15 Business Camps for 16-Year-Olds

TL;DR

This page gathers business-focused summer camps for 16-year-olds across US university campuses, ranging from free week-long residencies to paid multi-week intensives with college credit. Some focus on entrepreneurship and pitching a venture, while others cover broader disciplines like finance, accounting, and marketing through case studies and corporate visits. Eligibility varies widely, from free, US-only residencies like Rutgers Business School's Summer Camp, which charges $2,600 for a week with room, board, and company visits, to selective international options. Immerse Education also runs a two-week Academic Insights pathway in Business Management across five cities worldwide, open to students aged 13 to 18.

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If you're interested in business, you might already have ideas for a startup, questions about how companies make decisions, or an interest in fields such as finance, marketing, or entrepreneurship. But to study business, you need to understand how organizations operate, how they research markets, how they manage resources, and how they evaluate opportunities. 

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The right program can also help you develop practical skills in market research, financial modeling, spreadsheet analysis, presentation software, and pitch-deck creation, depending on its curriculum. By working on a business idea or analyzing a real-world problem, you can begin to understand how classroom concepts are applied to decisions involving customers, competitors, costs, and growth.

How do you choose the right business camp?

Not every program offers the same depth of study. Some focus on introductory business concepts, while others emphasize entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, accounting, or leadership. When comparing business camps for 16-year-olds, consider the curriculum, teaching format, project work, cost, eligibility requirements, and whether the program provides a genuine university experience.

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You may attend faculty-led sessions, collaborate with students who share your interests, receive feedback on a project, or learn how business subjects are taught in a university setting. For students exploring business camps for 16-year-olds, this kind of applied learning can help clarify which areas of business they may want to study in college. If you'd rather explore business entirely online, our online business programs for high school students roundup covers more fully virtual options.

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The following list focuses on 15 business camps for 16-year-olds and highlights the practical work, academic exposure, and college-life experience each program offers.

15 Business Camps for 16-Year-Olds

1. Babson Summer Study for High School Students (Babson College)

Location: In-person component held at New England Innovation Academy, Marlborough, MA | fully online option also available through Babson

Cost: Online: $6,295 | In-person, non-residential (day): $9,295 | In-person, residential: $12,995 (each includes 4 Babson College credits; a $95 application fee applies); need-based financial aid is limited to the online format

Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not disclosed

Dates: July 8th to 28th

Application deadline: Typically mid-February (early) and mid-March (standard); confirm current-year dates on Babson's site

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 by the start of the program and meet Babson's English-proficiency requirements; international students can apply

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You work on real-world challenges connected to the UN Global Goals, using research and design thinking to develop practical responses. With guidance from faculty, you collaborate in cross-cultural teams, manage projects, and learn how to turn an initial idea into a structured solution. 

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You also strengthen your communication skills by presenting your work to different audiences, practicing your pitches, and using feedback to improve them. Along the way, you develop problem-solving, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking skills while gaining experience working in an international academic setting. The program also provides the opportunity to earn 4 college credits.

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Why it stands out: You combine academic learning, collaborative project work, and presentation practice while earning college credit.

2. Immerse Education's Business Summer School

Location: Cambridge, Oxford, Singapore, Sydney, and Toronto

Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class

Dates: 2 weeks during the summer

Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts with rolling admissions

Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 (ages vary by location); open to international students

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Immerse Education's Academic Insights pathway in Business Management lets you explore business management and take college-level classes at universities around the world. Throughout the program, you will participate in lectures, hands-on workshops, 1-on-1 tutoring sessions with expert mentors, and gain professional experience.

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You will develop professional skills, explore the key concepts of business like strategic management, marketing, and finance, and attend immersive activities. The program includes an independent study in business management led by expert mentors. By the end of the program, you will receive a certificate of achievement.

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Why it stands out: You'll learn from world-class tutors in classes of around seven students, follow a practical case-study curriculum, and live in a real university residence as part of a global community of 20,000+ alumni

3. Young Founders Lab

Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.

Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops

Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students

Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring

Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here!

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The Young Founder's Lab is a 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 complex problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.

