Course Overview
Business Innovation is a hands-on course at Syracuse University that helps high school students create ideas for new startups. Students learn how to create and build a business or nonprofit from scratch, focusing on creative thinking, idea development, and the basics of launching a successful venture. The course covers key topics like design thinking, making effective pitches, and understanding customers. Students also get access to Syracuse University’s resources and incubators, giving them the tools they need to pursue their entrepreneurial goals in any field.
All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to request a Syracuse University noncredit transcript.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Apply innovation and design-thinking strategies to develop creative and effective business solutions.
- Craft and deliver compelling elevator pitches that clearly communicate their ideas and engage potential stakeholders.
- Conduct thorough customer discovery to validate their business concepts and refine their target market.
- Leverage college incubators and resources to support the growth and development of their ventures.
“In Business Innovation, Design… we were taught by industry experts, guest speakers, and [had] lessons filled with practical examples of what we’d be up against in the real world. The professor was very accessible and personable, which made learning more engaging. Speaking to classmates, doing product research, and then presenting my ideas to the entire class was an unbelievably rewarding experience and gave me skills that I will use throughout my entire professional career.”
— Daniel B., Summer College – Online Business Innovation, Design, and Startups Student, 2020
Course Information
Course Prefix and Number: SCN 071
Format: On Campus (at Syracuse University)
Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school sophomore, junior, or senior status – or a 2025 high school graduate.
Credit: Noncredit
Grading: Pass/Fail
- Residential: $2,395
- Commuter: $1,908
Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees. Discounts and scholarships are also available.
Program Information
Summer College – On Campus: Experience what college is really like: take a college-level course, live in a residence hall, have meals with friends in a dining hall, and participate in activities and events on campus.
Course Dates and Details
| Program | Course Dates | Class Time (Eastern Time) | Credit/Noncredit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer College – On Campus | 1-Week Session I: Sunday, July 6 – Friday, July 11, 2025 | MTWThF; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Noncredit |
| Summer College – On Campus | 1-Week Session II: Sunday, July 20 – Friday, July 25, 2025 | MTWThF; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Noncredit |
To see if this course is ‘open,’ refer to the full course catalog.
Typical Day
Tentative Schedule
Students must attend class on campus Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
When class is over, and on weekends, students can look forward to various Summer College – On Campus activities to meet and connect with other students! Check out our On Campus Experience page for more information!
End Event
There will be a final Big Idea pitch presentation on the final day of class. Parents are welcome to attend!
Faculty Bios
Bruce Kingma
Professor Kingma has a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Rochester and a B.A. in economics from the University of Chicago. His research includes publications on the economics of information, libraries, and technology; entrepreneurship; and online education. Professor Kingma teaches in the Whitman School of Management and the School of Information Studies. He is the former Provost for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Syracuse University. Provost Kingma has developed award-winning programs in entrepreneurship, innovation, and community engagement across the Syracuse University campus and Central New York.