When in high school, your summer can feel like a pause button. This is the time when you finally get a break from tests, deadlines, and early mornings. However, you can also use that time to build something meaningful for your future. Instead of letting the months pass, you could explore ideas that classrooms often do not cover in depth through business summer programs in NYC for high school students, test your leadership skills, and discover whether business is truly the path you want to pursue.

Picture yourself learning how startups raise funding in Manhattan, analyzing real companies on Wall Street, or pitching a business idea to mentors who have worked in finance, marketing, or entrepreneurship. From global corporations to small founder-led ventures, New York City becomes your extended classroom; you might attend workshops during the day and then step outside to see the same concepts unfolding in real time.

Even if you already live near New York City, a structured summer program can offer something different from your usual routine. You will meet ambitious students from across the country and around the world, collaborate on projects, and experience what college-level business education feels like.

What kinds of business summer programs in NYC for high school students are there?

Finding the right program can feel overwhelming. You do not want to enroll in something that feels too basic or, on the other hand, too advanced without support. Understanding the different formats can help you make an informed choice.

In New York City, you will find programs centered on entrepreneurship, finance, investment banking, marketing, leadership, and even business analytics. Some options focus heavily on lectures, while others emphasize teamwork, case studies, or hands-on projects. You might work on a startup simulation, participate in a stock market challenge, develop a marketing campaign, or build a full business plan from scratch.

Many programs combine classroom instruction with site visits to financial districts, corporate offices, or startup hubs. No matter which route you choose, you will be expected to think critically, collaborate with peers, and present your ideas with clarity. To make your search easier, we have curated a list of 15 Business Summer Programs in NYC for high school students. Each one stands out for its academic rigor, practical exposure, and reputation.

In addition to business, you can also consider leadership programs in NYC. For a global exposure, you can look at business programs in Europe.

15 Business Summer Programs in NYC for High School Students 

1. TED Summer School

Location: London, New York, Singapore, or Online
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small classes, typically an average of ~7 participants per class
Dates: Summer 2026 (multiple two-week sessions across locations and formats)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; places are limited
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 15-18 (14-18 for the virtual programme); strong English proficiency recommended

At the TED Summer School, you take part in a two-week public speaking, communication, and leadership programme that is developed in partnership between Immerse Education and TED. Designed for motivated high school students, the programme helps you discover meaningful ideas, develop them through structured reflection and practice, and communicate them with clarity and confidence.

Across small-group sessions guided by expert tutors trained by the TED team, you learn core frameworks for idea development, storytelling, and presentation. The programme culminates in you delivering a TED-style talk, which is recorded and shared as part of your personal portfolio, alongside a formal certificate and individual feedback. TED Summer School is ideal for you if you’re looking to build confidence, sharpen your thinking, and develop communication skills valued by universities and future careers.

You can explore the TED Summer School programme to check the full guidance on eligibility, application steps, and deadlines on the application page.

Why it stands out: You get to create and present a professionally recorded TED-style talk while developing skills that carry into college, careers, and leadership opportunities.

2. Futures and Options Internship Program

Location: New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive selection
Dates: Typically a ~6-week summer internship in July-August (varies yearly)
Application Deadline: Varies by year
Eligibility: NYC high school juniors and seniors (ages 16-19)

You’ll join a structured, paid internship program where you’re placed with a company, nonprofit, or government agency that aligns with your interests and skills. Alongside your real-world work experience, you’ll take part in career readiness workshops to strengthen communication, interviewing, resume writing, and professional skills.

Monthly check-ins with your Futures and Options coordinator ensure you stay supported throughout your experience. Field trips and networking activities help broaden your understanding of career paths and professional environments. Completing this program builds both your resume and your confidence in navigating the workplace.

Why it stands out: You earn real pay doing hands-on work while gaining professional skills and strong career connections in NYC.

3. Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC)

Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive, limited cohort
Dates: July 6th – August 7th
Application Deadline: May 15th
Eligibility: You must be an NYC resident high school student (age 15+)

You’ll take part in a five-week, hands-on summer program that blends technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship through the lens of smart cities. Each day, you’ll engage with STEM concepts like coding, microcontrollers, circuit building, and data integration while also learning how to think like an entrepreneur.

You work in teams to design and build prototypes that tackle real urban challenges, developing both technical fluency and business insight. You’ll also practice presentation and project planning skills. The experience culminates with you pitching your prototype or solution in a public forum, gaining exposure to professional feedback and real-world problem-solving.

Why it stands out: It uniquely combines engineering skills with entrepreneurship training to help you create solutions for the cities of tomorrow.

4. Manhattan University O’Malley School of Business Summer Research Program

Location: Manhattan University, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend:  Tuition ~$6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program with limited enrollment
Dates: June 22nd – July 31st
Application Deadline: International students: March 16th; Domestic students: May 30th
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors; international students can apply

As one of the more academically focused business summer programs in NYC for high school students, this pre-college experience lets you explore how real research and decision-making shape modern companies. You work closely with university professors while investigating topics such as economics, finance, marketing, management, or business analytics.

Throughout the program, you analyze real case studies, practice presenting insights, and develop research skills that mirror the work done in business schools. You also participate in workshops that strengthen teamwork, public speaking, and analytical thinking. The experience concludes with a formal research symposium where you present your project. Here’s the application link.

Why it stands out: You get the chance to conduct real business research with a university professor and present your findings in a professional symposium.

5. Bossgirls Summer Entrepreneurship Program

Location: City College of New York, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive selection with a limited cohort
Dates: June 29th – July 30th
Application Deadline: February 28th
Eligibility:  You must be a current high school student who identifies as a girl or non-binary and reside in the New York tri-state area, with the ability to commute

You’ll join a community of peers to explore entrepreneurship through hands-on learning and collaboration. Guided by mentors and industry professionals, you’ll tackle real-world problems using design thinking, customer research, and creative problem-solving. Throughout the program, you’ll work in teams to develop a business idea, prototype your solution, and build a brand around it.

The experience culminates in a final pitch where you confidently present your concept to an audience. Along the way, you also build professional skills like communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. This immersive summer fosters both practical business knowledge and a supportive network of young innovators.

Why it stands out: You get free access to a rigorous entrepreneurship experience that builds startup skills and confidence while connecting you with mentors and peers.

6. Finance Institute: Wall Street in the Classroom (Fordham University)

Location: Rose Hill Campus, Bronx, New York, NY; hybrid option with online participation available
Cost/Stipend: $1,300 total
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective with limited spots
Dates: Multiple one-week sessions: June 15-19, June 22-26, July 20-24, July 27-31
Application Deadline: Priority registration by April 1st
Eligibility: You must be a current high school student (grades 9-12); international students are eligible to apply to attend virtually

In this intensive one-week summer course, you dive into the basics of finance, economics, and investment through engaging lessons and case studies. You explore core ideas like personal finance, markets, stocks, bonds, and risk management while hearing from guest speakers from Wall Street firms and alumni working in the field.

Whether you choose to attend in person on Fordham’s Bronx campus or join online, you’ll discuss real financial topics and build a foundation in how economic systems work. The program balances classroom learning with interactive discussions that help you apply concepts to current financial trends and decisions.

Why it stands out: You get a concentrated, real-world introduction to finance and Wall Street concepts in just one week. 

7. NYC Mayor’s Office Summer Internship Program

Location: New York City (Office of the Mayor, various departments across city agencies)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive selection with limited openings each summer
Dates: July 6th – August 28th
Application Deadline: The application period is scheduled between February 23rd and March 29th; the link to apply will be accessible during that timeframe
Eligibility: You must be at least 16 years old, enrolled in high school or accepted to an undergraduate program, and have valid working papers/employment certification to work in the U.S.; international students must have U.S. work authorization to participate

In this hands-on internship, you’ll work with professional staff across the Mayor’s Office units on meaningful projects that may involve research, communications, policy support, outreach, and administrative tasks. You’ll gain firsthand exposure to city government operations while attending bi-weekly speaker sessions that help you understand public service from local leaders.

