15 Business Leadership Programs for High School Students

TL;DR

You’ll find 15 options here, from paid internships in New York City to week-long academies at Michigan Ross, Wharton, Notre Dame, and McCombs. The biggest split is cost: several programs are free or even pay you, while Wharton’s Leadership in the Business World charged $11,899 in 2026. Most suit high school sophomores through rising seniors curious about business, entrepreneurship, or leadership. Leeds awards a $1,000 scholarship to the team with the best case solution. Immerse Education's Academic Insights pathway also offers two-week Business Management courses for ages 13 to 18 in five cities.

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From the brands you interact with daily to the startups reshaping industries, leadership and decision-making play a major role in how organizations succeed. As a high school student interested in business, you may be curious about what it takes to lead a team, launch an idea, or solve complex challenges. One of the best ways to explore these interests is by joining a business leadership program.

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Imagine developing a business proposal with a group of ambitious students, presenting your ideas to industry professionals, or learning how successful entrepreneurs approach complex problems. Through a business leadership program, you can gain practical experience, strengthen your communication skills, and better understand how businesses operate beyond the classroom.

How do you choose the right business leadership program?

Finding the right business leadership program can be challenging. Some programs offer only a broad introduction, while others provide meaningful opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking skills. Knowing what to look for can help you identify a program that aligns with your goals and interests.

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Many universities, business schools, and educational organizations offer programs designed specifically for high school students. These experiences often cover topics such as entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, management, and innovation. You may participate in case studies, team-based projects, leadership workshops, business simulations, and networking events with professionals and peers.

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Each program has a different focus. Some emphasize entrepreneurial thinking and startup development, while others provide exposure to business fundamentals or leadership training. Regardless of the format, active participation and curiosity will help you get the most out of the experience. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of 15 business leadership programs for high school students, selected for their academic quality, leadership development opportunities, and strong reputations.

15 Business Leadership Programs for High School Students

1. PNNL High School Business Internship

Location: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; the pay range is listed in each job posting
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Academic year, August to May; up to 4 hours a day, 5 days a week, alongside your regular classes
Application Deadline: Applications open in early February; check PNNL’s careers page for current postings
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors enrolled in a public or private high school when they apply, who meet each posting’s requirements; international eligibility not specified

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If you want to see how business operations support cutting-edge scientific research, this internship offers a rare opportunity to do both. You’ll spend half the school day in class and up to four hours at PNNL, working with a mentor in a specific business area. 

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You’ll also take part in leadership development activities, laboratory demonstrations, field trips, and career awareness workshops. Through your high school’s work-based learning program, you can earn elective credits that count toward graduation. If you’d rather work in business over the summer, you can compare it with these summer business internships for high school students.

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Why it stands out: You gain business experience inside a nationally recognized research laboratory, giving you exposure to both leadership development and the operations behind major scientific initiatives.

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. NYC Ladders for Leaders

Location: New York City, NY (placements with employers across the city)
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; paid at least $16.50 an hour, possibly more depending on the employer
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; not specified
Dates: Six-week summer internship, usually starting the first week of July, at 25 to 40 hours a week
Application Deadline: January 16th, 2026 for the 2026 cycle (extended deadline); 2027 date not yet posted
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and college students ages 16 to 24 who live in one of New York City’s five boroughs, are legally able to work in the US, and have prior paid or volunteer work experience

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NYC Ladders for Leaders places you in a paid summer internship with corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies across New York City. Before your placement begins, you’ll complete about 30 hours of pre-employment training focused on résumés, cover letters, interviewing, and business etiquette. 

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During the internship, you’ll gain professional experience while exploring potential career paths. You’ll interact with mentors and industry professionals who can help you navigate future opportunities. After the program, you can remain connected through the Ladders alumni network.

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Why it stands out: You receive structured pre-professional training before stepping into a paid internship with leading employers across New York City.

5. Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute (KWLI)

Location: Kelley School of Business, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN (in-person and virtual events)
Cost/Stipend: Free; funded by the Kelley School of Business Undergraduate Program and corporate partners
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; seats are limited
Dates: One-day in-person events or two-day virtual events; dates vary by session
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher; the program focuses on women in business; international eligibility not specified

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If you are considering a future in business, this program gives you a practical introduction to the field with a focus on the experience and leadership of women in business. You’ll attend workshops with top Kelley faculty that explore key business concepts and help you build leadership and communication skills. 

