Pepperdine Endeavor Entrepreneurship Suumer Program For High School Students

Course Description: Pepperdine Endeavor Entrepreneurship Suumer Program For High School Students

Los Angeles provides the perfect environment for students interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, and creative thinking. Surrounded by one of the world’s most dynamic business and media ecosystems, students explore what it takes to transform ideas into successful ventures.

This immersive summer program introduces students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, combining academic learning with real-world exposure to startups, business leaders, and innovative industries. Through workshops, seminars, and collaborative projects, participants learn how entrepreneurs develop ideas, build companies, and lead teams.

Students gain practical insight into business creation, innovation strategy, teamwork, and leadership, while connecting with professionals who share their experiences launching companies and navigating the entrepreneurial world.

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Academic Programme: Entrepreneurship �*

The academic curriculum focuses on the process of building a business from concept to launch. Students explore how innovative ideas evolve into successful companies through structured lessons, case studies, and collaborative projects.

Throughout the programme students work in teams to:

• Develop a startup idea

• Research market opportunities

• Design a business model

• Build a structured business plan

• Prepare a professional startup presentation

Students also learn key entrepreneurial skills including:

• Market research and opportunity analysis

• Business strategy and planning

• Leadership and teamwork

• Communication and pitching skills

• Innovation and creative problem solving

Industry speakers and guest mentors share insights from the worlds of technology, venture capital, startups, and business leadership, helping students understand how entrepreneurship works in practice.

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Final Business Challenge �*

The programme culminates in a startup pitch competition, where student teams present the businesses they have developed.

Each team presents their business concept to a panel of professionals and instructors, explaining:

• The problem their business solves

• Their product or service

• Market potential and target customers

• Financial viability and growth strategy

Students must defend their ideas, answer critical questions, and demonstrate the strength of their concept. The strongest presentation is selected as the winning startup.

This final challenge allows students to experience the excitement of presenting a business idea in a “Shark Tank-style” entrepreneurial pitch environment.

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A Typical Weekday Schedule ⏰

Students follow a structured schedule combining academic learning, workshops, excursions, and social activities.

08:30 – 09:15 Breakfast

09:30 – 12:30 Entrepreneurship Classes

12:30 – 14:00 Lunch

14:00 – 17:00 Workshops, Business Projects, or Industry Visits

17:30 – 19:00 Free Time / Relaxation

19:00 – 20:30 Dinner

20:30 – 23:00 Evening Social Activities

23:00 – 00:00 Residence Hall Social Time

00:00 Lights Out

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Industry Exposure & Business Visits �*

Students gain insight into the real world of entrepreneurship through visits and guest sessions that may include:

• Visits to innovative companies and startup environments

• Talks from entrepreneurs and business leaders

• Discussions with professionals from technology and venture capital sectors

• Behind-the-scenes exposure to how products move from concept to production

These experiences help students understand how entrepreneurship operates in modern global industries.

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Accommodation in Malibu �*

Students live on campus at Pepperdine University in Malibu, one of the most beautiful university campuses in the United States. Located above the Pacific Ocean, the campus offers spectacular coastal views and a safe residential environment.

Accommodation includes:

• Two students per bedroom

• Four to six students per suite

• Private bathrooms within each suite

• Shared living space

• Internet access

Students are matched with roommates based on age and interests, helping create a positive residential community.

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Meals �*

Meals are served in the university’s on-campus dining facilities, offering a wide range of freshly prepared options.

Typical meals include:

• Hot entrees and international dishes

• Salad and vegetable selections

• Fresh fruit and desserts

• Fresh bread and pastries

• Beverage stations

The programme includes:

• Three meals per day Monday–Friday

• Weekend brunch and dinner

Occasionally students may enjoy meals at local restaurants as part of organised outings.

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Activities & Cultural Experiences �*

Afternoons and evenings include a wide range of activities designed to help students explore Southern California while building friendships.

Activities may include:

• Beach visits and coastal exploration

• Beach volleyball and outdoor sports

• Fitness activities and recreation

• Sunset beach walks

• Karaoke nights and social events

• Bowling and mini-golf

• Bonfires and group activities

Students also explore iconic destinations across Los Angeles.

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Weekend Adventures �*

Weekend excursions introduce students to some of Southern California’s most famous locations.

Santa Monica & Venice

Students explore two of Los Angeles’ most vibrant coastal areas.

Highlights include:

• Venice Beach and the famous boardwalk

• Street performers, murals, and beach culture

• Abbot Kinney Boulevard shops and cafés

• Santa Monica Pier and its iconic Ferris wheel

• Third Street Promenade shopping district

Optional Excursion: Universal Studios

Students may choose to visit Universal Studios Hollywood, where they can experience movie-themed attractions and explore one of the world’s most famous film studios.

