10 Economics Internships for High School Students in Minneapolis
If you are a high school student interested in pursuing a career in economics, internships can be a valuable way to gain firsthand experience in the field. These opportunities allow you to move beyond textbooks and apply classroom knowledge. Intern tasks range from data analysis and research to policy development and financial planning. Through these experiences, you’ll have the chance to develop essential skills like research and communication and connect with professionals in the field.
Minneapolis, home to the headquarters of Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, and nonprofit organizations, is a good location to explore economics-focused internships. Whether you’re curious about public policy, corporate finance, or economic development, an internship in Minneapolis can help you test potential career paths and strengthen your college applications. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 10 economics internships and work-learn opportunities in Minneapolis for ambitious high school students.
1. Ladder Internship Program
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Location: Remote
Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships connects you with high-growth start-ups where you can contribute directly to real-world projects in fields such as economics, consulting, marketing, and technology. You will work closely with your manager and receive guidance from a dedicated Ladder Coach, presenting your work to company leadership by the end of your internship. Past participating start-ups have been founded by Y Combinator alumni and entrepreneurs with experience at Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. In addition to your project, you’ll receive one-on-one training in communication, time management, and professional development, alongside group training sessions with your cohort. This program is highly selective and offers you the chance to gain industry exposure and practical experience that will set you apart on college applications.
2. Young Founders Lab
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Location: Virtual
Dates: June 5 - July 2
Application Deadline: Early: March; Regular 1: April; Regular 2: May
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
The Young Founders Lab is a start-up boot camp designed to immerse you in the process of creating and launching a business. Over four weeks, you’ll build a revenue-generating start-up while learning from Harvard entrepreneurs and mentors from companies like Google, Microsoft, and X. The program combines interactive classes on business fundamentals with workshops, case studies, and panel discussions, giving you both theoretical frameworks and hands-on experience. You will practice ideation, strategy, and execution, culminating in a start-up that addresses a real-world problem. This program is ideal for students interested in economics, entrepreneurship, and innovation who want to explore business at a deeper level while in high school.
3. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis High School Research Intern
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $17/hour
Location: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, MN (in-person)
Dates: September – May
Application Deadline: July 6
Eligibility: Current high school students who have completed or are enrolled in economics coursework
This internship allows you to experience economics in action at one of the nation’s key financial institutions. As a high school research intern, you will work directly with a research economist, assisting with statistical analysis, literature reviews, data entry, and library research. You will gain firsthand exposure to ongoing economic projects, attend seminars, and engage with professionals in the Research Department. The position requires a commitment of 6–10 hours per week during business hours, making it manageable alongside school. Beyond technical training, you will also develop communication and research skills while learning what it’s like to contribute to economic research at a federal level.
4. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) High School Internship Program
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Location: Select CLA offices nationwide, including opportunities in Minneapolis, MN
Dates: Starting in June, 6–8 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by location
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–18
CLA’s High School Internship Program introduces you to the fields of business, accounting, and professional services through real client projects and team-based work. You will gain hands-on experience in accounting and business operations while developing essential skills, including communication, time management, and problem-solving. As an intern, you’ll work alongside professionals, receive mentorship, and explore different pathways within the financial services industry. Past interns have highlighted the program’s supportive environment and practical learning opportunities, making it an excellent introduction to professional careers. By the end of the summer, you’ll walk away with a clearer sense of your strengths and a foundation for future academic or career choices in economics, finance, or accounting.
5. State of Minnesota Interns and Student Workers
Cost/Stipend: Paid; varies by department and position
Location: Various state government offices in Minneapolis and surrounding areas
Dates: Varies by agency
Application Deadline: Rolling; positions posted throughout the year
Eligibility: High school and college students; internship roles typically require academic credit, while student worker roles only require an active student status
The State of Minnesota offers internship and student worker opportunities that allow you to explore careers in government, economics, policy, and public administration. You may assist with data entry, economic research, program evaluation, or administrative support, depending on the specific agency requirements. Internship roles generally require you to earn school credit, while student worker roles provide flexibility without that requirement. This program is an excellent way to gain insight into how government offices operate while developing essential workplace skills, including communication, organization, and analysis. With positions posted year-round, you can find opportunities that align with your interests and schedule.
