Business, Finance & Entrepreneurship Summer Programs & Internships for High School Students
- EduretiX
- Dec 17, 2025
- 12 min read
Updated: Jan 3
Thinking about majoring in business, finance or economics - or maybe launching your own startup one day? The right summer can give you a serious head start: real college classes, hands-on projects, even internships with early-stage companies.
This guide pulls together legitimate, well-established business, finance & entrepreneurship summer programs & internships for high school students. Details (especially dates, formats and fees) change year to year, so always double-check the official website before applying.
We’ve grouped everything into three broad buckets:
University business & finance summer programs
Entrepreneurship bootcamps & innovation programs
Finance competitions & real-world internship options
Within each program you’ll see year-wise eligibility so you can quickly scan what fits your grade.
1. University Business & Finance Summer Programs
1.1 Wharton Essentials of Finance – University of Pennsylvania (PA)
What it is:
A two-week on-campus program run by Wharton Global Youth that introduces high school students to core concepts in personal and corporate finance - time value of money, risk and return, valuation, equities, fixed income and more.
Who it’s for (year-wise):Students currently in grades 9–11 at the time of application.
Format & duration:Residential, two weeks in summer on Penn’s campus in Philadelphia, with full-day classes, group projects and evening activities.
What you do:
Learn the foundations of personal and corporate finance (interest rates, discounted cash flow, net present value, risk & return).
Work in teams to analyze a publicly traded company and present an investment recommendation.
Hear from Wharton faculty through the Global Youth Speaker Series.
Why it’s strong:You get serious quantitative finance content plus Wharton branding and a certificate of completion - great if you’re leaning toward finance, business or economics.
1.2 Wharton Essentials of Entrepreneurship – University of Pennsylvania (PA)
What it is:
Another two-week Wharton Global Youth program, focused on the foundations of launching a startup - from idea generation and customer discovery to building a minimum viable product (MVP) and pitching.
Who it’s for (year-wise):High school students currently in grades 9–11.
Format & duration:Residential, two weeks in summer, with lectures, workshops, simulations and team collaboration.
What you do:
Use frameworks like Ikigai to align business ideas with your interests and market needs.
Conduct customer interviews and basic A/B tests to refine your product.
Build a pitch deck and present to a panel of judges in a final pitch competition.
Why it’s strong:This is a very structured, academically grounded way to experience entrepreneurship rather than a “fluffy” camp.
Official URL : https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/essentials-of-entrepreneurship/
1.3 Babson Summer Study for High School Students – Babson College (MA)
What it is:
A 3+ week, credit-bearing pre-college program at Babson (one of the most entrepreneurship-focused business schools in the US). Students take a course like Entrepreneurial Leadership in the Global Economy and work on ventures aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Who it’s for (year-wise): Typically rising high school juniors and seniors (10th–11th graders at application time) who will be 16+ by the program start.
Format & duration:
Residential on Babson’s Wellesley, MA campus.
About 3–4 weeks in summer.
Students earn 4 Babson credits on successful completion.
What you do:
Take college-level classes on entrepreneurship, innovation and social impact.
Work in teams to design ventures tackling global challenges.
Pitch to faculty and invited judges at the end of the program.
Official URL : https://neiacademy.org/babson-summer-study/
1.4 Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy – University of Michigan (MI)
What it is:
A two-week residential program at the Ross School of Business designed to introduce high-achieving students to business fields like marketing, finance, business law and entrepreneurship through case studies and hands-on projects.
Who it’s for (year-wise):Current high school juniors (rising seniors) from the US and abroad.
Format & duration:
Residential on Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus.
Two weeks in summer with full-day programming and evening activities.
What you do:
Work on team business challenges and simulations.
Learn how different business functions (finance, operations, marketing, strategy) work together.
Connect with Ross faculty, undergrads and admissions staff.
1.5 Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY) – UC Berkeley Haas School of Business (CA)
What it is:
A selective high school entrepreneurship program run by Berkeley Haas. Students explore business fundamentals and build a startup concept from scratch, mentored by Haas faculty and MBA students.
Who it’s for (year-wise):
High school students (exact age/grade requirements vary slightly by year; recent cohorts have targeted students roughly 14–17 years old). Always confirm the latest eligibility.
Format & duration:
Options typically include two-week residential and two-week online sessions in summer.
What you do:
Take classes on marketing, accounting, strategy and leadership.
Develop a business plan and pitch with your team.
Experience a taste of life at a top public university.
1.6 Columbia University Pre-College Programs – Business, Finance & Economics (NY)
What it is:
Columbia’s Pre-College Programs offer Summer Immersion (on-campus and online) and Online Summer courses, including business-related options such as Introduction to Business, Finance and Economics or Principles of Economics. Specific titles change each year, but there is consistently a strong business/econ track.
