If you’re a high school student interested in business, there’s no better way to explore your passion than by joining a Business summer program. These programs can give you hands-on experience, new skills, and even help you decide if business is the right path for your future. Plus, they look great on college applications!

To make your search easier, we’ve put together a list of the 20 best business summer programs for high school students in 2025. These programs are designed to boost your confidence, leadership, and understanding of the business world—all in a fun and inspiring way.

1. Wharton Global Youth Program – University of Pennsylvania

Wharton’s summer program is one of the most prestigious in the world. It offers various courses like finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Students get to learn from top professors and work on real business problems.

Location: Philadelphia, USA
Duration: 2–3 weeks
Who it's for: High-achieving students interested in business and leadership

2. LEAD Summer Business Institute – Various Universities

The LEAD program runs at top universities like Stanford, UPenn, and Northwestern. It focuses on building leadership and business skills among diverse and talented students.

Location: Multiple U.S. universities
Duration: 3 weeks
Who it's for: High school juniors with strong academic records

3. Harvard Pre-College Program – Business & Economics Track

Harvard’s Business summer courses offer a taste of Ivy League academics. In the business track, students dive into topics like global economics, startups, and marketing.

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Duration: 2 weeks
Who it's for: High school sophomores and juniors

4. Berkeley Business Academy for Youth

Hosted by the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, this program teaches entrepreneurship through hands-on projects and team challenges.

Location: Berkeley, California
Duration: 2 weeks
Who it's for: Motivated high school students worldwide

5. Yale Young Global Scholars – Innovations in Science & Business

This international program helps students explore the intersection of science, technology, and business. You’ll work in teams, attend seminars, and learn from Yale professors.

Location: Yale University or online
Duration: 2 weeks
Who it's for: Students aged 16–18 from all over the world

6. NYU Precollege – Business Courses

At NYU Precollege, students can take college-level business courses in marketing, economics, and more. It's a great way to see what studying business at university is like.

Location: New York City
Duration: 6 weeks
Who it's for: Students entering 11th or 12th grade

7. Columbia Business School’s Summer Immersion Program

Columbia offers a high-energy summer program that blends business theory and practical experience. You’ll work on case studies, meet industry leaders, and sharpen your skills.

Location: New York City
Duration: 3 weeks
Who it's for: Ambitious high school students interested in business

8. Babson Summer Study for High School Students

Babson is known for entrepreneurship, and this program reflects that. Students learn how to launch a business, pitch ideas, and build leadership skills.

Location: Wellesley, Massachusetts
Duration: 3 weeks
Who it's for: High school students passionate about entrepreneurship

9. MIT LaunchX (Now Independent)

LaunchX is a highly selective program where students form startup teams and build real businesses. It’s hands-on, fast-paced, and full of energy.

Location: Online or in-person (varies)
Duration: 4 weeks
Who it's for: Future entrepreneurs who love problem-solving

10. Oxford Summer Business  Programmes & Entrepreneurship

This program gives students a taste of university life in Oxford while exploring topics like business strategy, innovation, and leadership. The Oxford Summer Business & Entrepreneurship Programmes are perfect for high school students who want to learn how businesses work and how to turn ideas into real-world projects. Held in the historic city of Oxford, these programmes cover topics like marketing, leadership, innovation, and startup planning. 

You’ll study in small classes, work on team projects, and get advice from experienced mentors. It’s a great way to boost your confidence, build new skills, and experience life at a world-famous university. Whether you dream of starting your own business or just want to explore business basics, Oxford is a great place to start

Location: Oxford, UK
Duration: 2 weeks
Who it's for: Global students aged 16–18

11. London School of Economics (LSE) Summer School

LSE’s summer school is world-class. High school students can join courses in business, finance, and management, surrounded by peers from all over the world.

Location: London, UK
Duration: 3 weeks
Who it's for: Academically strong students with an interest in business

12. Georgetown University – Business Academy

This program introduces students to marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. You’ll get a glimpse into life at a top university while building real-world business skills.

Location: Washington, D.C.
Duration: 1 week
Who it's for: High school students interested in business and public policy

13. Notre Dame Leadership Seminars – Business and Ethics

This free, competitive program combines business knowledge with ethics and leadership. Perfect for students who want to lead with impact.

Location: Notre Dame, Indiana
Duration: 10 days
Who it's for: Rising seniors with strong academic records

14. Brown Leadership Institute – Business & Social Impact

At Brown, students explore how business can be used for good. The program includes project-based learning and real-world problem-solving.

Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Duration: 2 weeks
Who it's for: Students interested in social entrepreneurship

15. UC Irvine – Summer Institute of Business

This beginner-friendly program teaches the basics of business, finance, and innovation through fun, hands-on projects.

Location: Irvine, California
Duration: 2 weeks
Who it's for: High school students new to business

16. University of Chicago – Pathways in Economics and Business

Students explore business through the lens of economics. The course includes simulations, group projects, and expert guest speakers.

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Duration: 3 weeks
Who it's for: Curious students who love numbers and strategy

17. Boston University – Summer Challenge: Business Track

BU’s program combines learning and creativity. You’ll take classes in business and innovation while collaborating on group projects.

Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Duration: 2 weeks
Who it's for: Students in grades 10–12

18. Wake Forest Summer Immersion – Business Institute

This immersive program covers everything from marketing to entrepreneurship. You’ll work in teams, pitch ideas, and learn from business leaders.

Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Duration: 1 week
Who it's for: Teens looking for a short, impactful program

19. King’s College London Pre-University Business Program

Study business in one of the world’s top cities while exploring subjects like international business and management.

Location: London, UK
Duration: 2 weeks
Who it's for: High schoolers seeking global business exposure

20. Oxford Royale Academy – Business & Enterprise

This program offers an unforgettable experience in Oxford. Learn business fundamentals, work on group projects, and improve your leadership.

Location: Oxford, UK
Duration: 2 weeks
Who it's for: Students aged 16–18 from around the world

Final Thoughts

Joining a summer business program is a smart move if you want to explore your interests, meet like-minded students, and prepare for your future career. Whether you’re dreaming of launching your own company or working at a big firm, these programs can help you take the first step.

Take your time to explore each one, check the application deadlines, and choose the one that fits your goals and schedule best. Who knows? One summer might change everything.