15 Digital Marketing Programs for High School Students
If you are looking to build a career in marketing, starting in high school will give you a real advantage. Digital marketing programs will help you explore the field before college and show you how marketing works beyond the classroom.
What do digital marketing programs for high schoolers involve?
Most programs introduce you to topics such as social media marketing, branding, content creation, market research, search engine optimization, email marketing, and digital advertising. The skills you will gain will even help you promote your own business, personal brand, or creative projects.
Why pursue a digital marketing program in high school?
Along the way, you will receive guidance from experienced mentors, connect with like-minded students, and build experiences that will strengthen your college applications. Building a portfolio of real campaigns and content gives you concrete work to point to when discussing your interests in essays or interviews.
To help you find the right fit, we've narrowed the options to 15 digital marketing programs for high school students. For related opportunities, check out our guides on marketing internships for high school students in Chicago and startups offering internships for high school students.
Quick Look
2 paid programs: Meta Summer Academy and Communications Careers by KP LAUNCH ($24/hour), both restricted to specific regions.
1 fully virtual, entrepreneurship-focused option: Young Founders Lab, useful if you want to apply marketing skills to a real venture rather than a course project, with need-based financial aid available.
1 free, unpaid remote role: Social Media Marketer at Spikeview, working with a team of student interns to create content for a teen audience.
Highest-cost program: The Digital Marketing Accelerator, at £6,000 for the standard 12-week program (monthly payment plans available).
Most pre-college digital marketing courses (USC, Georgetown, Wharton) fall between $1,895 and $4,230, depending on credit status.
15 Digital Marketing Programs for High School Students
1. Meta Summer Academy
Location: Meta Global Headquarters, Menlo Park, California
Cost/Stipend: None; paid
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 - July 24
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Must be sophomores in high school, be full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City with a minimum 2.0 Cumulative GPA
The Meta Summer Academy allows you to explore careers at a global technology company while building practical workplace skills. During the six-week program, you will strengthen your coding knowledge and marketing skills, improve your communication and networking skills, and learn about financial literacy, art, and media. You will work alongside instructors and program managers while meeting Meta employees, executives, and weekly guest speakers who share their career journeys. The program focuses on early-career exploration and professional growth rather than on technical work alone.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: 100% virtual, with live interactive workshops
Cost: $2,900 (need-based financial aid available)
Program Dates: 4-week program starting June 5th tentatively
Application Deadline: Early Decision: March | Regular Admission 1: April | Regular Admission 2: May
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
The Young Founders Lab is a real-world startup bootcamp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. You will work towards building a revenue-generating startup that addresses a real-world problem, mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X. Alongside building your startup, you'll participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and ideation, workshops, skill-building sessions, case studies, and panel discussions. The program gives you a structured space to explore both theoretical and practical frameworks for building a successful business. You can check out the brochure here and access the application here.
3. Digital Marketing Online Course by USC Pre-College Programs
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $35 application fee + $1,990 tuition; Certificate of Completion
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple start dates including June 22, July 6 & July 20
Application Deadline: June 17, July 1 & July 15
Eligibility: Must be at least 14 years old and enrolled in a high school or secondary program; international applicants proficient in English are welcome to apply
This digital marketing program for high school students introduces you to the fundamentals of digital marketing through lessons created by USC Marshall School of Business faculty. You will learn how to build a digital marketing plan, create engaging content, develop a brand voice, and choose effective social media strategies. The course also covers web design for user experience, digital storytelling, and data analysis to measure campaign performance. Through recorded lectures, campaign analysis, activities, and assignments, you will apply marketing concepts to real examples while strengthening analytical and strategic thinking.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote — work from anywhere in the world
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective startup internship program for ambitious students. You'll work with a high-growth startup on real projects across industries including tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder's startups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars — past founders include YCombinator alums and former employees of Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. You'll work closely with your manager and a Ladder Coach and present your work to the company at the end of the internship. You can apply here.
5. Marketing by Wharton Global Youth Program
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Non-refundable application fee of $100 + tuition $4,230; none
Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: January 20 - March 3, May 26 - July 1, July 2 - August 7, August 24 - October 6, October 19 - December 2, January 19 - March 5
Application Deadline: Various deadlines for multiple program dates - December 5, March 25, May 6, July 15, September 9, or November 25
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in grades 11-12 during the school year; or rising 11-12 grade students during the summer term.
