Business and Leadership Program

A Transformative Summer Experience for Future Business Leaders

Are you a high school student with dreams of a career in business? The University of Washington Foster School of Business invites you to a life-changing two-week program designed to empower and inspire the next generation of leaders. During the Business and Leadership Program, you’ll experience the best of academic excellence, innovative thinking, and leadership development, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Seattle, WA, a hub for global business and startups.

Program Highlights

This program is tailored for high school students (rising 10th, 11th, 12th, and graduating seniors) with a passion for business and leadership. Whether you’re interested in getting exposed to business topics, leading a company in the future or simply gaining insights into the business world, this program will prepare you for an exciting and rewarding future. This program combines the academic rigor of UW Foster and the operational expertise of Summer Springboard, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful experience.

What Will You Gain?

• Critical Skills Development: Learn essential skills in leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and communication.
• Hands-On Learning: Participate in interactive workshops and a team-based case competition.
• Corporate Insights: Visit two leading Seattle corporations.
• Cultural Diversity: Collaborate with a diverse cohort of peers, gaining exposure to diverse experiences and perspectives.
• College Preparation: Build the skills and confidence needed for college success through workshops and activities.

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Program Details

July 5–17, 2026
University of Washington, Seattle, WA

At the end of the two weeks, students will apply concepts learned throughout the program by participating in a case competition, just like our undergrad and MBA students at UW Foster do.

During this team-based project, students will tackle a real-world business problem of a company that will be revealed at the beginning of the program. In 2025, the case revolved around Starbucks. Students will learn to ideate multiple solutions as a group, weigh the pros and cons of each idea collaboratively and constructively, use critical thinking to select the best option, and make a persuasive presentation to a panel of experts. Students will also watch their peers’ presentations to learn how different teams approach the same situation, expanding their perspectives on problem-solving strategies.

Students will develop leadership skills as they examine business problems, share their ideas with peers, work effectively in teams, propose well-reasoned solutions, and deliver presentations with confidence—all skills that will help them in their future endeavors. As a bonus, students will go behind the scenes of the featured company during one of the included excursions.

Students will immerse themselves in the heart of UW’s campus—a top-ranked public university renowned for its academic excellence, innovation, and rich history. Situated in Seattle, students will also enjoy exposure to one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs.

For more information on accommodations, see Summer Springboard’s FAQ’s or sign up for an informational webinar.

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Tuition

Download Course Details (PDF) | Download Campus Overview (PDF)

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Contact Information

Contact Betsy Friedland at [email protected] for questions or for more information.
Contact Summer Springboard at [email protected] for questions regarding applications and admissions.

About Foster

The Foster School of Business at the University of Washington is a globally renowned hub of academic excellence, leadership development, and innovation. Ranked as the #2 global public university by U.S. News & World Report, Foster offers students unparalleled access to cutting-edge resources and connections to Seattle’s thriving business ecosystem. Students will benefit from the school’s strong emphasis on critical thinking, leadership, and collaboration, ensuring they are prepared to excel in their college lives and future careers.

The program is led by Leta Beard, Associate Teaching Professor of Marketing and International Business at Foster. With a rich history of mentoring young leaders, Leta combines her expertise and passion to inspire and guide students. Her leadership ensures that participants gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of business while building skills to tackle real-world challenges.