Course Description: 

The two-week Business Foundations course is designed to provide you with exposure to some areas of what we call “business.” We start by discussing (and practicing) foundational concepts – in areas such as finance, accounting, and spreadsheet modeling.
From there, we embark on a public company valuation project while, in parallel, discussing and applying ideas, frameworks, and methodologies from areas such as economics, marketing, strategy, and (more) finance and accounting.
Through the valuation project, we will explore how companies think about clients and customers, how they make money and finance themselves, how they think about competition, innovation, and new projects, and how those decisions affect their value. In addition, we will examine some best practices about corporate and personal communication. The project will culminate with a presentation of project findings and analyses.
Finally, we will seek to explore how some of the concepts we cover can be applied to our daily lives and decision-making.

Learning Outcomes: 

Upon completing this course, you will:

• Have a solid grasp of concepts in areas such as accounting, finance, economics, and
  strategy.
• Be conversant in the ways businesses evaluate and make decisions about undertaking
  new projects – and how to finance them.
• Understand the effects of compounding, (financial) leverage, and risk on expected
  returns.
• Be able to apply financial analysis methodologies on issues of personal finance.
• Be able to discuss where business ideas come from, and the differences between
  breakthrough and disruptive innovation.
• Have experience practicing teamwork and collaboration on a real-life problem.
• Feel more confident about creating and delivering persuasive presentations.
• Have a view of potential career areas in business.

Course Description 

This course invites students to take a closer look at how the art world really works. Together, we’ll explore institutions that shape the value of art: auction houses, commercial galleries, and art fairs. Why do some artworks sell for millions while others go unnoticed? Who decides what art is worth, and what does that say about our society? We’ll explore big questions like: How is commercial value produced in the art market, and what relation does it have to the symbolic value assigned to works of art? How does social capital (connections) influence what kind of art gets seen or celebrated? Over the course of this class, students will explore how art is bought, sold, and valued—from the relationship between artists and galleries to high-stakes auction sales and the rise of NFTs. We will learn how prices are set in the primary and secondary art markets, the role of art dealers and collectors, and how laws around taxation and copyright affect the art world. Case studies will also include discussions of street art, art forgery cases, the impact of social media on the art world and the future of NFTs and digital art. No prior experience with contemporary art is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to ask questions.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Identify and explain how artworks are bought and sold through primary (galleries) and secondary (auctions) markets, and describe the typical roles of artists, dealers, collectors, and auction houses.
• Analyze the factors that influence how prices are set for contemporary artworks, including reputation, rarity, market trends, and symbolic value.
• Understand the legal and financial frameworks that shape the sale and resale of art, such as artist-dealer agreements, resale royalties, and tax considerations.
• Discuss how art is collected and valued by individuals, corporations, and museums, and reflect on the motivations—economic, cultural, and personal—that shape collecting practices.
• Critically assess how power, profit, and prestige influence the circulation of artworks, and consider how artists can respond to or resist these forces through their practice.

Tangible Outcomes 

• Short Analytical Response Papers: Students will complete a series of short, focused essays that develop their ability to critically assess case studies, art market structures, and the interplay between symbolic and commercial value.
• Final Creative Project or Critical Essay: Students may choose to either write a longer-form critical essay (e.g., a mock art market report, curatorial proposal, or collection strategy) or develop a creative project that responds to themes of marketization in art (e.g., designing an artist’s pricing strategy, an auction catalog, or a speculative NFT concept).
• In-Class Presentations: Students will present on selected topics (e.g., mega-collectors, museum branding, or art fairs), helping them develop public speaking and synthesis skills.
• Curated Portfolio of Works and Commentary: A small portfolio may be developed in which students select 3–5 artworks and offer critical commentary on their market performance, institutional recognition, and projected future value.

Guest Speakers 

To be confirmed: Dr. Elizabeth Mattison, Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Academic Programming and Curator of European Art at the Hood Museum. With her expertise in authenticating centuries-old works on paper and canvas, Dr. Mattison will guide students through the complexities of attribution, forgery detection, and historical documentation.

Field Trips 

• Hood Museum of Visual Arts
• Hopkins Center for the Arts Studios

Benefits for Future Study

Students can apply the material from this course in a variety of future academic and professional contexts. Some potential pathways include: Art History and Visual Culture: Students planning to major in or continue with art history will benefit from critical perspectives on how value is constructed, enabling a more nuanced understanding of the historical and contemporary art world.

Course Description

The world is changing faster than ever, and the next generation of leaders will need more than ideas to make a difference. Future Builders: Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Impact invites high school students to step into the role of visionary problem-solver and change-maker.

