High School Summer Enrichment: Pre Business Program

High School Summer Enrichment Programs

The Pre-Business Program (PBP) is a two-week residential summer experience at Howard University’s School of Business. It is designed for motivated high school students who are serious about pursuing a degree in business. Saturday, July 18th, 2026 – Friday, July 24th, 2026, and Saturday, July 25- Friday, July 31st. The Howard University’s School of Business Pre-Business Programs introduces students to college life, teamwork, and fundamentals in several growing areas of business: Accounting, Information Systems, Actuarial Science, Music Business, Finance, and Entrepreneurship. Each identified area provides significant opportunities for students to explore careers and progressive opportunities for professional development. The program combines classroom learning from the School of Business faculty, corporate professionals, company site visits, and group case studies to prepare students with the practical skills and critical thinking abilities needed to benefit them in their future academic and professional endeavors. Each student in the Summer Pre-Business Program will gain access to leadership, team building, college, and cultural enrichment activities. In addition, each will register for one of the six distinctive tracks: Accounting, Information Systems, Actuarial Science, Music Business, Finance, or Entrepreneurship. In each track, students will gain valuable exposure to important business topics and methods of analysis from Howard University School of Business professors and professionals in the field. Students will be placed into groups throughout the program to create a business and/or product that solves a problem in their respective fields.

HUSB Summer Enrichment Application Deadline:

10th Grade and 11th Grade High School Students
Early Application deadline March 16th, 2026
Regular Decision deadline April 3rd, 2026

Contact Us

Office Hours: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ET, T–F
Email: husbsummerprograms@gmail.com
Phone: (202) 743-0829

Date: July 2026
Target Audience: Sophomores & Juniors

Program Description
The AltFinance Pre-College Program is a selective one-week summer experience for rising high school juniors and seniors curious about investing and future careers in the field. Students are introduced to how investors evaluate companies and markets through engaging case discussions, real-world examples, and conversations with industry professionals.

Designed for academically driven students, the program builds critical thinking, curiosity, and confidence, skills that prepare participants for college-level coursework and competitive future opportunities. The program focuses on helping students understand how businesses operate, how markets move, and how to form clear, well-supported perspectives.

Date: July 2026
Target Audience: Sophomores & Juniors

Program Description
The George S. Willie Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP) is a highly selective one-week summer residency for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in accounting. Students explore career pathways in accounting while developing leadership skills, critical thinking, and personal brand awareness.

Participants engage in case discussions, real-world business examples, site visits, and conversations with industry professionals. The program equips academically driven students with the confidence and foundational knowledge needed for college-level coursework and future career opportunities, while highlighting the essential role accountants play in how businesses operate and how markets move.

Date: July 2026
Target Audience: Sophomores & Juniors

Program Description
The Student-Athlete Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) Pre-College Program is a highly selective one-week summer experience for rising high school juniors and seniors seeking to understand the business of sports in the age of NIL. Students learn the fundamentals of personal branding, financial literacy, and contract basics while exploring real-world NIL scenarios.

Through workshops, case discussions, and conversations with sports lawyers, agents, and industry professionals, participants gain insight into how athletes can responsibly build, protect, and leverage their brand. Designed for motivated student-athletes and students interested in sports management, the program equips participants with the critical thinking and decision-making skills needed to navigate NIL opportunities and prepare for future academic, athletic, and career success.

Date: July 2026
Target Audience: Sophomores & Juniors

Program Description
The SEEP program offers rising high school juniors and seniors a one-week immersive experience in entrepreneurial thinking and doing. During the program, students learn about the entrepreneurial process, starting with the relevant topics of opportunity identification, feasibility analysis, business model development, business planning, and financial resource mobilization. The course climate incorporates experiential learning methods through in-class activities and vicarious learning via case studies/site visits aimed at exposing students to the challenges, excitement, and rewards of entrepreneurial life.

Students will learn ideation techniques for identifying innovative solutions and business models for customers. In addition, students will learn how to evaluate and manage risks through feasibility analysis, customer development, and elevator pitching. The team project in the program will task students to blend entrepreneurial skills and knowledge from the program while also honing their team skills.

Date: July 2026
Target Audience: Sophomores & Juniors

Program Description
The Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business Pre-College Program is a highly selective, one-week summer experience designed for rising high school juniors and seniors who are curious about today’s global creative industries. Our award-winning center has topped Billboard's Top Music Business in the World Schools for 4 years in a row! Our Director is currently a Billboard Global Power Player! Throughout the program, students engage in dynamic case discussions, real-world applications, and thought-provoking conversations with Global Recording artists and leading professionals in the Entertainment Industry. Participants gain an early understanding of the music industry and how the business actually works. Crafted for academically driven students, the program strengthens critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and intellectual curiosity—skills essential for success in college and beyond. Students explore how music businesses operate from the inside out.

