10 Business Summer Programs for High School Students in Michigan
If you're a high school student in Michigan eager to begin your business education, we’ve compiled a list of 10 engaging business summer programs for you to consider.
With options from popular institutions like the University of Michigan and organizations like Bank of America, there are a ton of options that you can explore as a high schooler.
These programs offer access to college-level courses and experience, opportunities to network with peers, faculty, and industry experts, and unique experiences to build your confidence and skillset. Participating in such programs not only strengthens your college applications and admission essays but also enhances your resume!
In this blog, we explore 10 business summer programs tailored for high school students.
Location: Virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: $2900 for the team program, $3500 for the individual program. Need-based financial aid is available.
Program Dates: December 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Application Deadline: October 20, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a real-world start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.
Apart from building the start-up itself, you will participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideation, workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and more.
The program is a solid opportunity to delve into the world of business in high school and have a space to explore theoretical as well as practical frameworks that lead to a successful business. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
You can access the application link here!
Location: Virtual or Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: $4750-$9970, depending on virtual or in-person. Financial aid is available
Program Dates: 3, 4, or 5 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: Applications for 2025 will open in the fall and are typically due in April
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible
With LaunchX, you have the opportunity to grow as an entrepreneur from anywhere in the world through their Online Entrepreneurship and Online Innovation Programs. These programs are designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the future of business.
For those seeking a real-world business creation experience, the Ann Arbor Entrepreneurship Program offers the chance to join a team and launch a company in just 4 weeks. Hosted at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor campus, this program provides a collaborative environment where you can work closely with peers under the guidance of experienced mentors.
LaunchX emphasizes practical, hands-on learning, team collaboration, and the development of real startups. By participating in these programs, you'll not only gain entrepreneurial skills but also work alongside a diverse group of peers, or "launchies," as you embark on your journey into the business world.
Location: University of Michigan Ross Campus
Cost: $5,000, with need-based scholarships available
Program Dates: June 14 - 28, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application Deadline: Typically due in January; applications for 2025 will open in November 2024
Eligibility: You must be a rising high school senior with a minimum, cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to apply. Preference will be given to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy is a two-week program designed to offer an in-depth introduction to the inner workings of companies, the problem-solving approaches of leaders, and the life of a business student at Michigan Ross. This academy is ideal for highly motivated students from diverse backgrounds who are eager to explore the field of business. You will gain a deeper understanding of business operations, explore various career paths, and experience college life by learning alongside a group of high-achieving peers.
In addition, you will have the chance to connect with Ross faculty, company partners, and industry experts, which will enhance your knowledge and expand your professional network. The program emphasizes leadership with purpose, encouraging students to consider the broader impact of business. While the academy includes rigorous, college-level academic work, it does not offer college credit.
Location: University of Michigan–Flint campus, MI
Cost: $50, need-based scholarships and scholarships for students with family ties to UM-Flint are available
Program Dates: June 17 – 19, 2025
Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
Eligibility: High school students who will be juniors or seniors in Fall 2025 are eligible
The Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Michigan-Flint offers the Summer Entrepreneurship Institute (SEI), a unique opportunity for high school students passionate about business and entrepreneurship. This program is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the entrepreneurial process, from idea generation to business plan development.
During the SEI program, you will engage in hands-on workshops, interactive lectures, and collaborative projects, all aimed at fostering your entrepreneurial spirit. You'll work closely with experienced faculty and successful entrepreneurs, gaining valuable insights and practical skills essential for launching and managing a business.
Location: East Lansing, MI
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 24 – 27, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and juniors are eligible
Michigan State University’s Entrepreneur Leadership Initiative High School Camp is a four-day program designed to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in high school students. Held at the Broad College of Business, this camp offers a unique opportunity for students to dive into the world of entrepreneurship and business leadership.
Participants will engage in hands-on workshops, interactive lectures, and team-based projects that cover essential topics such as business planning, market research, financial management, and leadership skills. By working closely with successful entrepreneurs and industry experts, students will gain practical insights and develop the skills needed to turn innovative ideas into viable business ventures. Throughout the program, students will also have the chance to network with like-minded peers and mentors.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2490. Financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. The deadline for the upcoming winter cohort is November 24, 2024.
