Building Future Business Leaders
A Summer in The Heights pre-college experience for students in grades 10–12.
This summer program immerses high school students in the world of entrepreneurship and business. You’ll develop skills in opportunity recognition, problem solving, marketing, and management—and apply them to your own ideas using real-world frameworks and AI-powered learning tools. The week culminates with you pitching your business concept to a panel of judges.
What to Expect
Develop real entrepreneurial and business skills by turning your own idea into the foundations of an actual business—and pitch it by the end of the week.
Who Will Thrive
This program is for students who enjoy working with ideas, being creative, and building things. If you’re curious about the world of business and want to learn what it takes to bring an idea to life, this week is for you.
What You'll Study
Each day builds entrepreneurial skills like opportunity recognition, problem solving, and customer development alongside core business skills in accounting, marketing, and management. You’ll apply everything you learn to a real idea of your own.
How The Week Works
The week is packed with active, hands-on learning led by JCU faculty experts. You’ll work through real entrepreneurship and business frameworks, use AI as a learning assistant, and apply what you’re learning to your own ideas. The week culminates with you pitching your concept to a panel of judges.
Cost
Both options include the same seminars, discussions, and creative projects.
Day Student
- All seminars & sessions
- Lunch daily
- Guest talks & sessions
- On-campus housing
- Evening activities
Residential
- All seminars & sessions
- All meals included
- Guest talks & sessions
- On-campus housing (5 nights)
- Evening activities
How to Apply
You can easily apply by following the steps below. Need-based scholarships may be available; please indicate your interest on the application form.
- Complete the Summer in The Heights application form and indicate your interest in the Young Writers Workshop.
- Applications are due by Monday, March 16, 2026.
Program Director
Led by one of the nation’s leading entrepreneurship educators, bringing AI-powered teaching methods and real-world business frameworks to the high school experience.
- Doan Winkel, Ph.D. — John J. Kahl, Sr. Chair in Entrepreneurship; Director, Muldoon Center for Entrepreneurship
More questions?
Get answers on housing, meals, packing, and more.
