15 Online Entrepreneurship Pre-College Programs for High School Students
Online entrepreneurship pre-college programs give you a practical way to explore careers in business, economics, and entrepreneurship before college. Instead of learning concepts only through textbooks, you gain hands-on exposure to how businesses are built, tested, and scaled.
What do online entrepreneurship programs cover?
In a virtual setting, online entrepreneurship pre-college programs typically cover topics such as idea generation, market research, business models, marketing strategy, leadership, and financial fundamentals. You may work on individual or team-based projects, analyze real-world case studies, and learn directly from university faculty, startup founders, or industry professionals.
Why participate in online entrepreneurship programs?
Beyond skill development, these programs can also strengthen your college applications by demonstrating initiative, intellectual curiosity, and a clear interest in business-related fields. Many online entrepreneurship pre-college programs offer mentorship, feedback on projects, and opportunities to connect with peers who share similar goals, helping you start building a professional network early.
If you’re looking for an in-person experience, you can check out entrepreneurship summer programs. Or, to get a more international experience, have a look at entrepreneurship programs abroad.
Here is a list of 15 online entrepreneurship pre-college programs for high school students.
15 Online Entrepreneurship Pre-College Programs for High School Students
1. Entrepreneurship – Exploring What It Takes to Create Your Own Business
Location: Online
Cost: Application fee: $35 + Tuition: $1,990
Acceptance Rate / Selectivity: Open enrollment (non-selective)
Dates: Offered multiple times throughout the year; self-paced within each session
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment (varies by session)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
The Entrepreneurship – Exploring What It Takes to Create Your Own Business program is an online pre-college course offered by the University of Southern California that introduces you to the foundations of entrepreneurship through university-level instruction. In this course, you explore how entrepreneurs identify opportunities, evaluate ideas, and build sustainable business models, using practical examples and case studies to connect theory with practice. The curriculum covers core topics such as innovation, market research, branding, and strategic decision-making, helping you understand the full business lifecycle. You engage with structured lessons designed by USC faculty, giving you early exposure to the academic rigor of college business programs in a flexible online format. By completing this program, you develop practical entrepreneurial skills while demonstrating academic initiative and interest in business-related fields for future college applications.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: Online (100% virtual with live, interactive workshops)
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate / Selectivity: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (summer, fall, winter, and spring)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
Young Founders Lab is a virtual startup boot camp that helps you build a real, revenue-generating business while developing a strong foundation in entrepreneurship and applied economics. Founded and led by Harvard entrepreneurs, the program walks you through the full startup process, from identifying a real problem to validating demand and developing a sustainable business model. You gain hands-on experience with pricing strategy, market research, unit economics, and financial decision-making, allowing you to see how economic principles shape real entrepreneurial outcomes. Throughout the program, you participate in live workshops, case studies, and interactive sessions that emphasize practical business skills and strategic thinking. You also receive mentorship from experienced founders and professionals from companies such as Google, Microsoft, and X, giving you direct insight into how startups operate and scale in competitive markets.
3. Wharton Global Youth Program: Essentials of Leadership
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,099
Acceptance Rate / Selectivity: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: June 16–27; Session 2: July 7–18
Application Deadline: Priority deadline: April 2; Final deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising seniors and recent high school graduates
The Wharton Global Youth Program: Essentials of Leadership is a two-week virtual summer program designed to help you strengthen core leadership and business skills through immersive, university-level instruction. During the program, you develop communication, teamwork, and strategic thinking skills through interactive lectures, group projects, and case-based challenges. You learn directly from Wharton faculty and guest speakers while collaborating with students from around the world, offering exposure to diverse perspectives on leadership and decision-making. The curriculum includes digital simulations that place you in real-world leadership scenarios, helping you practice evaluating trade-offs and making informed decisions. You also participate in daily live lectures and teaching assistant–led sessions that reinforce business fundamentals and leadership concepts through hands-on application.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Online (remote; work from anywhere in the world)
Cost: Paid internship (stipend varies by startup)
Acceptance Rate / Selectivity: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (typically 8–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours per week
The Ladder Internship Program is a selective virtual startup internship that places you on a real project with a high-growth company. You work directly with startup founders and managers across industries such as tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting, gaining hands-on experience in fast-paced entrepreneurial environments. Many participating startups are led by founders with backgrounds at companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook or alumni of Y Combinator, giving you exposure to venture-backed startup culture. Throughout the internship, you collaborate closely with your manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach while contributing to meaningful projects and presenting your work to the company. In addition to project work, you receive one-on-one training in communication, time management, and professional skills, along with cohort-based group training sessions that support your growth as an emerging professional.
