UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The 19th cohort of the Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS) hosted by the Penn State Smeal College of Business wrapped up earlier this summer.
BOSS gives rising high school seniors an opportunity to experience college life while exploring business education at Penn State.
Hosted by Smeal’s Office of Diversity Enhancement Programs, the two-week residential program combines academic learning, leadership development and mentorship.
The 2026 program marks BOSS’s 19th year since its launch in 2008.
By the numbers:
19 — Years of the Business Opportunities Summer Session. BOSS was established in 2008.
2 — Weeks students spend living and learning at Penn State’s University Park Campus to have the feel of college experience.
309 — Applications received for the 2026 program
28 — Students selected to participate in the 2026 cohort.
12 + 1 — States represented by participants: Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia plus Puerto Rico.
1 — Corporate visit to EY’s Philadelphia office, where students gain firsthand exposure to careers in business.
1 — Case competition, giving students an opportunity to apply what they learned through the program.
Multiple — Opportunities to experience business and cultural events at and around Penn State. Those included a visit to DelGrosso’s Amusement Park, a State College Spikes baseball game and the annual awards banquet.
During the two-week program, students participate in business-focused courses and presentations led by Penn State faculty, staff and industry professionals. The schedule also included team building experiences.