6. Economics for Leaders – Foundation for Teaching Economics
Cost/Stipend: $2,300 residential; $800 virtual (scholarships $100–$1,500 for residential, $100–$400 for virtual)
Location: Various U.S. universities (in-person) and virtual options available
Dates: Multiple sessions each summer
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores and juniors
Economics for Leaders (EFL) blends leadership training with applied economics to prepare you for roles in policy, business, and public service. Through this program, you will learn key economic principles and practice applying them to policy decisions while also developing your leadership skills. Sessions are taught at top universities and include interactive lectures, team projects, and discussions on contemporary issues. For Minneapolis students, virtual and residential options are available, making it accessible regardless of location. While not a traditional internship, EFL stands out as a prestigious academic experience that can strengthen your college applications and provide a strong foundation for future economics internships.
7. Forage Job Simulations
Cost/Stipend: Free
Location: Virtual; open to Minneapolis students and worldwide
Dates: Year-round; self-paced (typically 1–7 hours per simulation)
Application Deadline: None; open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, no prior experience required
Forage offers free, self-paced virtual job simulations that let you try out careers in economics, finance, banking, consulting, and related fields. In these programs, you’ll complete tasks modeled after real projects at companies like Goldman Sachs, Citi, Bank of America, Fidelity, and Wells Fargo. Simulations range from 30 minutes to 7 hours and often include case studies, data analysis, or financial decision-making exercises. After completing a program, you’ll earn a certificate that can be added to your résumé or LinkedIn, helping you stand out in future applications. These simulations don’t require applications or prior experience, making them a risk-free way to explore professional pathways and practice practical skills before committing to internships.
8. EnergyMag Virtual Internship Program
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid
Location: Virtual
Dates: Quarter-time (8 hrs/week, 1–9 months, year-round) or Half-time (20 hrs/week, 2–8 weeks, summer only)
Application Deadline: Rolling; limited spots available
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA above 3.25; at least one honors science or English course recommended
EnergyMag offers flexible, project-based virtual internships that let you contribute to renewable energy research and policy analysis. As a high school intern, you will work closely with a mentor to investigate a specific company, technology, or market related to energy storage, then compile your findings into a professional analysis report published on EnergyMag’s site. You’ll gain valuable experience in research, interviewing professionals, synthesizing data, and writing for a professional audience. The program emphasizes skills that go beyond the classroom, such as approaching experts for information and producing publishable work. You will receive mentorship, daily communication with supervisors, and a formal Letter of Accomplishment that can be shared with colleges or employers.
9. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internship – FPRI
Cost/Stipend: Mostly unpaid; limited stipends available for the Summer term (need-based)
Location: Virtual or in-person (Philadelphia, PA)
Dates: Spring (Feb–May), Summer (Jun–Aug), Fall (Oct–Dec)
Application Deadline: Varies by term
Eligibility: Open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students; strong applicants may have coursework in economics, international relations, or related areas
The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) offers internships that immerse you in think tank research, policy analysis, and operations. Depending on your role, you might assist a scholar with regional economic and policy research, support event planning and development, or contribute to communications strategy across social media platforms. You will gain access to FPRI’s virtual and in-person events, as well as weekly seminars in the summer featuring guest speakers from the foreign policy community. Research interns often focus on economic and political issues in Eurasia, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia, and may even contribute to FPRI’s Intern Corner publication.
10. Mary Miller Summer Program – PHC Group
Cost/Stipend: Paid program
Location: Virtual
Dates: To be announced
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with U.S. work authorization
The Mary Miller Summer Program honors the legacy of a community leader and activist by offering high school students the chance to develop leadership, communication, and professional skills through a paid summer internship. As an intern, you will work under the guidance of PHC Group’s Public Health Director on projects such as social media content creation, online community engagement, and social marketing research. You’ll attend planning meetings, contribute to trend analysis and reporting, and collaborate with senior leadership while exploring independent interests. The program emphasizes responsibility, creativity, and professional growth, making it an excellent opportunity to gain meaningful virtual work experience in a supportive, mission-driven environment.