About

The Wharton Product Design Academy at the University of Pennsylvania is a three-week, studio-based program for high school students focused on the full lifecycle of product development—from user research and problem framing to prototyping and validation. Hosted through Wharton Global Youth Programs and held on Penn’s campus in Philadelphia, the academy sits at the intersection of design thinking, technical prototyping, and entrepreneurial strategy.

During the 2026 session (July 5 – July 25), students work in small teams to design physical or digital products. The curriculum is centered at Studios@Venture Labs, Wharton’s innovation space, where participants engage in CAD modeling, laser cutting, 3D printing, and iterative testing. Instruction combines technical workshops and design critiques with case-based discussions, culminating in a capstone showcase where teams present their prototypes and research.

The program is open to students in the graduating classes of 2027 and 2028 (current sophomores and juniors), including international applicants. Admission is selective and need-blind. For 2026, the program fee is $10,599 and includes tuition, housing, and most meals. The priority deadline is January 28, with rolling admissions through April 1 pending availability. Financial aid is available, though primarily restricted to U.S. citizens.

The academy is embedded within Wharton’s innovation ecosystem, mirroring the user-centered design and venture formation frameworks used in Penn’s undergraduate and MBA curricula. Students leave with practical experience in prototyping workflows and professional design critique, making the program ideal for those interested in product management, engineering-adjacent design, or entrepreneurship.