Through Wharton Global Youth's online digital marketing program for high school students, you will build a strong foundation in key areas of modern marketing. You will explore viral marketing, consumer behavior, advertising, and social media analytics. You will learn why ideas spread, how consumers make decisions, how advertising campaigns are planned, and how brands use social media data. Coursework combines live class sessions, lectures, discussions, readings, assignments, and, in some courses, hands-on Python labs and case studies. You will work with Wharton instructors, collaborate with classmates during synchronous sessions, and complete assessments through participation, projects, quizzes, papers, or exams.
6. Summer Springboard: Digital Marketing & Social Media
Location: Barnard College, New York City, New York
Cost/Stipend: $99 application fee, residential tuition: $5,998 & commuter tuition: $3,298; none
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 19 – July 31
Application Deadline: December 1 (tuition increases after this date and can be applied till May 17th)
Eligibility: Must have completed 8th grade of middle school by the program start date (starting high school in the fall) with a 3.0 grade point average (or local equivalent) for all programs. International students must demonstrate proficiency in English
This two-week course introduces you to the foundations of digital marketing through practical, project-based learning. You will create a brand, develop content, and launch a real marketing campaign and website while learning about branding, social media, copywriting, consumer behavior, analytics, and advertising. You will also work with real-world case studies to promote a product or service and understand how marketing strategies are built. A business visit lets you see social media strategy in action and connect classroom concepts with industry practice. Throughout the digital marketing program for high school students, you will strengthen creative thinking, communication, and marketing skills while exploring how businesses reach and engage their audiences.
7. UCLA Digital Advertising and Brand Strategy Academy
Location: UCLA Anderson School of Management, Los Angeles, California
Cost/Stipend: Tuition ranges from $4,799–$15,999 (depending on program format and duration); none
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 28 – July 1 or July 19 – July 31
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
The UCLA Digital Advertising and Brand Strategy Academy helps you understand how entertainment, sports, and media brands connect with audiences through digital marketing. You will build practical skills in social media strategy, content creation, audience analysis, copywriting, and campaign analytics through interactive workshops and case studies. You will also complete a capstone project that becomes part of your portfolio while receiving feedback on your work. The program includes visits to digital marketing agencies, major brand headquarters, and UCLA media facilities, when available. By the end, you will gain experience creating marketing campaigns and learn how digital strategies support audience engagement across today's leading platforms.
8. Social Media Marketer
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Winter to Spring
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High School or equivalent
As a Social Media Marketer at Spikeview, you will help grow awareness of the platform by creating videos, monitoring social media channels, and analyzing platform performance. You will work with a team of student interns to develop and post content for a teen audience, identify effective ways to reach high school and college students, and connect with emerging influencers and creators. Throughout the digital marketing program for high school students, you will strengthen communication, content creation, and social media marketing skills while gaining experience with platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Flexible scheduling lets you balance school with weekly meetings and independent project work.
9. Marketing Foundations by the University of North Dakota
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $407.97 per credit; none
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Enroll any day of the year. Complete the course within 3 to 9 months.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing
This self-paced online course introduces you to the core principles of marketing and how they guide business decisions. You will learn how to analyze buyer behavior, evaluate market conditions, segment and target customers, and use product, price, place, and promotion to build effective marketing strategies. Throughout the digital marketing program for high school students, you will complete assignments that lead to a final marketing plan, giving you practical experience applying classroom concepts. You will also explore ethical decision-making, pricing strategies, supply chain management, and marketing communications, including advertising, public relations, and social media. By the end, you will develop analytical and strategic skills that support future business and marketing studies.
10. The Futures Marketing Series by UC San Diego
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Starts at $500; none
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 3-weeks per course during the Summer quarter and about 10-weeks per course during the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
The Futures Marketing Series introduces you to marketing through three sequential online courses covering marketing principles, digital marketing, and content marketing. You will learn customer value, segmentation, targeting, positioning, market research, branding, social media strategy, analytics, and content planning. Throughout the digital marketing program for high school students, you will complete hands-on projects, analyze real-world case studies, and build practical marketing skills. The program also helps you strengthen communication, leadership, problem-solving, and presentation abilities. Courses are taught by industry experts and conclude with an Award of Completion after all three courses are successfully completed.
