Discover your potential at the University of Washington Foster School of Business. Our summer programs give ambitious high school students the chance to learn from world-class faculty, develop essential business skills, and experience life on the campus of a top-ranked public university. Whether you’re exploring your interests or ready to dive deep into entrepreneurship, you’ll gain hands-on experience in Seattle, one of the nation’s most innovative business and startup ecosystems. Perfect for rising 10th–12th graders and graduating seniors preparing for college and career success.
Programs
Business and Leadership Program
Two weeks | July 5–17, 2026 | In-Person at UW
Develop critical leadership skills through interactive workshops and a real-world case competition. You’ll work alongside diverse peers to solve actual business challenges, present to a panel of experts, and learn to think like a business leader.
Business Startup Bootcamp
One week | July 19–26, 2026 | In-Person at UW
Transform your ideas into action in this fast-paced, one-week program taught by Foster School faculty and entrepreneurs. Learn to think, pitch, and build like an entrepreneur while immersed in Seattle’s thriving startup culture. Ideal for students passionate about innovation, startups, and turning bold ideas into reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the UW Foster pre-college programs?
The UW Foster pre-college programs are immersive, on-campus summer programs for high school students offered by the University of Washington Foster School of Business in partnership with Summer Springboard. Students explore business, leadership, and entrepreneurship through engaging instruction, team collaboration, and real-world experiences on the UW Seattle campus.
Who can attend?
The programs are open to rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent high school graduates. No prior business experience is required—just curiosity and motivation.
Are the programs residential or commuter?
Both options are available:
- Residential students stay in UW dorms, supervised by trained staff, with all meals, evening, and weekend activities included.
- Commuter students attend daytime sessions from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and return home in the evenings.
Are these programs held on the UW Seattle campus?
Yes. Students live and learn on the University of Washington Seattle campus, with most programming held in Foster School classrooms and nearby campus spaces.
How do I register?
Students apply and register through our program partner, Summer Springboard. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Apply through Summer Springboard
Program-Specific Details
What is the Business & Leadership Program?
The Business & Leadership Program is a two-week pre-college business experience for high school students hosted by the UW Foster School of Business. Students build leadership skills while solving real-world business problems through a live case competition. They collaborate in teams and present their ideas to industry professionals.
Participants leave with increased confidence, stronger communication skills, and a deeper understanding of business roles and strategies.
What is the Startup Bootcamp?
The Startup Bootcamp is a one-week pre-college entrepreneurship program for teens offered by the UW Foster School of Business. Students are introduced to the startup lifecycle—from idea generation to market testing and investor-style pitching—while working with Seattle entrepreneurs and Foster faculty.
Participants leave with greater creative confidence, teamwork skills, and exposure to real startup thinking.
Academic and Campus Life
Do students earn college credit?
No. These are non-credit, pre-college enrichment programs. Students receive a certificate of completion from the Foster School of Business.
What is the daily schedule?
Programs typically run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with structured evening programming for residential students. Final schedules are shared before the program begins.
Who teaches the courses?
Instruction is led by UW Foster faculty and staff, along with guest speakers from Seattle’s business and startup communities.
Will this help with college applications?
Yes. While participation does not guarantee admission, completing a UW Foster pre-college program demonstrates initiative, interest in business, and engagement with college-level material, which can strengthen college applications.
Are international students eligible?
Yes. International students are welcome and must arrange their own travel and visas. Housing, meals, and supervision are included for residential students.
Housing, Dining & Campus Life
Where do students live?
Residential students stay in a UW North Campus residence hall. In recent summers, this has been Madrona Hall, featuring modern, renovated dorms with double rooms and en suite bathrooms.
Can students request roommates?
Yes. Roommate requests are accepted after registration and are usually honored.
Is there a curfew?
Yes. Curfews and bed checks are enforced nightly by residential staff.
What meals are provided?
Most meals are served at the North Campus dining hall, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.
Do the dorms have air conditioning?
No. Seattle summers are mild, and dorms have operable windows.
Is laundry available?
Yes. Laundry rooms are available for student use. Students should bring detergent and a payment method.
Safety & Supervision
How are students supervised?
Each student is assigned a dedicated on-site mentor who lives in the residence hall. Mentors accompany students throughout the day and enforce curfew policies.
Can students leave campus?
Only with prior parent or guardian authorization via the Reach app.
Will students interact with college students?
While participants may share campus spaces such as dining halls, program students are never unsupervised around UW students.
Technology & Health
Do students need a laptop or phone?
Yes. Both are recommended. Laptops are often needed for coursework, while phones support communication. Families should reach out in advance if access to technology is an issue.
What happens in a medical emergency?
Staff accompany students to appropriate medical care. All participants must have health insurance on file and complete medical forms before the program.
Excursions & Activities
What weekend activities are offered?
Residential students participate in weekend excursions, which may include:
- Pike Place Market and a Seattle city cruise
- Museum of Pop Culture
- Wild Waves Theme Park
Commuter students may add excursions for an additional fee.
Can students use the UW fitness centers?
No. Students may use outdoor athletic areas near the residence halls.
Money & Communication
Should students bring money?
Yes. Most expenses are covered, but we recommend approximately $100 per week for snacks, souvenirs, and incidentals. Cards are preferred.
Can families send mail or packages?
Mail is discouraged due to delays, but permitted. Final mailing instructions are provided in the spring.
How do families stay updated?
Families receive regular email and text updates. The Reach app enables real-time communication among staff, students, and parents.
Where can I learn more or get help?
For registration details and additional support, visit Summer Springboard’s program page.