Future of the Business World

Future of the Business World is a dynamic learning experience for exceptional high school students from around the world. It is designed to introduce students to areas of research by Wharton faculty and engage them as the next generation of global business leaders. Students attend live daily online events and work independently. Ultimately, they use all the ideas and insights from the program to create final projects that make predictions about the future of the business world. This program is a chance for students to begin to identify interests and lay the foundation for future education and career goals.

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Overview

Future of the Business World is a unique online experience for high school students to ask big questions about a world in the midst of dramatic change. The program applies innovative online tools used in Wharton undergrad and graduate classrooms to introduce different business themes in which Wharton’s faculty lead the global conversation. 

This intensive two-week summer program is designed for a select group of high school students currently enrolled in 9th to 12th grades. The immersive experience guides students through the framework of design thinking, the business aspects of scenario planning, and the strategies to collaborate effectively in teams. It also features two interactive business simulations, enabling students to practice what they’ve learned in solving real-world problems. 

Over the course of the program, students will explore topics such as: 

  • Introduction to Business and Innovation 
    • What it means to think like an entrepreneur 
    • Identifying problems worth solving in today’s changing world 
    • Exploring how business drives change in societies and economies 
  • Design Thinking and Creativity  
    • Human-centered design and customer-focused innovation
    • Brainstorming, ideation, and prototyping solutions
    • Turning bold ideas into actionable business concepts
  • Scenario Planning and Strategic Foresight 
    • Exploring the role of uncertainty and disruption in business 
    • Predicting and preparing for possible futures 
    • Using scenario planning as a tool for strategic decision-making
  • Market Research and Consumer Insights
    • Understanding customer needs and behaviors 
    • Analyzing industry and competitor landscapes 
    • Using surveys, interviews, and data to test assumptions 
  • Business Communication and Leadership
    • Developing pitches and persuasive storytelling
    • Practicing leadership and collaboration in dynamic teams
    • Presenting business solutions effectively to peers and instructors

By the end of the program, students will not only explore diverse business topics and perspectives but also practice design thinking, scenario planning, marketing and teamwork. They will leave with the ability to express their personal points of view about the changing business landscape, to imagine what global business may look like and to create intelligent business solutions that address real-world challenges and anticipate future trends. 

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Participants who successfully complete all requirements of the program will earn a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion.

Schedule

Course Structure  

Daily participation and engagement are required from Monday through Friday, with a few exceptions noted below. Each day will feature a variety of activities hosted within the Wharton Online Learning Platform, including: 

  • 2 hours of live online lecture led by Wharton instructors
  • 1 hour of TA-led live online recitations
  • Interactive business simulations
  • Facilitated small group discussions
  • Collaborative small group activities*
  • Independent work 

Live online lecture sessions and recitations follow the block schedule outlined below. Students should choose one lecture block and one recitation block that best fit their time zone and/or personal preferences. To maintain the quality of group work, once students have selected their blocks, they are expected to attend the same blocks every weekday and may not switch between blocks. 

Course Schedule 

Time: 

  • Live Online Lecture (Required)
    • Block A: 8:00AM-10:00AM Eastern Daylight Time (GMT-4)
      • OR
    • Block B: 1:00PM – 3:00PM Eastern Daylight Time (GMT-4)
  • Live Online Recitation** (Required)
    • Recitation A: 3:00PM – 4:00PM Eastern Daylight Time (GMT-4)
      • OR
    • Recitation B: 9:00PM – 10:00PM Eastern Daylight Time (GMT-4) 

( Note: The same content will be presented in each lecture and recitation blocks; students will choose one lecture block and one recitation block that best suits their schedule.) 

Schedule Exceptions 

Students participating in Session 1, June 16 – June 27 should note the following schedule difference: 

  • Thursday, June 19 – classes will not meet due to the Juneteenth holiday
  • Saturday, June 21 – classes will meet as a makeup 

*Small Group Activities: Within small groups students will work collaboratively on a capstone project, which may require additional live meetings outside of scheduled class or recitation time, to be scheduled at the students’ convenience. 

**Recitations: Students are required to attend a 1-hour TA-led daily recitation, choosing from one of two available time slots: 3:00-4:00 PM or 9:00-10:00 PM (GMT-4). If these do not fit their schedule, we offer flexible one-on-one TA office hours that can be scheduled based on students' availability. Recitations are designed as skill-building workshops, and promote a deeper understanding of the lecture content through exercises in practical application. It is also a great opportunity for students to connect with current Penn students (the TAs) to learn more about college life and skills. 