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Apart from building the start-up itself, you will also participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideations, workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and more. The program is an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of business in high school and have a space to explore multiple theoretical as well as practical frameworks that lead to a successful business. You can check out the brochure for the program here.

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Why it stands out: You work on building a startup with expert mentorship.

4. Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY)

Location: University of California, Berkeley campus, Berkeley, CA (commuter and residential options)

Cost: Varies by residency status and track; check Haas's official site for current tuition

Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not disclosed

Dates: Two two-week sessions, July 5th to 18th and July 19th to August 1st (most recently posted cycle; applications for this cycle have closed)

Application deadline: Rolling until each session fills

Eligibility: High school students worldwide entering grades 9 to 12 with a strong academic record and an interest in business; open to international students

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At Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY), you explore core areas of business through coursework influenced by the undergraduate curriculum at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business. You study topics such as entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and innovation through lectures, case-based exercises, and collaborative projects. The program also asks you to consider how business decisions affect different stakeholders, encouraging you to evaluate ideas critically and apply concepts to practical situations. 

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You work in teams to analyze business problems, develop responses, and present your findings in formats similar to those used in university courses. Alongside the academic work, you gain familiarity with Berkeley's campus environment and the expectations associated with university-level study. This experience can help you assess your interest in studying business or economics within a research-oriented university setting.

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Why it stands out: You experience business coursework modeled on UC Berkeley's undergraduate approach while exploring whether business or economics is the right academic path for you.

5. McCombs Summer High School Programs, University of Texas at Austin

Location: University of Texas at Austin campus, Austin, TX (residential)

Cost: Free

Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not disclosed

Dates: May 31st to June 5th (McCombs Future Executive Academy) | June 13th to 17th (Subiendo) | June 21st to 26th (Discover Yourself in Accounting Majors and Careers), most recently posted cycle

Application deadline: January 31st for Subiendo; other decisions are released by mid-April

Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors; Subiendo is limited to Texas high school juniors; international eligibility is not specified for the other two tracks

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The McCombs Summer High School Programs give you the opportunity to explore business and leadership through a week-long residential experience at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. You learn about areas such as finance, marketing, accounting, entrepreneurship, and leadership through sessions led by faculty, industry professionals, and current UT students. 

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During the program, you work through practical business challenges, contribute to team projects, and practice communicating your ideas in an academic and professional setting. Living on campus also gives you a chance to experience university routines firsthand, from staying in residence halls and using campus dining to participating in organized activities. By the end of the week, you have a clearer understanding of different business disciplines and the academic expectations of a large public university.

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Why it stands out: You combine classroom-based business learning with a residential introduction to university life at no cost.

6. High School Summer Enrichment: Pre-Business Program, Howard University School of Business

Location: Howard University campus, Washington, D.C. (residential; students stay in university residence halls under supervision)

Cost: $2,000 (covers housing, meals, field trips, and instructional materials); limited tuition waivers and reductions are available based on financial need

Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not disclosed

Dates: July 18th to 24th | July 25th to 31st (two one-week sessions covering different business tracks)

Application deadline: March 16th (early) | April 3rd (regular)

Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors with strong academic potential and an interest in business; international students may apply

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At Howard University's High School Summer Enrichment Pre-Business Program, you explore different areas of business while gaining an introduction to the academic environment of a university. You can focus on disciplines such as accounting, finance, entrepreneurship, information systems, or actuarial science, with each track examining how its concepts are used in professional settings. 

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Through classes, case-based exercises, and collaborative projects, you apply business concepts to practical scenarios and develop skills in analysis, communication, and decision-making. You may also take part in activities such as elevator pitches and feasibility assessments, giving you opportunities to explain ideas, evaluate their potential, and work with others. As a residential program, it also gives you experience with campus life and the expectations of studying at a university.

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Why it stands out: You choose a specific business discipline while combining academic coursework, practical exercises, and residential campus experience.

7. Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp, Tufts University

Location: Tufts University Medford/Somerville Campus, MA (residential and commuter options)

Cost: $5,750; a $550 non-refundable deposit is applied toward total fees; need-based financial aid is available to domestic students only

Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not disclosed

Dates: July 5th to 17th

Application deadline: May 1st (priority deadline)

Eligibility: Students entering grades 10 to 12 or recent high school graduates; residential students must be at least 15 at the start of the program and no older than 19 by its end; international students welcome

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At Tufts University's Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp, you spend two weeks learning how to move from an initial problem or observation to a structured business concept. You examine topics such as market research, business case development, and go-to-market planning through workshops and project-based activities. Working with others, you test ideas, consider potential customers and markets, and develop a clearer understanding of how new ventures are planned. 

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You also have access to guidance from Tufts students, alumni, and faculty connected with the Gordon Institute. As part of the residential experience, you live on campus and participate in the university community, giving you a sense of the routines and collaborative environment associated with college. The program concludes with a formal presentation in which you explain and defend your proposed idea to peers and advisors.

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Why it stands out: You follow a structured process from identifying a problem to researching, developing, and presenting a business concept.

8. Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS), Penn State Smeal College of Business

Location: Penn State Smeal College of Business, University Park, PA

Cost: Not disclosed on the official program page

Acceptance rate or cohort size: Highly selective; the 2026 cohort admitted 28 students from 309 applications

Dates: June 14th to 26th

Application deadline: Applications open October 20th and close March 20th

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors from the U.S. and Puerto Rico; not open to students outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico

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You explore foundational business subjects including marketing, finance, management, and entrepreneurship through lectures, case-based discussions, and team assignments. Practical simulations give you opportunities to examine how businesses respond to competition, evaluate different options, and make decisions based on changing circumstances. 

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Alongside the academic work, you develop professional skills through sessions on preparing a resume, building professional connections, and presenting ideas effectively. Campus visits, conversations with current students, and mentoring sessions help you understand what studying business as an undergraduate can involve and introduce you to potential academic and career directions.

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Why it stands out: You combine introductory business coursework with practical exercises and direct exposure to undergraduate business life.

9. Camp Business, Drexel University LeBow College of Business

Location: Drexel University, PA

Cost: Commuter: $950 | Residential: $2,000

Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not disclosed

Dates: July 13th to 17th | July 20th to 24th | July 27th to 31st

Application deadline: Not announced far in advance; check Drexel's site closer to summer

Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors; international students have attended in past years

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You examine business fundamentals through faculty-led classes and workshops covering topics such as managing personal finances, introductory investing, organizational dynamics, and ethical choices in business. Case discussions and collaborative assignments give you opportunities to apply these ideas to practical situations while developing your ability to assess information, work through problems, and contribute effectively to a team. 

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You also take part in professional development sessions focused on speaking, networking, and exploring possible careers. Conversations with professors and industry professionals help you learn about different business majors and the types of work they can lead to. Together, these experiences give you a clearer understanding of business as an academic field and what you may encounter in future coursework.

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Why it stands out: You combine introductory business learning with professional development and direct interaction with academics and industry professionals.

10. Summer Business Camp (NJ), Rutgers Business School

Location: Livingston Apartments and Rutgers Business School, Livingston Campus, Piscataway, NJ

Cost: $2,600 for one week (includes room & board, meals, and field trips)

Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not disclosed

Dates: July 5th to 11th | July 12th to 18th | July 19th to 25th

Application deadline: Registration is open

Eligibility: High school students; international students have attended

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During this one-week residential program, you rotate through several areas of business, including finance, accounting, management, marketing, and supply chain. Faculty-led sessions introduce the fundamentals of each field, while activities such as elevator pitches and business plan development give you opportunities to apply those concepts to practical scenarios. 

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You also take part in visits to businesses and structured exercises that involve developing, refining, and presenting business ideas. Living on Rutgers' Livingston Campus gives you an opportunity to follow a residential college routine, including staying in campus housing and participating in scheduled program activities. By combining classroom learning with applied projects, you gain a broader understanding of how different business functions connect.

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Why it stands out: You explore multiple business disciplines while developing and presenting ideas in a residential university setting.