The experience also includes contributing to a team service project that benefits New Yorkers and builds your teamwork and civic engagement skills. You’ll interact with diverse departments and learn about how municipal decisions are made and implemented. The program is structured to strengthen your professional confidence and give you real workplace experience before college. Here’s the list of internship opportunities.

Why it stands out: You earn a paid role in city government while gaining insider experience in policymaking and public service in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

8. University of Rochester Pre-College Business Courses

Location: University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
Cost/Stipend: Varies by course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive with limited seats
Dates: Multiple sessions in July
Application Deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: Open to current high school students; international students are eligible to apply

Through the University of Rochester’s Pre-College Business offerings, you’ll take business-focused half-day courses. It lets you explore key topics like innovation management, basics of finance and investing, language and advertising, and broader business fundamentals.

Each course blends classroom discussion with interactive activities, case studies, and teamwork that sharpen your analytical thinking and business judgment. You’ll learn how ideas become viable ventures, evaluate careers in finance, analyze market messaging, and understand core business operations. Beyond academics, you also get a taste of campus life and build skills that strengthen your college applications.

Why it stands out: You can mix and match multiple short business courses to tailor your summer learning and gain real exposure to different areas of business before college.

9. Mercy University Summer Leadership Academy

Location: Mercy University, Dobbs Ferry, NY
Cost/Stipend: $695
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive with limited spots
Dates: July 5th – July 11th, July 19th – July 25th, August 2nd – August 8th
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors with strong academic records and leadership potential; international students can apply

In this one-week summer experience, you immerse yourself in leadership and business exploration. You learn to match personal strengths to career paths, practice public speaking, and tackle team challenges that sharpen communication and problem-solving skills. Mid-week, you take field trips to Fortune 500 company offices in Manhattan to see real business environments and talk with professionals.

Workshops, guest speakers, and group activities help you better understand careers in finance, marketing, accounting, and entrepreneurship. The week ends with presentations that highlight what you’ve learned and build confidence before college. Here’s the application link.

Why it stands out: You gain real business insight and leadership skills while connecting with peers and professionals in a dynamic, corporate-focused setting.

10. Columbia University NYC Residential Summer (Pre-College Program)

Location: Columbia University Morningside Campus, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $12,837
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective with limited spots
Dates: Session A: June 29th – July 17th; Session B: July 21st – August 7th; or combined 6-week option June 29th – August 7th
Application Deadline: March 2nd
Eligibility: Open to current high school students from around the world; residential participation requires you to be at least 15 years old and turning 16 by December 31st of the program year

In this immersive three-week summer experience, you choose from courses across subjects including business, economics, writing, humanities, and STEM. You’ll attend daily classes taught by expert instructors and engage in academic discussions that challenge your critical thinking and creativity.

Residential life means you’re steps from classrooms, dining halls, libraries, and cultural resources, with structured activities, workshops, and events woven into your day. You’ll also receive a Columbia University Certificate of Participation and an evaluation letter that highlights your performance.

Why it stands out: You get a full Ivy League campus living and learning experience while exploring academic interests and building a strong academic network.

11. Marist University Summer Pre-College: Business

Location: Marist University, Poughkeepsie, NY
Cost/Stipend: $3,700
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective with limited spots
Dates: Session I June 28th – July 11th & Session II July 12th – July 25th
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores and juniors; international students can apply

In this college-credit summer business course, you’ll dive into the fundamentals of management, organizations, planning, decision making, and how business functions operate as integrated systems. You’ll explore how entrepreneurial firms grow, why ethical leadership matters, and how globalization affects modern companies.

Faculty from Marist’s AACSB-accredited School of Management lead sessions designed to make management theory practical and understandable. Beyond academics, you’ll get a feel for college life living on campus, meeting diverse peers, and developing independence.