In this immersive course, students will explore what it really means to think like an entrepreneur: spotting opportunities where others see obstacles, designing creative solutions to pressing challenges, and building ventures that balance innovation with impact. Through a mix of interactive discussions, real-world case studies, team projects, and a final venture showcase, students will learn how to turn passion into action.

Together, we’ll look at how entrepreneurs around the world are tackling issues such as climate change, healthcare access, education, and the rise of artificial intelligence, and how students can begin charting their own path in this dynamic landscape.

By the end of the course, each student will have developed a venture concept, practiced communicating their ideas with confidence, and gained a toolkit of entrepreneurial skills they can carry into college, careers, and beyond.

This isn’t just a class about starting companies, it’s about building the future.

Learning Outcomes

• Adopt the Entrepreneurial Mindset – Develop curiosity, creativity, and resilience to identify opportunities and approach challenges with confidence.
• Design Purpose-Driven Solutions – Use innovation tools such as design thinking and lean startup methods to turn ideas into meaningful ventures.
• Apply Global Awareness to Entrepreneurship – Understand how emerging technologies, climate change, and social issues create both challenges and opportunities for future ventures.
• Collaborate and Lead Effectively – Build teamwork, communication, and leadership skills through group projects and peer-to-peer feedback.
• Pitch with Impact – Craft and deliver a clear, compelling venture presentation that communicates both vision and value to an audience.

Tangible Outcomes 

• A Mini Venture Concept – a clearly defined idea (product, service, or initiative) developed through research, ideation, and testing.
• A Pitch Deck or Showcase Presentation – slides, storyboard, or prototype summary they can use to present their venture idea to peers, mentors, or even future competitions.
• An Entrepreneurial Toolkit – practical methods like design thinking, lean startup canvases, customer discovery templates, and storytelling frameworks.
• A Personalized Action Plan – a roadmap outlining next steps for pursuing their idea beyond the course, including resources, networks, and milestones.

Hands-on Activities

• Hands-On Venture Design Labs – Interactive workshops where students move from brainstorming to prototyping ideas using design thinking and lean startup tools.
• Case Study Deep Dives – Analysis of real-world ventures (from startups to social enterprises) that connect global challenges like climate change, AI, and healthcare to entrepreneurial solutions.
• Team Collaboration Projects – Small-group work where students co-create a venture concept, practicing leadership, negotiation, and teamwork.
• Pitch Rehearsals & Showcase – Guided sessions to practice storytelling and presentation skills, culminating in a final showcase where students present their ideas.
• Personal Purpose Mapping – Guided reflection exercises to help students connect their personal passions and values to the problems they choose to solve.
• Place-Based Learning – Visit to the Magnuson Venture Studio to see entrepreneurship in action.

Guest Speakers 

Roy Schmidt - Program Manager, Startup Support at Magnuson Center
Paula Olson - Senior Program Manager, Design Initiative at Dartmouth

Field Trips 

Magnuson Venture Studio

Benefits for Future Study

This course gives students more than just a venture idea; it equips them with the mindset, skills, and confidence to turn passions into action. From building a pitch they can showcase on college applications to practicing teamwork, problem-solving, and storytelling, students leave prepared to navigate college, careers, and the challenges of a changing world.

Course Description 

This nine-day seminar introduces high school students to the world of finance, investment, and alternative asset management, blending foundational concepts, interdisciplinary perspectives, and real-world career exposure. Students begin with the core building blocks — savings, investment, compounding, diversification, risk and return — before exploring how markets function, why they may or may not be efficient, and where opportunities arise for alternative investments such as private equity, venture capital, and hedge funds. Through case studies, interactive group exercises, and guest speakers, students will see how allocators like endowments and pensions decide where to put capital, how asset managers develop and employ their investment strategies, and how various disciplines such as economics, statistics, psychology, history, and government play an important role in markets and the day-to-day activities of those who work in the finance industry. The course will conclude with frank career reflections, preparing students to think critically about their own interests and the attractions and considerations of the various potential career paths they may choose to pursue.

Learning Outcomes 

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Define the core concepts of hedge funds and private equity, including their purposes, structures, and strategies.
• Differentiate between hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, and other investment vehicles.
• Explain how hedge funds and private equity influence companies, industries, and the global economy.
• Analyze simplified case studies of investment decisions and their outcomes.
• Evaluate the ethical and social implications of private investment, including risk, regulation, and impact on communities.
• Reflect on personal interest in finance and identify pathways for pursuing business or economics in college.

