15 AI Business Summer Programs for High School Students
Artificial intelligence is already influencing how companies grow and compete. If you are a high school student thinking about entrepreneurship or business, learning how AI works in this context can give you a practical edge early on.
What do AI business summer programs involve?
An AI business summer program will help you explore how data analysis, automation, and machine learning support real-world business decisions. You might analyze market trends, evaluate product strategies, or simulate how AI can improve efficiency in a company. The focus is not only technical. It is about understanding how businesses think and how technology supports those decisions.
How are AI business summer programs helpful?
This type of experience can also strengthen your academic profile. It shows initiative in exploring an emerging field and gives you concrete examples to reference in essays and interviews. It also helps you decide whether you want to study business, data science, or a related field in college.
To help build your business, you can take a look at various ways to fund a high school business. For more options, you can consider tech entrepreneurship programs for high school students.
With that in mind, here are 15 AI business summer programs for high school students!
15 AI Business Summer Programs for High School Students
1. Wharton Pre-Baccalaureate: MGMT 0003 – AI, Technology, and the Future of Business
Location: Online (live synchronous classes)
Cost: $4,230 per course plus a $75 online service fee and $76 materials fee (for applicable courses); application fee is $100 (waived for eligible Philadelphia public or charter high school students)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple sessions throughout the year, including spring and summer
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA; international students must demonstrate English proficiency
Wharton’s AI, Technology, and the Future of Business course is a for-credit program designed for high school students ready for college-level work. In this course, you will study how artificial intelligence shapes modern business strategy and innovation. You will analyze real business cases that show how companies use machine learning to redesign operations and develop new products. Through discussions and written assignments, you will apply strategic frameworks to evaluate AI adoption. You will also examine ethical and economic implications tied to AI-driven systems. By completing the course, you earn college credit and gain exposure to how AI influences executive-level decision-making.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
The Young Founders Lab is a virtual startup boot camp founded and led by Harvard entrepreneurs. You will work toward building a real, revenue-generating startup that addresses a complex, real-world problem. Founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs, the program emphasizes hands-on execution alongside structured learning. You will receive mentorship from experienced founders and professionals from companies such as Google, Microsoft, and X, gaining insight into how successful startups are built and scaled. For an AI focus, you can build an AI-powered startup. In addition to developing your startup, you will participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals, ideation, and strategy.
3. USC Summer Programs: Bitcoin and AI – Unlocking the Future of Finance and Technology
Location: On-campus at the University of Southern CA
Cost: Tuition-based program; application fee of $85 (additional tuition and housing costs apply)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 22 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 13 (international students); May 8 (domestic students)
Eligibility: You have completed at least ninth grade by the start of the program and can attend for the full duration; international students must meet English proficiency requirements
USC’s Bitcoin and AI program explores how artificial intelligence and blockchain technology intersect with global finance. In this course, you will study the structure of financial systems before examining how Bitcoin and AI tools influence economic activity. You will analyze valuation models, blockchain data, and predictive methods used in digital finance. The curriculum also includes discussions on entrepreneurship and innovation in financial technology. Throughout the program, you will work on developing a business idea that integrates AI tools into a financial strategy. The experience gives you both technical context and economic reasoning skills.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote (work from anywhere)
Cost: Varies by program
Acceptance rate/ cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: You can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks; open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students
The Ladder Internship Program is a remote experience where you work with startups that use AI, data, and technology to grow. You will work directly with a high-growth startup on real, outcome-driven projects across industries such as AI/ML, tech, health tech, marketing, consulting, and journalism. The startups you work with are typically venture-backed, with founders who have experience at companies like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, or Y Combinator–backed ventures. Throughout the internship, you will collaborate closely with a startup manager while also receiving structured guidance from a dedicated Ladder Coach.
5. Stevens Institute of Technology Pre-College: Business & AI – App Development Course
Location: In-person, on-campus at Stevens Institute of Technology
Cost: $1,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 27 – July 31
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Stevens Institute of Technology offers a one-week program focused on building an AI-powered business app. In this program, you will learn foundational machine learning concepts and apply them to product development. Working in teams, you move from idea generation to prototype design. Faculty guides you through how AI integrates into real business use cases. You will also discuss how companies monetize AI-enabled products. The program ends with a final presentation explaining both the technical logic and business model behind your app.
6. SKEMA Business School: AI in Business Summer Program
Location: In-person at SKEMA Business School, Raleigh, NC
Cost: $450 (lunch included)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 7 – July 10
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in AI, business, or technology
SKEMA’s AI in Business program introduces you to how machine learning supports business decisions. You will work with tools like Python and Google Colab to analyze structured datasets and build regression and classification models to solve applied business problems. The curriculum focuses on using AI for forecasting, segmentation, and operational planning. A capstone project requires you to present a data-backed solution. The program keeps the focus on applied analytics rather than abstract coding.
7. STEAM in AI: AI + Design Thinking Summer Program
Location: In-person at Santa Clara University (Bay Area)
Cost: Tuition-based (varies by program; details provided upon acceptance)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: One-week program (Summer session; exact dates vary by year)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until cohorts are filled
Eligibility: Middle and high school students in grades 6–12; no prerequisites required
This program combines AI fundamentals with design thinking frameworks. You will study how AI systems are built and how they create business value. You will work on projects that require identifying a problem, designing an AI-informed solution, and testing feasibility. Ethical implications of AI in business are part of the discussion. Industry mentors guide collaborative sessions. The experience emphasizes structured thinking and responsible innovation.
8. Howard University School of Business: Pre-Business Program (PBP)
Location: In-person, on-campus at Howard University (Washington, D.C.)