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Along the way, you’ll work through a business case project and learn how to evaluate challenges from different perspectives. You’ll also interact with current Kelley students and alumni who can share insights about studying business in college.

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Why it stands out: You get an early look at business school through a case project at one of the nation’s top undergraduate business schools, at no cost.

6. Notre Dame Leadership Seminars

Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Cost/Stipend: Tuition, housing, and meals are covered by the University; $75 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 150 students admitted annually
Dates: Session I: June 19th to June 30th, 2027; Session II: July 10th to July 21st, 2027
Application Deadline: January 20th, 2027 (application opens October 19th, 2026)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors entering senior year in fall 2027, at least 16 by August 1st, 2027, and planning to attend college right after high school; international students may apply, with an English test required if they don’t attend an English-speaking high school

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At Notre Dame Leadership Seminars, you’ll spend 10 days exploring complex issues through discussion-based seminars led by university faculty. For 2027, seminar topics include AI and global business, investing and financial literacy, inequality in America, and global issues of violence and peace. 

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You’ll engage in debates, collaborative projects, and close reading of course materials. You’ll also experience residential college life while building connections with high-achieving students. You could be eligible to receive one transferable college credit upon completion of the program.

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Why it stands out: The program offers a fully funded residential experience combined with small-group academic seminars taught by Notre Dame faculty.

7. Sadie Nash Summer Institute

Location: Sadie Nash Leadership Project sites in New York City and Newark, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Not specified in current program materials
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Six weeks; the 2026 program ran July 6th to August 13th
Application Deadline: 2027 deadline not yet posted
Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive youth enrolled in high school who live in New York City or Newark; international eligibility not specified

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If you want to develop your leadership voice while exploring issues that shape your community, this six-week program offers a collaborative space to do so. You’ll explore leadership, feminism, and social justice through classes, workshops, field trips, and conversations with community leaders. 

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Throughout the summer, you’ll engage with ideas of power, identity, and privilege through project-based learning alongside a diverse group of peers. You’ll also take elective classes that build on the core class every participant takes.

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Why it stands out: You receive leadership training grounded in social impact while learning directly from community leaders and changemakers.

8. Mercy University Summer Leadership Academy

Location: Mercy University, Westchester Campus, Dobbs Ferry, NY (with visits to Fortune 500 companies)
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-free; a $695 fee covers food and activities
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 142 rising seniors attended across three sessions in 2024
Dates: Three one-week summer sessions; 2027 dates not yet posted
Application Deadline: Not specified; applications are reviewed by the program’s Leadership Team
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (rising seniors) with a cumulative weighted GPA above 90, demonstrated leadership, strong public speaking, and a passion for business; past cohorts have included students from around the world

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If you want to test-drive a future in business, this week-long program offers a fast-paced introduction to leadership and career exploration. You’ll learn from Executive Faculty who have worked at top global companies, with topics such as career mindset, leadership archetypes, personal branding, and careers in finance, accounting, and marketing. Throughout the week, you’ll visit Fortune 500 companies and work with peers on team challenges such as Shark Tank-style projects.

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Why it stands out: You combine campus life, corporate site visits, and team business challenges in a single week-long experience.

9. Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Leadership Development

Location: Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $9,926; Commuter: $7,574 (2026)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Four weeks; the 2026 program ran June 20th to July 18th
Application Deadline: February 1st (early) and March 1st (final) in the 2026 cycle
Eligibility: Students in 10th or 11th grade when applying who are at least 16 by the program start date; commuters must live within about 30 miles of campus or in Allegheny County; open to international students who can attend in person

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If you want to strengthen your leadership skills in a structured academic setting, this four-week program offers a deep dive into how effective leaders think and act. You’ll explore communication, teamwork, self-awareness, adaptability, and ethical decision-making through interactive workshops and team activities, and you’ll set goals using the SMART framework. 

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Along the way, you’ll join professional and personal development discussions led by Carnegie Mellon faculty and industry experts. The experience concludes with a TED Talk-style presentation of your final leadership development project, showcasing your identity, goals, and growth strategy. You won’t earn college credit, but you’ll receive a certificate of completion.

