15 Fall Business Programs for High School Students
If you're thinking about a future in business, fall is one of the best times for high school students to start building real-world experience.
What do fall business programs involve?
While many students wait for summer to explore their interests, fall business programs for high school students let you get a head start while school is already in session. These programs give you a chance to apply what you're learning in the classroom to actual business problems, whether that means analyzing a stock portfolio, pitching a venture idea, or interviewing entrepreneurs for a published article.
Why pursue a fall business program as a high school student?
Many fall business programs for high school students are shorter and more flexible than summer options, so they fit more easily around your existing schedule. Along the way, you can pick up practical skills for your own ventures, strengthen your college applications with hands-on experience, and connect with mentors and peers who share your interests.
Below, you'll find 15 fall programs to consider as you plan your next move. For related opportunities, check out our guides on 15 best startup accelerator programs for high schoolers and business competitions for high school students.
Quick Look
2 free programs: Texas Aerospace Scholars (Texas residents only) and Cradles to Crayons Teen Leadership Corps.
1 fully virtual, entrepreneurship-focused option: Young Founders Lab, the only program on this list built around launching an actual revenue-generating startup rather than coursework, with need-based financial aid available.
Highest-cost programs: the UC Berkeley Haas Academic Year Startup Launchpad (up to $7,450) and NYU Precollege (up to $16,000 for 8 credits).
1 paid government leadership role: the U.S. Senate Page Program, offering an annual salary of $38,547.
Several programs, including FCCLA's Fall Leadership Institute and the Florida Future Educators of America program, aren't strictly business-focused but build transferable skills like leadership, branding, and organizational thinking.
15 Fall Business Programs for High School Students
1. Wharton Pre-baccalaureate Program
Location: Online (offered by the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School)
Cost: Tuition-based (see program website for current tuition)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Fall 1: August 24 – October 6; Fall 2: October 19 – December 2
Application Deadline: Fall 1: July 15; Fall 2: September 9
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Wharton Pre-baccalaureate Program allows high school juniors and seniors to enroll in undergraduate-level, credit-bearing business courses taught by Wharton faculty. Students participate in a combination of live online classes, independent coursework, and practical learning activities while earning 0.5 course units (approximately two college credits) per course. Participants receive an official University of Pennsylvania transcript and have access to academic advising and university resources throughout the program. Classes are intentionally kept small, and grades are based on attendance, participation, assignments, and exams. During the summer sessions, students also become part of the Wharton Youth Network, an online community that connects participants from around the world through networking and collaborative learning opportunities.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: 100% virtual, with live interactive workshops
Cost: $2,900 (need-based financial aid available)
Acceptance rate: Not publicly disclosed
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. UC Berkeley Haas Academic Year Startup Launchpad
Location: Virtual (Gold Cohort) or UC Berkeley Haas Campus, Berkeley, CA (Oski Cohort)
Cost: $6,450 (California residents, virtual); $6,950 (out-of-state residents, virtual); $7,450 (California residents, in-person); $100 non-refundable application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed (selective program)
Dates: September - April (Fall and Spring semesters)
Application Deadline: Round 1: June 7; Round 2: August 9 (rolling admissions)
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade students and gap-year students with strong academic motivation
The UC Berkeley Haas Academic Year Startup Launchpad is a year-long entrepreneurship program that introduces high school students to business, innovation, and startup development through project-based learning. Participants work in teams to develop solutions to real-world problems while learning business fundamentals from instructors, teaching assistants, and industry professionals. The curriculum includes workshops, simulations, guest speakers, collaborative projects, and mentorship from UC Berkeley students and B-BAY alumni. Students who successfully complete the program receive a UC Berkeley Certificate of Participation and a personalized evaluation letter, though the program does not offer college credit. Classes are offered in either a virtual weekday format or an in-person weekend cohort at the UC Berkeley Haas campus, with attendance expected throughout the program.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location: Remote — work from anywhere in the world
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
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. NYU Precollege Program
Location: New York University, New York City, NY
Cost: Tuition-based; approximately $700–$16,000, depending on the number of credits (0–8 credits) taken; Summer housing and dining available at an additional cost
Cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Fall dates vary by semester
Application Deadline: August 14
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th grade high school students (or current 11th and 12th graders for fall and spring sessions) with a minimum 3.0 GPA; International students must demonstrate English proficiency
NYU Precollege allows high school juniors and seniors to enroll in undergraduate courses and earn college credit while experiencing student life at New York University. Students can choose from a wide range of subjects, including business, economics, marketing, accounting, real estate, sports management, STEM, humanities, and the arts. Participants study alongside NYU undergraduates, have access to university resources such as libraries, tutoring, and student services, and may choose to live on campus during the summer. Summer participants can also attend college preparation sessions covering topics such as admissions, financial aid, and transitioning to college. Depending on their course selection, students can earn up to eight college credits during the program.
