15 Business Summer Programs for High School Students in Virginia
Join one of 15 dynamic summer business programs in Virginia for high school students. Develop essential skills and connect with future business leaders.
If you're a high school student in Virginia with an interest in business, a local summer program can be a great way to get started. Whether you're curious about entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, or economics, these programs let you explore those interests in a hands-on, low-pressure environment—without having to travel far from home.
Virginia is home to strong business schools, active startup communities, and local chapters of national organizations, so there are plenty of well-designed opportunities right in the state. Local programs also make it easier to balance summer plans, and some even connect you with nearby companies or college campuses for mentorship and experience.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve put together a list of 15 business summer programs in Virginia for high school students—each offering a unique mix of learning, collaboration, and exposure.
1. UVA Advance
Location: University of Virginia campus, Charlottesville
Cost: Virginia Residents: $6,995 | Non-Virginia Residents: Total: $14,651
Dates: July 12–August 8
Application deadline: Applications for next summer will open in early winter
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors with an unweighted GPA of at least 3.5 in a college prep curriculum. Students must be at least 15 years of age by the first day of the program and no more than 18 years of age by the last day of the program.
If you're thinking about college and want a head start on earning credits, UVA Advance might be a good fit. This month-long residential business summer program for high school students allows participants to live on the University of Virginia campus, take two college-level courses, and get a real feel for university life. One of your courses will be a core class designed specifically for UVA Advance students, while the second is an elective chosen from UVA’s broader summer catalog–these might include classes like "Dracula," "Physics of Sports," or "Empowered Women of Africa." Some electives offer exposure to subjects connected to economics, statistics, or global issues, which are useful if you're interested in business-related fields. You'll share classroom space with college students and have access to facilities such as libraries, dining halls, and fitness centers. The program awards six transferable credits, which can be useful for future academic plans. Outside of class, you'll participate in group activities and trips around Charlottesville.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Dates: Varies depending on cohort
Application deadline: There are 3 application deadlines that you can choose between: Early Decision Deadline: March | Regular Admission Deadline 1: April | Regular Admission Deadline 2: May. You can access the application link here!
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
If you’re ready to explore the startup world hands-on, the Young Founders Lab gives you the space to do just that. Run by Harvard entrepreneurs, this online program places you in a team to build a real, revenue-generating business that solves a practical problem. Across a few weeks, you’ll attend live sessions on business ideation, market validation, fundraising, and product development, while also getting mentored by professionals from companies like Microsoft and Google. You’ll work toward a final pitch, and along the way, explore topics like customer research and MVP (minimum viable product) building. The experience is collaborative and rooted in real-world scenarios, designed to reflect the challenges and responsibilities of running an actual business. While it’s fully virtual, you’ll still receive guidance and support from both peers and mentors. You can view the program brochure here.
3. McIntire Business Institute Program – University of Virginia
Location: Fairfax
Cost: $4,000
Dates: June 16–27 | July 7-18
Application deadline: Unspecified. Check details here.
Eligibility: Open to rising 10th-12th graders
At the McIntire Business Institute, you’ll spend two intensive weeks diving into the fundamentals of business through a mix of lectures, case studies, and hands-on projects. Held on the UVA campus, the program is designed for high school students looking to build foundational knowledge in areas like marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and accounting. You’ll be placed in teams to develop and pitch a project, giving you insight into strategic thinking and collaborative problem solving. With instruction from faculty at the McIntire School of Commerce, the program offers a structured and immersive experience that mirrors aspects of a college-level business education. Presenting your work and receiving peer and instructor feedback will help refine your communication and analytical skills. You don’t need prior business knowledge to join, but curiosity and a willingness to contribute to team efforts are key. For those seeking a focused business summer program for high school students, McIntire can be a strong, skill-based introduction.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starting at $2,990
Dates: Multiple cohorts in spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in high school with a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4); no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is designed to give high school students the opportunity to conduct original research under the guidance of a Ph.D. mentor. This is a 12-week virtual experience where you’ll pick a subject–like business, economics, or international relations–and work one-on-one with an expert to create a research paper. You'll learn how to carry out a literature review, form a research question, analyze data, and synthesize your findings into a structured final product. The mentorship model means you get personalized feedback as you build skills in critical thinking, academic writing, and independent learning. The program is remote, allowing you to work at your own pace while still meeting consistent milestones. You can find more details about the application here.
