Business and economics
LBW (Leadership in the Business World)
LBW is a 3-week residential program run by Wharton Global Youth Program, University of Pennsylvania. Open to: students currently in 11th grade (rising seniors).
- Last cycle's deadline
- Priority January 28, 2026
- 2027 date not posted yet
- Cost
- Paid, aid available
- Who can apply
- Grade 11
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 3 weeks
- Residential
What students do
Students take weekday classes with Wharton faculty on leadership, strategy and business case analysis. They work in teams on simulations and a capstone case competition and write an analysis of a public company.
- Leadership
- Business strategy
- Case analysis
- Teamwork
Key facts
- Run by
- Wharton Global Youth Program, University of Pennsylvania
- Where
- Philadelphia, PA (residential)
- Who can apply
- Students currently in 11th grade (rising seniors)Requires a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA and demonstrated leadership experience; international applicants are welcome.
- Dates
- June 7 to 27, 2026; June 28 to July 18, 2026; July 19 to August 8, 2026These are the 2026 dates. 2027 dates are not posted yet.
- Cost
- $11,899 program fee (2026), includes academic fees and materials, housing in Penn residence halls, two meals per weekday and on Sundays, and activities; $100 application fee
- Deadline
- Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026This was last cycle’s deadline. The 2027 date is not posted yet.
- Selectivity
- The program page describes admission as highly selective with approximately 120 students per session.
Official program siteOfficial application pageUniversity of Pennsylvania admissions profile
What the application asks for
- Essays or short answers
- Transcript
- Teacher recommendation
- Application fee
Short essays, a transcript covering grades 9 to 11, one teacher or counselor recommendation and a $100 fee; test scores are optional.
How a mentor helps with your LBW application
- Decide whether LBW fits, and which similar programs to apply to alongside it.
- Work backward from the deadline so essays, recommendations, and forms are not left to the last week.
- Draft and revise the essays or short answers with one-on-one feedback.
Email me the LBW deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Science AcademyWharton Global Youth Program, University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PAResidential | Rising juniors and seniors | Paid, aid available | Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| Essentials of EntrepreneurshipWharton Global Youth Program, University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PAResidential | Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors | Paid, aid available | Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| Essentials of FinanceWharton Global Youth Program, University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PAResidential | Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors | Paid, aid available | Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| M&TSIJerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology, University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PAResidential | Rising high school seniors | Paid, aid available | Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| Moneyball AcademyWharton Global Youth Program, University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PAResidential | Rising juniors and seniors | Paid, aid available | Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| Product Design AcademyWharton Global Youth Program, University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PAResidential | Rising juniors and seniors | Paid, aid available | Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026Last cycle’s date |
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Frequently asked questions
When is the LBW application deadline?
The 2027 deadline has not been posted. Last cycle's deadline was Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026, and most programs keep a similar date from year to year.
How much does LBW cost?
$11,899 program fee (2026), includes academic fees and materials, housing in Penn residence halls, two meals per weekday and on Sundays, and activities; $100 application fee. Financial aid is available.
Who can apply to LBW?
Students currently in 11th grade (rising seniors). Requires a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA and demonstrated leadership experience; international applicants are welcome.
What does the LBW application require?
Essays or short answers, Transcript, Teacher recommendation, Application fee. Short essays, a transcript covering grades 9 to 11, one teacher or counselor recommendation and a $100 fee; test scores are optional.
How hard is it to get into LBW?
The program page describes admission as highly selective with approximately 120 students per session.
Read from the program’s own site and last checked 2026-10-09. Programs change dates, fees, and requirements each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with this program.