6. Young Finance Scholar (YFS) Program
Location: Online (self-paced)
Cost: $950 (tuition); no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Self-paced; available year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Middle and high school students ages 13–17
The Young Finance Scholar (YFS) Program is a self-paced online course that introduces middle and high school students to business, economics, and finance through four core learning areas: entrepreneurship, personal finance, capital markets, and financial services. Across 50 hours of instruction, students learn topics such as business structures, financial statements, budgeting, investing, stock markets, banking, insurance, and mergers and acquisitions. The curriculum also emphasizes ethical decision-making in finance through real-world case studies and practical applications. Students explore a range of careers in the financial industry while developing foundational financial literacy and analytical skills. The program is designed for students who want an introduction to finance and business concepts before college.
7. Texas Aerospace Scholars (TAS)
Location: Virtual, with a residential experience at NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX (for selected participants)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: Year-long program; application window July 1–September 16, online course from late September–mid March, virtual challenge in early June, residential experience in late July (selected students)
Application Deadline: September 16
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are Texas residents and current high school juniors (with additional senior opportunities available)
Texas Aerospace Scholars (TAS) is a year-long STEM enrichment program that helps Texas high school students explore careers in aerospace, engineering, and space exploration while building practical leadership and problem-solving skills. Participants complete online modules covering topics such as Earth science, space technology, coding, computer-aided design (CAD), and engineering. High-performing students are invited to a virtual team challenge where they collaborate with NASA scientists and engineers to design mission concepts for future Artemis Moon and Mars missions. Top teams may earn the opportunity to attend a residential experience at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Although the program is STEM-focused rather than business-oriented, it develops project management, teamwork, communication, innovation, and design thinking skills that are highly valuable for students interested in entrepreneurship, technology, product development, and business leadership.
8. U.S. Senate Page Program
Location: Washington, D.C. (U.S. Capitol and Daniel Webster Senate Page Residence during the academic year)
Cost: Annual salary of $38,547 (prorated for the duration of service); residential pages pay $1,380 per month for housing, meals, and field trips through payroll deductions
Cohort size: Approximately 30 page positions available at a time; acceptance rate not publicly available
Dates: Multiple sessions are offered during the academic year and summer; dates vary by session and sponsoring senator
Application Deadline: Varies by U.S. Senator's office
Eligibility: High school students who meet the eligibility requirements of the Senate Page Program and are sponsored by a U.S. Senator
The U.S. Senate Page Program gives high school students the opportunity to work in the U.S. Senate while learning about the legislative process and public service. Pages assist with daily Senate operations by delivering legislative materials, preparing the Senate Chamber, supporting senators and staff during debates, and helping during roll call votes. You also attend the Senate Page School, live with peers from across the country during the academic year, and gain firsthand exposure to the workings of the federal government. The program emphasizes leadership, communication, professionalism, time management, and responsibility through a demanding work and academic schedule. While not a business program, it provides valuable experience in leadership, government, policy, teamwork, and organizational operations that can benefit students interested in business, economics, public policy, or law.
9. Cradles to Crayons Teen Leadership Corps (TLC)
Location: Cradles to Crayons Giving Factory, Boston, MA (in-person, with some virtual sessions)
Cost: Free (Volunteer program; no stipend)
Cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: Summer Session (July – August); Spring (March – May) and Fall (October – December) sessions are also offered
Application Deadline: Late May for the Summer session (May 29)
Eligibility: Middle and high school students interested in leadership, community service, and volunteer engagement
The Cradles to Crayons Teen Leadership Corps (TLC) is a leadership and community service program that helps middle and high school students build leadership, communication, and project management skills while supporting local families in need. Participants commit approximately 15–25 hours per session and complete volunteer shifts at the organization's Giving Factory, where they help prepare essential items for children. Students also organize a product drive or fundraiser in their own communities, participate in leadership workshops, and present the results of their projects at the end of the program. The experience emphasizes collaboration, community organizing, public speaking, and service leadership. Although it is not a business program, the project planning, fundraising, teamwork, and leadership experience can strengthen applications for business, entrepreneurship, and social impact programs.
10. FCCLA Fall Leadership Institute (FLI)
Location: Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Orlando, FL and Embassy Suites Anaheim South, Anaheim, CA (with sessions at Disney Imagination Campus)
Cost: Registration fee not publicly listed; participants are responsible for program and travel costs unless supported by their school or chapter
Cohort size: 240 student members per location
Dates: Orlando: October 17 – 20; Anaheim: November 12 – 15
Application Deadline: Registration opens April 15 (deadline varies until capacity is reached)
Eligibility: Affiliated FCCLA middle school, high school, and collegiate student members; high school students are eligible to participate
The FCCLA Fall Leadership Institute is a multi-day leadership conference designed to help FCCLA members strengthen leadership, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills through interactive workshops at Disney Imagination Campus. Participants choose two workshops covering topics such as leadership, teamwork, immersive storytelling, or theme park design, learning directly from Disney professionals through hands-on activities. The program emphasizes creative thinking, innovation, project management, and effective communication while allowing students to network with peers from across the country. Although not a business program, the workshops introduce concepts related to customer experience, organizational leadership, innovation, branding, and design thinking that are valuable for students interested in entrepreneurship, marketing, management, and business careers. The institute also provides opportunities to build teamwork skills and connect classroom learning with real-world leadership experiences.
