Summer Venture in Business

A pre-college summer academy for underrepresented students in high school and/or potential first-generation college students who are interested in business

Apply for the June session

Apply for the July session

2022 SVB participants pose for a photo in Capitol Federal Hall
Two 2022 SVB participants speak with an employer
SVB participants walk down a hallway of Capitol Federal Hall

Overview

The Summer Venture in Business (SVB) is a pre-college summer academy housed in the University of Kansas School of Business for underrepresented students in high school and/or potential first-generation college students who are interested in business.

The goal of this program is to familiarize high school students with aspects of the college experience in and out of the classroom. It will serve as a pipeline program for students to access academic resources and opportunities at KU. In addition to exposing participants to business topics, the SVB aims to equip students with the tools and knowledge for applying to the university, succeeding in college and prospering in their careers.

2024 Summer Venture in Business

The 2024 Summer Venture in Business will be offered in two sessions:

  • June 9–14
  • July 14–19

The application for the June session will close March 31, 2024.

The application for the July session will close April 28, 2024.

Rising 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade underrepresented students and/or potential first-generation college students are eligible to participate. 

The School of Business gives priority to those in these populations:

  • Students from the state of Kansas and the Greater Kansas City area,
  • Rising sophomores and juniors,
  • Students who would be the first in their family to attend college or a first-generation college student.

There is no cost to participate in this program.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend University of Kansas sponsored events. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this event, please contact Dyamond Ross at dyross@ku.edu or 785-864-1562.

2024 dates

  • First session: June 9–14

  • Second session: July 14–19

Contact

View 2023 SVB photos

Frequently asked questions

The Summer Venture in Business program is excited to accept prospective Jayhawks from an array of locations across the United States. SVB does not cover any travel costs, and it is the responsibility of the participant’s family to plan their travel to and from the University of Kansas.

The 2024 SVB program will last six days and five nights; please pack accordingly. Participants spend majority of the day in Capitol Federal Hall, and it can get cold in the building, so be mindful to bring what you need to be comfortable and attentive during the day.

Temperatures in Kansas during June average between 80-90 degrees. Participants will be expected to walk campus to travel between buildings.

Linens, blankets and towels will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you would prefer. Participants are not required to bring any electronic devices (laptops, tablets, etc.) and if you do bring any of these items, you are encouraged to keep them locked in your residence hall room.

Suggested items to pack:

  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, sunscreen, etc.)
  • Phone/phone charger
  • Weather appropriate attire (shorts, T-shirts, light jacket, etc.)
  • Jacket/sweatshirt to have in Capitol Federal Hall
  • Comfortable shoes for walking
  • Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes for industry tour
  • Umbrella/rain jacket
  • Medications (as necessary)

All students that are accepted into the Summer Venture in Business program receive a scholarship that covers program costs (housing, dining, program materials, etc.)

All participants will be housed in a university residence hall located on KU's beautiful campus and near the School of Business. Students will be paired with a roommate of the same gender and live on the same floor of the residence hall with on-site housing staff.

Participants will eat at a campus dining facility close to their residence hall. Because students will walk between program sessions, comfortable shoes are recommended.

  • Academic sessions with KU School of Business faculty
  • Workshops with internal and external campus partners
  • Industry tour with SVB corporate sponsors
  • Panels with current students and alumni
  • Campus tour
  • Evening activities led by SVB mentors

Required forms

Participants will not be allowed to join until all required forms are completed and received by Dyamond Ross, KU School of Business pre-collegiate program coordinator, DEIB. These forms cannot be returned via email because they collect confidential information.

An exterior shot of Capitol Federal Hall.

Contact

Questions about Summer Venture in Business can be directed to Dyamond Ross, Pre-Collegiate Program Coordinator, DEIB.
The University of Kansas
School of Business
Capitol Federal Hall
Lawrence , Kansas