14 Business Summer Programs for High School Students in California
If you’re a high schooler based in California looking for a way to explore the field of business in the summer, there’s multiple options you could consider! One solid option is exploring a business summer program in the state.
These programs, hosted by universities and institutions across the state, provide exposure to entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and management.
Rather than focusing solely on theory (like a typical classroom curriculum), many of these programs incorporate hands-on projects, group work, and opportunities to interact with professionals in the field.
For students considering business majors or careers, participating in a program like this can provide valuable insight into the field, especially as you prepare your applications to business school after graduating high school. A business summer program also adds weight to your college applications, especially if you want to major in business.
Below is a list of 14 business summer programs in California for high school students:
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Opportunities
Stanford offers multiple academic programs that develop core business skills, including logic, decision-making, mathematical modeling, and economic reasoning. Through its Summer College, you can enroll in Stanford undergraduate courses for credit in subjects such as economics, political science, data science, and statistics, all of which offer strong foundations for future study in business or finance. For example, the Introduction to Logic Summer Camp offers a two-week curriculum on logical reasoning.
Location in California: Stanford University, Stanford, CA (in-person and online options)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by program; competitive for Summer College
Cost: Varies by course; check the website for details.
Dates: Summer College: 8–9 weeks (late June to mid-August) | Logic Camp: Two weeks in summer | Online Courses: Offered during summer and year-round
Application Deadline: Summer College: May 1 (rolling admission) | Logic Camp: Rolling | Online Courses: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students (typically rising 10th–12th grade)
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.
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: The total cost to attend the 4-week program is $2900. There is need-based financial aid.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate selectivity. Exact cohort size is not published
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
Program Dates: The 2024 edition of the program starts on June 5th and spans over 4 weeks.
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.
UCLA’s Summer Sessions give you access to real UCLA undergraduate courses, with high schoolers allowed to take 1–2 courses (up to 10 units) from a curated list. You’ll study alongside college students and get a taste of UCLA academics while earning transferable college credit. You can choose up to two approved courses from a wide range of subjects—including topics in economics, communication, statistics, and media— that provide strong foundational insight into business and related fields. Courses are offered both online and in person, and you can choose from flexible session lengths ranging from 3 to 10 weeks.
Location in California: University of California, Los Angeles (online and on-campus options)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-enrollment with limited seats; first-come, first-served
Cost: Approximately $300–$500 per unit, plus admin fees
Dates: Multiple sessions from June 23 – September 12 (varies by course)
Application Deadline: Domestic Students: Rolling, until seats fill | International Students: May 1 (Sessions A & B) / June 1 (Sessions C & D)
Eligibility: Students entering 10th–12th grade. Some courses have prerequisites or AP score recommendations. International students are eligible with additional visa and registration steps.
Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Business & Entrepreneurship Track
If you're interested in going deep into a business concept and developing a research paper with real-world relevance, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous, remote research opportunity tailored to high school students like you. Through this program, you’ll work 1-on-1 with a Ph.D. mentor from a top university to explore complex business topics such as behavioral economics, market structures, entrepreneurial strategy, or firm-level innovation. Over 12 weeks, you’ll identify a unique research question, conduct in-depth analysis, and complete a full-length research paper with expert guidance. You’ll also gain exposure to methodologies like case study design, data analysis, or economic modeling, depending on your topic. The program culminates in a virtual symposium where you can present your findings and receive feedback.
Location: Remote – available to students anywhere, including California
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size varies
Cost: Varies by program track; the standard Individual Research Program begins at ~$2,400
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered – Spring (March–June), Summer (June–August), Fall (September–December), Winter (December–February)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. For Summer 2025, deadlines include April 13 and May 12.
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance (unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher is typical), but no prior research or business experience is required.
Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY) – High School Entrepreneurship
Hosted by UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, B-BAY is a selective, two-week business program where you’ll learn to think, act, and present like an entrepreneur. You'll work in teams to develop a full-scale business plan, exploring entrepreneurship, marketing strategy, finance, game theory, negotiations, and organizational management. Sessions are taught by Berkeley Haas faculty, PhD candidates, and undergraduates, with guest speakers bringing industry insights to the classroom. Beyond theory, the program emphasizes leadership, public speaking, and presentation skills.
Location in California: UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 50 students admitted annually
Cost: $6,292 for CA residents; $7,332 for out-of-state students; limited need-based scholarships available
Dates: Session I: July 5 – July 19 | Session II: July 19 – August 2
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; all supporting materials are due by March 1
Eligibility: Open to rising 10th–12th graders. International students may apply.
NSLC on Business & Entrepreneurship – UC Berkeley
This 9-day summer program is built around simulations and leadership training to help you explore the foundations of entrepreneurship. Hosted at the University of California, Berkeley, the program features business challenges, product development workshops, and presentations designed to simulate the building of a startup. You'll participate in leadership development sessions focused on communication, personality styles, and collaboration. The curriculum includes talks from Inc. 5000 entrepreneurs and professionals in fields such as marketing and finance. The program also offers field visits to local companies.
Location in California: University of California, Berkeley
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-enrollment
Cost: $4,095
Dates: Session I: June 13 – June 21 | Session II: June 25 – July 3
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until sessions are full
Eligibility: Open to high school students (grades 9–12)
UC Davis Pre-College Program: Startup Entrepreneurship
At UC Davis’ Pre-College Program, the Startup Entrepreneurship track is a two-week residential summer experience that gives you exposure to business innovation and venture creation. You'll work on real startup ideas, explore business models, and receive guidance from university faculty who specialize in entrepreneurship. The program is designed to simulate a real startup environment, combining hands-on learning, teamwork, and pitching strategies to provide a comprehensive experience.
Location in California: UC Davis, Davis, CA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact cohort size not published
Cost: Not listed publicly, visit the website and fill out the form for more information
Dates: July 21 – August 2 (Startup Entrepreneurship session)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spots are full
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 9–12 or who have just graduated
Summer Springboard – Business & Entrepreneurship at UC San Diego
This two-week program at the University of California, San Diego, explores the entrepreneurial process—from market research and product development to financial analysis and pitching. You’ll work in small teams to develop a startup idea and present it in a Shark Tank-style pitch to business professionals. The curriculum includes simulations of core functions, such as operations, marketing, finance, and product design. Site visits to local startups or marketing firms offer exposure to business in action, and you’ll explore potential careers ranging from consulting to investment banking and brand strategy.
Location in California: UC San Diego, San Diego, CA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-enrollment; space is limited per session
Cost: Residential: $5,698; Commuter: $3,298
Dates: Session 1: June 29 – July 11 | Session 2: July 13 – July 25 | Session 3: July 27 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 20 or until seats are full
Eligibility: Open to high school students
UCLA Anderson Summer Discovery – Media, Entertainment & Sports Business Academy
Hosted by the UCLA Anderson School of Management in collaboration with Summer Discovery, this pre-college program introduces you to the business side of the media, sports, and entertainment industries. You'll explore how companies develop content, build fan engagement, and monetize intellectual property while developing skills in marketing, branding, and entrepreneurship. The format blends college-style instruction, interactive workshops, and case studies, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and leadership. Outside of class, you’ll experience campus life, join guided tours of Los Angeles, and participate in recreational activities.