Hands-On Activities 

Possible hands on activities include: 

• Investment Simulation (Paper Portfolio): Students are given “virtual” capital to allocate between hedge fund strategies (e.g., long/short equity, global macro) or private equity deals, then track outcomes using simplified models.
• Case Study Discussions: Analyze famous examples (e.g., a turnaround via private equity, a hedge fund shorting a stock) through guided readings and group debate.
• Role-Play Activity: Students take on the roles of fund managers, investors, regulators, and company executives to negotiate a simplified buyout or investment decision.
• Concept Mapping Workshop: Build a visual map that links hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, and public markets to illustrate the broader financial ecosystem.
• Capstone Mini-Project: In small groups, design a pitch for a mock private equity or hedge fund strategy, summarizing goals, risks, and potential impacts.

Guest Speakers

Guest Speaker Q&A: Hear from Dartmouth alumni, Tuck Business School Faculty or local professionals in finance who can demystify the industry and share career pathways.

Course Description 

What makes great business leaders effective problem-solvers? In this two-week course, students will step into the world of business consulting and decision-making. Guided by Dartmouth faculty and industry practitioners, participants will learn how to analyze complex challenges, generate creative solutions, and communicate recommendations persuasively.

Through case studies, simulations, and team projects, students will gain hands-on experience with frameworks used by top consulting firms and business leaders. Along the way, they’ll explore critical skills like critical thinking, collaboration, persuasive communication, and ethical reasoning. From diagnosing why a company is losing market share to designing a sustainability strategy, students will practice applying structured approaches to real-world problems.

By the end of the course, participants will not only better understand how businesses make decisions but also develop tools they can use in school, leadership roles, and future careers.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain key frameworks and strategies for business problem-solving and decision-making.
• Analyze case studies to identify challenges, root causes, and possible solutions.
• Apply structured frameworks (e.g., SWOT, cost-benefit analysis, decision trees) to real or simulated business problems.
• Collaborate effectively in teams to brainstorm, evaluate, and present solutions.
• Communicate findings and recommendations persuasively through written, oral, and visual formats.
• Evaluate the ethical and social dimensions of business decisions.

Tangible Outcomes

Capstone Presentation: Deliver a team presentation showcasing problem-solving and decision-making skills, with feedback from instructors and peers.

Hands-on Activities

Students will learn through a mix of interactive classroom sessions, group work, and experiential projects, including:

• Business Case Studies: Work through famous consulting cases and real-world examples to practice diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
• Framework Workshops: Learn and apply tools like root cause analysis, decision matrices, and design thinking.
• Decision-Making Simulations: Participate in role-play activities where students act as consultants advising a company, nonprofit, or startup.
• Team Consulting Project: Work in small groups to tackle a current business challenge, then present recommendations in a mock “boardroom pitch.”

Guest Speakers

Hear from Dartmouth alumni and local business leaders on how they make decisions in fast-paced industries.

Field Trips

Site Visit: Explore a local business, startup incubator, or Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business to see decision-making in action.

What does it take to think like an entrepreneur, lead like an executive, and make decisions that shape the future of organizations? In Mini MBA Academy, students step into the world of business strategy, leadership, and innovation through the distinctive Dartmouth lens—hands-on, collaborative, and rooted in real-world application.

Taught by a experienced entrepreneur and distinguished alum of the Tuck School of Business, this immersive course introduces students to the core disciplines of an MBA program, including strategy, marketing, finance, operations, and organizational leadership. Through interactive simulations, case studies, and team-based challenges, students learn how ideas become ventures, how leaders drive change, and how values guide effective decision-making.

Students will have opportunities to connect classroom learning with practice through visits to Dartmouth’s innovation hubs, such as the DALI Lab and Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship, and conversations with alumni who are founders, consultants, and executives across industries.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the key frameworks of business strategy, marketing, finance, and leadership.
• Apply critical thinking and design methods to analyze and solve real-world business challenges.
• Communicate ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate effectively in team-based settings and demonstrate emerging leadership skills.
• Reflect on personal strengths, interests, and potential pathways in business, economics, or entrepreneurship.

Learning Experiences

• Executive Simulation: Step into the role of a CEO or consultant and tackle a real-world business problem in a dynamic, team-based environment.
• Innovation Lab: Develop and pitch a new business or social enterprise, applying the fundamentals of strategy, marketing, and finance.
• Field Experiences: Visit Dartmouth’s Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship and DALI Lab to see innovation in action.
• Guest Speakers: Engage with Dartmouth faculty, alumni, and business leaders who share insights from their work in consulting, startups, and corporate leadership.

Why Take This Course
Students leave Mini MBA Academy with a foundation in business thinking and the confidence to lead with creativity and purpose. Whether envisioning a startup, exploring college-level business studies, or preparing to lead change in their community, participants will gain a toolkit for success shaped by Dartmouth’s collaborative spirit and culture of innovation.