5. James Madison University’s Honors Summer Institute
Location: James Madison University campus
Cost: $1500
Dates: July 13–19
Application deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Open to students who have completed their sophomore or junior year of high school
The JMU Honors Summer Institute is a one-week residential program that lets you study different academic fields, including business, while experiencing college life. As a participant, you'll take part in an interdisciplinary core course focused on complex societal topics, and attend hands-on sessions across a variety of majors, such as finance, economics, marketing, and political science. These classes are taught by university faculty and are designed to be interactive rather than lecture-based. Although the courses don’t carry college credit, the emphasis is on real engagement with subjects you might consider for your future major. Outside of academics, this business summer program for high school students includes field trips and visits to JMU’s campus and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley. You’ll also attend sessions on the college admissions process and learn how honors colleges operate.
6. Entrepreneurship and Business Academy - Kempsville High School
Location: Kempsville High School
Cost: No separate fee
Dates: Year-round
Application deadline: In-person registration in March (exact dates vary by grade)
Eligibility: Open to all Kempsville High School students who have maintained a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
At Kempsville High School’s Entrepreneurship and Business Academy, students can engage in a multi-year program that blends academic coursework with hands-on experience in the business world. From your first year, you’ll choose a focus area (Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Corporate Finance, or Business Information Technology) and follow a strand that includes both core academic subjects and business-themed electives. The curriculum includes dual enrollment and AP courses, and you’ll also have access to a Maker Space that supports innovation and product development. In your senior year, you’ll complete an internship in a business setting, where you’ll analyze issues, offer solutions, and document your learning in an online portfolio. You’ll also present a capstone project tied to your internship experience. The business summer program for high school students includes guest speakers, business mentors, and industry partnerships that connect your studies to real-world practice.
7. Pamplin's Inspiring Possibilities (PIP) Academy
Location: Virginia Tech campus, Blacksburg
Cost: No cost
Dates: July
Application deadline: Applications typically open in Spring
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors having a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5/4.0 or its equivalent grading scale
PIP Academy is a ten-day summer program at Virginia Tech where you have the opportunity to dive into seven key business disciplines–like marketing, real estate, finance, and hospitality–through classes, projects, and networking sessions. You’ll stay on campus and attend seminars led by faculty from the Pamplin College of Business, as well as interact with current students and alumni. The program includes a team project that you’ll develop and present, giving you a chance to apply what you’ve learned in a collaborative setting. Alongside your coursework, you’ll hear from professionals about college readiness, study abroad opportunities, and future career paths. This business summer program for high school students covers academic learning as well as professional development, while allowing you to experience a university campus in-depth and begin building connections with peers who share similar goals.
8. Economics for Leaders
Location: University of Virginia campus, Charlottesville
Cost: $2,300
Dates: June 16–22
Application deadline: Applications typically close in May
Eligibility: Open to current sophomores and juniors in high school
Economics for Leaders is a week-long residential program designed to help you understand how economic principles intersect with leadership and decision-making. You’ll explore ten core economic concepts, such as incentives, opportunity cost, labor markets, and international trade, through a mix of lectures and simulations that bring abstract ideas into real-world contexts. In addition to economics instruction, you’ll also participate in leadership development activities based on a framework used in university-level courses. These sessions focus on communication, group dynamics, and personal leadership styles. You’ll stay on a university campus, learn from experienced instructors, and collaborate with students from around the country. While competitive, the business summer program for high school students maintains a strong reputation among past participants for its practical approach to problem-solving and policy thinking.
