No matter what field you are interested in joining in the future, having a strong business foundation can prove valuable. Leadership, strategic thinking, problem-solving and networking skills are all learned during business summer camp, which can all be useful in a variety of different professions.
High school students can take advantage of their summers by attending business summer programs.
According to Lindsey Conger, a counselor at Moon Prep, even students interested in competitive direct medical programs (BS/MD) can benefit from gaining experience in the business field. “Some BS/MD programs allow for flexibility of major, and students can choose to study business, even if they are planning on pursuing medical school.” Many physicians, she explains, will need to manage a practice, and these types of summer programs can help a student gain a strong foundation in business. For example, during a business summer program, pre-med students can master analytical thinking and independent research, which can be used to build a successful practice in the future.
For aspiring business students in high school, the secret to success can be to start early and fill their summers with hands-on activities like internships and summer programs. These types of opportunities are an ideal way to apply their knowledge while gaining relevant experience. Here are a few programs students should consider if they are interested in joining the business field.
10 Business Summer Programs
*Details of the program costs, deadlines and duration of camp are subject to change. Verify details directly on the program’s website.
Clark Scholars at Texas Tech University
This competitive program accepts just 12 students each year. The eight-week research program allows students to apply to a variety of different research areas, including Economics, Business, Finance, and Marketing.
The application opens on January 2, 2023, and closes on February 13, 2023. Students must be 17 by the start of the program. The program is from June 18-August 3, and students receive a $750 stipend at the end of the camp.
Wharton Global Youth Program
The Wharton Global Youth Program through the University of Pennsylvania has both virtual and in-person classes available under various topics. Students can choose from classes, including, Management and Technology Summer Institution, Leadership in the Business World, Data Science Academy, Essentials of Finance, Essentials of Entrepreneurship, Sports Business Academy and many more.
The dates of the programs and costs will vary.
Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS) at Penn State University
Penn State University hosts a two-week program from June 18-30 that allows students to learn from faculty members in a hands-on environment. At the end of the program, students will participate in a Business Case Competition to showcase what they have learned.
Once accepted to the program, students must pay a $50 registration fee and will be housed in a campus dorm with other program participants. Any rising senior is eligible to apply. The application is already open and will close on March 31, 2023.
Berkeley Business Academy for Youth
Every summer, 50 students are invited to the UC-Berkeley campus for two weeks. Through the B-BAY program, they will learn how to develop a business idea, create and present a business plan, and learn from Berkeley Haas professors and corporate guest speakers. This two-week program has two sessions: Session I from July 9-22 and Session II from July 22-August 5. The tuition is $6,050 for California residents and $7,050 for out-of-state residents. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a deadline of March 18, 2023.
Entrepreneur Academy at Georgetown University
The two-week camp hosted at Georgetown University gives students a chance to learn the ins and outs of starting a business, including prototype testing, market research and business operations. While at the camp, students will also practice their public speaking, communication, networking and leadership skills.
The camp takes place from July 2-14, with an estimated cost of $5,500, which includes tuition, housing and meals. Commuter student tuition is $3,835.
Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS) at Penn State University
Penn State University hosts a two-week program from June 18-30 that allows students to learn from faculty members in a hands-on environment. At the end of the program, students will participate in a Business Case Competition to showcase what they have learned.
Once accepted to the program, students must pay a $50 registration fee and will be housed in a campus dorm with other program participants. Any rising senior is eligible to apply. The application is already open and will close on March 31, 2023.
Camp Business at Drexel University
Camp Business, a one-week camp hosted by Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, allows students to learn business basics, including accounting, finance, management, team building and leadership skills. They will also learn about the stock market, financial documents and technology. Students can choose between a commuter session (July 9 - July 14) and a residential session (July 16-July 21)
To apply, students must submit an application and official high school transcripts. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Business is Global: Summer Language Program at Indiana University
The focus of this two-week program is on global business, culture and language. The 2023 program will introduce students to Arabic, Brazilian, Korean and Russian languages. Students will also be introduced to business operations and how current events impact international business.
The deadline is April 14 for the camp, which takes place June 25-July 8. To attend this in-person camp, students must be a rising sophomore, junior or senior, and the program fee is $1,900.
Summer Study for High School Students at Babson College
The three-week program at Babson has both live and asynchronous classes from July 7 - 28. Even though it is online, the program requires a lot of teamwork. Students receive exposure to aspects of entrepreneurship, marketing, finance and business communication. During the program, students will gain a better understanding of the United nation’s Global Goals to become more equipped to address real-world problems in the future.
The program is open to rising juniors and seniors, and the deadline to apply is March 1, 2023.
Beta Bowl
This virtual program helps students to build a business by helping them create a marketing plan, financial model, and investor proposal. Students can choose between one-on-one or group programs, with each program lasting between four to twelve weeks.
Beta Bowl offers programs each month, so students can start when it works best for their schedule.
LaunchX Summer Program
This program is focused on high school entrepreneurs who want to learn how to launch a startup. Students will work with their peers to build real products and learn how to solve business challenges. LaunchX has three options: Entrepreneurship (online), Entrepreneurship (campus) and an Innovation Program.
The dates and cost of the programs will vary. The deadline for the Regular Round is February 15, 2023.
