15 Entrepreneurship Camps for Teens
If you are curious about how startups are built and ideas turn into real businesses, entrepreneurship camps are a great place to start.
What do entrepreneurship camps look like?
Entrepreneurship camps give you the opportunity to move beyond learning business concepts in theory and experience how entrepreneurs test ideas, solve problems, and bring products to life. Through designing business models, developing product ideas, and pitching your ideas to judges, you learn how entrepreneurs think, experiment, and adapt.
Why participate in entrepreneurship camps as a teenager?
Participating in an entrepreneurship camp can also strengthen your college applications by demonstrating qualities such as initiative, creativity, and leadership. Equally important, these camps connect you with peers and mentors who share your interests, giving you valuable feedback and connections as you explore launching your own venture.
If you’re looking for more programs, you can check out entrepreneurship summer programs. Or, to get an international experience, have a look at entrepreneurship programs abroad.
15 Entrepreneurship Camps for Teens
1. Becoming Entrepreneurial: Toolkits, Mindset and Thought Processes
Location: Suffolk University, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; lunch provided and local subway/bus pass included
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: July 7 – 24
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (rising juniors may be considered); minimum GPA of 2.7 required
Suffolk University’s Becoming Entrepreneurial: Toolkits, Mindset, and Thought Processes program is a three-week summer experience that introduces you to the fundamentals of launching and growing new ventures. Through lectures, workshops, and collaborative team projects, you will learn how entrepreneurs identify opportunities, develop business ideas, and create value within both startups and established organizations. The curriculum focuses on practical learning, including designing business concepts, exploring crowdfunding strategies, and practicing pitching ideas to potential investors. Throughout the program, you also engage with Boston’s entrepreneurship ecosystem through guest speakers and visits with local startup leaders and business executives. The program culminates in a final presentation where you and your team pitch a new venture concept, applying the entrepreneurial thinking you developed during the experience.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: 100% Virtual (live, interactive workshops)
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts offered in summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The Young Founders Lab is a startup-focused boot camp designed to help you build a revenue-generating venture from the ground up. Founded and led by Harvard entrepreneurs, the program focuses on hands-on startup development rather than learning business theory alone. You will begin by identifying a real-world problem and validating your idea through market research, customer discovery, and feedback-driven iteration. As the program progresses, you will develop a structured roadmap for turning your concept into a functional startup. Along the way, you will participate in live interactive sessions that cover key aspects of entrepreneurship, including product development, branding strategy, market positioning, and go-to-market planning. You will also examine case studies of successful startups and learn how founders attract customers, refine their products, and scale their ventures.
3. Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS)
Location: Penn State University Park, University Park, PA
Cost/Stipend: $350 program fee (paid after acceptance)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: June 14 – 26
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from the U.S. and Puerto Rico interested in pursuing business in college
The Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS) at Penn State’s Smeal College of Business is a two-week residential program that introduces you to the fundamentals of business and gives you a taste of college life. Through classes taught by Penn State faculty and industry professionals, you will explore key topics such as business strategy, management, and entrepreneurship while learning what it is like to study business at the university level. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, so you won't just study business concepts, but apply them through team activities and projects. During the program, you will live on campus in residence halls, dine in university dining commons, and interact with a diverse group of academically motivated peers. You will also gain insights into business environments through company visits and guest speakers from the industry.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote (work from anywhere in the world)
Cost/Stipend: Varies by placement; some roles may be paid, while others are unpaid, depending on the startup
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder Internship Program is a selective opportunity that lets you work directly with high-growth startups across industries such as technology, artificial intelligence, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. During the program, you will be placed with a startup and contribute to real-world projects that address genuine organizational needs. Many of the participating companies are venture-backed startups led by experienced founders, including Y Combinator alumni and entrepreneurs who have previously worked at major technology companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. You will collaborate with your manager and receive guidance from a dedicated Ladder Coach, who helps you build professional skills and gain a deeper understanding of the startup environment.
