High School Entrepreneurship
We look for academically motivated, mature students who are interested in attending a rigorous college-prep summer business academy. B-BAY is for youth who want to develop their knowledge of business or have a passion for business. The application and accompanying materials should convey your level of maturity and motivation. Essays are evaluated for writing and critical thinking ability, skill in organizing and presenting thoughts, and the relevance of your answer to the questions posed.
The High School Summer Entrepreneurship Program is a two-week immersive, residential experience. Please only enroll if you can fully commit to the program dates.
2026 Key Dates
- Summer 2026 program dates will be announced shortly. Please add your information to our Summer 2026 waitlist(opens in a new tab) to be informed about program updates!
Application Requirements
Applicants will submit all materials through our secure Application System.
View the 2025 B-BAY Summer Application
Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their applications and apply early.
You will respond to three questions in a single essay. Please review the Defining Leadership Principles of the Haas School of Business to assist you as you write.
English Proficiency Section: If English is not your first language, include a short paragraph describing your English educational background and experience. This section will not count toward your word limit.
Essay Prompt: Write one cohesive essay (500 words or less) addressing all the following questions:
Question 1: One of the defining principles of Berkeley Haas is “Beyond Yourself.” What does this principle mean to you?
Question 2: Share an experience working on a team where you went “Beyond Yourself.” Why was this experience impactful, and what did you learn about yourself and working in a team?
Question 3: How will participating in the Berkeley Business Academy for Youth help you achieve your academic and professional goals?
The essay questions are designed to incite honest, thoughtful responses to help us get to know you, your interests and reasons for applying to the BBAY program. In addition to content, essays are evaluated for writing and critical thinking ability, skill in organizing and presenting thoughts, and the relevance of your answer to the questions posed.
- Essays must be written by the applicant.
- Please write ONE essay of no more than 500 words/1-page. You should address all three questions and it should flow as a singular essay.
- Essay should be written in 12-point font, singled spaced.
- Include an essay header in the upper right corner that includes Last Name, First Name, and Word Count.
- Essay should be written in English.
Please have two teachers complete a Recommendation Form. At least 1 recommendation should be submitted by a teacher of a core subject (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Language).
B-BAY will not accept forms submitted by the student.
Teachers must email the form to [email protected] with the following subject line “HSEN_Applicant Last Name_ Applicant First Name_ Recommendation_ 2025”.
Students must upload a transcript to the application form including grades from the past two years (can be unofficial). The transcript must display the student’s name and school.
You may be asked to do a virtual interview with a member of the Admissions Committee to determine admission to the program. If you are selected for an interview, more information will be sent to you at the time of review.
A non-refundable $80 application fee must accompany the completed application. Applications submitted without payment will not be reviewed.
After Applying
Once B-BAY receives your complete application (your application form, essay, all supplemental materials, and the application fee) we will begin the review process.
An admissions decision will be made and e-mailed to you within two weeks* of submitting your complete application.
*Due to application volume, applicants should anticipate a delay of up to 1 additional week before receiving their admissions decision.
Students admitted into the Berkeley Business Academy for Youth have 10 days (weekends included) from your acceptance date to enroll online and pay the program fees. You are not enrolled until full payment is received.
The High School Summer Entrepreneurship Program is a two-week immersive, residential experience. Please only enroll if you can fully commit to the program dates.