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Why it stands out: Instead of focusing on business concepts alone, the program emphasizes the human side of leadership through mentorship, self-reflection, and practice.

10. Harvard Pre-College Program: Business and Leadership

Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $6,100 program fee + $75 application fee (2026); need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Class sizes are small and typically range from 12 to 18 students
Dates: June 20th to July 2nd; July 5th to July 17th; July 19th to July 31st (2026)
Application Deadline: January 7th (early) and February 11th (regular) in the 2026 cycle
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 by the program start and won’t turn 19 before it ends; international students can apply, though the program doesn’t qualify for an F-1 visa

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If you want to explore business in a college setting before applying to university, Harvard’s Pre-College Program gives you the chance to study alongside motivated students from around the world. You’ll choose one course, such as an option in the Business and Leadership topic area, and spend two weeks immersed in discussion-based learning led by Harvard-affiliated instructors. 

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Beyond the classroom, you’ll participate in campus activities that help you experience residential college life firsthand. Small class sizes encourage active participation, while the non-credit format lets you focus on learning rather than grades, and you may receive a written evaluation from your instructor.

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Why it stands out: You can explore a specialized academic subject while experiencing life on Harvard’s campus without the pressure of earning grades.

11. Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy

Location: Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost/Stipend: $5,500 program fee, covering program events, speakers, course materials, and Michigan Ross apparel; full and partial need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer; 2027 dates not yet posted
Application Deadline: January; 2027 date not yet posted
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors; the University of Michigan won’t sponsor visas for the program

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If you want to explore business through a mix of classroom learning and team projects, this summer academy offers an engaging introduction to the field. You’ll interact with Ross faculty, company partners, and industry experts as you examine how companies run and how leaders solve problems. 

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Programming extends into evenings and weekends, giving you a feel for the collaborative, action-based learning environment at Michigan Ross. The program doesn’t offer college credit or influence admission to the Michigan Ross BBA.

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Why it stands out: You experience Michigan Ross’s action-based learning approach while working closely with faculty, industry experts, and a cohort of aspiring business leaders.

12. Leadership in the Business World (LBW)

Location: The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: $11,899 (2026); need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 7th to June 27th; June 28th to July 18th; July 19th to August 8th (2026)
Application Deadline: January 28th (priority) and March 18th (final) in the 2026 cycle
Eligibility: Rising seniors with a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA and demonstrated leadership experience; international eligibility not specified

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If you want an immersive introduction to business at one of the world’s leading business schools, LBW offers a rigorous three-week experience built around leadership and strategy. You’ll take classes with Wharton professors and business leaders, then apply what you learn through Wharton Interactive’s digital simulations, case competitions, and team-building activities. 

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Throughout the program, you’ll study research-based theories of leadership and teamwork while practicing communication in a team setting.

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Why it stands out: You gain direct exposure to Wharton’s approach to business education while competing in simulations and cases that mirror the analytical work of business professionals.

13. Wake Forest Leadership Institute

Location: Wake Forest University, Reynolda Campus, Winston-Salem, NC
Cost/Stipend: Varies; $60 non-refundable application fee and a non-refundable $550 deposit; scholarship funding for 2026 was exhausted
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 7th to June 12th and June 21st to June 26th (2026)
Application Deadline: Applications open November 1st; final deadline not specified
Eligibility: High school students; international eligibility not specified

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If you want to become a more effective leader, this immersive program helps you develop the skills needed to inspire and influence people toward a shared goal. You’ll explore topics such as authentic leadership, your personal leadership style, team building, and conflict management through interactive sessions and case studies. 

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Throughout the week, you’ll work closely with Wake Forest faculty and staff and learn leadership lessons from professionals across different industries. You’ll finish with an official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion, though the program carries no school or college credit.

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Why it stands out: You combine personal leadership training with lessons from industry professionals in a focused week on a college campus.

