15 Entrepreneurship Camps for High School Students

Entrepreneurship is becoming an increasingly popular career path for high school students interested in innovation, business, and problem-solving. 

What do entrepreneurship camps involve?

These programs often cover topics such as startup development, marketing, finance, leadership, product design, and pitching. They also provide opportunities to connect with founders, investors, professors, and industry professionals who can offer mentorship and career guidance.

Why attend an entrepreneurship camp in high school?

If you are considering launching your own venture someday, these experiences can help you test your interests while building valuable skills. Many entrepreneurship camps for high school students also strengthen college applications by demonstrating initiative, leadership, and commitment to learning outside the classroom.

For more opportunities, check out our guides on entrepreneurship summer programs in Chicago for high school students and entrepreneurship programs in Michigan for high school students.

Quick Look

• 2 free programs: McCombs Summer Business Programs and NCCU's Entrepreneurship Summer Camp, both fully covering tuition, housing, and meals.

• 1 fully virtual option: Young Founders Lab, open to all high school students nationwide.

• 3 residency-restricted programs: Meta Summer Academy (East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City residents), the Business Leadership Program at CU Boulder (Colorado residents only), and Subiendo at McCombs (Texas juniors only).

• Highest-cost programs: Wharton's Innovation and Startup Culture Program equivalent at $8,959, and Berkeley's B-BAY at up to $7,332 for out-of-state students.

• Young Founders Lab is the only fully remote option focused on building an actual revenue-generating startup rather than a campus-based curriculum.

15 Entrepreneurship Camps for High School Students

1. Camp Business – Drexel University LeBow College of Business

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cost/Stipend: $2,000 (Residential Blue & Gold), $950 (Commuter); $250 deposit required upon acceptance

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; cohort size not published

Program Dates: July 13–18 (Residential Blue), July 20–25 (Commuter), July 27–August 1 (Residential Gold)

Application Deadline: April 21

Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

Camp Business at Drexel University offers you an introduction to key business concepts through an engaging, case-based learning experience. During the program, you will evaluate financial reports, take part in stock market simulations, and create marketing plans for fictional businesses. Coursework explores areas such as accounting, management, and decision sciences, with a focus on analytical thinking and effective communication. By collaborating with peers, you will use business principles to solve challenges and strengthen your leadership skills in realistic scenarios. Whether you attend as a residential or commuter student, you will gain access to Drexel’s faculty, facilities, and interactive learning environment.

2. Young Founders Lab

Location: 100% virtual with live interactive workshops

Cost: $2,900; need-based financial aid available

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective

Program Dates: 4-week program starting tentatively June 5

Application Deadline: Early Decision: March | Regular Admission I: April | Regular Admission II: May

Eligibility: Open to all high school students

The Young Founders Lab is a startup bootcamp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. You will work toward building a revenue-generating startup that addresses a real-world problem while receiving mentorship from entrepreneurs and professionals from companies such as Google, Microsoft, and X. The program combines startup building with interactive classes covering business fundamentals, ideation, market validation, and growth strategies. You will also participate in case studies, workshops, networking events, and panel discussions. Throughout the program, you will apply entrepreneurial concepts directly to your own venture rather than learning only through theory. 

3. McCombs Summer Business Programs

Location: Austin, Texas

Cost/Stipend: Free (tuition, housing, and meals fully covered)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; small cohorts across three academies

Program Dates: McCombs Future Executive Academy (MFEA): June 1–6; Subiendo: The Academy for Rising Leaders: June 8–12; Discover Yourself in Accounting Majors and Careers (DYNAMC): June 22–27

Application Deadline: Subiendo: January 31; MFEA & DYNAMC: March 1

Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors (Subiendo open only to Texas juniors)

The McCombs Summer Business Programs at the University of Texas at Austin offer three residential experiences designed for high school students interested in business, leadership, and professional development. While each academy emphasizes a different area, all three help you build communication, collaboration, and critical-thinking skills. In the McCombs Future Executive Academy (MFEA), you examine business strategy and leadership through case studies, simulations, and interactive discussions. Subiendo centers on civic engagement and public policy, helping you understand the relationship between business, government, and community impact. DYNAMC, developed in partnership with Ernst & Young, introduces you to accounting principles and demonstrates how financial decision-making influences organizations across various sectors.

4. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote

Cost: Starting at $2,490; financial aid available

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective

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 per week for 8–12 weeks; open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students

Ladder Internships connects you with high-growth startups where you work on real projects under the guidance of founders and managers. Startup placements span industries such as technology, AI, healthcare, consulting, journalism, marketing, and finance. Throughout the internship, you will receive support from both your company supervisor and a dedicated Ladder Coach. You will contribute to meaningful projects rather than completing observational work. At the end of the internship, you present your work and outcomes to company leadership. 

5. Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS)

Location: University Park, Pennsylvania

Cost: $350

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective

Program Dates: June 14–26

Application Deadline: March 20

Eligibility: Open to high school juniors from the U.S. and Puerto Rico interested in pursuing a business education in college.

The Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS) at Penn State University is a two-week residential program offered through the Smeal College of Business. Designed to introduce you to both college life and fundamental business concepts, the program combines academic coursework with hands-on learning experiences. You will study subjects such as accounting, entrepreneurship, and supply chain management to gain insight into how organizations operate and make strategic decisions. Through workshops, case studies, and collaborative projects, you will strengthen your analytical and public speaking skills. You will also hear from Penn State faculty and industry professionals while participating in campus activities that provide a realistic preview of the undergraduate business experience.

6. Entrepreneurship Summer Academy

Location: Tucson, Arizona

Cost/Stipend: Varies; scholarships available

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; typically fewer than 50 students

Program Dates: June 8–13

Application Deadline: Opens each spring

Eligibility: Students in grades 8–12; no prior business experience required

The Entrepreneurship Summer Academy at the University of Arizona is a weeklong residential program designed for students interested in business, innovation, and startup creation. Throughout the program, you will explore entrepreneurship, economic principles, and strategic decision-making through engaging lessons and hands-on activities. Using Intuit’s Design for Delight methodology, you will identify customer needs, generate solutions, build prototypes, and evaluate business ideas. Working alongside peers, you will collaborate with mentors from the McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship to refine your concepts and strengthen your presentation skills. The experience concludes with a pitch competition where you showcase your ideas to local entrepreneurs and business professionals.

7. Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp

Location: Tufts University, Medford / Somerville Campus

Cost: Commuter: $4,225; Residential: $5,750

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small cohort

Program Dates: July 5–July 17

Application Deadline: Dec 1 – May 1

Eligibility: Current 10th–12th graders (minimum 2.0 GPA; must be at least 15 years old by check-in)

The Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp at Tufts University is an intensive summer program that introduces you to the core principles of building and scaling a business. During the program, you will explore each stage of the entrepreneurial process, from identifying opportunities and developing solutions to creating business models and delivering pitches. Working in teams, you will design ventures using design thinking and lean startup methodologies while receiving guidance from Tufts faculty and experienced mentors. Interactive workshops cover areas such as market analysis, prototyping, branding, and financial planning, helping you develop practical business and innovation skills. The collaborative environment provides valuable exposure to entrepreneurship while encouraging creativity, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.

8. Entrepreneurship Summer Camp

Location: North Carolina Central University (NCCU), Durham, North Carolina

Cost/Stipend: Free (meals included)

Program Dates: June 7–18

Application Deadline: April 1 (tentative)

Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders

Hosted by NCCU’s School of Business, this free two-week program introduces you to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, branding, and financial literacy. Throughout the camp, you will learn how to develop business models, evaluate market opportunities, and deliver effective investor presentations. Sessions led by faculty members and local entrepreneurs focus on practical skills in leadership, marketing, budgeting, and strategic planning. Through collaborative activities and hands-on projects, you will gain experience applying business concepts to real-world scenarios. The program concludes with a pitch competition where you present your venture ideas and demonstrate your understanding of innovation, feasibility, and business execution.

9. On-Campus Summer Business Academies – Harvard Student Agencies

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cost/Stipend: $1,800; early-bird discounts and need-based financial aid available

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Cohorts vary; accessible with strong financial support

Program Dates: Multiple dates from June to August

Application Deadline: Rolling; early application recommended for aid

Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12

The On-Campus Summer Business Academies offered by Harvard Student Agencies provide a practical introduction to key business concepts through immersive, weeklong programs. You can choose between the Entrepreneurship track and the Management & Strategy track based on your interests. In the Entrepreneurship track, you will examine markets, identify business opportunities, and develop a business plan while conducting SWOT and market analyses. You will then present your venture to a mock investor panel, strengthening your communication and strategic-thinking skills. In the Management & Strategy track, you will tackle real-world business challenges through case studies, operational planning exercises, and financial modeling activities that demonstrate how organizations make complex decisions.

10. Entrepreneurship Institute – Summer Immersion Program – Wake Forest University

Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Cost/Stipend: $3,200 (includes tuition, housing, and meals)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small cohort

Program Dates: June 15–20 or June 22–27

Application Deadline: Rolling until filled

Eligibility: Current 9th–12th graders

Wake Forest’s Entrepreneurship Institute is a weeklong residential program designed to introduce you to startup creation, innovation, and business development. Throughout the program, you will explore topics such as business ideation, financial planning, and marketing strategy while developing a prototype and investor-ready pitch deck. The curriculum combines classroom learning with visits to local startups and mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs. Using quantitative analysis and design-thinking techniques, you will refine your ideas and evaluate their market potential. The experience concludes with a competitive pitch presentation where you showcase your venture to industry professionals and receive feedback on your business concept.

11. Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY)

Location: Berkeley, California

Cost/Stipend: $6,292 (CA residents); $7,332 (out-of-state); limited need-based scholarships available

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~50 students per session

Program Dates: July 5–19 or July 19–August 2

Application Deadline: March 1; rolling admissions until full

Eligibility: Open to high school students worldwide

Hosted by UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, the Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY) is a two-week residential program that introduces you to entrepreneurship, business strategy, and innovation. During the program, you will study marketing analytics, financial modeling, and product development while collaborating with peers to create a comprehensive business plan. Guided by Haas faculty and mentored by Berkeley students, you will gain hands-on experience in customer discovery, market research, and venture development. Guest speakers, including entrepreneurs and investors, provide insight into how successful businesses are built and scaled. The program culminates in a formal pitch competition where you present your team’s business concept to faculty judges and receive feedback on its viability and growth potential.

12. Exploring Entrepreneurship – Fordham University Gabelli School of Business

Location: New York City, New York

Cost/Stipend: $1,800

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small cohort for individualized instruction

Program Dates: June 23–27

Application Deadline: Rolling until filled

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors

Fordham University’s Exploring Entrepreneurship program is a weeklong summer experience designed for high school students interested in learning how startups evolve from ideas into successful businesses. Throughout the program, you will develop business models, examine customer needs, and create prototypes aimed at solving real-world challenges. Workshops focus on key entrepreneurial topics, including funding, marketing, and business growth, helping you understand how to launch and manage a venture. You will also visit a startup incubator in New York City and participate in discussions with professionals in venture capital, business strategy, and leadership. The program provides practical exposure to entrepreneurship while helping you strengthen your analytical, creative, and communication skills.

13. Accelerated Business Program – University of Georgia Terry College of Business

Location: Athens, Georgia (UGA campus) and online option

Cost/Stipend: $295 (residential); $25 (online); limited need-based scholarships available

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; small cohorts

Program Dates: June 8–11 (Athens); July 10–11 (online)

Application Deadline: March 23 (Athens); June 2 (online)

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, and incoming UGA freshmen

The Accelerated Business Program at the University of Georgia introduces you to fundamental business concepts through lectures, workshops, and presentations from industry leaders. During the program, you will evaluate business models, explore topics in strategy and finance, and engage with faculty from the Terry College of Business. Sessions featuring professionals from organizations such as PwC and Google demonstrate how business principles are applied in professional settings. The residential option includes collaborative projects, networking opportunities, and campus-based activities, while the online format delivers a condensed experience with live discussions and peer interaction. Both options provide valuable exposure to business education and help you build a stronger understanding of potential career pathways.

14. Summer Business Camp – Rutgers Business School

Location: Piscataway, New Jersey (Livingston Campus)

Cost: $2,500

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Extremely popular; fills quickly

Program Dates: July 6–12, July 13–19, July 20–26

Application Deadline: Rolling from January 2; early registration recommended

Eligibility: Open to all high school students

Rutgers Business School’s weeklong residential camp introduces you to core business disciplines, including marketing, finance, management, and supply chain operations. Through interactive workshops and collaborative projects, you will gain practical experience applying business concepts to real-world situations. The program includes case studies, company visits, and strategy-focused sessions led by Rutgers faculty and business professionals. As a capstone project, you will develop and present a business plan that demonstrates your understanding of market analysis, competitive positioning, and financial viability. Living in campus housing also gives you a firsthand look at college life while encouraging teamwork and professional growth.

15. Business Leadership Program (BLP)

Location: University of Colorado Boulder Leeds School of Business, Boulder, Colorado

Cost/Stipend: Free (tuition and housing covered by sponsors)

Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; limited cohort

Program Dates: June 22–28

Application Deadline: March 13

Eligibility: Open to Colorado residents or students attending a Colorado high school. Only current juniors for the current school year are eligible.

The Business Leadership Program at CU Boulder is a fully funded, weeklong experience focused on leadership, strategic thinking, and business problem-solving. During the program, you will work on marketing and innovation projects developed around real companies, gaining exposure to consulting, branding, and corporate strategy. The curriculum emphasizes collaboration, financial planning, communication, and professional decision-making through hands-on activities and team-based challenges. You may also engage with executives from organizations such as EY and KeyBank, providing insight into different business careers. High-achieving participants may become eligible for scholarship opportunities through the Leeds School of Business, adding further value to the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there free entrepreneurship camps for high school students?

Yes. The McCombs Summer Business Programs at UT Austin fully cover tuition, housing, and meals across all three academies, and NCCU's Entrepreneurship Summer Camp in Durham is also free with meals included.

Which camps are open to students regardless of location?

Young Founders Lab is fully virtual and open to all high school students nationwide, unlike most camps on this list, which require travel to a specific campus. It pairs you with mentors from Google, Microsoft, and X as you build a real revenue-generating startup.

Which camps are restricted to students from a specific state or region?

The Business Leadership Program at CU Boulder is limited to Colorado residents, Meta Summer Academy requires residency in East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City, and Subiendo at McCombs is open only to Texas juniors.