Wharton Global Youth Program - Leadership in the Business World (LBW)

Leadership in the Business World (LBW) is an intensive summer program for a select group of rising seniors who want an introduction to a top-notch undergraduate business education and the opportunity to hone their leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Since 1999, LBW has brought students from six continents and nearly every state to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

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Designed to provide students with a glimpse of Wharton’s undergraduate curriculum, LBW offers opportunities to learn about leadership in 21st century organizations through a dynamic and rigorous mix of classes with Wharton professors and business leaders, real-time business simulations, and team-building activities.

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Each summer, LBW students:

• Attend lectures and presentations from outstanding Wharton faculty and guest speakers
• Participate in classroom discussions about core business subjects, including research-based theories of leadership and teamwork
• Practically apply real-world business practices through Wharton Interactive’s digital simulations and case competitions
• Conduct research on business enterprises and speak with successful leaders across the industries of finance, entrepreneurship, entertainment, real estate, retail, and more

• Must currently be enrolled in 11th grade
• Unweighted 3.5 GPA
• Demonstrated leadership experience

• Priority deadline: January 29th, 2025
• Final deadline: April 2nd, 2025

• $100 application fee
• A completed online application
• Transcript
  • 2024-2025 grade report for current courses is required if these grades are not on your official transcript
• Recommendation from a high school guidance counselor, teacher, or advisor is required for your application
• 2 short essays
• Video submission or written supplement
  • Leadership is often described as a journey. Record a 90-second video OR share a written statement of 400 words (or less) that highlights your leadership journey and a key aspect of your identity, background, or story that defines you as a leader. You may choose to discuss your core values, aspirations, challenges or setbacks you’ve overcome, influential role models, how you demonstrate leadership, your personal growth as a leader, and/or the impact you aim to make in the future.
• Non-native English speakers must submit test scores to verify English language proficiency. However, if you attend a high school where English is the primary language of instruction, this requirement is automatically waived. 
• Optional: Standardized test scores

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The Wharton Global Youth Program is committed to supporting academically ambitious students with demonstrated financial need. Through a variety of need-based scholarships and financial awards, we are able to provide full or partial funding for a select number of eligible program participants.