Summer High School Program

This course examines how human behavior impacts economic decisions and how these decisions affect the environment. It combines insights from psychology and economics to explore topics like consumer behavior, environmental policies, and sustainable practices. The course helps students understand how economic incentives and human behavior influence environmental outcomes and what can be done to promote more sustainable choices.

This course analyzes the international business environment, defined as the economic, political, and social factors that shape firms’ global strategies. Students will learn to explain the ways in which – and the reasons why – countries differ in policies and institutions relevant to the firm.  The course places special emphasis on the political and institutional economy facing the business, which means they will study how international and domestic politics as well as institutions influence continuity and change in the rules governing international economic transactions.

Data-driven decision-making and analytical skills are essential for success in today’s business world. As the demand for analytics capabilities continues to rise, business professionals are increasingly expected to be proficient in tools that support data analysis. With the rapid growth of digital technologies—such as smartphones, social media, and online commerce—the volume of data generated each day has skyrocketed. Organizations are eager to extract meaningful insights from this data to inform strategy and operations. This introductory course provides a foundation in business analytics using Microsoft Excel, one of the most widely used tools in the industry. Students will learn how to organize, manipulate, and analyze both structured and semi-structured data using Excel. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with practical skills to apply data analysis techniques in real-world business contexts.

Why do some systems (made up of policies, technologies, and business strategies) fail even when they seem well-designed? In this project-based course, students learn to think like an engineer and economist—analyzing how systems behave, how decisions ripple through them, and why unintended consequences often emerge. Using simple tools such as causal-loop diagrams and computer simulations, students explore how feedbacks, delays, and resource constraints affect outcomes in real-world systems—from energy markets to technology adoption and environmental management. Students learn to use the Vensim software to model production, investment, and growth dynamics, and uncover system archetypes like “Fixes that Fail” and “Limits to Growth.” By the end of the course, students will understand how to identify leverage points in complex systems, evaluate trade-offs, and design policies or engineering solutions that improve long-term performance and sustainability.

Step into the role of a decision-maker in a global industry! In this hands-on, simulation-based course, you and your teammates will run your own company, making real business choices about product design, pricing, advertising, promotions, and sales. Over 12 rounds of play, you’ll see how your decisions shape the company’s performance, using market reports and analysis tools to guide your strategy. By the end, you’ll have a taste of what it’s like to think like a business leader—analyzing data, collaborating with a team, and competing to succeed in a fast-paced market.

Put yourself in the shoes of a real consulting team! In this challenge, you’ll work together to design a bold new product or service idea that helps a major company expand into an exciting new area. Your team will research the market, analyze risks and opportunities, and craft a strategy that’s both creative and realistic. The goal is to think big, back up your ideas with evidence, and deliver a persuasive pitch—just like real consultants competing to win over a client.