15 Economics Extracurriculars for High School Students
Exploring economics outside the classroom can give you a much clearer sense of how money, markets, and decision-making actually work in the real world. Whether you're curious about investing, public policy, or starting your own venture, extracurriculars allow you to apply economic concepts in practical, hands-on ways.
What do economics extracurriculars involve?
Economics extracurriculars might involve building a small venture, analyzing market trends, or participating in competitions. You’ll develop skills like problem-solving, financial thinking, and strategic planning.
Why pursue economics extracurriculars?
Exposure to these extracurriculars can make it easier to identify opportunities, test ideas, and understand how businesses operate from the ground up. Economics extracurriculars also play an important role in college applications. If you're planning to study economics, business, or entrepreneurship, these activities signal both interest and initiative.
For more economics opportunities, have a look at online economics programs and economics pre-college programs.
Below is a list of 15 economics extracurriculars for high school students that can help you build skills, explore career paths, and deepen your understanding of the field.
15 Economics Extracurriculars for High School Students
1. Join an Economics Club
Difficulty level: Beginner to Intermediate
Location: School-based / Local / Online
Resources/experience required: None initially; interest in economics
Becoming part of an economics club is one of the most accessible ways to explore the subject beyond your classes. These clubs often create a structured environment where you can discuss current events, analyze economic trends, and collaborate with peers who share similar interests. Well-known examples include school-based economics clubs, chapters affiliated with organizations like the National Economics Challenge, or student-led finance societies.
As a member, you might participate in debates on policy issues, run simulations on markets, or prepare for competitions. Some clubs also host guest speakers or organize workshops on topics like investing or entrepreneurship. Over time, you can take on leadership roles, helping organize events or mentor newer members.
2. Join a Work-Learn Program such as Young Founders Lab
Difficulty level: Beginner to Intermediate
Location: Online
Resources/experience required: None initially; interest in economics
The Young Founder’s Lab is a start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a complex problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.
Apart from building the start-up itself, you will also participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideations, workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and more. The program is an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of business in high school and have a space to explore multiple theoretical as well as practical frameworks that lead to a successful business. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
3. Participate in Economics Competitions
Difficulty level: Intermediate to Advanced
Location: National / International / Online
Resources/experience required: Basic economics knowledge
Economics competitions push you to apply concepts under time pressure while solving real-world problems. Events like the National Economics Challenge or other regional competitions require you to work in teams, analyze data, and respond to case-based questions.
You’ll typically study microeconomics, macroeconomics, and current events, often going beyond your school curriculum. Preparing for these competitions can involve mock tests, group discussions, and strategy sessions.
4. Apply for a Structured Internship Program like the Ladder Internship Program
Difficulty level: Beginner to Intermediate
Location: Online
Resources/experience required: None initially; interest in economics
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries from tech/deep tech, and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook.
In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Typical tasks may include economic research, financial strategy development, product support, or communication initiatives. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
5. Start a Small Business
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Location: Anywhere (often local or online)
Resources/experience required: Basic planning and initial capital (optional)
Launching a small venture, whether it’s selling products online, offering a service, or running a school-based initiative, gives you direct exposure to economic principles in action. You’ll deal with pricing, costs, demand, and customer behavior firsthand.
Running a business involves tasks like budgeting, marketing, and managing operations. Even small-scale ventures can teach you how to make data-driven decisions and adapt to changing conditions. This experience is especially valuable if you're interested in entrepreneurship. It shows initiative, creativity, and the ability to execute ideas – qualities that stand out in college applications.
6. Join an Investment or Finance Club
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Location: School / Online
Resources/experience required: Basic understanding of markets (helpful but not required)
Investment clubs focus on understanding financial markets, stocks, and portfolio management. Many high school clubs simulate investing using virtual trading platforms, allowing you to experiment without real financial risk.
You might analyze companies, track market trends, and present investment strategies to peers. Discussions often include topics like risk management, diversification, and economic indicators. This activity builds financial literacy and analytical skills while introducing you to real-world applications of economics. It’s particularly useful if you're interested in finance, banking, or investing careers.
