Welcome High School Students

Designed for historically-excluded students, PSU’s SBI, is an exhilarating opportunity for HS students to explore the business field and experience campus life. With focus topics on DEI, B-Corps, social responsibility, and sustainability, students learn what Oregon businesses are doing to redefine traditional ideas of business.

Past sponsors have included adidas, Claima Stories, Costco, Coca Cola, Hydroflask, LegitScript, Multnomah County, PSU's Athletic & Outdoor Program, and Netrush.

The Program

The Summer Business Institute looks forward to welcoming historically underserved/underrepresented rising high school sophomores and juniors from throughout Oregon, SW Washington and beyond to experience college first-hand and prepare for a successful enrollment and college career. Students meet with Portland business leaders, engage in college-level coursework, and connect with a community of peers from across the state and abroad.

Overview

During this program, students engage in discussions with local business leaders, site-visits to local businesses, big and small, go through college-level coursework, connect with their peers, and compete in a Shark-tank style pitch competition.

Students will also work with group mentors in creating a pitch topic and presentation for a panel of judges on the final competition day.

Note: Housing, transit, and food (3 meals per day) will be provided.

Date

Sunday, July 12, 2026 - Friday, July 17, 2026

Cost

$100 (Scholarship Available)

Eligibility

You are eligible if you fall within the following criteria:

• Rising Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

  • Recent grads, and rising freshman may apply; however, apps will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

• Interest in Business and/or the College Experience

  • May enroll in any institution and aren’t required to major in business.

• Identify as Historically-Excluded

  • Based on underrepresented students, economic status, gender, location, immigration status, ability, sexual orientation, etc.

• Participation Requirement

  • Expected to participate in the full program.

Timeline

We are planning our 2026 SBI Program. Use the table below as a reference for a general timeline. This table will be updated as more information is available.

*A detailed program schedule will be provided prior to the start of the program.