Technical Requirements 

In order to fully participate in this course, you will need a computer that meets minimum system requirements for both Canvas LMS and Zoom Videoconferencing. A camera and microphone are required. Refer to the following links: 

All programming originates from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (Eastern Daylight Time)

Eligibility

Eligibility

High school students currently enrolled in grades 9–12 with a broad interest in business and a desire to explore various business pathways. International applicants are also welcome.

Admission

Admission to Wharton’s Future of the Business World program is selective. Selections are based on a record of academic excellence and a genuine interest in developing business acumen and leadership skills. Interested students are strongly encouraged to submit an application by the priority deadline.

Please note that participation in Wharton's Future of the Business World program does not guarantee admission into Penn.

Instructional Team

Academic Director: Karl Ulrich

A headshot of a person with glasses, short gray hair, and a friendly expression, standing against a neutral background.Karl T. Ulrich is CIBC Endowed Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches innovation, entrepreneurship, and design. His books include Product Design and Development, Innovation Tournaments, The Innovation Tournament Handbook, and Winning in China. At Wharton, he has won the Anvil Award, the Miller-Sherrerd Award, and the Excellence in Teaching Award. In addition to his scholarly work, Professor Ulrich is a prolific innovator and entrepreneur, holding 24 patents. He earned bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering from MIT.

Instructor: Scott Romeika

Scott J. Romeika, Psy.D. is a psychologist, educator, and consultant with over twenty years of experience in higher education.  He is a lecturer at Wharton, where he teaches WH 1010, “Business and You,” the introductory leadership course for first-year undergraduates.  He has also taught teamwork, group dynamics, and positive psychology in various formats and settings.  Dr. Romeika previously spent 16 years in academic affairs and advising at Wharton, supporting undergraduates with curricular decisions and professional growth.  As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Romeika specializes in assessing and coaching individuals at academic and career crossroads.  A proud alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania (College of Arts and Sciences), Dr. Romeika is also a fan of all things Philadelphia, especially its sports teams.  In his spare time, he enjoys running, hiking, music, and writing. 

Instructor: Ashley Marcovitz

Headshot of a person with medium-length dark hair, bangs, and a necklace, smiling at the camera.Ashley Marcovitz is a designer and educator living in Philadelphia, PA. She has taught a variety of courses related to product design, jewelry design, and digital fabrication at the University of Pennsylvania and at Pratt Institute. As an expert 3D modeler, Ashley has designed everything from diamond-encrusted engagement rings to fully 3D printed window displays for MakerBot, and has had her work featured on Good Morning America. In her spare time, Ashley is a textile enthusiast and enjoys sewing her own clothes and knitting.

Teaching Assistants

Teaching Assistants consist of both undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Pennsylvania. TAs facilitate small-group discussions, ensure student understanding, assist with final project development, and hold office hours to answer student questions and share their Penn and Wharton experiences.

Dates

  • Jun 15 - Jun 26, 2026
  • Jul 6 - Jul 17, 2026

Location

Online

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Application Deadlines

Priority deadline:

 

January 28, 2026

 

Final deadline:

 

Rolling admission

Additional Info

Contact

For more information, please contact whartonyouth@wharton.upenn.edu or call +1.516.414.5555.

“…FBW has opened me up to a world that I didn’t even truly know existed… I was even surprised to find out how much I enjoyed the entrepreneurial process in creating a product and selling it and understanding how to target certain demographics. All of the aspects intertwine with each other and form this complex understanding of the way business works in our world today, especially with the prevalence of COVID-19.”– Michael B.

INCLUDED IN ALL SUMMER ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Wharton Youth Network (WYN)

The Wharton Youth Network (WYN) is an active online community open to all Wharton Global Youth summer students as a way to connect to one another — and Wharton business learning — before, during, and after their programs. Featuring both live and independent programming, the Wharton Youth Network connects ambitious business students worldwide during 10 full weeks of Wharton-powered learning, collaboration, and discovery.

*The Wharton Youth Network is included in all online summer programs.

*In-person students have the chance to join the Wharton Youth Network for $199.

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