11. University of Houston-Clear Lake Art School for Children and Young Adults
Location: University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, TX (In-person)
Cost/Stipend: Approximately $120–$140 for eight classes (varies by course); scholarships and reduced tuition available for eligible families
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Fall classes begin September 12
Application Deadline: Registration closes one week before classes begin (or earlier if classes fill)
Eligibility: Students in Kindergarten through Grade 12, including high school students interested in developing artistic and creative skills
The University of Houston-Clear Lake Art School for Children and Young Adults offers art classes and workshops designed to help young learners build creative and technical skills in a supportive environment. High school students work with experienced educators and university students while exploring a variety of artistic techniques and projects. The program emphasizes creativity, self-expression, and personal growth through hands-on learning. Specialized offerings, including homeschool classes and programs for students on the autism spectrum, provide additional learning opportunities. Scholarships are available for eligible families, making the program accessible to a wider range of students.
12. Florida Future Educators of America (FFEA)
Location: Various chapters across Florida high schools; statewide program
Cost: Approximately $175 per person for chapter membership and activities
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective
Dates: Activities primarily align with the fall academic semester; specific dates depend on local chapters
Application Deadline: Typically early fall or as set by local chapters
Eligibility: High school students in Florida (usually grades 10-12)
The Florida Future Educators of America (FFEA) Fall Activities program is a dynamic initiative designed to inspire high school students in Florida who are interested in pursuing careers in education. The program covers a range of topics, including teaching strategies, educational leadership, and the importance of professional ethics in the classroom. You engage in hands-on activities such as leadership workshops, competitive academic events, and career shadowing experiences that allow them to observe and interact with real teachers. One unique feature of the program is its statewide network of local chapters, which fosters community and peer support among young aspiring educators. Ultimately, FFEA equips students with a clearer understanding of the teaching profession.
13. Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) – Online/Hybrid Seminars
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by region; many virtual seminars are free or low-cost
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: Fall and Winter sessions (September – December)
Eligibility: High school students, typically grades 9–11
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
HOBY’s online seminars help students strengthen leadership and civic engagement through interactive discussions and workshops. You’ll explore your personal leadership style, join collaborative sessions, and design a service‑action plan to implement afterward. Graduates join a global alumni network that continues to provide support and mentorship. The organization draws from the Social Change Model of Leadership, emphasizing awareness, authenticity, and collective action. While HOBY is best known for its summer in-person leadership seminars, the virtual fall sessions give students a flexible way to participate during the academic year.
14. Wake Forest University Business: Strategy & Innovation (Online)
Location: Online
Cost: $1,595
Acceptance rate: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Multiple 1-, 2-, and 4-week sessions offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students ages 13 and above
Wake Forest University's Business: Strategy & Innovation program introduces high school students to the fundamentals of business strategy, entrepreneurship, and innovation through a fully online curriculum. Students examine the business models of leading companies such as Apple and Netflix, learning how organizations create competitive advantages, evaluate customer experiences, and adapt to changing markets. The course includes approximately 30 hours of instruction, interactive projects, mentor support, and a capstone project in which participants develop strategic recommendations for a company of their choice. Along the way, students strengthen their presentation, analytical, and critical thinking skills while exploring careers in business and related college majors. Participants who successfully complete the program earn a Certificate of Completion from Wake Forest University.
15. Rice University Entrepreneurship: From Ideas to Impact in Fintech (Online)
Location: Online
Cost: $1,795
Acceptance rate: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Multiple 2- and 4-week sessions offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students ages 13 and above
Rice University's Entrepreneurship: From Ideas to Impact in Fintech is an online pre-college program that introduces high school students to entrepreneurship through the lens of financial technology. Participants explore topics such as digital payments, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, lending, investment platforms, and financial regulation while examining case studies of companies including PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, and Robinhood. The program includes 20–30 hours of coursework, mentor support, and a capstone project in which students develop a business plan for a fintech product or service or propose an innovation for an existing company. Students also gain an overview of career pathways in fintech, entrepreneurship, financial analysis, blockchain, cybersecurity, and related fields. Participants who complete the course receive a Certificate of Completion from Rice University.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there free fall business programs for high school students?
Yes. Texas Aerospace Scholars is free, though it's limited to Texas residents, and Cradles to Crayons Teen Leadership Corps is also free, focusing on leadership and project management through community service.
2. Is there a program focused on building a business rather than studying business theory?
Young Founders Lab is the one option on this list centered on entrepreneurship rather than coursework, letting you build a real revenue-generating startup with mentorship from professionals at Google, Microsoft, and X, fully virtually with need-based financial aid available.
3. Which programs let you earn college credit during the fall semester?
The Wharton Pre-baccalaureate Program and NYU Precollege both offer credit-bearing coursework you can complete during a normal high school semester, taught alongside university students.