On-Campus Programs FAQs

WHO IS SUMMER DISCOVERY?

Wharton contracts Musiker Summer Discovery Programs to aid in various administrative and residential components of summer programming, including, but not limited to: prospective applicant support, paperwork collection, residential staffing, student safety and supervision, and coordination of extracurricular and social activities. This allows Wharton faculty and staff full resources to perfect the academic curricula of each program and to deliver the most in-depth collegiate experience possible for our summer high school students. Wharton maintains full control of program admissions and content and oversees the residential components by working closely with Summer Discovery staff throughout the year.  

WHAT WILL STUDENTS DO OUTSIDE OF CLASS TIME?

Outside of the academic day, summer high school students enjoy evening and weekend extracurricular and social activities and trips. Weekend day trips have previously included: Hershey Park, King of Prussia Mall, or a Phillies baseball game. Evening activities are designed to explore the city of Philadelphia’s many historic and cultural sites and to build lasting friendships with global peers. On campus activities include karaoke, trivia, soccer, Spikeball and many other indoor and outdoor games and events.

WHAT CAMPUS RESOURCES WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO DURING THE SUMMER?

Wharton summer high school students will have access to academic and recreational resources and facilities during their stay on Penn’s campus, including, but not limited to: university wifi, learning support resources, campus tours and information sessions, Franklin Field, Hamlin Tennis Center, and Penn Park. (Access to the Pottruck Health and Fitness Center may be available for age-eligible students for an additional fee.) While computer labs may be available for student use, we strongly encourage each program participant to bring a personal computer for use during the academic day.  

WHAT MEASURES ARE TAKEN TO ENSURE STUDENT HEALTH AND SAFETY?

In addition to full-time program support staff, Wharton summer high school students are assigned a Residential Counselor (RC) for support and mentorship. RCs live in the dorms and are available 24/7 if needed. There will also be a registered nurse on campus who will assist students with minor injuries, illness, prescription medications, and scheduling necessary medical appointments, if needed. Appointments are made with either the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia or Urgent Care.  

Daily sign-ins and room checks are mandated for student safety. Students may explore Penn’s campus and the surrounding University City area within the designated “home area” in small groups, with assurance that RCs are stationed throughout the area for assistance. The University of Pennsylvania works closely with Penn Public Safety and the Penn Police Department to ensure the safety of all students who are on campus. Contact information for these safety resources is given to students upon arrival. 

WILL I BE ABLE TO MEET OR INTERACT WITH CURRENT WHARTON/PENN STUDENTS?

Yes! Wharton/Penn undergraduate and graduate students work as Teaching Assistants (TAs) across all of the Wharton Global Youth On-Campus programs. TAs are tasked with facilitating learning, fostering community, and sharing insights into the college-going experience.    

WHO LEADS/TEACHES IN THESE PROGRAMS?

Each program is led by an instructional team made up of a combination of Wharton faculty, instructors, and teaching assistants. Many programs also bring in industry professionals and/or alumni to present as guest speakers or to evaluate final projects or presentations.   

Students in the Essentials of Entrepreneurship, Essentials of Finance, and Leadership in the Business World programs will also have the unique opportunity to attend our Wharton Global Youth Speaker Series, which features presentations and conversations with notable Wharton faculty. The topics covered in these presentations span the breadth of Wharton teaching, allowing students insights into additional topics and cutting-edge research not specifically addressed within their program’s focus area.  

Previous speakers and topics have included:  

• Dean of The Wharton School, Professor Erika James: Crisis Management 
• Professor Michael Roberts: Finance 
• Professor Ethan Mollick: The Future of AI  
• Professor Katherine Klein: Social Impact   
• Professor Michael Platt: Neuro Economics 
• Professor Barbara Kahn: Marketing 
• Professor Maurice Schweitzer: Negotiation and Deception 
• Professor Olivia Mitchell: Financial Literacy 

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?

Class hours differ by program but a typical academic day runs Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5pm, with periodic breaks. Students can expect a mix of seminar-style lectures, guest speakers from across industry, facilitated small group discussions with a Teaching Assistant, large and small group activities and projects, and office hours. Some programs also include relevant site visits for first-hand industry exposure.  

Each program is designed with student engagement in mind. Hands-on learning opportunities are built into each day, and include a combination of simulations, case studies, problem sets, lab work, and collaborative peer projects. While some programs may also have evening or weekend academic events, most students are free to join friends in any of our planned social and extracurricular events occurring in the evening and weekend hours.  

WILL I EARN A CERTIFICATE?

Yes! Every student who successfully completes a non-credit program will receive a Wharton Global Youth Program Certificate of Completion. Completion is obtained through meaningful participation and completion of all assignments as determined by the program leader.  

Students who complete a credit-bearing program like the Management and Technology Summer Institute (M&TSI) will be awarded a university transcript outlining course grades and college credits.

ARE THERE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE?

Yes! The Wharton Global Youth Program is committed to supporting academically ambitious students with demonstrated financial need. Through a variety of need-based scholarships and financial awards, we are able to provide full or partial funding for a select number of eligible program participants.  

For more information, please visit the Costs & Aid webpage.  

WHAT DOES ‘PRIORITY DEADLINE’ MEAN?

The priority deadline is our early deadline, and allows a greater chance of admission into preferred session dates. Students who apply by the priority deadline will also be notified of their admissions decisions earlier. There is also a possibility of specific programs or sessions filling before the final deadline, so applying by the priority deadline is always encouraged. 

CAN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS APPLY?

International students are a welcome addition to Wharton Global Youth On-Campus programs. International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the priority deadline to ensure ample time to arrange for international travel and visas, where applicable. 

International students participating in the Management and Technology Summer Institute (M&TSI) will require an F-1 visa to attend, as this program offers college credit. Upon admission, M&T staff and Penn Global’s Office of International and Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will provide the necessary instructions and documents to assist in the F-1 student visa application process. 

Participants enrolling in all other Wharton on-campus programs are encouraged to obtain a short-stay B-2 TOURIST visa from the American Embassy or Consulate in their home country, if they do not already have one. 

CAN I APPLY TO MORE THAN ONE PROGRAM?

Yes! As the admissions criteria and application components vary from program to program, a new application is required for each program.  

CAN I ATTEND MORE THAN ONE PROGRAM?

Yes! If admitted into multiple programs for the summer you may attend more than one. However, it is not permitted to enroll in academic programs, either residential or online, with overlapping dates due to the rigorous demands of each program. 

HOW CAN I DOCUMENT MY SUMMER EXPERIENCE WHEN APPLYING TO UNIVERSITIES?

In addition to submitting your certificate of completion and addressing your experiences in your resume, you can also include your Wharton Global Youth program experience in the Education section of the Common App. Search for “Wharton Global Youth” to select your relevant program experience.

I MISPLACED MY CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION. HOW CAN I GET A NEW ONE?

If you have misplaced or are having trouble accessing your certificate of completion, please send an email to whartonhssummer@wharton.upenn.edu for further assistance. 

HOW CAN I STAY CONNECTED WITH WHARTON GLOBAL YOUTH?

Here are some more ways you can get involved in business and financial education with the Wharton Global Youth Program: 

1. Sign up for the Wharton Global Youth Program newsletter. Our monthly newsletter features program updates, educational resources featuring Wharton faculty research, and business-focused articles, videos, and podcasts. Sign up today! 
2. Become an investor. Join us for the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition, a free, team-based competition featuring an online investment simulation and video conversations with finance and business experts. Learn more. 
3. Get social. Connect with the Wharton Global Youth Program on Instagram (@WhartonYouth ), Facebook , or Twitter (@Whartonyouth).