15 Economics & Policy Internships for High School Students
For high school students curious about how economies function and policies are shaped, learning through experience is one of the most effective ways to understand the process. Taking up an internship in economics or public policy lets you see how ideas turn into real-world decisions that impact communities, businesses, and governments.
What are economics & policy internships for high school students?
Cities and research centers across the country offer opportunities where you can assist with data collection, policy research, and economic analysis. You might help evaluate how new laws affect local economies, support research teams working on financial models, or observe how organizations use data to make informed policy recommendations. These tasks give you a grounded view of how economics and policymaking work in practice.
Why should you opt for an economics & policy internship for high school students?
Such experiences help you figure out where your interests fit, whether it’s analyzing data, studying public systems, or developing strategies for social and economic improvement. Internships in this field also make your college applications stronger and connect you with mentors who can guide your academic and career direction.
If you’re also looking for international economics internships, you can check here!
Here are 15 economics and policy internships for high school students!
Disclaimer: Not all items below are internships. Some are programs that would help you prepare for future internships and make useful connections.
15 Economics & Policy Internships for High School Students
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Local nonprofit organizations and Washington, D.C. (Student Leaders Summit)
Cost: Fully paid; includes stipend and all travel expenses
Dates: 8-week program, including the Student Leaders Summit (July 21–26)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school juniors and seniors legally authorized to work; must reside in an eligible location and be available for the full 8-week commitment.
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program offers an eight-week paid internship at a local nonprofit where you’ll explore the intersection of business, economics, and social impact. You’ll assist with projects like budgeting, fundraising, or community engagement while learning about how nonprofits manage limited resources efficiently. Each participant is matched with an industry mentor who provides professional guidance and insight into leadership development. The program ends with a week-long national summit in Washington, D.C., featuring workshops, panels, and policy discussions with business and civic leaders. You’ll leave with practical workplace experience and a deeper understanding of economic systems that drive public good.
2. Venture Analyst Internship – 1435 Capital Management LLC
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Location: Hybrid (with in-person work in Princeton, NJ)
Dates: 10-week summer program (June – August)
Application Deadline: Early April
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors (16+) who can commute to Princeton, NJ
The Venture Analyst Internship at 1435 Capital Management LLC gives you a rare glimpse into the venture capital and investment ecosystem. Working alongside a small team, you’ll research startups, track market trends, and evaluate potential investment opportunities. Only three to four students are selected annually, making it a highly competitive experience. You’ll assist with preparing pitch materials, financial models, and portfolio summaries while learning how investors assess business potential. Throughout the internship, you’ll also gain insight into risk management and the economics behind funding innovation.
3. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote – you can work from anywhere in the world
Cost: Varies depending on placement; some internships are paid; financial aid available
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder Internship Program is a selective virtual opportunity that connects high school students with high-growth startups across industries such as economics, technology, finance, policy, etc. You will work directly with company founders and managers on real-world projects, applying their analytical, communication, and research skills to professional settings. You will receive mentorship from a Ladder Coach, who provides personalized guidance and feedback throughout the internship. You’ll attend group training sessions, develop time management and presentation skills, and deliver a final project to your company team.
4. Young Founders Lab
Location: 100% virtual, with live and interactive workshops
Cost: Varies by program; need-based financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
The Young Founders Lab is a selective virtual startup incubator that gives high school students hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, economics, and financial strategy. Over the course of four weeks, you will collaborate with peers to design and launch a functional startup, applying concepts such as budgeting, revenue modeling, and cost analysis in real time. You’ll attend live workshops led by professionals from leading companies like Google and Microsoft and receive personalized mentorship from business and economics experts. The program emphasizes decision-making, innovation, and teamwork, helping you build both strategic and analytical skills. By the end of the experience, you’ll have developed a working business concept and a deeper understanding of how economics and finance support sustainable growth.
5. Fidelity Investments Internship
Cost: Free
Location: Various Fidelity offices across the U.S.
Dates: June – August (exact dates vary by site)
Application Deadline: Applications open in February
Eligibility: High school students
The Fidelity Investments Internship allows you to experience the inner workings of one of the world’s leading financial institutions. During the summer, you’ll work with teams in investment management, advisory services, and client operations. You will contribute to projects such as portfolio analysis, market research, and business communications. You’ll attend professional workshops and mentorship sessions that build your technical and interpersonal skills. The program exposes you to different areas of the finance industry, helping you understand how economic theory translates into real-world financial strategy. By the end, you’ll have developed both business acumen and a foundation in economic analysis useful for future academic and career goals.
6. Student Internship Program – U.S. Department of the Treasury
Cost: Free
Location: Washington, D.C.
Dates: Spring (January–May), Summer (May–August), Fall (September–December)
Application Deadlines: Spring – October; Summer – December; Fall – June
Eligibility: U.S. citizen high school students
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Student Internship Program lets you see how national economic policy is made. You could work in offices like Economic Policy, Domestic Finance, or International Affairs, where you’ll help with data collection, policy summaries, and research. You’ll also sit in on internal meetings about major financial issues and learn how government decisions affect markets and industries. The program gives you a clear view of how economics shapes public policy and global finance.
7. KP Launch High School Program – Kaiser Permanente
Stipend: $23/hour
Location: Kaiser Permanente facilities or business offices in Northern California
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: Opens November 18
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–19 living in Northern California Kaiser service areas
The KP Launch High School Program gives you a solid view of how economics and management shape the healthcare industry. Over seven weeks, you’ll rotate through departments like communications, business operations, and finance while learning how hospitals handle budgeting and resource allocation. You’ll also attend workshops on leadership, networking, and community impact. Mentorship sessions connect you with healthcare professionals who’ll share insight into both the policy and administrative side of patient care. Alongside your daily tasks, you’ll participate in community service and development activities.
8. Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP)
Cost/Stipend: Paid ($12–$14/hour + $2,500 scholarship upon completion)
Location: Hybrid
Dates: Session 1: June 2 – June 27 | Session 2: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Young Entrepreneurs Program combines hands-on business training with real-world economic problem-solving. Over four weeks, you’ll collaborate with companies across the Midwest to develop business strategies, conduct data analysis, and present practical solutions. Mentors guide you through the process of understanding how industries balance innovation and profitability. You’ll also take part in workshops on leadership and economic development, preparing you for careers in business and policy. Students receive hourly pay along with a completion scholarship, making it both rewarding and accessible.
9. Today’s Interns, Tomorrow’s Professionals (TIP) – Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Location: Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, MA
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Apply through Boston Private Industry Council (PIC)
Eligibility: High school students in Boston Public Schools who’ve completed their sophomore year
The TIP Program at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston gives you firsthand experience in monetary policy, banking operations, and economic communication. As a TIP intern, you might assist economists, communications specialists, or operations managers on ongoing projects. You’ll learn how the Federal Reserve gathers data, conducts research, and makes financial policy recommendations. Along with daily work, you’ll join career-readiness workshops, mentorship sessions, and team-building events that help prepare you for the professional world. High-performing students can even continue in year-round roles after summer ends.
10. High School Internship Program – CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Location: Multiple CLA offices across the U.S.
Dates: June 17 – July 19
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students (age 16+) authorized to work in the U.S.
The CLA High School Internship introduces you to the world of professional accounting, finance, and consulting. Over five weeks, you’ll shadow professionals, attend client meetings, and complete team-based projects that reflect real business scenarios. You’ll gain exposure to auditing, tax preparation, and financial analysis, essential tools for understanding how companies make decisions and manage their resources. Beyond technical skills, the internship emphasizes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. You’ll also take part in workshops that strengthen your understanding of business ethics and economic principles.
11. JP Morgan & Chase High School Internship
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Location: Various JP Morgan & Chase offices
Dates: Part-time during the academic year; full-time during the summer
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: High school students, primarily from New York City
This selective internship at JP Morgan & Chase offers early exposure to corporate finance, banking, and economic strategy. As an intern, you’ll rotate through departments like client services, operations, and risk management, supporting projects that drive key business functions. You’ll attend meetings with managers and learn how large financial institutions evaluate markets, manage investments, and serve global clients. The program pairs you with mentors who help you develop professional and technical skills for future business careers. Top-performing students may even qualify for scholarships.
12. On the Money Magazine Internship – Economic Awareness Council & DePaul University
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Location: Hybrid (DePaul University Writing Center, Chicago, IL + virtual)
Dates: Starts in September
Application Deadline: Rolling, January–May (interviews tentatively in January)
Eligibility: High school students residing in Chicago
The On the Money Magazine Internship blends financial education with journalism, giving you the chance to write about topics like entrepreneurship, personal finance, and public policy. You’ll attend editorial meetings, conduct interviews, and contribute articles to a student-led financial publication distributed across Chicago. The program is run in collaboration with DePaul University and the Economic Awareness Council, ensuring a balance of academic and professional guidance. You’ll also receive training in business communication, public speaking, and leadership. By the end, you’ll understand how clear communication can make complex economic concepts accessible to a broader audience.
13. Summer Internship – The Junior Economic Club
Cost: Free
Location: Various cities across the U.S.
Dates: Offered during the school year and summer
Application Deadline: Varies annually
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The Junior Economic Club Summer Internship introduces you to core principles of economics, public policy, and business leadership. As an intern, you’ll participate in group research projects, policy discussions, and economic debates that help you understand how financial and governmental systems interact. You’ll also have the opportunity to organize events, moderate panels, and collaborate with peers interested in similar fields. Mentorship sessions with economists and industry professionals provide valuable insight into real-world decision-making. The program emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and leadership development.
14. High School Internship Program – Port of Seattle
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Location: Seattle, WA – placements at SEA Airport and Seattle waterfront
Dates: Summer (early July - late August)
Application Deadline: May 18
Eligibility: High school students (age 16+); recent graduates within 12 months; GED students authorized to work in the U.S.
The Port of Seattle Internship gives you firsthand experience in public administration, business operations, and community development. As an intern, you’ll work on projects that support the Port’s mission to expand economic growth in the Pacific Northwest. Depending on your placement, you could assist in aviation, maritime management, communications, or public policy. You’ll also attend workshops and leadership sessions on project management and process improvement. Interns go on guided facility tours and receive one-on-one mentoring from Port professionals. This program offers an excellent mix of government exposure, civic engagement, and applied economics experience.
15. Miami-Dade County Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP)
Cost/Stipend: Paid (up to 150 hours over 5 weeks)
Location: Various Miami-Dade County departments
Dates: July – August
Application Deadline: Varies annually; coordinate through your high school counselor
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders (ages 15–18) enrolled in Miami-Dade County Public Schools
The Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP) gives Miami-Dade high school students a first-hand look at local government operations and public policy. Over five weeks, you’ll complete up to 150 hours of work in departments such as community outreach, planning, finance, or administration. You’ll work alongside public employees and learn how local government decisions affect daily life and regional economics. The program also includes career readiness training, mentorship, and performance reviews to build professionalism.
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