5. Camp Business
Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: $2,000 (residential sessions) | $950 (commuter sessions); $250 deposit required
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited capacity
Program Dates: Residential Blue Session: July 13 – 17, Commuter Session: July 20 – 24, Residential Gold Session: July 27 – 31
Application Deadline: May 1 (priority; may close earlier if full)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Camp Business at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business is a week-long summer program that introduces you to the foundations of business in a college setting. Through interactive workshops and lectures, you will explore core business areas such as accounting, marketing, finance, and management. The program also focuses on essential professional skills, including leadership, teamwork, professional image, and business etiquette, helping you understand how these qualities matter in real corporate environments. Along the way, you will learn about key business tools and concepts such as financial documents, the stock market, and emerging technologies that shape modern organizations. Many activities emphasize collaboration and strategy development, giving you the opportunity to apply what you learn through group exercises and discussions.
6. Essentials of Entrepreneurship
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (on campus)
Cost/Stipend: $8,299
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: June 7 – 19, June 21 – July 3, July 12 – 25, July 26 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 28 (priority) | March 18 (final)
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 9–11
The Essentials of Entrepreneurship program from Wharton Global Youth is a two-week summer experience that introduces you to the process of building a startup. Through interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, and collaborative team projects, you will explore the fundamentals of innovation, marketing, and venture development. The program walks you through the early stages of entrepreneurship, starting with identifying meaningful problems and developing potential solutions that could evolve into viable business ideas. Along the way, you will learn how to evaluate market opportunities, conduct research on customer needs, and design a minimum viable product (MVP). You will also practice building prototypes, crafting a brand identity, and shaping a compelling business narrative
7. Entrepreneurship Summer Academy
Location: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Cost/Stipend: $500 (includes housing and meals); scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: June 7 – 12
Application Deadline: Not specified (applications open until filled)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
The Entrepreneurship Summer Academy at the University of Arizona is a one-week residential program that introduces you to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, leadership, and business innovation. During the program, you will learn core concepts such as business planning, economic freedom, and ethical decision-making while working collaboratively with other students on team projects. These activities guide you through the process of turning an idea into a potential business. You'll also take part in hands-on experiences such as learning Intuit’s “Design for Delight” innovation methodology, visiting local businesses and the Arizona State Capitol, and engaging with guest speakers, including entrepreneurs and policymakers. You will also receive mentorship from the entrepreneurship students of the University of Arizona.
8. Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp
Location: Tufts University, Medford/Somerville, MA
Cost/Stipend: $4,225 (commuter) | $5,750 (residential); limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: July 5 – 17
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10–12 or graduating from high school in 2026
The Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp at Tufts University is a two-week program that lets you explore entrepreneurship by creating a startup idea from the ground up. The program focuses on developing an entrepreneurial mindset while teaching you how to identify real-world problems and build practical solutions. You will work through the early stages of venture creation, learning how to design innovative products or services and evaluate potential market opportunities. During the bootcamp, you will collaborate with peers, Tufts students, and alumni mentors while developing your own startup, small business, or nonprofit concept. You will also gain experience presenting your idea to advisors, potential investors, and other stakeholders.
9.Summer Immersion Experience in Biotech
Location: North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 24 students/session (48 total participants)
Program Dates: June 14 – 26 | July 12 – 24
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18
The Summer Immersion Experience in Biotech is a two-week residential program that introduces you to biotechnology and the connection between science, finance, and entrepreneurship. Through hands-on learning and interactive sessions, you will learn how biotechnology innovations are developed and how they move from the lab to real-world applications and sometimes even into successful businesses. The program blends scientific exploration with lessons on financial literacy and entrepreneurial thinking. You will engage with instructors and mentors who explain biotechnology concepts, innovation processes, and the broader business environment surrounding biotech startups. All the activities focus on collaboration and experiential learning, giving you opportunities to work with peers.
10. Entrepreneurship Institute
Location: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Cost/Stipend: $3,500
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: June 21 – 26 | July 12 – 17
Application Deadline: Not specified; sessions may fill and move to a waitlist
Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 9–12
The Entrepreneurship Institute at Wake Forest University’s Summer Immersion Program is a one-week residential experience that introduces you to the process of building and launching a startup. During the program, you learn key business concepts, including entrepreneurial marketing, financial modeling, and startup strategy. You will engage with founders and industry professionals while touring startup companies and business accelerators, giving you a closer look at how early-stage companies operate and scale their ideas. The program culminates in a startup pitch competition, where you apply the skills you have learned and receive feedback from mentors and judges. Students who complete the program receive a Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion.