11. Manhattan University Youth Entrepreneurship Camp (NY)

Location: Manhattan University campus, Riverdale, NY

Cost: A $50 non-refundable registration fee applies, plus a weekly program fee (check Manhattan University's site for current per-week pricing)

Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not disclosed

Dates: July 6th to 23rd

Application deadline: Registration is open

Eligibility: Students ages 15 to 17

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Over three weeks, you develop a business concept through a series of defined stages, moving from an initial idea to a minimum viable product (MVP) and final presentation. You begin by selecting a product or service and establishing its basic positioning, including a target audience, visual identity, and marketing approach. As the project progresses, you research potential suppliers, consider pricing, build and refine your MVP, and prepare a structured pitch. 

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Regular check-ins with your instructor help you review your progress and adjust your work, while group assignments give you opportunities to collaborate and respond to feedback. In the final week, you present your business concept to both virtual and in-person audiences and discuss considerations for operating the business beyond the program.

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Why it stands out: You work through the main stages of developing a business, from defining an idea and building an MVP to presenting it to an audience.

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12. FSU Entrepreneurship Summer Camp, Florida State University (FL)

Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL

Cost: $100 camp fee (covers guest entrepreneurs, field trips, a camp t-shirt, and daily lunches)

Acceptance rate or cohort size: Space is limited

Dates: June 8th to 12th

Application deadline: Applications open mid-February

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; international students may apply

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During this week-long program at the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, you work with a small team to develop a business idea and turn it into a structured business model. You consider how to divide responsibilities across a startup-style team, contribute to different stages of the project, and work with your teammates to evaluate and refine your approach. 

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With guidance throughout the week, you develop your model through group work and scheduled activities, learning how different roles contribute to building a business. The program concludes with a team presentation in which you explain your business model to an audience of family and friends, giving you an opportunity to practice communicating your ideas clearly and responding to questions.

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Why it stands out: You develop a business model through small-group teamwork and present your final work in a demo-day-style setting. If pitching your own venture is the main draw, our summer business internships for high school students roundup covers more hands-on, placement-based options.

13. Future of the Business World, Wharton Global Youth

Location: Online

Cost: $4,099

Acceptance rate or cohort size: Selective

Dates: June 15th to 26th | July 6th to 17th

Application deadline: January 28th (priority) | Rolling admission afterward

Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 to 12; international students can apply

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In Wharton Global Youth's Future of the Business World program, you spend two weeks examining how businesses respond to changing markets, develop new ideas, and make strategic decisions. Through live online sessions and project work, you study topics such as innovation, entrepreneurship, design thinking, and market research, applying them to business scenarios rather than only discussing them in theory. 

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You take part in simulations and group discussions where you evaluate options, make decisions, and help determine the direction of your team's work. You also analyze market and industry trends, organize your findings, and contribute to a final group project. This format gives you practice in assessing information, communicating ideas, and working with others in an online academic setting.

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Why it stands out: You apply business concepts through simulations, market analysis, and collaborative project work in a fully online format.

14. Business: Strategy & Innovation, Wake Forest University

Location: Virtual

Cost: $1,595

Acceptance rate or cohort size: Selective

Dates: Multiple 1-, 2-, and 4-week sessions offered throughout the year

Application deadline: Varies by session

Eligibility: Students aged 13 and older; international students may apply

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In Wake Forest University's Business: Strategy & Innovation course, you examine how companies develop strategies, respond to competition, and introduce new products or services. Using examples from companies such as Netflix and Apple, you explore concepts including business models, competitive positioning, customer experience, and innovation through online instruction and applied projects. 

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You also learn how to examine information companies use when making strategic decisions. This includes reviewing financial filings such as 10-K reports, comparing competitors, and considering how businesses adjust their approaches as markets change. Alongside these topics, you consider how leadership, organizational culture, and ethical considerations influence the way companies operate and make decisions.

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Why it stands out: You study business strategy through company analysis, financial documents, competitive research, and practical projects. If you'd rather explore business entirely online with a broader set of course options, our online business programs for high school students roundup covers more virtual choices.

