High school students interested in entrepreneurship and innovation have until April 17 to apply for a $500 scholarship to LAB Week, Northwood University’s immersive free-enterprise summer camp.
Set for June 14–19 on Northwood University’s Midland campus, LAB Week offers high school students a hands-on opportunity to explore entrepreneurship by working directly with business leaders and tackling real-world business challenges.
“LAB Week is not a traditional summer camp,” said Patrick McElgunn, director of LAB Week at Northwood University. “Students don’t just learn about entrepreneurship in a classroom setting; they get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to launch and grow a business in today’s competitive marketplace. They’re challenged to think critically, work as a team, and apply what they’re learning to a real business concept, just like entrepreneurs do every day.”
Throughout the week, students collaborate with peers, learn directly from entrepreneurs, and develop creative solutions to a signature theme-based business challenge. Last year’s LAB Week featured an engaging Food Truck Challenge, where students designed and pitched their own food truck concepts while learning how businesses differentiate themselves through branding, customer experience, pricing, and location strategy. To enhance the experience, a different food truck was brought to campus each day for lunch.
“Students weren’t just imagining what it’s like to run a business — they were learning directly from business owners,” McElgunn said. “They asked questions, toured food trucks, and heard firsthand what it takes to turn an idea into a profitable venture.”
Building on that momentum, LAB Week 2026 will once again feature a signature challenge designed to push students to think creatively, solve problems, and stand out in a competitive marketplace. Details about this year’s challenge will be announced closer to the start of camp.
LAB Week is ideal for high school students who want to explore entrepreneurship — whether they already have a business idea or are simply curious about how businesses get started.
“Parents often tell us they’re looking for experiences that go beyond résumé builders,” McElgunn added. “LAB Week gives students confidence, perspective, and a taste of what they’re capable of — all while having fun and building friendships.”
Students interested in applying for the $500 scholarship must submit their application by April 17, while registration for LAB Week remains open through May 31.
For more information about LAB Week, scholarship opportunities, and registration details, visit northwood.edu/lab.
