15 Business Leadership Programs for High School Students
For high school students interested in business, a business leadership program can be a great first step towards entering the field. These programs provide early exposure to the fundamentals of business, such as management, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. They allow you to explore your interests and strengths within the field.
Participating in a business leadership program can help you understand what a career in business entails, from problem-solving and decision-making to communication and teamwork. It also allows you to develop soft skills like public speaking and networking, which are essential in any leadership role. In addition, these experiences can boost your confidence, setting you up for success in college.
Here are 15 business leadership programs for high school students!
1. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote. You can work from anywhere in the world
Cost: Varies as per program. Financial aid available
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective program that connects high school students with internships at early-stage and growing start-ups. Through the program, you work with a company in fields such as technology, artificial intelligence, health tech, marketing, journalism, or consulting. The partnering start-ups typically operate in high-growth sectors and have raised significant funding, with many founded by Y Combinator alumni or professionals from organizations like Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. During the internship, you collaborate with your manager and a Ladder Coach on practical projects and share your work with the company team. You can review the available internship categories through the application form. As an intern, you receive individualized training in areas such as communication and time management, along with other professional skills. You will also take part in group training sessions with other interns in your cohort.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: Varies as per program. There is need-based financial aid
Application Deadline: November 1 for the winter cohort. You can access the application link here
Program Dates: Multiple annual cohorts that last 4 weeks
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a startup-focused boot camp designed and led by entrepreneurs from Harvard. In this program, you’ll work on creating a startup that aims to address a real issue, with a focus on building a business that generates actual revenue. Beyond developing your startup, you’ll take part in sessions that cover core business concepts, idea development, and problem-solving strategies. The program includes interactive classes, skill-building workshops, case study discussions, and panels with professionals in the field. You’ll explore different approaches to business planning and leadership while working alongside peers who share your interest in entrepreneurship. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
3. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Depends on the nonprofit organization assigned to you
Cost: Paid; compensation details provided upon acceptance
Application Deadline: January 15
Program Dates: TBA. More info here
Eligibility: High school students in their junior and senior years can apply
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is an internship for high school juniors and seniors that offers practical experience through placements at local nonprofit organizations. Instead of working directly with the bank, you’ll contribute to a nonprofit partner in your community, gaining insight into how these organizations operate and serve public needs. As part of the program, you’ll also attend a fully funded, week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll connect with peers from across the country and engage in discussions about leadership and civic engagement. The application process is selective and requires materials such as a letter of recommendation from a teacher or school administrator, so it’s important to begin early.
4. PNNL High School Business Internship Program
Location: PNNL, Richland, WA
Cost: Paid internship
Application Deadline: Applications open in early February
Program Dates: Year-round. Students work part-time from September to May and can opt for full-time in the summer from June to August
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in a work-based learning program at their school can apply. For more details, see here
The PNNL High School Business Internship Program is an academic-year opportunity that allows you to gain hands-on experience in a professional business and research setting. Running from August to May, the internship is designed to align with the school year and supports you in earning elective credits through your high school’s work-based learning program. As an intern, you’ll be involved in tasks related to business operations, project coordination, and collaborative work, helping you build practical skills in areas such as communication, organization, and problem-solving. The program is structured to provide consistent, meaningful work experience that complements your classroom learning.
5. Sadie Nash Summer Institute
Location: New York City, NY, and Newark, NJ
Cost: Free, stipend provided
Application Deadline: April 14 (tentative, based on previous years)
Program Dates: Typically from July to August. TBA
Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive youth who are enrolled in high school and live in New York City or Newark.
The Sadie Nash Summer Institute is a program designed for young women and gender-expansive youth with an interest in leadership, social issues, and community involvement. Throughout the program, you’ll participate in discussions, workshops, and seminars that focus on topics such as identity, equity, and social change. You’ll collaborate with other participants on group projects that explore these themes in depth, while also engaging with guest speakers from fields like public service, education, the arts, and business. The curriculum encourages critical thinking and personal reflection, with past sessions covering areas such as the impact of art in social movements, how educational systems operate, and the ways cultural narratives shape understandings of gender.
6. Ladders for Leaders Paid Summer Internship Program
Location: New York, NY
Cost: Fully-funded, stipend offered
Application Deadline: February 3 (tentative, based on previous years)
Program Dates: Summer (specific dates will vary by internship)
Eligibility: Must be between the ages of 16–24, and a resident of one of the five boroughs of New York City
Ladders for Leaders is a program that connects high school and college students in New York City with paid internships across a range of sectors, including corporate, nonprofit, and government organizations. Before beginning the internship, you’ll complete 30 hours of training focused on workplace preparation, covering topics such as resume development, writing cover letters, and interview skills. After the training, you’ll be placed in an internship that aligns with your interests and goals, allowing you to gain direct experience in a professional setting. These placements offer exposure to different career paths and help you build practical skills that are useful in both academic and work environments.
7. Harvard Pre-College Program: Business and Leadership
Location: Virtual or in-person at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $5,800 tuition + $75 application fee; financial aid available
Application Deadline: TBA, applications will open on December 1
Program Dates: June 21 – July 2; July 5 – July 17; July 19 – 31
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors between 16–19 years old
Harvard’s Pre-College Program in Business and Leadership offers high school students an introduction to key topics in business and leadership through a discussion-based learning environment. In classes of around 12 to 18 students, you’ll engage with case studies, participate in group work, and practice skills such as communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking. Led by instructors connected to Harvard, the course examines different leadership styles and uses real business examples to explore how decisions are made in various organizational contexts. As part of the program, you’ll prepare and deliver a final presentation that reflects your understanding of the concepts covered.
