Business and Entrepreneurship Academy for High Schoolers at University of Michigan

Course Description: Business and Entrepreneurship Academy for High Schoolers at University of Michigan

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Program at the University of Michigan

Unlock the door to your entrepreneurial future with our dynamic summer course, designed in collaboration with the esteemed Network for Teaching and Entrepreneurship (NFTE). This program is a golden opportunity for aspiring business leaders to dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship, guided by NFTE-certified instructors and enriched by industry veterans' real-world insights.

In this course, students will embark on a journey through an award-winning curriculum, mastering the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. They will engage with a lean business model canvas, craft original business ideas, and present their concepts to seasoned entrepreneurs. This hands-on experience culminates in a final pitch competition, offering local recognition and invaluable feedback from the business community.

Why It is a Great Choice

• Comprehensive understanding of business fundamentals, including structures, market research, budgeting, and financial management.

• Development of a complete business idea and plan using the lean business model canvas.

• Enhanced pitching and presentation skills, focusing on public speaking and persuasive communication.

• Cultivation of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to tackle business challenges.

Location

Set on the prestigious campus of the University of Michigan, this program offers an inspiring environment for young entrepreneurs. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, providing a real taste of university life and an ideal setting for innovation and learning.

Course Description

Entrepreneurship Fundamentals

• Business Fundamentals: Gain a solid foundation in key concepts such as business structures, market research, budgeting, and financial management.

• Business Idea Development: Create and refine a unique business idea, conduct market analysis, and develop a comprehensive business plan.

• Pitching Skills: Hone your public speaking, persuasive communication, and storytelling techniques to effectively pitch your business ideas.

• Critical Thinking: Enhance your analytical and problem-solving skills by evaluating business challenges and making strategic decisions.

Admission Criteria

To thrive in this program, a passion for business is essential. Prospective students must complete the Summer Institute Application to secure their spot.

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs eager to explore the business world. It offers foundational knowledge that will help participants decide if a professional track in business aligns with their career aspirations.

Benefits

Participants will not only gain university-level course experience but also receive portfolio-building documentation, including:

• A Course Completion Certificate from Summer Institute at the University of Michigan.

• A Letter of Recognition acknowledging their academic achievements.

Embark on this transformative summer journey and take the first step towards your entrepreneurial dreams.

🛂 Visa Requirements for International Students

🌎 Students NOT in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your home country is not one of the 40 countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, you will need a B-2 Visitor Visa to attend the program.

The B-2 visa is for tourism and short-term study (under 16–18 hours of classes per week).

After enrollment, you will receive a Letter of Introduction to help support your visa application.

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✔️ Students IN the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your country is on the Visa Waiver Program list, you do not need a visa.

However, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before entering the U.S.

Apply here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

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💼 What the International Program Fee Covers

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 International medical/health insurance while abroad

• 📱 Help securing a local phone number or SIM card if needed

🌍 International Fees & Support

💵 International Registration Fee (U.S. Programs)

Students whose primary residence is outside the United States will be charged an International Registration Fee when attending a U.S.-based program.

This fee includes:

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 Medical/health insurance for international students

• 📱 Help obtaining a U.S. SIM card or phone plan

Note: This fee is mandatory and non-refundable, even if the student does not use all services.

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📘 Academic Reports & College Credit

📝 Student Performance Reports

After the program ends, students receive:

• Detailed course performance summaries

• Instructor feedback

• Recommendations for continued growth

Reports can be mailed to a student’s school upon written parent request.

🎓 College Credit Programs

Students enrolled in credit-bearing classes receive:

• A grade report

• Instructions for requesting a university transcript

Acceptance of credits depends on the receiving university’s policies.

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🌎 International Student Community

Programs welcome a diverse and global student population each summer:

• 🌐 About 30% of students come from outside the U.S.

• 🌍 Representing 50–60 countries

This creates a vibrant, multicultural learning experience.

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🏠 Housing & Roommate Matching

Students complete a personal profile in the spring to assist with roommate assignments.

Matching is based on:

• Interests

• Personality

• Sleeping habits

• Age group

Roommate Requests:

• Must be mutual

• Must be same age group and gender

• Not guaranteed, though campus staff make every effort

Cultural diversity is encouraged, and many roommates come from different countries.

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🧳 What to Bring

Students should pack essentials for at least one week.

Recommended:

• Clothing for warm and cool weather

• Basic school supplies

• Personal toiletries

• Laundry supplies

Spending Money:

• $100–$150 per week (snacks, lunches, souvenirs)

• Debit card recommended for ATM withdrawals

• Credit card for emergencies

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Note: Some campuses provide bedding. A campus-specific packing list will be available after enrollment.

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✈ Travel & Airport Transportation

Programs do not arrange flights.

🚌 Airport Shuttles

Shuttle transportation (additional fee) is available to/from designated airports.

Details are included in the pre-summer transportation form.

Students must arrive/depart within scheduled shuttle windows to use this service.