As a world-class hub for music-business education, the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center is dedicated to developing the next generation of visionary leaders. This Pre-College Program reflects our commitment to expanding access, nurturing talent early, and introducing students to the intersection of culture, commerce, and capital. Financial literacy and investment knowledge are also core pillars of success in the music and entertainment sectors—informing everything from artist deals and catalog valuations to global market expansion and creative entrepreneurship. Through this program, students begin cultivating the strategic mindset, professional awareness, and confidence required to thrive in the modern creative economy. We are proud to inspire the innovators, executives, and changemakers who will shape the future of music and culture.

Date: July 2026
Target Audience: Sophomores & Juniors

Program Description
The CISCAP camp is a one-week summer experience for rising high school juniors and seniors curious about careers in Computer Information Systems. Students are introduced to advanced technologies and the skills needed to work in the field through engaging discussions and hands-on exercises. Topic examples include introductions to data analytics, programming, cybersecurity, networking, artificial intelligence/machine learning and other advanced technologies.

Designed for students interested in the integration of technology into business and society. The program introduces the problem solving and technical skills that will prepare students for college-level studies and future opportunities.

Program Schedule

Program schedule and students

•    Live on campus and experience college life.
•    Attend workshops led by School of Business faculty.
•    Engage in professional development activities.
•    Network with business leaders, alumni, and peers.
•    Take part in exciting site visits and cultural excursions.
•    Celebrate achievements at a closing gala.

• Tuition: $2,000 per student (covers housing, meals, instruction, site visits, and gala).
• Limited tuition waivers and reductions are available for qualified students based on proven financial need.

Apply Today

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Pre-Business Program (PBP)?

The Pre-Business Program (PBP) is designed to introduce high school students to the world of business and a college campus through engaging instruction, professional development, and real-world experiences. The program helps students explore business disciplines, build leadership skills, and gain exposure to college life at Howard University.

Who can apply?

Motivated high school sophomores and juniors with strong academic potential and an interest in pursuing a degree in business are encouraged to apply.

When does the program take place?

July 18th-24th (Four Programs - Accounting, Music Business, Computer Information Systems, and Finance) July 25th-31st (Five Programs- Accounting, Actuarial Science, Entrepreneurship, and Finance)
The program typically runs for one week during the summer. Accepted students will receive detailed check-in and program schedules prior to arrival.

Where is the program held?

The program is hosted on the Howard University campus in Washington, D.C.

How do I apply?

Click the link on the website to fill out form

When will I be notified of acceptance?

Applicants will receive a confirmation email once their full application has been received and reviewed. Accepted students will be contacted via email with payment and next-step instructions.
Monday, February 16th Early decision deadline- March 2, notification of acceptance/denial, March 16 the $300 deposit due
Friday April 3rd Regular Decision deadline, April 17th notification of acceptance/denial, May 1st $300 deposit due
June 22nd Final payment deadline

How much does the program cost?

Tuition for the 2026 program is $2,000 per student, which covers all housing, meals, field trips, and instructional materials.

What does tuition include?

Housing, meals, site visits, instructions, a Howard T-shirt, and the gala.

Are scholarships available?

Yes. Limited tuition waivers and reductions are available for qualified students based on proven financial need.

How do I pay my tuition?

Once accepted, students will receive instructions for submitting tuition payments online. Payment must be received by the deadline to secure enrollment.

Do students need spending money?

All necessities will be covered, including meals and transportation once students arrive to campus. Students may want to spend money as the group visits different locations in Washington, DC.

Is transportation provided?

No. Students are responsible for their own travel to and from the program on Saturday (check-in) and Friday (check-out). Transportation will be provided for official field trips only.

When should I arrive?

Check-in takes place on Saturday between 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM, followed by dinner and orientation.

When is dismissal?

The final presentations and closing ceremony take place Friday afternoon, followed by check-out.

Where will students stay?

Participants will stay in Howard University residence halls under the supervision of program counselors.

Are meals provided?

Yes. All meals will be provided in the Howard University cafeteria.

Can I stay on campus after my program ends?

No. Students must check out of the residence hall by 1:00 PM on the final day of the program. You are encouraged to depart campus after the closing ceremony. If you need to leave early, please email husbsummerprograms@gmail.com at least two weeks before the start of the program.

What types of activities are offered?

Students will participate in business workshops, networking sessions, site visits, and college readiness seminars. Activities are designed to build confidence, teamwork, and professional skills.

Are uniforms required?

Yes. Students will receive an official Howard University T-shirt, which must be worn during designated activities and field trips.
Smart causal dress code unless otherwise notated
Mandatory Business attire for each program during presentations