High School Entrepreneurship
*Applications are now closed for the 2026 cycle. We encourage you to apply next year!*
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.
HSEN 1 – July 05, 2026 to July 18, 2026
HSEN 2 – July 19, 2026 to Aug 01, 2026
Application Requirements
Applicants will submit personal information and the fee payment through our secure Application System. After completing payment, applicants will be prompted to upload supplemental material in a separate portal. Application portals are now live.
Applications are not considered complete until all supplemental material and teacher recommendations are received.
Students are to respond to the following three prompts in a single cohesive essay. Please ensure to include your name and word count in the header. Please review the Defining Leadership Principles of the Haas School of Business to assist you as you write.
The essay must be 500 words or less and address all of the following questions:
- One of the defining leadership principles of UC Berkeley-Haas is “Question the Status Quo.” What does this principle mean to you?
- Share an experience working on a team where you chose to “Question the Status Quo.” Why was this experience impactful, and what did you learn about yourself and working in a team?
- How will participating in the Berkeley Business Academy for Youth help you achieve your academic and professional goals?
English Proficiency Section: If English is not your first language, please include an additional short paragraph describing your English educational background and experience. This paragraph will not be included in your word count.
The essay questions are designed to incite honest, thoughtful responses to help us get to know you, your passions, and your reason for applying to the B-BAY 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.
Students must identify two teachers to complete a Recommendation form. At least one recommendation should be submitted by a teacher of a core subject (English, math, science, social studies, or language). The recommendation form will be shared with teachers after successful submission of your application*.
All teacher recommendations must be submitted by 8:59 PM PST on Friday, February 13. Please share this deadline with your teachers.
*B-BAY will no longer accept teacher recommendations via email. All recommendations must be submitted via a form that is shared with teachers after successful application submission.
Students must upload a transcript to the application form including grades from the past two years. The transcript must display the student’s name and school. The transcripts may be unofficial.
Students are to respond to the following prompt in a video essay. The video essay should not exceed two minutes. This will be submitted as a Google Drive or Youtube unlisted link.
- Briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee.
- One of the defining leadership principles of UC Berkeley-Haas is to go “Beyond Yourself.” What does this principle mean to you, and how have you demonstrated it in your personal and professional life?
A non-refundable $100 application fee must accompany the completed application. Applications submitted without payment will not be reviewed.
After Applying
Admissions decisions will be released in March 2026.
Students admitted into the Berkeley Business Academy for Youth have 10 days, including weekends, 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.