11. Discover the Power of Marketing by Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $1,895 (Enrichment Course) or $3,995 (College Credit Course). Need-based scholarships are available; none
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple dates including 1-week intensives, 2-week sessions, and 4-week sessions
Application Deadline: Based on the cohort you select
Eligibility: For students ages 13 and up
Through Georgetown University's online digital marketing program for high school students, you will learn how brands connect with audiences across traditional and digital channels. You will explore marketing fundamentals, brand building, consumer targeting, and the growing role of data in marketing decisions. Video lessons are paired with multimedia activities, simulations, and curated assignments that fit your schedule. Throughout the course, mentors will provide feedback, answer questions, and help you prepare a final capstone project. You will strengthen your research, communication, and strategic thinking while applying marketing concepts to real-world scenarios. You can also choose between an enrichment or college credit option based on your academic goals.
12. The Digital Marketing Accelerator
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: £5,700 (early payment) or £6,000 (standard one-off payment). Monthly payment plans are also available; none
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Starts on September 1
Application Deadline: August 20
Eligibility: Students aged 14–21
The Digital Marketing Accelerator helps you build practical marketing skills through a structured 12-week online programme. You will study SEO, social media strategy, content creation, data analytics, consumer psychology, paid advertising, and influencer marketing while working on case studies, simulations, and real-world projects. Live interactive sessions, one-to-one mentoring, and feedback from industry professionals support your learning throughout the programme. You will collaborate with peers, refine your ideas with mentors, and create a capstone digital marketing campaign that you present to a panel of global experts. You will also gain experience with marketing tools, analytics platforms, and campaign planning.
13. Marketing by Cornell University
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Applies; none
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Jan 2 - Jan 16
Application Deadline: November 24
Eligibility: Must have completed sophomore year of high school (grade 10 or the international equivalent) when you start your class and must be between 15 and 19 years of age. International students are welcome to apply
Cornell University's Marketing course introduces you to the core ideas behind successful marketing strategies. You will examine targeting, positioning, pricing, promotion, and distribution while analyzing how organizations market their products and services. Through case discussions and field projects, you will apply marketing concepts to real business situations and build practical problem-solving skills. You will also learn modern marketing management, data analytics, and marketing research techniques used by professionals. The course helps you identify marketing challenges, evaluate qualitative and quantitative information, and develop informed solutions. Depending on the session, you can study online or experience the course in person through Cornell's Precollege program.
14. Communications Careers by KP LAUNCH Summer Internship Program
Location: Kaiser Permanente facilities in Northern California, USA
Cost/Stipend: None; paid ($24 per hour)
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: Must be a current high school student and/or graduating senior in the age group 16 – 19 by June 1. Priority is given to juniors and senior-level students.
If you are interested in marketing and communications, the KP LAUNCH Summer Internship Program lets you gain workplace experience while supporting Kaiser Permanente teams. You will contribute to projects in communications and related business areas while building professional, communication, and collaboration skills in a healthcare setting. Throughout the internship, you will work alongside experienced employees, receive guidance from a dedicated mentor, and attend professional and personal development workshops. You will also connect with senior leaders and expand your professional network through structured networking opportunities.
15. Social Media Marketing Summer Program
Location: NYC, live online, or self-paced
Cost/Stipend: $1,299; none
Cohort Size: Small class (8-15 students)
Dates: Exact dates not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
The Social Media Marketing Summer Program introduces you to the strategies brands use to build an online presence and engage audiences. You will learn current social media marketing trends and create a marketing strategy tailored to specific goals. The digital marketing program for high school students covers platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok while helping you understand how each supports different marketing objectives. You will learn through live online instruction in a small-class setting with guidance from experienced instructors. Throughout the program, you will complete practical exercises and receive feedback as you develop your ideas. A self-paced option is also available, giving you added flexibility to learn on your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there free digital marketing opportunities for high school students?
Yes. The Social Media Marketer role at Spikeview is unpaid but free to join, letting you build content and marketing skills for a teen-focused platform on a flexible schedule.
Is there an option to apply marketing skills to my own business instead of an internship or course?
Young Founders Lab lets you do exactly that, having you develop a real go-to-market strategy for an actual startup with mentorship from professionals at Google, Microsoft, and X, rather than working through a marketing curriculum alone.
Which programs are restricted to students from a specific region?
Meta Summer Academy and the KP LAUNCH Summer Internship Program are both restricted to specific Northern California residency requirements, unlike most other digital marketing courses on this list, which are open nationally or internationally.