Summer Business Institute

Welcome High School Students

Designed for historically-excluded students, PSU’s SBI, is an exhilarating opportunity for HS students to explore the business field and experience campus life. With focus topics on DEI, B-Corps, social responsibility, and sustainability, students learn what Oregon businesses are doing to redefine traditional ideas of business.

Past sponsors have included adidas, Claima Stories, Costco, Coca Cola, Hydroflask, LegitScript, Multnomah County, PSU's Athletic & Outdoor Program, and Netrush.

The Program

The Summer Business Institute looks forward to welcoming historically underserved/underrepresented rising high school sophomores and juniors from throughout Oregon, SW Washington and beyond to experience college first-hand and prepare for a successful enrollment and college career. Students meet with Portland business leaders, engage in college-level coursework, and connect with a community of peers from across the state and abroad.

Overview

During this program, students engage in discussions with local business leaders, site-visits to local businesses, big and small, go through college-level coursework, connect with their peers, and compete in a Shark-tank style pitch competition.

Students will also work with group mentors in creating a pitch topic and presentation for a panel of judges on the final competition day.

Note: Housing, transit, and food (3 meals per day) will be provided.

Date & Location

We expect to announce Summer 2025 dates by mid-November 2024 and application will open soon after.

Eligibility

You are eligible if you fall within the following criteria:

• Rising Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
  • Recent grads, and rising freshman may apply; however, apps will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Interest in Business and/or the College Experience
  • May enroll in any institution and aren’t required to major in business.
• Identify as Historically-Excluded
  • Based on race, economic status, gender, location, immigration status, ability, sexual orientation, etc.
• Participation Requirement
  • Expected to participate in the full program.

Timeline

We are planning our 2024 SBI Programming. Use the table below as a reference for a general timeline. 

*A detailed program schedule will be provided prior to the start of the program.

Summer Business Institute FAQs

Can students participate if they’re recent grads or entering the 9th grade?

Recent grads and rising freshmen are still eligible to apply for the program; however, their applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Does the student need to be enrolled in a High School to participate?

No. Students who are home-schooled, or enrolled in an alternative school program or GED program and between the ages of 14-18 may still apply.

Where will students be staying? Is the building safe and secure?

Students will be staying in on-campus housing. Location details will be located in the folder of documents we email out 1-2 weeks prior to the program start. Students will be under the supervision of program staff and mentors. The building is safe and secure and contains a staffed front desk and keycard entry.

Will food, transportation, housing, and toiletries be provided?

Yes! Food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), transit, and housing will be provided at no cost. Students will have to bring their own toiletries and supplies. We will provide a list of important things to bring along

Do you facilitate parent meetings or info sessions to learn more about the program?

Program info sessions can be held virtually or in-person at select schools prior to the application deadline. SBI Program Staff will be conducting outreach to college & career counselors, business teachers, AVID instructors, and administrative staff, so please contact them for any questions. For more information, contact, Stephani, or Ryley.

We will be hosting an in-person orientation for parent guardians and students before we kick off the student programming on July 21, 2023. Parent-guardian attendance is strongly encouraged.

What type of coursework will students engage in during the program?

Each day, students will participate in a 60-90 min lecture, where they will learn about the basics of all fields of business. Fields covered are Marketing, Accounting & Finance, Supply & Logistics, Business Law & Ethics, Leadership, Management, and much more. 

In addition, program mentors who are assigned to each group, specialize in certain fields or knowledge, thus, adding to the content that students will gain. 

Do students receive credit? Where can it be used?

Upon full participation and completion of the program, students will receive one free business elective credit via an official transcript, that can be used at any university.

What happens if a student decides to enroll in The School of Business?

Advisors and staff from our Undergraduate Student Services and Advising will also assist in the admissions process. PSU Scholarships for students who participated in SBI may be available.

Does the student have to participate in the entire program?

Students are required to participate in all sessions during the entirety of the program to gain the full experience and earn the college credit. Students not available for the entirety of the program should apply next year.

What are the program benefits?

Upon program completion, students will have gained the following: 

1. A basic understanding in Marketing, Accounting & Finance, Supply & Logistics, Business Law, Ethics, Management, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and more.
2. 1 Elective Credit - to use at any accredited college or university.
3. New relationships with peers, program staff, and business leaders.
4. Workshops on the admissions process and financial aid and literacy.
5. Confidence in building social, professional, and leadership skills.
6. A scholarship to the PSU School of Business

Can students reapply to the Summer Business Institute?

Yes! SBI is designed to deliver a unique experience. Participants are encouraged to reapply as many years as they are eligible.