No matter what career path you follow, understanding the business world is key to your future success. This summer, learn business fundamentals and professional communication through the Gateway to business Program this summer.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Gateway to Business is a comprehensive hybrid course that introduces students to business, leadership and teamwork skills development, and career preparedness. This course is designed for high school students who may or may not be interested in pursuing business as a major or minor.
Curriculum for the course includes a foundational view of business, creative problem solving, experiential learning, professional communications, career strategies and the creation of a professional development plan, and entrepreneurship curriculum that includes real-world examples of founding, operating and exiting a startup, how to think like an entrepreneur, and potential career paths.
Students who participate in this program will:
- Earn college credit while developing business saavy.
- Refine professional communications, including resume, cover letters and LinkedIn profile.
- Build your personal brand and develop a personal statement for your college essay.
- Become familiar with different fields within business.
- Problem-solve for real-world client through an experiential learning project.
- Deepen your leadership and teamwork skills.
- Spend a week on WashU’s campus engaging with faculty and professionals from involved organizations and fellow students.
The Gateway to Business program is a hybrid program that includes three virtual sessions plus a one-week residential experience at Washington University in St. Louis.
Virtual Sessions: June 8, June 15, June 22; 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. CT
Residential Session: July 9 – 15
To be eligible for the Gateway to Business Program, students should:
- Be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior in high school (graduating in 2024)
- Be a U.S. resident
The 2023 program fee for the Gateway to Business program is $4,750.00. The fee for the program covers tuition, course materials, housing, meals, transportation, and enrichment activities.
Once a student is admitted into the program, we require a non-refundable $1,000.00 deposit. This deposit will hold a student’s place in the program and will be deducted from the total program fee due.
A limited amount of need-based financial assistance is available for this program through scholarships. Scholarships are determined based on family income. Awarded amounts range between $250-$1000 and will be applied toward tuition and program fees for the course. Please note that this program is not eligible for aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Students who successfully complete this course earn 3 units of college credit. Units earned through the Gateway to Business program are considered pre-matriculation credit. Every university has its own pre-matriculation transfer credit policy. We recommend that students conduct their own research as they make future plans. For current guidelines on pre-matriculation credit at Washington University, please review the Pre-Matriculation Units section of the Washington University Bulletin.
If students intend to use credit earned through the Gateway to Business program for high school graduation requirements, that must be arranged by the student with their high school.
Participation in the Gateway to Business program does not guarantee acceptance into undergraduate or graduate programs at Washington University.
After successfully completing coursework in the Gateway to Business program participation in the course is recorded. Grades earned become part of a student’s record at Washington University. Students may request an official transcript of grades earned through the WebSTAC student portal. Additional helpful information regarding transcripts may be reviewed via the Office of the University Registrar.
In order to apply to the Gateway to Business program, students must complete an online application and submit the following supplemental information:
- Transcript (Official or Unofficial)
- Letter of Recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor
- Current Resume
Applications open on January 10, 2023. The deadline to submit an application and all supplemental information is April 1st, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. CT
Enrollment in the Gateway to Business program is capped at 40 students. All applications will be assessed after the March 8 deadline. Completed applications received by the deadline will be read and scored. Incomplete applications will not move forward. Admission decisions will be released during the week of April 10th.
Students who are accepted into the program will have 1 week to confirm their participation and submit their deposit. Students who have been “waitlisted” will be contacted as seats in the course become available.
Office Location:
Olin Business School
Simon Hall, Room 118
Office Hours: Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm
Mailing Address:
Gateway to Business
Olin Business School
Washington University in St. Louis
One Brookings Drive
MSC 1133-124-118
St. Louis, MO 63130-4899
Phone: (314) 935-6315
Email: olingatewaystudies@wustl.edu
For questions, please contact Genesis Steele, Asst. Director for Academic & Student Affairs.
Orientation & enrollment activities for admitted 2023 Gateway to Business students may be reviewed on this page.
Apply Today
High School students may apply to the program on Jan. 10, 2023. Applications must be submitted by March 8, 2023.
Join Our Mailing List
Want to stay informed & learn more about Gateway to Business? Join our mailing list.
Become A Program Mentor
Current Olin Business School students can apply by Feb. 28, 2023 to be a program mentor.
Student Reflections
I absolutely loved it! I think it gave me a great idea of what consulting would look like as a career.
Ashley, Rising Senior from Ohio
The program was very informative and helpful in guiding me towards what I want to do later on in life.
Luke, Rising Senior from Missouri
The highlight was the presentations. Even though I hated presenting, I loved how I feel more confident now presenting and improving overall in that field.
Aayush, Rising Junior from Illinois
Overall, I truly enjoyed this program because I was able learn so much from Dr. Malter, the guest speakers, and my peers.
Sawaka, Rising Senior from California
This course is academically rigorous, but extremely rewarding.
Quentin, Rising Senior from Illinois
Come into the program ready to fully commit yourself to the experience. You will learn lots about business, yes, but you will also meet some great people and learn more about WashU.
Melani, Rising Senior from Missouri
This program provided an immense amount of help whether it be public speaking or learning about the intricacies of business or even discovering the college experience.
Jade, Rising Junior from California
Honestly, I wish I could stay here another week. The group of kids were amazing, and so were the projects, as it was really fulfilling to actually be able to help a real-life client.
Emma, Rising Senior from Georgia