15 Business Workshops for High School Students
If you’re interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, or the world of business, participating in business workshops during high school can be a great way to explore your interests. These programs allow you to step beyond traditional classroom learning and gain practical exposure to how companies operate in real-world settings.
What do business workshops cover?
Business workshops for high school students introduce you to areas like entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and leadership. Many workshops are structured around collaborative projects where you work with peers to develop innovative solutions to business challenges. These experiences help you strengthen skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and strategic thinking.
How are business workshops helpful?
Participating in a business workshop can strengthen your college applications. Another major benefit is the mentorship and networking opportunities you gain during these programs. You may interact with entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders who can share insights about career paths and emerging industries. If you’re considering launching your own venture in the future, these workshops can also give you the foundational skills needed to turn an idea into a viable business.
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Below are 15 business workshops for high school students that offer valuable exposure to entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
15 Business Workshops for High School Students
1. Wharton Global Youth Program - Future of the Business World
Location: Online / University of Pennsylvania
Cost/Stipend: $4,099
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, discussion-based cohorts
Dates: Summer sessions (multiple June-July options)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Grades 9-12
In this program, you explore how emerging technologies and global trends are shaping the future of business. Through lectures, case studies, and collaborative discussions, you learn about innovation strategy, leadership, and competitive advantage. You work in teams to analyze real companies and predict how industries may evolve. Faculty and teaching assistants guide you through structured exercises focused on strategic thinking and decision-making. The program culminates in a final project where you present your predictions about future business challenges and opportunities.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost/Stipend: Varies by the program. There is need-based financial aid.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program
Dates: Vary according to cohort
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a real-world start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. 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.
3. Babson Summer Study for High School Students
Location: Babson College, Wellesley, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: $6,295 (online); $9,295 (in-person day student); $12,995 (in-person residential)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program
Dates: July 8-28
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: High school students
Babson’s program focuses on entrepreneurial thinking and venture development. During the program, you explore how entrepreneurs identify opportunities and turn ideas into businesses. Coursework covers market validation, customer research, and financial planning. You collaborate with peers to develop a startup concept and refine it through mentorship sessions. Faculty introduce Babson’s Entrepreneurial Thought & Action methodology to guide your decision-making process.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
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 start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech, and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, you work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present your work to the company.
5. Georgetown Entrepreneurship Academy
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: $6,465 residential; $5,075 commuter
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program
Dates: June 7-June 19
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
In this two-week workshop, you explore the fundamentals of launching and managing a business. The program introduces topics such as design thinking, market research, financial planning, and global entrepreneurship. You work in teams to develop a startup concept and create a detailed business plan. Guest entrepreneurs share insights about real startup challenges. You also practice networking, communication, and leadership skills through interactive activities.
6. NYU High School Academy – Entrepreneurship and Business Startups
Location: NYU School of Professional Studies
Cost/Stipend: $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program
Dates: June 29-August 7
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Grade 9-11
This NYU program introduces you to startup development and innovation. Through lectures and workshops, you learn about the lean startup model and entrepreneurial problem-solving. The course includes short projects and case studies where you analyze business challenges. You also practice presenting ideas and proposing solutions to startup problems. Faculty guides you through discussions on innovation and market competition. By the end of the program, you will have gained a deeper understanding of how startups operate.
7. Columbia Summer Immersion - Business & Economics
Location: Columbia University, New York
Cost/Stipend: $2,000-$7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program
Dates: Multiple summer sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Grade 9-12
In this program, you explore the intersection of economics, entrepreneurship, and business strategy. Coursework focuses on market analysis, decision-making, and business ethics. Through case studies, you examine how companies respond to competition and economic change. You also work in groups to develop business solutions to practical problems. Guest lectures introduce you to careers in consulting, finance, and entrepreneurship. The program concludes with a project presentation.