14. Business Leadership Program (BLP)

Location: Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
Cost/Stipend: Free; tuition is covered by the Leeds School of Business and corporate partners
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 21st to June 27th, 2026
Application Deadline: March 13th, 2026 for the 2026 cycle
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who are Colorado residents or attend a Colorado high school, as well as incoming Leeds School of Business first-year students; students outside Colorado aren’t considered

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If you want to explore business through practical challenges, this week-long program gives you the chance to do exactly that. You’ll work in teams to solve a business case challenge, and the team with the best solution wins a $1,000 scholarship to the Leeds School of Business. 

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You’ll learn from Leeds faculty, business professionals, and company representatives who provide guidance throughout the process. If case challenges excite you, these business competitions for high school students are worth a look.

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Why it stands out: You tackle a business case with guidance from faculty and professionals while competing for a university scholarship, all at no cost.

15. McCombs Future Executive Academy (MFEA)

Location: McCombs School of Business, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free to students and their families, including an on-campus living experience
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 31st to June 5th (listed on the McCombs site for summer 2027)
Application Deadline: January 31st
Eligibility: High school students; first-generation students and those who have overcome social or economic hardships are strongly encouraged to apply; international eligibility not specified

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If you want to explore business before college, MFEA offers a week-long experience designed around the many fields within business. You’ll take part in interactive workshops and learn from McCombs faculty and keynote speakers as you explore how different areas of business fit together. Living on campus for the week, you’ll also get a feel for life at a major university.

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Why it stands out: You get a free week of business workshops and campus living at UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business.

Frequently asked questions: Business Leadership Programs for High School Students

What is a business leadership program for high school students?

A business leadership program is a short course, academy, or internship that teaches you how organizations work and how to lead people within them. Some, like Wharton’s Leadership in the Business World and Michigan Ross’s Summer Business Academy, mix faculty-led classes with simulations and team projects. Others, like PNNL’s business internship and NYC Ladders for Leaders, place you in a workplace with a mentor. You can compare more academic options in these pre-college business summer programs.

Are there free business leadership programs for high school students?

Yes, several strong options cost nothing to attend. Notre Dame covers tuition, housing, and meals for its Leadership Seminars, and the McCombs Future Executive Academy and Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute are free. Leeds’s Business Leadership Program is free for Colorado students, while Ladders for Leaders and PNNL pay you for your work. Mercy University waives tuition but charges a $695 fee for food and activities.

Do business leadership programs help with college applications?

They can, especially when you can point to something concrete you did. A case competition result, a final presentation, or feedback from an internship mentor gives you specific material for essays and interviews. Keep in mind that most programs don’t affect admission to the host school, and Michigan Ross states that its academy doesn’t influence BBA admission. What matters most is what you learned and how you talk about it.

Can international students join business leadership programs in the US?

Some programs welcome international students, but many are limited to local or US-based students. Harvard’s Pre-College Program, Notre Dame Leadership Seminars, and Carnegie Mellon’s Leadership Development program all accept international applicants, though Harvard’s program doesn’t qualify for an F-1 visa. Leeds, Ladders for Leaders, and Sadie Nash are limited to students in specific areas. Immerse Education's Academic Insights pathway is open to students from around the world, with Business Management courses in Cambridge, Oxford, Singapore, Sydney, and Toronto.

When should you apply for business leadership programs?

Start in the fall, since many deadlines land between January and March. Notre Dame’s application opens October 19th, 2026 and closes January 20th, 2027, while McCombs closes January 31st. In the 2026 cycle, Harvard’s early deadline was January 7th, Wharton’s priority deadline was January 28th, and Leeds closed March 13th. Use these past dates as a guide and check each program’s site once new deadlines are posted.

Are there online business leadership programs for high school students?

Yes, though most programs on this list meet in person. The Kelley Women’s Leadership Institute runs two-day virtual events alongside its one-day campus sessions. Online options can be easier to fit around school, sports, or a part-time job, since you skip travel and housing costs. If you’d prefer to learn from home, you can browse more options in these online business programs for high school students.

Starting your business leadership journey in high school

Leading a team, pitching an idea, or solving a company’s problem gets far less intimidating once you’ve practiced it a few times before college.

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The best business leadership programs for high school students give you that practice through case challenges, internships, and seminars led by working professionals.

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Since many free options close by January or March, start your applications this fall and line up teacher recommendations well before the winter break.

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If you’re still deciding which business path fits you best, explore our Career Exploration blogs for guides on internships, majors, and future careers.