Why it stands out: You earn transferable college credit while building a solid foundation in business principles and real exposure to college campus life. 

12. Athena Summer Innovation Institute

Location: Barnard College Pre-College Programs, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Residential $10,771; Commuter $8,160
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~30 students
Dates: June 29th – July 17th
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; international students can apply 

In this three-week entrepreneurship institute, you’ll gain hands-on experience designing ventures that aim to create meaningful impact. You work in collaborative teams to brainstorm, research, and prototype startups, nonprofit initiatives, or advocacy campaigns, guided by expert instructors and mentors.

Daily sessions blend workshops on key topics like ideation, branding, financing, and customer research with site visits to innovative companies and conversations with entrepreneurs. You’ll also refine your public speaking and pitching skills with support from Barnard’s Speaking Fellows and present your venture at a final pitch event. 

Why it stands out: You get a deeply experiential entrepreneurship bootcamp that blends classroom learning, mentorship, networking, and NYC field experiences.

13. NYC Innovation Challenge (Hudson Lab Ventures)

Location: Columbia University, Morningside Heights, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $3,500 (commuter) or $6,500 (residential) tuition
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~35 students
Dates: July 13th – July 24th
Application Deadline: Priority review deadline is April 15th
Eligibility: Open to motivated high school students (typically ages 14-18); international students can apply

This two-week, project-based summer experience places you at the heart of NYC’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. You’ll collaborate with peers to address real innovation challenges posed by companies and institutions. You’ll be using Columbia Business School’s inclusive innovation framework to explore social, economic, and design problems.

You actively “teach, practice, do” as you frame problems, conduct research, build solutions, and pitch to real audiences. Along the way, you gain confidence in teamwork, critical thinking, communication, and design thinking. 

Why it stands out: You tackle real business and innovation challenges with guidance from experienced mentors and professionals, not just simulations.

14. Noble Desktop FinTech Summer Program (High School & College)

Location: 185 Madison Ave, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $3,495 tuition
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small classes
Dates: June 29th – July 30th & July 20th – August 14th
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Designed for high school students (ages ~13-18); international students can attend

In this hands-on summer program, you’ll learn the tools and skills at the intersection of finance and technology that are increasingly important in business today. Starting with Microsoft Excel and finance basics like stock valuation and financial statements, you’ll develop practical skills that help you analyze real financial data.

The curriculum also introduces you to Python programming and data science, giving you a foundation for tech-driven business analysis. You’ll leave with a NY State-licensed certificate and portfolio pieces that highlight your work.

Why it stands out: You gain blended business and tech skills (Excel, finance, Python, and data science) in a single, NYC-based summer program.

15. Career Edge: NYU High School Summer Program

Location: NYU School of Professional Studies, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: ~$2,579
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Multiple one-week sessions
Application Deadline: Residential: April 29th; Commuter: June 12th; International: March 14th
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have completed grades 9-11; international students can apply

You can take Career Edge’s one-week professional courses that explore business and startup concepts, from entrepreneurship and finance to marketing and financial technology. These sessions combine classroom learning with field trips and guest lectures that give you a real feel for business worlds and career paths.

Each week is designed as a focused, immersive experience where you build practical skills like strategic planning, market analysis, leadership, and communication. You’ll also get a chance to live and learn on a world-class university campus in NYC if you choose the residential option.

Why it stands out: You can explore business concepts through short, intensive sessions that fit into summer breaks and mix academic work with NYC experiences. 

From Business Discovery to Career Direction

A summer in New York can do more than strengthen your business knowledge. It can sharpen your ambition, build confidence, and reveal where your interests lead.

The business summer programs in NYC for high school students featured here show how quickly classroom ideas can turn into practical, career-shaping experience.

By exploring finance, entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation in real settings, you begin to understand which paths excite you and what skills they demand.

If this summer has sparked bigger questions about your future, read our Career Exploration blogs now and discover the paths, skills, and industries worth exploring next.