15. Terry College of Business Accelerated Business Program

Location: Terry College of Business, GA | Remote

Cost: $395 (in-person) | $75 (online)

Acceptance rate or cohort size: Highly selective

Dates: In-person and online dates vary by year; check Terry's site for current sessions

Application deadline: Varies by year; check Terry's site for the current cycle

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; international students may apply

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The Accelerated Business Program gives you an overview of several business functions through sessions led by faculty members and professionals working in the field. You explore areas such as finance, marketing, and consulting while considering how people in different roles approach decisions and solve problems in professional settings. 

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Rather than relying solely on lectures, the program incorporates discussions and interactive sessions that require you to evaluate ideas, respond to questions, and contribute to conversations. You also examine how individual responsibilities fit within larger teams and organizations, helping you understand the relationships between different business functions. The online format offers a focused introduction to these topics in a shorter program.

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Why it stands out: You explore several business functions while engaging directly with faculty and professionals through interactive online sessions.

Frequently asked questions: Business Camps for 16-Year-Olds

Are there any free business camps for 16-year-olds?

Yes, a few business camps on this list don't charge tuition at all. The McCombs Summer High School Programs at the University of Texas at Austin are free, covering a week-long residential experience in business and leadership. Howard University's Pre-Business Program isn't free but keeps costs low at $2,000, which covers housing, meals, and field trips rather than tuition. If cost is your main constraint, residential public-university programs tend to be more affordable than programs run through private business schools.

Do you need prior business experience to attend a business camp at 16?

No, none of the programs on this list require prior business coursework or experience. Most are explicitly designed as an introduction, walking you through business fundamentals like market research, pitching, and financial basics from the ground up. Programs built around entrepreneurship, like the Young Founders Lab or the FSU Entrepreneurship Summer Camp, do expect you to show up with curiosity and a willingness to work on a team project, but not a pre-built business idea. Check each program's eligibility notes for any academic prerequisites, since a few ask for a minimum GPA.

Can international students attend US business camps for high schoolers?

Most of the programs on this list accept international students, though a few are restricted to US residents. Penn State's Business Opportunities Summer Session is limited to students from the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and some McCombs tracks are Texas-specific. Babson Summer Study, Tufts' Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp, and Wharton Global Youth's online programs all explicitly welcome applicants from anywhere. Immerse Education's Academic Insights pathway in Business Management is open to students aged 13 to 18 from around the world, across five international locations.

What's the difference between a business camp and a business internship for high schoolers?

A business camp teaches you business concepts through a structured curriculum, case studies, and a final project or pitch, usually over a single week or two on a university campus. A business internship instead places you inside a real company or startup, working on an actual project for weeks or months. If you want the classroom exposure and college-campus experience first, a camp makes more sense; if you already have some business grounding and want placement-based experience, an internship is the better fit.

How selective are business camps for 16-year-olds?

Selectivity varies a lot across this list. Penn State's BOSS program received 309 applications for just 28 spots in its 2026 cohort, making it one of the most competitive options here. Terry College of Business's Accelerated Business Program is also described as highly selective. By contrast, programs like Rutgers' Summer Business Camp and Manhattan University's Youth Entrepreneurship Camp are open enrollment, with space available on a first-come, first-served basis rather than a competitive review.

Do business camps for high schoolers offer financial aid?

Some do, though aid is often limited and need-based rather than guaranteed. Babson Summer Study offers need-based scholarships for its online format only, not for either in-person option. Tufts' Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp offers need-based aid to domestic students, but not to international applicants. Howard University's Pre-Business Program and Drexel's Camp Business also mention limited financial assistance. Immerse Education's Academic Insights pathway offers a bursary programme that students from any location can apply through.

Your next step toward a business degree

Business camps for 16-year-olds work best when you treat them as a real test of a possible college major, not just a resume line.

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A free week on a state campus teaches you something different than a paid residential program with college credit attached.

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Whichever format you pick, you'll leave with a clearer sense of whether business is the major you want to pursue.

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For more help narrowing down your college path, browse our University Preparation blogs and find the program that fits your next step.