Program Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
Ladder Internships is a highly selective program designed to provide students with virtual internship opportunities at startups and nonprofits worldwide. These startups span various industries, allowing students to choose the field they are most passionate about. It's an excellent chance for students to delve into areas they may be interested in and gain insight into potential career paths.
Through the internship, students will work on real-world projects vital to their assigned startup and present their work upon completion. Additionally, each intern will receive support from both their startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach, who serves as a mentor and guide throughout the internship.
Startups participating in the program are located globally, primarily in the United States, Asia, Europe, and the UK, covering fields such as technology, finance, environmental science, healthcare, media, and more. The program includes personalized training in communication, time management, and other essential skills, along with group training sessions with fellow interns. Internships typically last for eight weeks, providing students with a comprehensive and immersive virtual learning experience.
Location: The program is held all across the country – you will be assigned a local non-profit organization to work with in your region/area. The Leadership Summit will be held in Washington DC.
Stipend: It is a paid internship, but no information is available on the exact amount. The trip to Washington DC is covered by the bank!
Application Deadline: Applications open in October and typically close in January.
Program Dates: 8-week summer internship, including an all-expenses-covered week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC. Dates vary by location, but the internship usually begins shortly after the school year ends.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply. See all eligibility criteria here.
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program has been nurturing the next generation of community-minded leaders since 2004. This program annually connects high school juniors and seniors with paid internships at leading nonprofit organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity.
In this eight-week internship, you gain hands-on experience in community service and nonprofit operations. Additionally, the program includes a fully funded trip to the week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where students engage with leaders from nonprofits, government, and businesses to learn about the collaborative efforts required to address pressing societal challenges. Through these experiences, students develop the skills and knowledge needed to inspire change and make a lasting impact in their communities.
Location: Virtual
Cost:
4-week group program: $797
6-week 1-on-1: $1997
12-week 1-on-1: $3997
Application Deadline: Not specified
Program Dates: (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
June: 3rd – 28th
July: 5th – 29th
August: 2nd – 26th
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 13 and 18
The Beta Bowl Virtual Entrepreneurship Program offers an opportunity for ambitious students to dive into the world of business and startups. This program provides a hands-on experience where students can learn the essentials of entrepreneurship, from ideation and marketing to business planning and pitching.
Throughout the program, participants will work closely with experienced mentors, gaining valuable insights and practical skills necessary for launching a successful business. Students will participate in weekly video calls, receive personalized feedback, and access a wealth of resources to help them develop and refine their business ideas. The program culminates in a final pitch competition, where students present their business plans to a panel of judges, receiving constructive feedback and the chance to win awards.
Location: Remote
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines, it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible.
Program Length: Usually 3 months, year-round
Eligibility: High school students can apply
Building-U is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting high school students. Operating virtually, it is currently seeking interns to assist with the administrative and business aspects of the organization. This three-month internship offers a variety of roles, including positions in R&D, marketing, business development, and more. Detailed descriptions of these roles can be found here.
As a business and development intern, you will be responsible for cultivating partnerships, organizing data related to ongoing and projected initiatives, and helping to identify, develop, and diversify funding streams. You will also develop your communication and collaboration skills as you work with different teams and fellow interns.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $6295 with a $95 application fee; need-based financial aid and technology stipends are available
Application Deadline: March 15, 2025 (tentative based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: July 8 – 29, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors are eligible; students must be 16 by the start of the program and graduate in 2026 or 2027
While this program is not a traditional internship, it provides valuable experience by focusing on social, economic, and environmental challenges aligned with the U.N. Global Goals. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, finance, and business communication. You will learn from Babson faculty, who are both educators and experienced entrepreneurs and receive support from a personal Summer Study Academic Mentor, a Babson graduate or undergraduate student.
You will also participate in both live and asynchronous academic coursework. The course schedule includes live sessions lasting approximately 3 hours daily, with an expectation of up to 5 additional hours each day for out-of-class assignments. To apply, you have to submit your high school transcript, fill out the application form, and answer three essay questions.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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