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🕒 A Typical Day on Campus (Residential Programs)

A structured, activity-filled day may look like:

• 8:00 AM – Wake Up 🌅

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast 🍳

• 9:30–11:30 AM – Morning Course / Academy 📘

• 11:45 AM – Lunch 🍽

• 1:00–3:00 PM – Afternoon Course / Academy 🧪

• 3:30 PM – Activities, Social Time, or Study Hall 🎉

• 6:00 PM – Dinner 🍝

• 8:00 PM – Evening / Primetime Activities 🌆

• 10:30 PM – Return to Residence Halls 🏠

• 11:30 PM – On Floors 🌙

• 12:00 AM – In Rooms / Lights Out 😴

Activities may include:

shopping • sports • beaches • museums • movies • comedy shows • concerts • local events

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📚 Academic Experience (Enrichment & College Prep)

Programs emphasize:

• Small, interactive classes

• Supportive, enthusiastic instructors

• Hands-on learning and real-world experiences

• Field trips connected to course themes

• A wide choice of enrichment or academic courses

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🚗 Day Students (Non-Residential)

Day students follow the regular campus schedule to align with meals and activities.

Standard Schedule (Monday–Friday):

• Drop-Off: 8:30 AM

• Pick-Up: 6:00 PM

Times may vary by campus.

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🍽 Special Dietary Needs

Special meals and dietary accommodations are available.

Requirements:

Parents must complete a dietary information form during pre-arrival.

Residential & Standard Programs:

Notify the Residential Life Dean of dietary restrictions.

Day Programs (Younger Students):

Parents should inform the Program Director on-site.

Common accommodations include:

• Allergy-friendly meals

• Vegetarian/vegan options

• Gluten-free meals

• Religious dietary needs

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🛡️ Campus Safety & Supervision

Student safety is the top priority.

Safety Measures:

• Staff and counselors live on student floors

• 24/7 supervision

• Key-card residence hall access

• Daily check-ins and room checks

• Visitors must check in at the program office

• Students may move only in small groups

• Students may never leave campus alone

• Older students (14–18) may have limited group movement privileges

• 24/7 access to medical care

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📱 Emergency Communication & Response

Campus teams monitor:

• Weather

• Local events

• Road closures

• Any conditions that affect student safety

If needed, programs may:

• Move classes

• Adjust or reroute activities

• Avoid specific areas

Students receive:

• Daily notifications

• Safety messages

• Emergency push alerts

A dedicated Campus Emergency Line connects students to on-site directors.

International students receive support obtaining a local SIM card for reliable communication.

All students attend a mandatory orientation within the first 24 hours covering emergency procedures.

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🚫 Movement Policies & Program Rules

To maintain a safe, positive environment:

• Students and staff may not participate in protests

• All off-campus trips are fully chaperoned

• Security may be increased with campus police or external teams if needed

• Staff monitor all on- and off-campus locations and adjust plans immediately if necessary

📍 University of Michigan – Campus Profile (Ann Arbor, MI)

The University of Michigan offers a vibrant academic environment rooted in innovation, research excellence, and a spirited campus culture. Students learn on one of the most iconic college campuses in the United States, surrounded by state-of-the-art facilities, inspiring faculty, and a welcoming student community.

Ann Arbor is known for its lively downtown, beautiful parks, diverse food scene, arts culture, and charming university-town atmosphere. It’s an ideal setting for students to explore new interests while enjoying a safe, active, and energetic environment.

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✨ Program Environment

• Wide selection of courses in sports management, medicine, psychology, entrepreneurship, engineering, and STEM

• Hands-on, project-based learning environments designed to challenge and inspire

• Courses taught by knowledgeable instructors and industry practitioners

• Flexible weekly structure: students can begin at the start of any week and mix multiple courses into a 2–3 week customized academic experience

• Suitable for both residential and commuting students

• Supportive community environment that encourages both academic growth and personal development

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🎒 Included in Tuition

• 📘 Academic tuition

• 🏨 Housing (residential programs)

• 🍽 2–3 meals per day, 7 days per week (varies by program type)

• 🎡 Daily and weekend activities, excursions, and enrichment events

• 🚐 Transportation for all included activities

• 🏋️ Access to athletic and recreation facilities

• 🎓 College admissions presentation

• 🛌 Blanket and pillow

• 🛡 On-campus safety and supervision

Note: Certain academies and specialized courses may require additional academic fees.

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🚫 Not Included in Tuition

• 📝 Application fee

• ✈ Airfare and airport transfers

• 🍽 Meals eaten off campus

• 🧼 Laundry

• 🛏 Linens

• 💼 Personal spending money

• 🏥 Medical expenses

• 🎟 Supplemental course fees (if applicable)

A standard international program fee applies for international students.

Closest airport: Detroit Metro Airport (DTW).

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🎡 Top Activities in Ann Arbor, Michigan

• 🎢 Thrill rides at Cedar Point amusement park

• 🥪 Visit the legendary Zingerman’s Deli

• 🛶 Kayaking on the Huron River

• 🕹 Challenge friends at Pinball Pete’s Arcade

• ⚾ Detroit Tigers baseball game and a visit to the Detroit Zoo

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🎉 Top Campus Activities

• 🎧 Silent Disco and Live Band Karaoke

• 🎭 Variety performances featuring comedians, hypnotists, mentalists, and magicians

• 🎨 Clubs: arts, baking, sports leagues, tournaments, game nights, and more

• 🍔 End-of-summer BBQ with lawn games and music