11. Exploring Entrepreneurship
Location: Fordham University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $1,950 tuition (includes lunches and field trips); $150 non-refundable application fee; optional housing available for an additional fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Exploring Entrepreneurship program at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business offers a one-week introduction to the startup ecosystem. Hosted at the Foundry, the program walks you through the key stages of developing a startup idea and turning it into a potential business. You will work with peers to design a startup concept while learning essential tools such as the business model canvas, design thinking, and value proposition development. Throughout the week, you will participate in ideation workshops, customer discovery sessions, and roundtable discussions on topics such as marketing strategy, team building, and startup financing. In the afternoons, you will collaborate with your team to develop a business idea and prepare a pitch presentation.
12. Rutgers Business School Summer Business Camp
Location: Rutgers University, Livingston Campus (Piscataway, NJ)
Cost/Stipend: $2,600 (includes room, board, meals, and field trips)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited spots and sessions may fill quickly
Program Dates: July 5 – 11 | July 12 – 18 | July 19 – 25
Application Deadline: Rolling until sessions fill
Eligibility: High school students (exact grade eligibility not specified)
The Rutgers Business School Summer Business Camp is a one-week residential program that provides a hands-on introduction to key areas of business. During the program, you will explore fields such as marketing, management, accounting, finance, and supply chain management through interactive sessions led by Rutgers Business School faculty. The curriculum focuses on experiential learning, allowing you to see how business concepts are applied in real-world organizations. Throughout the week, you will participate in exercises that simulate the entrepreneurial process, including developing a business plan and creating an elevator pitch. The program also includes visits to businesses and group discussions that introduce you to a range of career paths in the business world.
13. Entrepreneurship Summer Camp
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost/Stipend: $125 program fee (includes lunches, guest speakers, field trips, and camp materials)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited to 35 students; first-come, first-served registration
Program Dates: June 8 – 12
Application Deadline: Not specified; registration typically opens in February and may fill quickly
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The JMC Entrepreneurship Summer Camp at Florida State University is a one-week daytime program that introduces you to the fundamentals of launching and managing a startup. Hosted by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, the camp provides a practical overview of how entrepreneurial ideas evolve into viable businesses. Through workshops and collaborative projects, you will explore core topics such as business planning, innovation, and team development. During the camp, you will work in teams to develop a business concept and build a viable business model. Along the way, you will learn about building balanced teams and using strategic thinking to solve real-world problems.
14. Entrepreneurship Camp – North Carolina Central University
Location: North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
Cost/Stipend: $100 (meals included)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited capacity
Program Dates: July 7 – 18
Application Deadline: Not specified; registration currently closed
Eligibility: Rising high school students in grades 10–12
The Entrepreneurship Camp at North Carolina Central University is a two-week program that introduces you to the core principles of entrepreneurship through hands-on learning. Throughout the program, you will explore how to develop a business idea, create a brand identity, manage finances, and present your venture effectively. The program emphasizes practical experience, allowing you to apply entrepreneurial concepts while developing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. During the camp, you will interact with successful entrepreneurs who share their experiences and insights about launching and managing businesses. You will also collaborate with other participants to develop startup ideas and practice pitching them in a supportive environment.
15. Youth Entrepreneurship Camp
Location: Manhattan University, Riverdale, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $1,400 tuition for three weeks; $50 non-refundable registration fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited enrollment
Program Dates: July 6 – 23 (Monday–Thursday schedule)
Application Deadline: Rolling until spots fill
Eligibility: Students aged 15–17
The Youth Entrepreneurship Camp at Manhattan University is a three-week program that guides you through the process of creating and launching a small business. Working in teams, you will begin with a startup idea and gradually develop it into a functional venture that offers a product or service. Along the way, you will learn how to identify real-world problems, define your target audience, analyze competitors, and build a brand identity through logo design and marketing strategy. Throughout the program, you will progress through key stages of entrepreneurship, including sourcing suppliers, setting pricing strategies, developing a minimum viable product (MVP), and preparing a pitch presentation. Guest speakers from sponsoring companies and the startup ecosystem also share their experiences, giving you insights into the realities of building and growing a business.