Location in California: UCLA Anderson School of Management, Los Angeles, CA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-enrollment with limited seats per session
Cost: Residential: $7,548 (2 weeks) / $9,748 (3 weeks) | Commuter: $4,398 (2 weeks) / $4,998 (3 weeks)
Dates: Session 1 (2 or 3 weeks): Begins July 6 or June 29 | Session 2 (2 or 3 weeks): Begins July 20 or July 21
Application Deadline: Rolling admission until sessions fill
Eligibility: Open to high school students
UC Santa Barbara Summer Sessions – College Courses for High School Students
At the University of California, Santa Barbara, high school students can enroll in undergraduate courses through the Summer Sessions open enrollment program. This program gives you access to a variety of courses, including economics, statistics, public policy, business communication, and organizational psychology, taught by UCSB faculty. You’ll study alongside college students, attend lectures, complete university-level coursework, and earn transferable UC credit.
Location in California: University of California, Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-enrollment; space limited by course availability
Cost: Tuition varies by course and number of units; housing, dining, and additional fees apply
Dates: Multiple sessions typically run from late June through August
Application Deadline: Rolling until course registration closes or classes are full
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering 11th or 12th grade
Investments, Financial Planning & You (IFPY) – UC Irvine
Hosted by the Paul Merage School of Business, this week-long commuter program helps you build a strong foundation in finance, wealth planning, and investment strategy. Through a structured curriculum taught by UC Irvine faculty and industry experts, you'll explore topics like real estate, portfolio creation, asset allocation, stock analysis, and career paths in finance. The program includes Bloomberg software demonstrations, case studies, and a final capstone project, where you will present your wealth management plan. This program is ideal for students interested in financial literacy, investment careers, or economics.
Location in California: Paul Merage School of Business, University of California, Irvine
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-enrollment with limited seats per session
Cost: $1,395 per week (commuter-only); $600 non-refundable deposit
Dates: Week 1: July 7 – July 11 | Week 2: July 14 – July 18 | Week 3: July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until sessions are full
Eligibility: Open to incoming high school freshmen through recently graduated seniors
Santa Clara University Young Scholars Program
Through Santa Clara University’s Young Scholars Program, you can earn college credit by enrolling in undergraduate courses while experiencing life on campus. This academically rigorous program is open to rising juniors and seniors who are prepared to engage with college-level material and experience a university environment. You’ll receive faculty advising, participate in enrichment events, and join a small cohort of motivated peers. Past course offerings have included economics, public policy, and management, making this a strong fit if you're looking to explore business while earning transferable credit.
Location in California: Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact cohort size not listed
Cost: Not publicly listed; check the website for more information
Dates: June 18 – July 25
Application Deadline: Early Deadline: March 25 | Regular Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering 11th or 12th grade
USC Summer Programs – Business Track
The University of Southern California’s Summer Programs offer a rigorous four-week college experience designed to introduce you to the foundations of business thinking. Business course options include Introduction to Business, Analytics: The Power of Data for Businesses, Exploring Entrepreneurship, Bitcoin & AI, and Building Sustainable Businesses. Depending on your course, you will participate in problem-solving exercises using case studies, simulations, and presentations. You'll work with peers and instructors to develop core skills like financial literacy, data interpretation, sustainable strategy, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Location in California: University of Southern California, Los Angeles
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate selectivity. Exact cohort size is not published
Cost: Residential: $11,347; Commuter: $7,812.
Dates: June 15 – July 12
Application Deadline: International Students: March 14 | Domestic Students: May 2
Eligibility: Must have completed at least the 9th grade by June 15, and should be pursuing a rigorous high school curriculum.
University of the Pacific – Summer High School Institute
The Pacific Summer High School Institute is a two-week residential program designed to give you a college experience across five academic tracks, including a Business and Society focus. You’ll choose from over 50 course options and explore topics like financial literacy, leadership, entrepreneurship, or business communication. Classes are taught by faculty from the University of the Pacific, and your days will include lab work, workshops, and projects. Evenings are filled with campus events, sports, and social activities.
Location in California: University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-enrollment; space limited per course
Cost: The cost of the residential program is not listed online; visit this link for more information.
Dates: Session 1: June 2 – June 12 | Session 2: June 17 – June 27
Application Deadline: Session 1: May 11 | Session 2: May 25
Eligibility: Open to high school students