5. Babson Summer Study for High School Students
Location: Online and in-person available
Cost: $6,295 (online format) + $95 application fee
Acceptance Rate / Selectivity: Selective
Dates: July 8–28
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Babson Summer Study is a three-week experiential pre-college program that helps you develop an entrepreneurial mindset while earning four college credits from Babson College, the nation’s top-ranked school for entrepreneurship. Through the core course Introduction to the Entrepreneurial Experience (EPS1110), you explore how entrepreneurs address social, economic, and environmental challenges using the United Nations Global Goals as a framework. The curriculum introduces you to key concepts in entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, finance, and business communication, with a strong emphasis on problem-solving and teamwork. Using Babson’s Entrepreneurial Thought & Action® methodology, you apply what you learn to practical challenges rather than focusing only on theory. Throughout the program, you engage with Babson faculty, student mentors, and a globally diverse peer group, giving you exposure to collaborative learning and mentorship that mirrors the college experience.
6. Future of the Business World
Location: Online
Cost: $4,099
Acceptance Rate / Selectivity: Selective
Dates: June 15–26; July 6–17
Application Deadline: Priority deadline: January 28; Final deadline: Rolling admission
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
Future of the Business World is a two-week online program designed to introduce you to how business, innovation, and entrepreneurship are shaping a rapidly changing global economy. Led by Wharton faculty, the program exposes you to areas of active business research while challenging you to think critically about uncertainty, disruption, and future trends. You attend live daily online sessions and complete independent work that culminates in a final project where you predict and analyze the future of a business, industry, or global issue. Throughout the program, you explore topics such as design thinking, scenario planning, market research, and strategic decision-making, while learning what it means to think like an entrepreneur. Interactive business simulations allow you to apply these concepts to real problems, strengthening your problem-solving and teamwork skills. You also develop business communication and leadership abilities through pitching ideas, collaborating with peers, and presenting solutions.
7. AEM 3991: Global Business Strategy
Location: Online
Cost: $1,940 per credit hour
Acceptance Rate / Selectivity: Open enrollment (subject to course availability)
Dates: Offered during Winter and Summer sessions
Application Deadline: Varies by term
Eligibility: High school students eligible through Cornell Precollege Studies; additional restrictions may apply by location
AEM 3991: Global Business Strategy is an online, credit-bearing Cornell University course that introduces you to how companies operate and compete in a globalized economy. In this course, you learn how businesses create economic value across borders and navigate international markets, political environments, and competitive landscapes. Through case discussions and an internationalization project focused on a local company, you apply global strategy frameworks to real business scenarios, strengthening your analytical and decision-making skills. The curriculum emphasizes understanding global trends and evaluating how they influence managerial choices and long-term business strategy. You earn official Cornell University credit recorded on a Cornell transcript, which is generally transferable depending on your institution.
8. Learn How to Become an Innovator: Business Strategy & Innovation
Location: Online
Cost: $1,595
Acceptance Rate / Selectivity: Open enrollment (non-selective)
Dates: Multiple 1-, 2-, and 4-week sessions offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by session (typically one week before start date)
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and older
Learn How to Become an Innovator: Business Strategy & Innovation is an online pre-college course from Wake Forest University that introduces you to how innovative companies design strategy, compete, and grow. Through case studies of companies such as Netflix and Apple, you explore how successful businesses build products, differentiate themselves, and adapt to changing markets. The course focuses on core concepts in innovation, business models, customer experience, and strategic effectiveness, helping you understand how ideas turn into sustainable companies. Throughout the program, you complete interactive projects and apply strategic frameworks to real companies, culminating in a final capstone project that demonstrates your understanding of business strategy and innovation.
9. Becoming an Entrepreneur: An Inside Look at Innovation
Location: Online
Cost: $1,895
Acceptance Rate / Selectivity: Open enrollment (non-selective)
Dates: Multiple 1-, 2-, and 4-week sessions offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by session (typically one week before start date)
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and older
Becoming an Entrepreneur: An Inside Look at Innovation is an online pre-college course from Georgetown University that guides you through the full journey of launching a business, from idea to execution. In this course, you learn how entrepreneurs identify market needs, develop products or services, and navigate both success and failure in competitive environments. You explore foundational concepts such as business models, customer discovery, networking, and financing while gaining insight into how companies pivot and innovate over time. Throughout the program, you build practical skills by creating a business pitch, developing a launch plan, and practicing leadership behaviors that inspire teams and validate ideas. The course culminates in a capstone project where you present your business concept and explain its value proposition, revenue model, and target market.
