The Ultimate Guide to the KeyBank Business Leadership Program for High Schoolers

Jumpstarting a career in business is both exciting and challenging, requiring leadership skills that aren’t fully developed in traditional classroom settings. Fortunately, there are a variety of summer programs that cater to high school students interested in business, providing them with essential skills for success in the field. Programs like the KeyBank Business Leadership Program not only help you build business acumen but also offer opportunities to hone your writing, public speaking, and debate skills — critical components of a well-rounded business education. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the KeyBank Business Leadership Program, an intensive program designed for future business leaders, hosted by the University of Colorado Boulder. We’ll cover the key details, including eligibility, the application process, and a balanced view of the pros and cons of the program. 

What is the KeyBank Business Leadership Program? 

The KeyBank Business Leadership Program is a one-week, fully-funded residential program aimed at high school students interested in exploring careers in business. Hosted at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business, the program typically takes place at the end of June. Participants engage in a case-study format, working in teams to tackle real-life business challenges. By the end of the program, students gain confidence in their business skills and leadership abilities, preparing them for future success in the workforce.  

Am I eligible for the KeyBank Business Leadership Program?

The program is open to rising high school seniors and incoming first-year students at the University of Colorado Boulder. Priority is given to Colorado residents or students enrolled in a Colorado high school. The program is designed to support underrepresented, diverse, first-generation, or minority students, although all students interested in gaining new perspectives on business and diversity are encouraged to apply. Notably, there are no specific GPA or academic requirements, making the program accessible to a wide range of students. 

Is the KeyBank Business Leadership Program prestigious?

While specific acceptance rates for the KeyBank Business Leadership Program aren’t publicly available, the program’s cohort typically consists of around 50 students each summer. Although the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder is not ranked among the top business schools in the nation, it is one of the fastest-growing in terms of prestige and reputation. This program, therefore, offers participants the chance to connect with a rising institution in the business education landscape. 

How do I apply?

To apply, students must complete an online application, which includes three short response prompts (100-150 words each), detailed information about extracurricular activities, and an unofficial high school transcript. A letter of recommendation is also required.  

The application process generally opens on December 1st and closes on April 1st, with recommendations due on April 5th. Students will be notified of their acceptance by the end of April and must accept the program’s offer by the beginning of May. The program kicks off just over a month later, for a week at the end of June. 

Pros and Cons of the KeyBank Business Leadership Program

Pros:

1. The program comes at no cost to participants: The program is fully funded, making it accessible to students regardless of financial status. This includes accommodation, meals, and participation in all activities. However, students must also commit to completing the program in full, including overnight stays, networking events, and social events outside of instructional time.

2. You will engage in networking opportunities with industry professionals and professors: Participants interact with industry professionals and University of Colorado Boulder professors, providing invaluable mentorship and networking opportunities that can influence future educational and career paths. Many past participants have cited the mentorship of faculty and leading experts as a reason for why they have found success pursuing their education and careers after high school. 

3. Participants in the program have the opportunity to win a scholarship: Students work in teams to develop a marketing campaign as part of the program's case study. The team with the best solution wins a $1,000 scholarship to the University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business. This prize could pose a real benefit to students by alleviating some of the financial burden of pursuing higher education in business.

Cons:

1. The KeyBank Business Program is only one week long: The program lasts only one week, which may be too brief for students looking for a more immersive summer experience. While the program is intense, the limited duration could restrict the depth of learning and networking. 

2. The program is super institution focused: The program is closely tied to the University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business, which may not appeal to students who are aiming for top-ranked business schools. Additionally, the scholarship offered is specific to this institution, potentially limiting its appeal to students considering other colleges.

Our Review:

The KeyBank Business Leadership Program is an excellent opportunity for students interested in pursuing a business degree in college or a business-related career. Particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds, this fully-funded program offers a valuable chance to develop leadership skills and gain insight into the business world. Participation in this program can enrich your educational experience and strengthen your application to the University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business, which is rapidly gaining prestige. 

For students looking for a quick, intensive introduction to business studies, the KeyBank program is a great fit. However, those seeking a more comprehensive or prestigious program might consider exploring other options. Ultimately, if you’re eligible and eager to explore business and leadership in a supportive environment, the KeyBank Business Leadership Program is definitely worth considering. 

Bonus - If you’re looking for an incubator program that helps you establish a developed startup in high school and work on your leadership skills, consider the Young Founders Lab! 

The Young Founders 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 also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X. 

You can access the application link here!

One other option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you want to spend your summer pursuing STEM research, you could also 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!

Aisha is a student at Princeton University, studying Anthropology and Global Health. On campus, she is involved with student groups centered around health equity and cultural affinity. In her free time, she enjoys podcasting, learning languages, and trying new recipes.