9. William & Mary Pre-College Online Program: Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital: From Idea to Investment
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1495
Dates: Multi-length sessions available throughout the year
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Open to students ages 13 and up
This self-paced online program from William & Mary lets you learn the process of building a business and raising funding through venture capital. You will start by learning how entrepreneurs secure investment, study the dynamics of VC firms, and examine how startup founders prepare to pitch to investors. Along the way, you’ll analyze market trends, learn how to determine a company’s valuation, and draft your own business pitch. You’ll also look at what happens after funding is secured, including due diligence, post-investment support, and potential exit strategies. The course includes video lessons, activities, and a final project, and upon completion, you receive a certificate from William & Mary. While it’s entirely virtual, the business summer program for high school students is designed to simulate the steps entrepreneurs actually go through when launching a startup and seeking capital.
10. CLA High School Internship Program
Location: Multiple locations around the U.S.
Cost: No cost; paid opportunity
Dates: June 17 – July 19
Application deadline: January
Eligibility: Open to students aged 16–18
The CLA High School Internship Program gives you a chance to delve into the professional world of accounting and business services in a hands-on way. Designed for high school students interested in finance, tax, or auditing, the program places you on a team where you'll assist with real client projects under the guidance of experienced professionals. You’ll receive a laptop for the duration of the program and participate in activities such as job shadowing, interactive case studies, and collaborative team projects. Beyond technical skills, the experience emphasizes workplace communication, networking, and understanding how various services are delivered across different industries. You’ll get to observe the inner workings of a firm while also reflecting on your own career interests. If you’re curious about how accounting connects to the larger business ecosystem, this business summer program for high school students provides early exposure.
11. Black College Institute at Virginia Tech
Location: Virginia Tech campus
Cost: No cost
Dates: Tentative, based on 2024 cohorts. June 11 – 14 (Session 1 for juniors). June 18 – 22 (Session 2 for seniors), June 25 – 29 (Session 3 for seniors)
Application deadline: March-April (tentative)
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors
The Black College Institute at Virginia Tech is a four-day academic enrichment program for those who want to experience college life and academic pathways through the lens of the African American experience. While the program is not limited to business, it includes exposure to a wide range of disciplines, business among them, through campus tours, interactive sessions with faculty, and a special focus on social justice research projects. You’ll stay in a residence hall, attend admissions and financial aid workshops, and explore college majors through academic showcases. The program also gives you the opportunity to participate in a team-based project focused on current issues, which involves researching and presenting potential solutions. While the institute is rooted in cultural context, it also gives you broad insight into what college can look like from multiple academic angles, including business.
12. Fairfax County Public Schools - Business and Information Technology Elective
Location: Virginia high schools
Cost: Elective courses are offered at no cost, credit courses may require a fee
Dates: Year-round
Application deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Open to all Virginia high school students
Fairfax County Public Schools offer a diverse range of business and technology electives that let you explore everything from accounting to cybersecurity to app development, all during the regular school year. These electives integrate business principles with technical skills, allowing you to build websites, create multimedia presentations, analyze data, and learn business law or cloud computing. Several courses offer dual enrollment opportunities with Northern Virginia Community College, so you might earn college credit while still in high school. Certifications are also built into some classes, giving you a head start in areas like network administration or database management. If you're interested in both business concepts and tech applications, this program lets you practically explore that intersection. It’s not a standalone business summer program for high school students, but it provides long-term academic planning and practical exposure.
13. Fairfax County Public Schools - Marketing Elective
Location: Virginia high schools
Cost: Elective courses are offered at no cost, credit courses may require a fee
Dates: Year-round
Application deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: Open to all Virginia high school students
If you're interested in marketing, entrepreneurship, or brand development, Fairfax County’s marketing electives can help you build relevant skills while still in high school. The curriculum includes classes in sports and entertainment marketing, fashion marketing, social media strategy, and entrepreneurship, with the option to earn credit through internships or supervised work experiences. You’ll have chances to get involved in projects such as running a student enterprise, participating in DECA activities, or working with local businesses. Some courses are eligible for dual enrollment credit with Northern Virginia Community College, making them a strong bridge to college-level learning. You’ll gain exposure to both the strategic and creative aspects of marketing, including campaign development and customer research. It is a solid option for students who want to understand how marketing works in the real world.