8. HEC Paris Youth Leadership & Business Program
Location: HEC Paris, France
Cost/Stipend: $2,000–$4,000 depending on program length
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program
Dates: Multiple summer programs
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Grade 9-12
HEC Paris offers leadership and business workshops designed for high school students interested in global business. Through seminars and projects, you explore entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and leadership development. You participate in collaborative discussions and case studies examining real companies. Faculty provide mentorship and feedback during small-group sessions. The program emphasizes confidence-building, communication skills, and critical thinking. You also gain exposure to the European business environment.
9. Summer Springboard Business & Entrepreneurship (Georgetown)
Location: Washington DC
Cost/Stipend: $5,798 residential
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program
Dates: June 21-July 3, 2026
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
In this program, you explore entrepreneurship through hands-on workshops and lectures from industry professionals. The curriculum covers startup strategy, product design, marketing, and venture funding. You collaborate to develop business ideas and build startup models. Mentors provide feedback during project development. The program also includes networking opportunities with entrepreneurs and business experts. It concludes with a team pitch presentation.
10. Marist Summer Pre-College: Business
Location: Marist College campus, Poughkeepsie, NY
Cost/Stipend: $3,700
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 28-July 11 or July 12-25
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
You will explore globalization, ethics, and entrepreneurship through interactive management courses. Earn three transferable credits while gaining practical business knowledge and college-life exposure. You will explore globalization, ethics, and entrepreneurship through interactive management courses. Earn three transferable credits while gaining practical business knowledge and college-life exposure. You also participate in collaborative projects, case discussions, and presentations that strengthen critical thinking and leadership skills.
11. Harvard Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP)
Location: Cambridge, MA (Harvard campus)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 14-17
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: High school students
You will engage in intensive management workshops and case discussions at Harvard Business School. The fully funded, short-format program builds leadership and analytical skills through elite faculty interaction, ideal for standout college applications. You also collaborate with peers from around the world, gaining diverse perspectives on business challenges. The experience strengthens critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills in a rigorous academic environment.
12. Brown University Pre-College Online
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Approx. $3,500-$7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 15-24
Application Deadline: Mid-May
Eligibility: Students worldwide completing grades 9-12
You can choose rigorous courses such as Entrepreneurship: The Art of Creative Problem Solving or Leadership and Social Change, designed to strengthen innovation and strategic thinking. The asynchronous format gives you flexibility while maintaining weekly deadlines that require strong time management and active participation in online discussions. Throughout the program, you will focus on analytical writing, critical thinking, and independent work, providing an authentic preview of the expectations of university-level study.
13. University of Georgia Terry Accelerated Business Program
Location: Athens, GA (in-person) or online
Cost/Stipend: In-person $395; Online $75
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: In-person June 7–10; Online July 9–10
Application Deadline: In-person March 26; Online June 14
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
You will review business fields and meet executives from top companies like PwC and Google. In-person sessions preview campus life; the affordable format delivers high-impact networking and insights. You will also participate in interactive discussions and practical case studies that demonstrate how business strategies are applied in practical scenarios. The program encourages you to ask questions, build professional connections, and gain early exposure to corporate career pathways.
14. Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows (SELF) Experience – University of Maryland
Location: University of Maryland campus or online
Cost/Stipend: Online $1,420; Commuter $1,791
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: July 12–31
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: High school students
You will act as CEO of “ME Inc.,” solving business problems in marketing, strategy, economics, and personal finance. Workshops and leader interactions earn you college credits while sharpening entrepreneurial thinking and leadership. You will also work through scenarios that challenge your decision-making and problem-solving skills. The program helps you develop a strategic mindset while building confidence in presenting and defending your ideas.
15. Fordham University Exploring Entrepreneurship
Location: University of Maryland campus or online
Cost/Stipend: Online $1,420; Commuter $1,791
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: July 12–31
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: High school students
In this one-week program, you work in teams to develop a business idea from scratch and move it through early-stage planning. The structure is fast-paced, with each day focused on a different stage such as idea generation, market validation, and business modeling. You collaborate with peers to refine your concept and prepare a final pitch to a panel of entrepreneurs. The program also includes exposure to startup environments through visits and interactions with founders. Mentors and instructors guide discussions rather than leading traditional lectures.