Wake Forest Summer Immersion: Business Strategy

Wake Forest Summer Immersion: Business Strategy is an overnight pre-college institute for current 9th–12th grade students, approximately ages 14–18. The program is designed for teens who want to understand how organizations compete, grow, adapt, finance decisions, build trust, and respond to competition.

This institute is not only about starting a business. It focuses on how real organizations, large and small, make strategic decisions. Students explore corporate strategy, competitive advantage, market positioning, financing growth, leadership styles, team dynamics, business analytics, budgeting, performance tracking, client relationships, and career pathways in business, finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship.

The experience is team-based and practical. Students analyze real-world case studies, take part in consulting-style challenges, use a DISC personality assessment to better understand leadership and work styles, and participate in financial decision-making simulations. Guest speakers from corporate strategy, finance, and operations add a professional perspective.

The week builds toward a final team presentation in which students pitch strategic recommendations to peers and professionals. It is a strong fit for teens who enjoy business, leadership, problem-solving, consulting, finance, teamwork, and persuasive presentations.

Typical Daily Schedule

    8:00 am – Morning Check-In & Breakfast
    9:00 am – Welcome & Introduction to Business Strategy
    10:00 am – Workshop: DISC Profile and Teambuilding
    11:30 am – Business Case Study
    12:30 pm – Lunch
    1:30 pm – Guest Speaker: Private Equity
    2:15 pm – Project Worktime
    3:45 pm – Team Synthesis & Case Study Discussion
    4:30 pm – Reflection and Preview of the Next Day
    5:30 pm – Dinner
    6:30 pm – Evening Activities
    7:30 pm – Free Time
    9:00 pm – Prepare for Bed
    10:00 pm – Lights Out

*The “A Day in the Life” sample schedule is subject to change.