entrepreneurship programs for high school students

Leadership and Innovation Lab (LIL) is a highly selective, hands-on startup incubator for middle and high school students interested in developing leadership skills through entrepreneurship. 

Our entrepreneurship programs help young people execute, elevate, and expand their businesses, organizations, or other ventures, and we offer dedicated support from the ideation to post-LIL sustainability. Learn more about what LIL has to offer.

Fostering entrepreneurial skills in high school students has emerged as a critical aspect of education. By navigating the nuances of business, marketing, diplomacy, team management, and leadership, students develop the essential traits of a well-rounded young adult, such as independence, self-discipline, and focus. 

Cultivating these skills not only prepares students for college and future career opportunities but also equips them with a goal-oriented mindset that values innovation, resilience, and creative problem-solving.

Through structured 9- to 15-week programs, LIL guides participants from the very start of an idea all the way through building a venture that can become an impactful initiative or tangibly profitable business. Students learn fundamentals like leadership styles, business formation, marketing, and team management under the mentorship of experienced instructors and industry professionals.

One of our key strengths is helping students build memorable signature projects that highlight their passions, advanced knowledge, and academic commitment. Whether our students launch a social enterprise, a tech startup, or a nonprofit community initiative, high school entrepreneurship helps distinguish them both in college applications and as real-world leaders in business and innovation.

Yes, we provide an entire ecosystem of resources that not only enhances our support of teenage entrepreneurship but transcends it. For instance, to support young leadership and innovation, the LIL Digital Lab offers free branding and social media support to all of our students who are interested in improving their ventures' online presence. And the LIL Venture Fund is a venture capital fund specifically set up to support teen business.

However, beyond entrepreneurship, we also provide a variety of lectures, competitions, conferences, bootcamps, workshops, networking events, and more to give our students as many opportunities as possible to succeed. You don't have to dream of being a leader in business to take advantage of LIL's resources.

Popular teen entrepreneurship ideas include tutoring, digital design, resale businesses, app development, social media management, handmade products, and local service-based ventures like nonprofit organization. These projects help students build real skills and stand out to colleges.

Activities with depth, leadership, and impact stand out most. Some examples of strong extracurricular activities include entrepreneurial projects, debate, research, student government, STEM teams, internships, or volunteer leadership roles. Colleges value long-term commitment and meaningful contributions.

Co-curricular activities support classroom learning—such as academic teams, lab research, or language clubs—while extracurriculars are activities outside the formal curriculum, like sports or volunteering. Both are valuable for resumes and college admissions.

Extracurriculars build leadership, communication, creativity, and time-management skills. They also strengthen college applications and help students explore possible career paths through hands-on experience.

Multiple times a year, our student-run magazine, the Legacy Gazette, publishes dozens of available extracurricular opportunities for young people to get involved. You can check our Classifieds at any time.

Strong academics, rigorous coursework, exceptional extracurricular impact, compelling essays, and standout achievements in leadership or innovation are key factors. Ivy League admissions focus on depth, character, and long-term dedication.

Entrepreneurial experience shows leadership, innovation, and initiative—qualities Ivy League schools highly value. A student who builds a meaningful project or business demonstrates creativity and real-world problem-solving.