Dates: Multi-length courses available year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 13 and up  

Rice University’s Pre-College Online program offers 2-4 week business courses in areas such as finance, entrepreneurship, and economics. You watch video lectures by Rice faculty and work on case studies and projects. The curriculum is flexible and self-paced, letting you study “anywhere, anytime.” Each course includes 20–30 hours of instruction, a capstone project, and mentor support. For example, an entrepreneurship course might cover lean startup methods and have you build a simple business model. Upon completion, you earn a Rice University certificate. This low-pressure format means broad accessibility, despite being less structured than a full summer program.

7. Fordham University Finance Institute: Wall Street in the Classroom 

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend:$1,100 +  $100 application fee; financial aid is available; need-based discounts are available for students with family incomes below $50,000 per year
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: June 16 – 20 (Week 1); June 23 – 27 (Week 2); July 21 – 25 (Week 3); July 28 – August 1 (Week 4)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12

In this one-week module, you explore finance fundamentals, including the time value of money, personal finance, stocks and bonds, alternative investments, risk management, and even cryptocurrency. You engage with guest speakers from leading finance firms and Fordham alumni, fostering direct exposure to industry practices and making the content both theoretically grounded and practically relevant. Discussions emphasize real-world applications of financial concepts, which are not just limited to abstract theory. You can choose the virtual option and participate from anywhere; the structure mirrors in-person sessions to ensure full engagement. This program offers a concise and focused path into core financial principles for students curious about both personal finance and professional markets.

8. Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None/prizes offered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment
Dates: Registration (year-round)
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: High school students worldwide aged 14-18 at the time of registration

In this program, you will identify a pressing problem or untapped market to create an innovative business idea. The program involves developing a 5-minute video pitch using provided templates and tools to outline your concept's differentiation and cost-effectiveness. Skills learned include applying systematic frameworks to maximize opportunities while minimizing risks in business creation. You will work independently or in teams to refine ideas that address global challenges or new market spaces. Feedback from seasoned entrepreneurs and executives helps improve your pitch and concept. The program involves community engagement with peers from numerous countries through shared resources and discussions. 

9. Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows Experience

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $1,365 + $75 application fee; financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective (~40 students)
Dates: July 13 – 31
Application Deadline: Domestic applications: June 1; International applicants:
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 13 years old (International applicants should be at least 16 and no more than 19 years of age by July 1) | Rising high school sophomore, junior, senior, or graduating senior | Unweighted academic average of 3.0 or better

The Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows (SELF) Experience is a unique summer program hosted by the Ed Snider Center at the University of Maryland's Smith School of Business, designed for innovative and motivated high school students. In this program, you will assume CEO roles in simulated scenarios to address business challenges in marketing, strategy, and finance. The program delivers content through virtual modules and assignments. You develop skills that include problem-solving frameworks, financial literacy, and strategic decision-making. You will analyze cases and propose solutions in group settings, and earn three undergraduate credits. The program features expert-led sessions for deeper understanding.

10. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer – Introduction to Finance & Banking

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $3,080 + $100 materials cost; need-based financial aid is available 
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-11

This two-week course covers the role of finance and banking in the economy. You learn how individuals, businesses, and governments use financial markets, covering investing, interest rates, and risk management. The program teaches fundamental concepts that you later apply to team exercises. For example, you might simulate managing a bank’s portfolio or analyze investment scenarios. The course includes guest discussions on current financial events. Stanford emphasizes critical thinking: you’ll practice evaluating real-world financial decisions by the end. Completing this course makes you more financially aware and builds a solid foundation for future finance studies.

11. UGA Terry Accelerated Business Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $295; a limited number of need-based financial scholarships are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: 4 days typically in June
Application Deadline: Typically March
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors 

This course provides a concise online overview of business fundamentals through interactive sessions with faculty and executives from established enterprises. The program covers key concepts in management, economics, and strategy via discussions and case analyses. You will learn skills in basic analytical thinking and networking with professionals in the field. You will also participate in activities designed to illustrate real business operations and decision processes. Interactions with industry leaders offer perspectives on career paths and organizational dynamics. The brief format allows for quick immersion without extensive time investment. The program is unique for its focus on Georgia-based businesses and low barriers to entry.

12. Cornell University Pre-College: Introduction to Business Management

Location: Online (asynchronous)
Cost/Stipend: $1,940 per credit ($5,820 total) + extra unspecified costs for textbooks
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: June 2 – 20 (Session 1); June 23 – July 11 (Session 2); July 14 – August 1 (Session 3)
Application Deadline: May 5 (Session 1); May 19 (Session 2); June 16 (Session 3); separate Application Deadline for payment
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from anywhere in the world

The Cornell University Pre-College "Introduction to Business Management" program is a 3-week online course that introduces high school students to the fundamentals of business and management. You study through video lectures and complete assignments focusing on areas such as finance, human resources, business strategy, organizational behavior, and marketing. The coursework features case studies and projects that students can work on according to their own schedules, along with interactive discussion boards for engaging with instructors and peers. This self-paced class helps build college-level skills in economics and data analytics. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate recognizing their achievement in business management.

13. Columbia University Pre-College: Entrepreneurship & Innovation 

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $12,764 (3-week in-person residential); $6,310 (3-week in-person commuter); $3,965 (2-week online) + $80 application fee + $50 materials fee; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Very selective
Dates: June 30 – July 18 (Summer A In-person); July 22 – August 8 (Summer B In-person); July 7 – 18 (Summer A Online); July 21 – August 1 (Summer B Online)
Application Deadline: Typically early February
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12

Columbia University’s Pre-College Entrepreneurship & Innovation program is a hands-on course designed for high school students interested in creating new businesses or social ventures. It covers essential topics like business model development, customer discovery, market analysis, product innovation, brand development, financing, and legal considerations. You engage in activities such as developing and refining a business model, creating investor pitches, working in teams on venture plans, and receiving feedback from instructors and peers. The program has a modular structure aligned with formal venture-planning processes and the opportunity to produce tangible outputs like business plans, websites, and crowdfunding videos. You gain critical skills in creative problem-solving, communication, project management, financial analysis, and collaborative leadership.

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