10. Harvard Pre-College Program: Business and Leadership
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,750 per session (financial aid available) + $75 non-refundable application fee
Acceptance Rate / Selectivity: Selective
Dates: Session I: June 22–July 3; Session II: July 6–July 18; Session III: July 20–August 1
Application Deadline: April 9
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Harvard Pre-College Program: Business and Leadership is a virtual summer program that introduces you to core business principles while strengthening leadership and communication skills. With small class sizes of 12 to 18 students, the program emphasizes collaboration, discussion-based learning, and active participation in real-world problem-solving. You work closely with Harvard-affiliated instructors to analyze case studies, explore business challenges, and develop strategic recommendations. Throughout the program, you practice public speaking, negotiation, and teamwork while building practical skills in areas such as data analysis and market research. The interactive format encourages critical thinking and helps you understand how leadership and business strategy intersect in professional settings
11. Brown Pre-College: Leadership in Changing Business – Social Entrepreneurship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,000–$5,000 (depending on 2–4 week session length)
Acceptance Rate / Selectivity: Selective
Dates: June 24–July 19
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Leadership in Changing Business: Social Entrepreneurship is a virtual pre-college course from Brown University that explores how business strategies can be used to address social and environmental challenges. You examine how organizations create sustainable impact in areas such as health, education, and environmental sustainability while balancing financial and ethical considerations. The program emphasizes critical thinking and systems-level problem-solving, helping you understand how mission-driven businesses operate in complex markets. Throughout the course, you participate in interactive lectures, case studies, and group discussions that analyze real-world social enterprises and entrepreneurial models. A central component of the experience is a capstone project in which you design and present a business plan for a social enterprise, applying concepts from strategy, leadership, and innovation.
12. Entrepreneurship: From Ideas to Impact in Fintech
Location: Online
Cost: $1,795
Acceptance Rate / Selectivity: Open enrollment (non-selective)
Program Dates: Multiple course lengths offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by session (typically one week before start date)
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and older
Entrepreneurship: From Ideas to Impact in Fintech is an online pre-college course from Rice University that explores how entrepreneurs are transforming financial services through technology. In this program, you examine how innovations such as fintech platforms, digital payments, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies are reshaping lending, investing, and money transfers. The curriculum introduces both traditional financial systems and modern disruptions, helping you understand how entrepreneurial startups identify inefficiencies and create scalable financial solutions. Throughout the course, you analyze case studies of companies like PayPal, Venmo, Square, and Robinhood to see how fintech businesses generate revenue, reach customers, and navigate regulatory challenges. You also complete a capstone project in which you design a simple business plan for a fintech product or service, applying concepts related to market size, revenue, and technology
13. Accelerated Business Program
Location: Online
Cost: $75 (online program)
Acceptance Rate / Selectivity: Selective
Program Dates: July 9–10
Application Deadline: June 14
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Accelerated Business Program is a selective pre-collegiate experience from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business that introduces you to a wide range of business fields and career pathways. The program is designed to help you understand how different areas of business intersect and what high-demand career paths may look like in practice. As an online participant, you attend virtual sessions led by experienced professionals and UGA-affiliated instructors while connecting with current UGA students who share insights about college life and academic pathways. You earn a Certificate of Completion from the Terry College of Business and develop foundational knowledge in business strategy, leadership, and professional exploration.
14. Business of Sports – Georgetown University Pre-College Online
Location: Online
Cost: $3,995 (college credit option)
Acceptance Rate / Selectivity: Open enrollment (non-selective)
Program Dates: Multiple 6-, 8-, and 12-week sessions offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by session (typically one week before start date)
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and older
Business of Sports is an online pre-college course from Georgetown University that lets you explore the sports industry through a business and economics lens while earning official college credit. In this program, you analyze how professional sports leagues operate as complex enterprises, examining topics such as team valuations, media rights, sponsorships, stadium financing, and revenue models. The curriculum uses practical case studies to help you understand how billion-dollar business decisions shape the sports industry at both national and global levels. Throughout the course, you complete college-level coursework and earn a letter grade recorded on a Georgetown transcript. You work on a final capstone project that involves analyzing a sports franchise, media deal, or business initiative, allowing you to apply financial and strategic concepts in depth.
15. Business Strategy
Location: Online (live virtual classes)
Cost: $3,200 tuition (additional course materials up to $100 may apply; financial assistance available)
Acceptance Rate / Selectivity: Selective
Program Dates: Session One: June 15–26; Session Two: July 6–17
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 (at the time of application)
Business Strategy is a live, online pre-college course from Stanford University that introduces you to how companies develop strategies to compete and create long-term competitive advantages. In this course, you explore strategy at the global, industry, corporate, business, and functional levels while examining how strategic vision, analysis, and formulation shape real-world business decisions. You analyze key players involved in strategy development and apply core strategic frameworks to real companies and competitive scenarios. The course meets live Monday through Friday for interactive online sessions, complemented by daily asynchronous assignments and projects. Through discussions, case-based analysis, and applied exercises, you strengthen your ability to think critically about competition, positioning, and value creation.
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