A taste of business for high school students

Rising high school juniors and seniors from across North Carolina and 22 states learned about business fundamentals at the 2026 Tar Heel Business Academy offered by UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School in Charlotte and Chapel Hill in summer sessions.

UNC Kenan-Flagler professors taught business concepts and how to apply them through case studies and group projects during the weeklong programs.

Students developed skills in critical thinking, leadership, teamwork, networking and AI. Many left with new mentors, connections with classmates and practical experiences to help with college preparation and future careers.

“Understanding the critical role that business has in society – for employees and employers, investors and consumers – will benefit students regardless of what subjects they decide to study in college or the careers they will pursue,” said Dean Mary Margaret Frank (BSBA ’92, MAC ’92, PhD ’99).

UNC Kenan-Flagler offered “Business Essentials: Core Skills for Future Leaders” in Charlotte and Chapel Hill. It covered strategy, finance, marketing, operations and leadership. Students applied those lessons when they acted as consultants to help real companies solve real business challenges.

Charlotte students developed solutions to increase fan engagement among youth and young adult fans for the Charlotte Hornets and a Sundrop marketing challenge for Keurig/Dr Pepper. Chapel Hill students helped Brandwein’s Bagels founder Alex Brandwein (MBA ’20) develop a strategic plan to address new competitors entering the market.

“The opportunity to strengthen our skills in strategy, leadership, and public speaking as we learned from incredible business mentors” was a benefit for Sally Page Bobbitt. “The challenges and exercises I was exposed to opened me up to creative thinking and strengthened my collaboration with others while exposing me to the endless opportunities in business.”

The Tar Heel Business Academy also offered “Next Gen Entrepreneurship with AI: Build, Fund and Lead the Future” in Charlotte. Students came up with ideas for new ventures and prepared presentations for feedback from entrepreneurs and investors. They also learned about the mindsets of entrepreneurs and business owners, usings AI to move faster and smarter, and practical skills in teamwork, problem-solving and communication.

Students brought ideas to the session, developed frameworks to launch their ideas and, by the end of the week, created working prototypes ranging from apps and websites to 3D-printed jewelry, with 16 new business ideas developed through their work in the program.

“AI is not just about creating faster, but about helping entrepreneurs test ideas, gather feedback and bring ideas to life sooner,” Srushti Biradar posted on LinkedIn. “I thought great businesses started with a perfect idea. Instead, I learned that strong ideas are built through action, feedback and continuous improvement.”

Her team created a prototype of their idea for a healthy energy drink and served it to the judges at their final presentation.

UNC Kenan-Flagler also created a special session for Chatham County Schools students in July 2026. Students presented strategy ideas to the Chatham Park YMCA and explored practical strategies to prepare for success in the college classroom and future careers.

UNC Kenan-Flagler created a special session for Chatham County Schools students in July 2026.

“Visiting the Tar Heel Business Academy and seeing our students so fully engaged was a genuine highlight,” says Superintendent Dr. Kelly Batten. “The program challenged our students to think critically, lead collaboratively and apply business concepts to a real client project — an experience that will serve our students well beyond the week and further prepare them for success.”

Charlotte sessions were held at the UNC Kenan-Flagler campus in the Bank of America Tower. The Chapel Hill sessions were held in the new Steven D. Bell Hall at UNC Kenan-Flagler.

UNC Kenan-Flagler piloted the Tar Heel Business Academy in June 2025 to high praise. Students continue to value the opportunity to meet new people and learn about business together.

Applications for summer 2027 will open in October 2026. Read about the application process, who will be teaching and more about the Tar Heel Business Academy here.