7. Take an Online Economics Course
Difficulty level: Beginner to Advanced
Location: Online
Resources/experience required: Internet access and commitment
Online courses allow you to explore economics topics in greater depth and at your own pace. Platforms like Coursera, edX, or university-led programs offer courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, behavioral economics, and more.
You’ll engage with lectures, assignments, and sometimes real-world case studies. Some courses also include projects or assessments that test your understanding. Completing a course demonstrates initiative and academic curiosity. It can also strengthen your foundation before participating in more advanced extracurriculars.
8. Conduct Independent Research in Economics
Difficulty level: Advanced
Location: Flexible
Resources/experience required: Strong interest; basic research skills
Working on an independent research project allows you to explore a specific economic question in depth. This could involve studying local market trends, analyzing public data, or investigating policy impacts.
You’ll learn how to formulate research questions, collect and interpret data, and present findings in a structured format. Some students also aim to publish their work or present it at competitions. Research experience demonstrates intellectual curiosity and the ability to engage with complex topics, qualities that are highly valued in college applications.
9. Write for an Economics Blog or Publication
Difficulty level: Beginner to Intermediate
Location: Online / School
Resources/experience required: Writing skills and interest in economics
Writing about economics helps you develop clarity in thinking and communication. You could start your own blog or contribute to school newspapers, online platforms, or youth publications.
Topics might include market trends, policy analysis, or business case studies. Regular writing requires you to stay updated and think critically about economic issues. This activity builds communication skills and creates a portfolio of work that can be showcased in applications.
10. Intern with a Local Business or Startup
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Location: Local / Hybrid / Online
Resources/experience required: Initiative; sometimes basic skills
Internships provide direct exposure to how businesses operate. Even short-term roles can give you insight into decision-making, operations, and market strategy.
You might assist with research, marketing, or data analysis, depending on the role. Observing how businesses respond to challenges can deepen your understanding of economic concepts. Internships help you build practical skills and gain experience that aligns closely with future career paths.
11. Participate in Business or Economics Summer Programs
Difficulty level: Intermediate to Advanced
Location: In-person / Online
Resources/experience required: Application-based; some prior interest
Academic summer programs often combine lectures, projects, and mentorship to provide a deeper understanding of economics. Many are hosted by universities or organizations.
You’ll work on case studies, group projects, or simulations while interacting with peers and instructors. Some programs also include final presentations or competitions. These programs offer academic rigor and networking opportunities, making them a strong addition to your profile.
12. Join a Debate Team (Economics or Policy Focus)
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Location: School / Competitions
Resources/experience required: Research and speaking skills
Debate allows you to engage with economic policies and global issues through a clear, argument-driven format. Topics often include taxation, trade, or regulation.
You’ll research arguments, analyze data, and present your case while responding to opposing viewpoints. This builds critical thinking and public speaking skills. Debate experience is valuable for economics, law, and policy-related paths.
13. Participate in Case Competitions
Difficulty level: Intermediate to Advanced
Location: Online / In-person
Resources/experience required: Basic economics/business knowledge
Case competitions challenge you to solve business or economic problems within a limited time. You’ll analyze scenarios, develop strategies, and present solutions.
These competitions often involve teamwork and require quick thinking and collaborative problem-solving. They help build analytical and presentation skills while simulating real-world decision-making.
14. Create a Podcast or YouTube Channel on Economics
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Location: Online
Resources/experience required: Basic equipment and research skills
Creating content allows you to explore topics creatively while building an audience. You might explain concepts, analyze news, or interview experts.
This requires research, planning, and consistency. Over time, it can develop into a strong portfolio piece. It demonstrates initiative, communication skills, and the ability to simplify complex ideas.
15. Shadow a Professional in Finance or Economics
Difficulty level: Beginner
Location: Local
Resources/experience required: Networking/outreach
Job shadowing gives you a closer look at careers in economics-related fields. You can observe daily tasks and ask questions about the profession.
Even short experiences can provide valuable insights into how economic principles are applied in workplaces. This helps you make informed decisions about future career paths.