10 Business Scholarships for High School Students

If you're a high school student with experience in entrepreneurship, economics, or any business-related field, applying for business scholarships can be a good next step. 

Business scholarships offer more than just financial support for an undergraduate business degree at a university — they often recognize your interest in the field and can open doors to other opportunities, like prestigious programs or internships.

What are business scholarships?

At the high school level, they’re typically awarded based on academic interest, leadership, or initiative in business-related activities. Some scholarships are tied to specific summer programs, while others are offered independently by nonprofits, companies, or universities.

Why should I apply for a business scholarship?

Including a business scholarship on your college application can signal to admissions officers that you’ve taken the initiative to explore your interest in business beyond the classroom. It reflects your ability to compete nationally, your motivation, and your alignment with certain career goals.

There’s also the practical benefit — many of these scholarships provide funding that can be used toward summer programs, college tuition, or even launching a small project or business idea of your own.

Here are 10 business scholarships for high school students worth exploring:

  1. NSHSS Foundation Business & Public Policy Scholarship

    Offered by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), the scholarship supports high-achieving students interested in business administration, economics, finance, or public policy. You’ll have the opportunity to strengthen your resume as you prepare for undergraduate study in a business-related field. Being part of NSHSS also gives you access to leadership development programs, career-building webinars, and a network of peers and professionals.

    Scholarship amount: Two awards of $1,000 each

    Dates: Applications open May 1

    Application Deadline: September 22 (11:59 PM EST)

    Eligibility: Open to high school students of all grade levels with a minimum GPA of 3.5 who are pursuing a degree in business, finance, economics, or public policy

  2. Young Founders Lab

    The Young Founder’s Lab is a real-world start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. The reason why we’ve included this program on the list is because it offers a scholarship/fully-funded opportunity to participate in their program!

    In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.

    Apart from building the start-up itself, you will also participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideations, workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and more.The program is an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of business in high school and have a space to explore multiple theoretical as well as practical frameworks that lead to a successful business. You can check out the brochure for the program here.

    Cost: Financial aid available
    Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
    Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
    Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring

    Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here!

  3. Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

    This prestigious scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and a strong commitment to community impact. You’ll join a community of over 7,000 alumni who have gone on to launch ventures, lead nonprofits, and shape industries. The application process evaluates your academic record, service involvement, and leadership roles. Although there is no formal mentorship or internship component, being a Coca-Cola Scholar opens doors to an elite network and offers lifelong development opportunities.

    Scholarship amount: $20,000 (awarded to 150 students annually)

    Dates: Application opens August 1

    Application Deadline: Late October

    Eligibility: High school seniors in the U.S. (including D.C. and Puerto Rico), with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible non-citizens. 

  4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation

    The reason why we’ve included this program on the list is because it offers a scholarship/fully-funded opportunity to participate in the Lumiere Research Scholar program!

    In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. This program is a solid option if you are interested in interdisciplinary research and want to create an individual research paper. You can apply here! 

    Cost: The program is fully funded!

    Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

    Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).

    Program Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

    Eligibility:You must be enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall and must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.

  5. Party Headphones Business-Forward Student Scholarship

    This annual scholarship, offered by event-tech company Party Headphones, is designed to support students pursuing business development, marketing, entertainment technology, and related fields. The program recognizes applicants who show promise in fields that blend creativity with commercial impact, such as digital marketing, product design, and sound engineering. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in at least one of the focus areas through their application essays. While modest in award amount, the scholarship is competitive, as it is open to undergraduate and graduate students in addition to high school seniors accepted into accredited university programs. 

    Scholarship amount: One award of $500

    Dates: Applications open January 1

    Application Deadline: August 1 (Award announced by September 6)

    Eligibility: Open to high school seniors accepted into an accredited U.S. college program for the upcoming fall. Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

  6. NGA Foundation Scholarships

    The National Grocers Association Foundation offers scholarships to high school seniors entering college in the fall who are pursuing degrees in business, food management, accounting, IT, human resources, or related fields. Applicants with prior experience in the grocery industry, such as part-time work or involvement in a family business, are especially encouraged to apply. Multiple scholarships are awarded annually, including named awards and legacy scholarships sponsored by companies such as Ecolab and Kimberly-Clark. 

    Scholarship amount: Typically starts at $1,000 per award (varies by sponsor)

    Dates: Applications open January 15

    Application Deadline: April 15

    Eligibility: High school seniors entering college in the fall (rising freshmen) through graduate students. Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be pursuing a degree leading to a career in the grocery industry, such as business, HR, food management, or IT.

  7. Abbott & Fenner Scholarship

    Offered by Abbott & Fenner Business Consultants, this annual scholarship supports high school juniors and seniors who demonstrate ambition and clear academic or career goals. The application requires a written essay (500–1,000 words) describing your educational and life objectives, including your intended major and how it aligns with your long-term aspirations. While the scholarship is open to students of any discipline, it is particularly well-suited for students pursuing degrees in business-related fields, such as marketing, finance, or entrepreneurship. Submissions are reviewed for clarity, purpose, and depth, and the award is issued within two weeks of the deadline. 

    Scholarship amount: One award of $1,000

    Dates: N/A

    Application Deadline: June 10

    Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors

  8. Mary Macey Scholarship – Women Grocers of America (WGA)

    Offered by Women Grocers of America, the Mary Macey Scholarship supports women pursuing careers in the independent grocery sector. This scholarship is particularly suited for those planning to enter business-related roles within retail, operations, food distribution, or supply chain management. Administered under the NGA Foundation, the award emphasizes leadership, industry commitment, and professional potential. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate a clear connection to the grocery industry and articulate their goals in the context of women’s leadership and advancement in the field.

    Scholarship amount: $1,000 - $3,000; varies by year

    Dates: Applications open January 15

    Application Deadline: April 15

    Eligibility: Open to college-bound women, including high school seniors, who are pursuing business-related careers in the independent grocery industry

  9. ASMC National Scholarship Program

    Offered by the American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC), this scholarship supports high school seniors who intend to pursue degrees in finance, accounting, economics, or business administration. The program is designed to encourage careers in financial management, particularly in public service. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, be involved in extracurriculars or leadership, and be nominated by a local ASMC chapter president. While the program is not merit-based in the sense of GPA, it values engagement, intent, and purpose. 

    Scholarship amount: Up to $2,000

    Dates: Applications open November 1

    Application Deadline: March 31

    Eligibility: High school seniors or recent graduates pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, finance, or economics. Must be U.S. residents.

  10. Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation

    The Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation provides substantial support to high school seniors in Hawaiʻi who intend to pursue a business career. Administered by Servco Pacific Inc., the scholarship provides a total of $20,000, distributed over four years at $5,000 annually, to students enrolling in any accredited four-year college or university. The program is designed to support not only academic achievement but also leadership potential, financial need, and a demonstrated commitment to contributing to the economic growth of Hawaiʻi or the Pacific Islands. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to remain eligible for award renewal.

    Scholarship amount: $20,000 total over four years ($5,000/year)

    Dates: Applications opened on November 1

    Application Deadline: February 25

    Eligibility: Open to high school seniors who are U.S. citizens, residents of Hawaiʻi, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and are planning a business career. Applicants must plan to return to Hawaiʻi or the Pacific Islands after college.

Krishnapriya J

Krishnapriya, or KP, is the Head of Partnerships at the YFL and an LSE graduate. She is super passionate about the environment (especially nonhumans with 3+ limbs) and considers walking her dogs as the most important part of her day!

Previous
Previous

14 Business Summer Programs for High School Students in California

Next
Next

15 Business Summer Programs for High School Students in Massachusetts