Cost: $2,000 (covers housing, meals, instruction, site visits, and gala; limited need-based tuition waivers available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: One-week sessions: July 18–24 or July 25–31 (students may attend one session only)
Application Deadline: March 16 (Early Decision); April 3 (Regular Decision)
Eligibility: Motivated high school sophomores and juniors interested in pursuing a business degree
Howard’s Pre-Business Program introduces you to college-level business study with options such as Information Systems and Finance. In this program, you will examine how data and analytics influence corporate decisions. You will participate in group projects and structured classroom sessions. While not exclusively AI-focused, the program exposes you to technology-driven business strategy. Corporate visits provide context on how digital tools support operations. The experience strengthens foundational business literacy in a modern setting.
9. University of Pennsylvania: AI for Business Specialization
Location: Online
Cost: Paid (included with Coursera subscription; financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Self-paced; start anytime
Application Deadline: None
Eligibility: Beginner-friendly; no prior AI or machine learning experience required
This specialization focuses on how companies use AI in marketing, finance, and strategy. In this program, you will study machine learning applications in personalization, fraud detection, and workforce analytics. Assignments require you to interpret how AI tools create measurable outcomes. You will also examine responsible AI governance. Industry examples illustrate real implementation challenges. The structure emphasizes strategic thinking rather than programming depth.
10. DeepSeek AI for Business — Build a Strategy with AI Insights
Location: 100% online
Cost: Paid (price varies; included with Udemy subscription plans, or available as a one-time purchase)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Self-paced; start anytime
Application Deadline: None
Eligibility: You have a basic understanding of how a business works (market, product, customers); no prior DeepSeek experience required
This course teaches you how to use AI tools to build a structured business strategy. You will learn how to build a clear, data-backed business strategy using DeepSeek AI, with a focus on turning AI insights into real planning decisions. You will analyze your market, competitors, product positioning, and customer segments using guided prompts, frameworks, and practical templates. The course is designed to help you create a 6–12 month strategic plan, prioritize initiatives, and make financially grounded decisions based on data rather than assumptions. You will also learn how to monitor strategy execution using AI tools, which helps you track progress and adjust as conditions change.
11. MIT Sloan School of Management: Artificial Intelligence – Implications for Business Strategy
Location: 100% online (instructor-paced, scheduled classes)
Cost: Tuition-based program (cost varies by enrollment period)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Six-week program; next cohort begins March 4
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Open to learners with an interest in business strategy and AI; prior technical experience not required (This is an executive education program, and high school students should verify eligibility before applying.)
MIT Sloan’s program focuses on how AI integrates into corporate strategy at scale. In this course, you will examine case studies showing how companies adopt predictive and generative AI systems. You will analyze how AI influences competitive advantage and long-term growth. The curriculum emphasizes executive-level strategic thinking. A final project requires applying AI insights to a business challenge. Ethical and economic considerations remain central throughout the program.
12. Babson College (BabsonX): AI and Data Analytics for Business Leaders
Location: 100% online (self-paced)
Cost: $502 (discounted price; original price $558)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Approximately 8 weeks (2-course program); start anytime
Application Deadline: None
Eligibility: Introductory level; no prior AI or analytics experience required (students should expect professional-level content)
Babson’s certificate program introduces you to how data analytics and AI inform leadership decisions. You will build a foundational understanding of how artificial intelligence and data analytics drive modern business decision-making through this two-course professional certificate from Babson College. The program introduces you to AI concepts that support platform-based and AI-powered business models, while also teaching you how to identify, evaluate, and use data effectively. You will develop statistical thinking skills that help you assess risk, understand variability, and make informed decisions in uncertain environments. Throughout the program, you will explore how AI impacts customers, operations, employees, and product strategy. By completing the program, you will earn a school-verified certificate from Babson College.
13. University of Michigan (Coursera): Generative AI in Business Specialization
Location: 100% online
Cost: Paid (included with Coursera subscription; financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Self-paced; start anytime
Application Deadline: None
Eligibility: Beginner-friendly; no prior experience with generative AI required
This specialization examines how generative AI tools create business value. You will learn how to evaluate, plan, and implement generative AI solutions that deliver real business value through this three-course specialization from the University of Michigan. The program introduces you to the capabilities of generative AI across business and professional settings, helping you understand where these tools create meaningful impact. You will follow a structured “See, Plan, Act” framework: first, identify opportunities; second, build a detailed implementation blueprint; and finally, learn to execute and scale AI-driven solutions. Throughout the specialization, you will work through cohesive, real-world, and simulated business cases, allowing you to apply concepts in a hands-on way. You will also develop skills in strategic thinking, AI product strategy, prompt engineering, and decision-making.
14. IBM: AI Foundations for Business Specialization
Location: 100% online
Cost: Paid (included with Coursera subscription; financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Self-paced; approximately 4 weeks at ~10 hours per week
Application Deadline: None
Eligibility: Beginner-friendly; no prior experience with AI or data science required
IBM’s specialization introduces how enterprises deploy AI systems. In this program, you will study foundational AI concepts and structured deployment models. You will examine how organizations move from raw data to scalable AI applications. Short assessments reinforce the link between analytics and decision-making. Responsible AI and governance principles are integrated throughout. The course builds practical awareness of enterprise-level AI strategy.
15. Business Implications of AI (Nano Course)
Location: 100% online
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Self-paced; short-form nano course
Application Deadline: None
Eligibility: Beginner-friendly; no prior AI or business experience required
This short course introduces how artificial intelligence reshapes business strategy. You will gain a concise, practical introduction to how artificial intelligence is reshaping modern business through this short Coursera nano course. The program focuses on helping you understand where AI creates value in organizations and how it influences strategy, operations, and decision-making. You will explore real-world business implications of AI rather than technical implementation, making it accessible even if you have no coding background. The course is designed to help you think critically about when AI should be adopted, what problems it can realistically solve, and what limitations leaders must consider.
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