About

Exploring Entrepreneurship at USC is a four-week, college-level course that introduces high school students to the tools and techniques of startup innovation. For 2026, the program runs from June 22 to July 17 on USC’s University Park campus in Los Angeles. As part of the USC Summer Programs portfolio, students earn 3 units of USC elective credit while engaging in the theory and practice of venture creation. The curriculum explores fundamentals such as accounting, finance, marketing, and human resources, alongside specialized topics like personal branding and "Ikigai" in business.

Admission is open to domestic and international students who have completed at least 9th grade. The 2026 application deadlines are March 13 for international applicants and May 8 for domestic applicants. The total estimated cost is $11,570 for residential students and $8,130 for commuters (available only to residents of LA or Orange County). A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required to secure a seat upon acceptance.

Instruction combines rigorous classroom sessions with applied team projects. Students regularly assess sustainable competitive advantage and market impact, working toward a final pitch presentation that mirrors real-world entrepreneurial feedback cycles. Guest visits from active founders and Marshall School of Business faculty ground the curriculum in contemporary industry contexts.

Institutionally, this program is nested within USC Marshall’s pre-college offerings, emphasizing experiential learning in a top-tier startup ecosystem. Participants finish with a USC transcript reflecting their elective credit and a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial process.