Summer at UBC Sauder School of Business

Summer Discovery high school programs aren't just about academics—they're a launchpad into the world of higher education, preparing you for university life and beyond. They're the perfect fusion of transformation, learning, and fun, where you'll forge lifelong friendships and return to high school brimming with newfound confidence.

Summer Discovery's diverse fields of study, spanning STEM, psychology, arts, law, business, math, science and so much more, are taught by experts and leaders in their respective fields of study. Our programs deliver tangible results that enable you to strengthen your university application and propel you forward with the confidence and clarity to define your future career goals.

Discover what it takes to lead in today’s fast-changing global economy. In this hands-on program at the world-renowned UBC Sauder School of Business, students explore the principles of business management, leadership, and entrepreneurship through real-world case studies and collaborative projects. Learn to think strategically, make data-driven decisions, and develop creative solutions to business challenges. Designed for motivated high school students, this program blends classroom learning with practical skill-building, preparing participants to excel in future academic and professional pursuits. Students will attend an all-group morning lecture followed by an afternoon elective track in their chosen area of focus.

Morning Lecture - Business Fundamentals: Leadership for the Future

For the morning lecture, students will step into the world of business and build the foundation for future success in today’s dynamic economy. In this engaging introduction to modern business and leadership, students will explore how organizations create value, make decisions, and compete in today's economy. As the core of the UBC Sauder Business Academy, it's where your summer starts — and where your business future begins.

Learn how money really works. This afternoon elective course for students interested in finance breaks down how companies are valued, how investors think, and how the financial system operates — using real tools, real data, and real decisions. From reading financial statements to mastering time value of money and market multiples, every concept builds toward one goal: a live stock pitch where you analyze a publicly traded company and make your case. No finance background required — just the drive to figure it out.

Great brands don't happen by accident. Gain hands-on experience developing campaigns, analyzing audience insights, and understanding how brands grow in a digital-first world. This afternoon elective gives students a practical introduction to marketing strategy and brand building in a digital-first world. Explore how companies identify customers, craft positioning, and design campaigns that drive real engagement. Dig into the psychology behind consumer behavior, the power of social media, and the data behind modern marketing. The course culminates in a collaborative brand campaign — your strategy, your creative, your pitch.

Good intentions aren’t enough; great ideas need a plan. This afternoon elective explores how entrepreneurs turn climate and sustainability challenges into ventures that create both economic and environmental value. Use design thinking to pinpoint a problem and who it affects, build a business model that connects customers to a real solution, and weigh what evidence would prove an idea actually makes a difference. Through team discussions and creative problem-solving, you’ll test assumptions and work through trade-offs. The course culminates in a team venture pitch: your challenge, your solution, your case for impact.