8. UPenn Wharton Global Youth Program’s Leadership in the Business World
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $11,899. Information regarding scholarships can be found here
Application deadline: April 2 (tentative, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 7 – 27; June 28 – July 18; July 19 – August 8
Eligibility: High school students in grade 11 who have demonstrated leadership experience, academic excellence, and a 3.5 unweighted GPA or higher
The Leadership in the Business World (LBW) program offers high school students an introduction to business leadership through a mix of academic sessions and hands-on activities. You’ll take part in lectures and discussions led by Wharton faculty and engage with guest speakers from a range of industries. The curriculum explores areas such as organizational strategy, negotiation, leadership, and teamwork. Throughout the program, you’ll participate in group projects, simulations, and case research based on real companies. There are also opportunities to hear from professionals working in fields like entrepreneurship, finance, and real estate. As part of the experience, you’ll have access to the Wharton Global Youth Speaker Series, where topics like artificial intelligence, crisis response, and decision-making in economic contexts are explored.
9. Wake Forest University’s Leadership Institute
Location: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Cost: $3,200
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Program dates: TBA on November 1
Eligibility: High school students
The Wake Forest Summer Immersion Leadership Institute is a program for high school students interested in exploring leadership before entering college. Through a combination of structured sessions and reflective activities, you’ll examine what it means to lead effectively and support others in a team setting. The curriculum includes topics such as self-awareness, communication, team dynamics, and adaptability. You’ll participate in group exercises that focus on developing interpersonal and decision-making skills. The program also features a community service component, where you’ll volunteer with local nonprofit organizations to apply what you’ve learned in a practical setting.
10. The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy
Location: Michigan Ross School of Business, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: $5,500
Application Deadline: January 21 (tentative, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June 13 – 27 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Current rising high school seniors with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to U.S. citizens or permanent residents
In this program, you’ll take part in hands-on activities that focus on business operations, leadership challenges, and career exploration within a team-oriented setting. The experience is designed to introduce you to college-level academics while living on campus as a student at the Ross School of Business. You’ll attend sessions led by Ross faculty, collaborate with peers on business-focused projects, and learn from professionals working in various industries. Discussions with company partners and guest speakers offer insight into different career paths and the practical applications of business concepts. The program encourages critical thinking and problem-solving through real-world business scenarios.
11. Summer Leadership Academy
Location: Mercy University, New York
Cost: $695
Application deadline: Rolling
Dates: July 5 – 11 | July 19 – 25 | August 2 – 8
Eligibility: High school girls
The Business Leadership Academy at Mercy University is a one-week summer program for high school juniors interested in business and leadership. During the program, you’ll engage in activities focused on communication, teamwork, and exploring different aspects of the business world. The program includes visits to local companies and sessions led by university faculty and industry professionals. These opportunities help provide a clearer picture of how businesses function and the responsibilities involved in leadership roles. Through group projects and discussions, you’ll develop essential skills and gain a better understanding of possible career options in business.
12. NYU Future Business Leaders Webinar Series
Location: Virtual
Cost: $350
Application Deadline: July 1 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: August 3 – 31 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students
New York University’s Stern School of Business offers a webinar series consisting of nine sessions for high school students interested in different business fields. Each session is led by the Senior Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion and includes presentations from professionals working in areas such as entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and management. The series also covers how these business functions operate within industries like fashion, sports, and entertainment. By attending these webinars, you can learn more about various business roles and potential career paths. Those who participate in all sessions will receive a certificate of completion.
13. McCombs Future Executive Academy - UT Austin
Location: Austin, TX (The University of Texas at Austin — McCombs School of Business)
Cost: Free to attend (includes housing and meals). No stipend
Application Deadline: March 1 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: June 1 – 6 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors across the U.S
At the McCombs Future Executive Academy, you’ll spend six days on the University of Texas at Austin campus exploring key business principles and leadership ideas. The program features group activities, leadership discussions, and workshops led by McCombs faculty and industry professionals. You’ll engage in team-based problem-solving tasks and learn about different career options in business and entrepreneurship. The academy encourages applications from first-generation students and those who have faced economic or social challenges, providing an inclusive environment to develop your skills and knowledge.
14. PHC Group, LLC: Mary Miller Summer Program
Location: Remote
Cost: No cost. Stipend paid
Application Deadline: TBA. More info here
Dates: Summer; dates vary by cohort
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (ages 16–18)
PHC Group’s Mary Miller Summer Program is a paid remote internship for high school juniors and seniors with interests in business, communication, and public health. During the internship, you’ll collaborate with senior leaders and the Public Health Director on projects that link social media strategies to community outreach and public health communication. Your responsibilities may include participating in planning meetings, developing content for outreach, analyzing engagement data, and translating research findings into practical recommendations. The program aims to help you develop leadership, creativity, and professional skills while continuing the work of Mary Miller, a youth advocate and educator.
15. Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute
Location: Virtual and in-person options
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Different deadlines for different cohorts
Program Dates: November 5 and November 12. Dates for the spring and summer events will be posted in the fall
Eligibility: All applications are open to female sophomores, rising juniors, and seniors who have maintained a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
The Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute at Indiana University Bloomington is a selective program designed for high school students who identify as female and have an interest in business. The program, led by faculty from the Kelley School of Business, covers fundamental business concepts while focusing on developing skills in leadership, communication, and critical thinking. During the program, you’ll work with peers on a real business case, analyzing the situation and presenting potential solutions. This collaborative project helps build teamwork and strategic problem-solving skills in a practical context. Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to connect with current Kelley students and alumni to learn more about studying business in college and exploring career paths in the field.
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