Duration
One-week pre-college program
Grades
Rising 10th–12th grade students
Dates
June 21–26, 2026
Tuition
$1,000 for residential experience
$450 for commuters
Be your own boss this summer.
Whether you’ve already launched a small venture or are considering business for the first time, Butler’s nationally-recognized Lacy School of Business is here to help you discover what majors and careers might suit you best.
During your week on campus, you’ll learn the magic of persuasion and negotiation, explore key business areas—from marketing and finance to insurance and risk management—and even develop a business idea of your own. You’ll end the week by pitching your startup during a “Bark Tank” showcase, with supportive faculty and fellow students cheering you on.
Along the way, you’ll build versatile skills in leadership, communication, and problem-solving while getting a preview of college life. You’ll leave with greater confidence in your understanding of the business world and an imagination for where a business degree could take you.
Participants who complete the week-long program will earn one college credit. Register now!
Example Activities
- Collaborate in teams with other like-minded, innovative students to present a new product or service idea
- Sharpen your skills in “Bark Tank,” where you’ll get feedback, advice, and encouragement from faculty and real business professionals as you pitch your business idea
- Receive practical yet personal advice every day from a panel of young Butler business alumni and entrepreneurs
- Expand your leadership skills across all areas of life through daily leadership development sessions
- Engage in activities to grow in confidence surrounding your strengths, passions, and ability to navigate college life
What You’ll Learn
- How to develop your business and entrepreneurial mindset to meet needs and solve real world problems
- How the many facets of business, from marketing to insurance, work together to make a small business run effectively
- How to craft and deliver a powerful sales pitch, plus strategies for clear communication and persuasion
- How leadership, teamwork, and ethics shape business decisions and operations
- How your high school experiences are already forming your future in entrepreneurship
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Butler’s Pre-College Program offers a business track tailored for ambitious high school students who want to discover majors and careers related to business, leadership, and entrepreneurship, all while experiencing life on a college campus.
Students who complete either the Business Track or Exploratory Track will earn a college credit (1 credit hour). This credit is applicable to any Butler major. Other colleges and universities may determine transferability per their guidelines. The Healthcare Track does not have a credit associated at this time.
Pre-college programs can help high school students with their entrepreneurial goals if they offer a focus in developing early business skills. In Butler’s Pre-College Program, you’ll learn how entrepreneurs identify needs and problems, design valuable solutions, and bring ideas to market. You’ll also get feedback on your own ideas and learn about what resources—like mentors, experiential learning opportunities, and clubs—that can support you in high school and beyond.
While you won’t walk away with an MBA in one week, you will leave with a better understanding of how businesses work, what business skills will take you far no matter where your career takes you, and how to keep developing as a leader. Think of this camp as a hands-on preview of business majors and careers that’s designed to help you find the right fit.
Not at all. Some students arrive with a fully formed idea or business they are already running; others will develop a fresh new idea during the week. Either way, you’ll learn how to present your idea and think through how to launch and scale your business in the real world, honing your confidence as an entrepreneur.
Get a Head Start on Your College Experience
Ready to spend a week on Butler’s campus exploring majors, building leadership skills, and experiencing life as a college student? Register before the May 15 deadline.