Who it’s for (year-wise):
Commuter and online options: generally open to students entering grades 9–12.
Residential options: typically require students to be 16 or older by the program start date.
Format & duration:
1- or 3-week sessions in summer; online and residential choices.
What you do:
Take intensive classes with Columbia faculty or instructors.
Explore case studies in business, finance, markets and global economic issues.
Participate in skill-building workshops and community activities.
1.7 NYU High School Academy (Career Edge) – Finance & Business Courses (NY)
What it is:
NYU’s School of Professional Studies runs Career Edge one-week courses for high schoolers on topics like Finance NYC: An Insider’s View, Introduction to Finance, Sports Management, and more. These are non-credit but fast-paced and very applied.
Who it’s for (year-wise):High school students (typically rising 10th–12th graders; exact requirements vary by course, so check each listing).
Format & duration:
Usually one-week, full-day sessions on NYU’s Manhattan campus; some years include online sections.
What you do (example – Finance NYC):
Visit New York financial institutions and meet industry professionals.
Learn how markets work and how major financial firms operate.
Work on projects like analyzing a company or sector.
2. Entrepreneurship Bootcamps & Innovation Programs
2.1 LaunchX – High School Entrepreneurship Programs (Online & In-Person)
What it is:
LaunchX runs intensive startup incubator-style programs for high school students, with online and in-person options (for example, the On-Campus Entrepreneurship program in San Diego and a flagship online program). Students actually launch real ventures during the program.
Who it’s for (year-wise):Designed for high school students worldwide, generally in the 14–18 age range; specific grade/age cut-offs can vary by cohort.
Format & duration:
Typically 4–5 weeks in summer, with a heavy project load.
Options for online or residential formats depending on year.
What you do:
Form a startup team, identify a problem and develop a solution.
Build an MVP, validate it with customers and work on marketing and operations.
Pitch to judges and sometimes real investors at Demo Day.
Official URL : https://www.launchx.com/programs/online-entrepreneurship
2.2 Iacocca Global Entrepreneurship Intensive (IGEI) – Lehigh University (PA)
What it is:
A 3–4 week residential program at Lehigh University that brings together high school students from around the world to study global entrepreneurship and leadership. Students work on real business projects with an international focus.
Who it’s for (year-wise):High school students (recent cycles have targeted rising juniors and seniors around ages 15–17).
Format & duration:
Residential program on Lehigh’s campus in Bethlehem, PA.
Runs for several weeks in early summer.
What you do:
Take classes on innovation, business models and global markets.
Work in multicultural teams on consulting-style projects for organizations.
Present recommendations to clients and faculty.
Official URL : https://global.lehigh.edu/iacocca-institute/IGEI
2.3 NFTE Startup Summer
What it is:
An advanced entrepreneurship experience from NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship) for students who have already taken a NFTE course such as Entrepreneurship Essentials or BizCamp. It deepens venture development and culminates in an investment pitch competition.
Who it’s for (year-wise):
Recommended for high school juniors or above, after completing a prerequisite NFTE course.
Format & duration:
Six-week summer program, typically region-based (Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, South and West).
What you do:
Refine your existing business model and develop a product or MVP.
Build a detailed financial plan and full pitch deck.
Pitch to an investment panel for potential venture funding at the end.
3. Finance Competitions & Real-World Internship-Style Experiences
3.1 Wharton Global High School Investment Competition (Online, Global)
What it is:
A free, global, online investment simulation for teams of 4–7 students plus an adult advisor. Teams manage a hypothetical portfolio and develop an investment strategy for a given client case, then submit reports and (if they advance) live presentations.
Who it’s for (year-wise) : High school students in grades 9–12 from around the world, working in teams.
Format & duration:
Runs over several months (typically fall to early spring) rather than just summer.
All activity is online, with final rounds sometimes held at Wharton.
What you do:
Learn portfolio management using Wharton-provided resources.
Create an investment strategy and manage a simulated portfolio.
Compete through written reports and presentations.
Official URL : https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/
3.2 Ladder Internships – Startup & Finance Internships (Remote)
What it is:
Ladder is a platform that matches ambitious high school and college students with remote internships at startups across sectors like fintech, consulting, marketing and health tech.
Who it’s for (year-wise):High school students and undergrads globally; placements and age requirements vary by host company, but many cohorts include high school juniors and seniors interested in business, finance or entrepreneurship.
Format & duration:
Remote internships, often 8–12 weeks, part-time, during summer or the school year.
Projects may be paid or unpaid depending on the startup.
What you do:
Work on real projects: market research, financial modeling, pitch decks, operations or growth experiments.