Manhattan Beach

Students may also visit Manhattan Beach, a coastal town known for its scenic shoreline, boutique shops, cafés, and relaxed California atmosphere.

Safety & Supervision �*

Student safety is a top priority throughout the programme. We maintain a ten-to-one student-to-staff ratio – one of the lowest in the industry – to ensure everyone gets the unmatched attention and unique personalized programs they deserve. As part of our commitment to student safety, Staff members live on student-occupied floors, accompany students on all activities and excursions. We always use private transportation for our weekday activities and weekend adventure trips – never public transportation.

Safety measures include:

• Low student-to-staff supervision ratios

• Staff members living in student residence halls

• Staff supervision during all activities and excursions

• Private transportation for organised trips

• 24-hour campus security at Pepperdine University

The campus itself is a gated community with controlled access and continuous security patrols.

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Travel Information ✈️

Students typically arrive at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

At designated arrival times:

• Staff meet students at baggage claim

• Students are escorted to organised transport

• Comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles transfers take students directly to the Pepperdine campus

Students depart from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at the end of the programme.

Airport transfers are arranged according to scheduled arrival and departure times.

If you are attending the San Francisco Extension, you will return home from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).  If you are attending the Hawaii Extension, you will return home from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). 

*Transportation is not included in tuition.

Optional Program Extensions 🌺�*

Students may extend their California summer experience with an additional supervised travel programme. These extensions allow participants to continue exploring with the same staff support and many of the friends they have already made during the main programme.

Both options require supplementary tuition.

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Hawaii Extension �*

Students can add 7 extra days to their California experience by joining a multi-island Hawaii extension. This extension includes time in Maui and Honolulu, combining beaches, cultural experiences, outdoor adventure, and historical visits.

Students remain under staff supervision throughout and travel together as a group.

Maui Highlights �*

In Maui, students experience the island’s natural beauty, coastal scenery, and local culture. Activities may include:

• Exploring Lahaina, a historic whaling village with shops, galleries, and restaurants

• Snorkelling from a catamaran among tropical fish and sea turtles

• Enjoying a traditional Hawaiian luau with music and hula performances

• Discovering the island’s famous beaches and scenic viewpoints

• Experiencing the atmosphere of the “Valley Isle,” known for its dramatic landscapes and sunsets

Honolulu Highlights �*

In Honolulu, students stay near Waikiki Beach and explore some of Hawaii’s most iconic sites. Activities may include:

• Surf lessons at Waikiki Beach

• Hiking Diamond Head for panoramic views of Oahu’s coastline

• Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial and learning about Pearl Harbor

• Exploring Iolani Palace, the only official royal palace in the United States

• Visiting the Dole Plantation and tasting the famous Dole Whip

• Enjoying shopping, dining, and beach time in Waikiki

Important Note ✈️

Flights for the Hawaii extension are organised in a supervised group setting, but transportation within the extension is not included in tuition.

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San Francisco Extension �*

Students can also add 5 extra days to explore San Francisco and the Bay Area. This extension introduces students to one of California’s most famous cities, blending culture, history, university visits, and coastal scenery.

San Francisco Highlights �*

Activities may include:

• Visiting Fisherman’s Wharf for shopping, entertainment, and waterfront views

• Exploring Pier 39, including its shops, attractions, and sea lions

• Touring Alcatraz Island, with its historic prison and fascinating history

• Visiting the Japanese Tea Garden

• Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge

• Shopping and sightseeing in Union Square

• Exploring Chinatown, one of the most historic in the United States

• Enjoying desserts and shopping at Ghirardelli Square

• Riding one of San Francisco’s famous cable cars

Nature & University Visits �*

Students may also take part in:

• A scenic hike from Muir Woods to Stinson Beach through towering redwoods and coastal landscapes

• A visit to Stanford University in Palo Alto

• A visit to the University of California, Berkeley, including time around Telegraph Avenue

This extension gives students the chance to experience a different side of California, with a strong mix of city culture, nature, and academic inspiration.

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Why Choose an Extension? ✨

These optional extensions are ideal for students who want to make the most of their time in the United States by continuing their travels in a safe, structured, and social environment.

Students benefit from:

• Continued staff supervision

• Travelling with familiar peers

• Additional cultural and historical experiences

• More sightseeing, adventure, and university exposure

• Comfortable accommodation and organised activities throughout

What's Included

Your program tuition is all inclusive of lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner during the week, breakfast and dinner on the weekend, 2 electives, and activities as listed. Not included is lunches on the weekend, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, laundry, airport transfers, and transportation to and from the program. Transportation on the Hawaii Extension is not included in tuition.

We also offer travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.