Receive mentoring from startup founders or senior staff and join a broader Ladder cohort with workshops.
Why it’s strong:If you’re looking for actual work experience rather than a classroom program, Ladder is one of the better known platforms matching high schoolers with early-stage companies.
Official URL:https://www.ladderinternships.com/
You can mention EduretiX as the referrer in your application for both Ladder and VTSP programs, for priority consideration and timely processing.
3.3 Venture & Tech Summer Program (VTSP) – Independent innovation academy (formerly Harvard Undergraduate Ventures–TECH Summer Program)
Location / Format: Fully online; students intern remotely with VC-backed startups around the world. VTSP itself is based in Cambridge, MA.
Focus: A selective 6-week innovation and entrepreneurship experience for high school students. Participants are matched with real venture-capital–backed startups (across AI, engineering, biotech, fintech, nonprofits, media, etc.) and work directly with founders and C-suite leaders on substantial projects. The program layers this internship with daily workshops, fireside chats, and skill-building sessions led by company founders, investors, and Harvard-affiliated faculty on topics like startup strategy, product, operations, and investing.
Structure & dates:
Entirely remote/online.
Two six-week summer sessions; recent cycle list:
Session I: June 8 – July 17, 2026
Session II: July 6 – August 14, 2026
Students are invited to pre-program virtual networking and fireside chats before the official start.
Eligibility (grade / year): Open to students currently enrolled in high school anywhere in the world (inside or outside the U.S.). Applicants graduating high school in 2026, or recent graduates on a gap year who have not yet begun university, are eligible to apply.
Selectivity & experience: VTSP describes itself as a “premier high school innovation academy” and receives thousands of applications each summer from 50+ countries. Students gain one-on-one mentorship from a core team and guest speakers who include high-profile founders, CEOs, and investors (past speakers have included leaders from companies such as Netflix, Google Cloud, Nike, and TaskRabbit, along with Mark Cuban and other well-known figures in tech and investing).
Cost & financial aid:
Tuition: $4,750 for the 6-week online program (same cost for either session).
Non-refundable application fee: $35.
Financial aid: VTSP offers a “robust” aid program combining need-based and merit-based scholarships, including a limited number of full-tuition awards for high-need students. Aid is considered only after a student has been admitted.
Official URL : https://www.vt-sp.com/
Additional programs worth checking out.
1. Leadership in the Business World (LBW) – Wharton Global Youth, University of Pennsylvania (PA)
Location: Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (residential on-campus program).
Focus:LBW is one of Wharton’s flagship pre-college offerings: a three-week intensive business leadership program. Students take classes with Wharton faculty, dive into case studies, work on team consulting projects, and practice core skills like leadership, communication, and teamwork. The curriculum is designed to mirror aspects of Wharton’s undergraduate experience while adding workshops, simulations, and networking with business leaders.
Eligibility (grade/year):
Rising high school seniors (students currently in 11th grade).
Very selective; Wharton recommends an unweighted GPA of at least 3.5 for LBW, along with strong essays and recommendations.
Track: Intensive Business Leadership & College-Level Coursework (Highly Selective)
Official URL: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-courses/leadership-in-the-business-world
2. Sports Business Academy (WSBA) – Wharton Global Youth (Online)
Location: Online program run by Wharton Global Youth (students participate remotely but are taught by Wharton faculty and industry experts).
Focus : WSBA is a three-week deep dive into the business of sports covering leagues and franchises, media and broadcasting, sponsorship and marketing, labor issues, innovation, and the broader sports industry ecosystem. Students analyze real sports business cases, work on group projects, and learn how decisions about teams, players, and events intersect with finance, law, and strategy.
Eligibility (grade/year):
High school students currently in grades 10–11.
Selective admission based on academic performance, demonstrated interest in sports and business/management, and strong application materials.
Track: Sports, Media & Entertainment Business (Selective)
3. Moneyball Academy – Wharton Global Youth (PA)
Location: Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (on-campus residential).
Focus:Moneyball Academy blends statistics, data science, and sports analytics with business decision-making. Students learn to analyze real baseball and other sports datasets using statistical tools and basic programming, then apply those insights to questions about player evaluation, team strategy, and sports business operations. It’s ideal for students who love both math and sports and want a quantitative path into business, analytics, or finance.
Eligibility (grade/year):
High school students currently in grades 10–11.
Requires a strong math background; interest in programming is recommended, though formal coding experience is not strictly required. Admission is competitive.
Track: Quantitative Business Analytics & Sports Data (Math-Heavy)
4. Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS) – Penn State Smeal College of Business (PA)
Location: Penn State University Park campus, State College, Pennsylvania (two-week residential program).
Focus:BOSS is a two-week business immersion where students live in dorms, take college-style classes taught by Smeal faculty, and explore majors such as accounting, marketing, supply chain, and management. The program includes workshops on the college admissions process, company visits, and exposure to professional opportunities in business and finance.
Eligibility (grade/year):
Open to high school juniors (students entering 12th grade) from the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Track: Business Exploration & College Readiness (Residential)
5. McCombs Future Executive Academy (MFEA) – UT Austin McCombs School of Business (TX)
Location: McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin (on-campus; typically a six-day residential experience).
Focus:MFEA is a free, week-long business and leadership academy. Students attend workshops on marketing, finance, management, entrepreneurship, and leadership with McCombs faculty and corporate partners. The program emphasizes team projects, networking, and exposure to different business careers, often featuring guest speakers from industry.
Eligibility (grade/year):
Targeted at rising juniors and seniors (students currently in grades 10–11).
Competitive selection; the program is tuition-free, though families must usually cover travel to campus.
Track: Business Fundamentals & Leadership (Free, Highly Selective)
Official URL: https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/undergraduate-programs/bba/academics/summer-high-school-programs
6. Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute / Young Women’s Institute – Indiana University Kelley School of Business (IN)
Location: Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (one-day and multi-day in-person sessions; some virtual options).
Focus:Kelley runs women-focused business leadership experiences that introduce high school students to college-level business study and careers. Participants attend workshops with Kelley faculty, complete a real-world business case project, and build skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork while networking with current students and alumnae. Programs are designed specifically to support young women considering business majors.
Eligibility (grade/year):
Open to female students in grades 10–12 (sophomores, juniors, and seniors), with some offerings specifically for rising juniors and seniors.
Programs are typically free of tuition, though travel and housing may not be covered. Admission is selective, with GPA and essays considered.
Track: Women in Business – Leadership & Case Study Experience (Free/Low-Cost)
7. High School Investor Challenge – TCU Neeley School of Business (TX)
Location: Neeley School of Business, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas (one-week residential camp plus year-long virtual portfolio component).
Focus:The High School Investor Challenge is a finance-focused summer camp followed by a year-long investing experience. Students spend a week on campus taking classes in securities analysis, portfolio management, and stock research with Neeley faculty, then manage a virtual $100,000 portfolio through their senior year, submitting reports and presentations. Participants who later enroll at TCU can potentially earn college credit linked to their portfolio work.
Eligibility (grade/year):
Designed for rising high school seniors (students the summer before 12th grade) with a strong interest in finance and investing.
Track: Applied Investing & Portfolio Management (Finance Intensive)
Official URL: https://www.neeley.tcu.edu/Centers/LKCM-Center-for-Financial-Studies/For-high-school-students
8. Fordham Gabelli School Summer Business Programs – Finance & Entrepreneurship Tracks (NY)
Location: Fordham University, Gabelli School of Business, New York City (primarily on-campus, with some online options in certain years).
Focus:Fordham’s Gabelli School offers several short, college-credit summer intensives for high school students, including:
Exploring Entrepreneurship: Students work in teams to develop and pitch startup ideas, learn about innovation and venture creation, and interact with New York City’s startup ecosystem.
Finance Institute: Wall Street in the Classroom: A week-long introduction to financial markets, investments, and risk management, with guest speakers from top NYC firms and site visits where possible.
Global Finance: A global-markets-oriented program focused on international investing and macro-level financial issues, again taught by Gabelli faculty with industry guest speakers.
Eligibility (grade/year):
Generally aimed at rising juniors and seniors (students in grades 11–12 by the time of attendance).
Programs are selective and charge tuition; some scholarships or discounts may be available depending on the year.
Track: Entrepreneurship & Wall-Street Finance in NYC (Credit-Bearing Options)
Main Program URL: https://www.fordham.edu/gabelli-school-of-business/academic-programs-and-admissions/undergraduate-programs/specialty-programs/summer-business-programs
How to Use These Programs Strategically
Match by Grade Level: Some programs are only for rising seniors (LBW, BOSS, TCU Investor Challenge), while others start as early as 10th grade (Sports Business Academy, Moneyball, Kelley, MFEA, Fordham). Plan a multi-year roadmap instead of trying to fit everything into one summer.
Balance Cost and Selectivity: Several of these are free or low-cost but highly competitive (MFEA, Kelley, some McCombs and Wharton offerings), while others charge significant tuition but may offer college credit or NYC exposure.
Build a Narrative: Admissions officers care less about how many brand-name programs appear on a résumé and more about whether there’s a coherent story-for example, a progression from an introductory business camp to a quantitative finance program to leading a school investment club or launching a real venture.