15 Economics Internships for High School Students in Wisconsin
If you’re a high school student interested in economics, doing an internship in the field is worth considering. Internships give you a chance to see how the concepts you learn in class, like supply and demand, markets, and public policy, play out in the real world. By participating in economics internships for high school students, you can gain practical experience, develop technical and analytical skills, and start building a professional network.
Wisconsin is home to the headquarters of major organizations and economic development agencies, making it a great place to explore career pathways in finance, government policy, research, and business. To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of the top 15 economics internships for high school students in Wisconsin!
15 Economics Internships for High School Students in Wisconsin
1. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program. Financial aid available
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a highly selective, virtual internship program designed for ambitious high school students who want to gain real-world experience working with fast-growing startups. Founded by Harvard entrepreneurs, the program matches you with a startup in industries ranging from AI/ML, deep tech, and health tech to journalism, marketing, consulting, and more. These startups are typically high-growth companies, many have raised over $1 million, and some are led by Y Combinator alumni or former employees of tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. As an intern, you work closely with your startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach on meaningful projects tailored to your interests and strengths. You’ll present your work to the company at last.
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here!
The Young Founder’s Lab is a real-world 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 real-world 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. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
3. U.S. Department of State – Internship Experience Program (IEP)
Cost: Free; Paid program (federal hourly wage + benefits)
Location: U.S. Department of State offices nationwide, including Wisconsin
Dates: Year-round; duration tied to student’s academic program
Application Deadline: Rolling via USAJobs.gov
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, age 16+, current high school, undergraduate, or graduate students with a GPA ≥ 2.0
The U.S. Department of State Internship Experience Program (IEP) gives high school students long-term roles in federal government offices. If you’re interested in finance, economics, or trade, you can work with analysts and diplomats on projects in global strategy, policy research, and financial operations. Interns are appointed to non-temporary positions that last through their academic program, with mentorship, promotion potential, and eligibility for federal benefits. Your work may include analyzing trade data, helping with budget planning for diplomatic programs, or contributing to reports on international financial trends.
4. U.S. Department of State – Internship Temporary Program (ITEP)
Cost: Free; Paid program (federal hourly wage; limited benefits for longer assignments)
Location: U.S. Department of State offices nationwide, including Wisconsin
Dates: Seasonal, holiday, or year-round appointments (temporary, up to 1 year)
Application Deadline: Rolling via USAJobs.gov
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, age 16+, current high school, undergraduate, or graduate students with a GPA ≥ 2.0
The U.S. Department of State Internship Temporary Program (ITEP) offers short-term, paid internships for high school and college students interested in exploring careers in economics, business, trade, or international affairs. You can work during summer or academic breaks, supporting real federal projects in areas like economic analysis, trade negotiations, or administrative policy. You are appointed to temporary roles that last up to one year or until your projected graduation date, whichever comes first. These appointments can be renewed annually, and students who perform well may be considered for noncompetitive conversion to permanent federal positions within 180 days of completing the program.
5. Inspire Sheboygan County – Youth Apprenticeships
Cost: Free; Paid program (apprenticeship wages vary by employer)
Location: Sheboygan County, WI
Dates: School year or summer; duration varies by placement
Application Deadline: Rolling (apply through participating schools and Lakeshore Technical College)
Eligibility: High school students in Sheboygan County; must meet academic requirements and commit to both classroom instruction and on-the-job training
The Inspire Sheboygan County Youth Apprenticeship Program, offered in partnership with Lakeshore Technical College, provides high school students with structured, paid apprenticeships in finance, accounting, and sales. You’ll split your time between classroom instruction and supervised work with professionals in your chosen field, gaining hands-on experience in business operations and economic decision-making. Apprenticeships typically span one or two years and may include tasks such as budgeting, financial reporting, client services, and sales analytics.
6. Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction – Career & Technical Education (CTE) Pathways
Cost: Free (public school program; may include dual-enrollment or certification costs covered by district)
Location: Available statewide through Wisconsin high schools
Dates: Ongoing during the school year; some programs extend into summer
Application Deadline: Varies by school district; typically through guidance counselors or CTE coordinators
Eligibility: Wisconsin high school students in grades 9–12 enrolled in participating districts
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) Pathways give high school students direct exposure to career clusters such as Finance, Business Management, Accounting, and Marketing, all tied to economics-related fields. You will gain hands-on learning through internships, dual enrollment courses with technical colleges, and industry-recognized credentials, preparing you for both higher education and immediate employment. These opportunities help you explore economic and business careers while still in high school, building both technical and professional skills.
7. Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship (YA) Program
Cost: Free; Paid program (students earn wages from employers)
Location: Available statewide through Wisconsin high schools and employers
Dates: School year; some placements may continue into summer
Application Deadline: Varies by school district and employer; apply through your high school’s YA coordinator
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in Wisconsin; must meet academic and attendance requirements
The Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship (YA) Program offers high school students a direct pathway into the finance profession through structured, paid placements with local employers. As a finance apprentice, you’ll gain hands-on experience in areas like budgeting, account reconciliation, financial reporting, banking operations, and insurance services. Whether you're working in business, financial management, banking, or insurance, the program is designed to build real-world financial competencies that align with industry standards. You’ll earn academic credit, potentially qualify for dual enrollment college credit, and graduate with an industry-recognized credential.
8. Bank of America Student Leaders® Program
Cost: Paid internship + expenses covered for National Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.
Location: Milwaukee and Madison, WI (with a national summit in Washington, D.C.)
Dates: 8-week summer program from June–August
Application Deadline: Typically January
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors in participating Bank of America communities, including Milwaukee and Madison; U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required.
The Bank of America Student Leaders® Program provides high school juniors and seniors with an opportunity to gain real-world work experience through paid summer internships at local nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin. You’ll spend eight weeks working on projects that support community and economic development, gaining exposure to how nonprofits, businesses, and government collaborate to solve local challenges. In addition to the internship, all participants attend a week-long national leadership summit in Washington, D.C., where they’ll network with peers from across the country and learn about civic engagement and policymaking.
9. Appleton Area School District – CTE Internship
Cost: Unpaid (academic credit available)
Location: Appleton, WI
Dates: Academic year (Junior or Senior year; enrollment verified each spring)
Application Deadline: Spring semester (before year-end)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in related coursework (Business & Marketing, Family & Consumer Sciences, Technology & Engineering)
The Appleton Area School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) Internship offers high school juniors and seniors a structured, credit-bearing opportunity to gain real-world experience in finance, accounting, business, and economics-related fields. If you're focused on finance, this program can place you with local employers where you'll assist with tasks like budgeting, financial reporting, client services, and administrative support. You'll also network with regional employers, explore career pathways, and gain clarity on postsecondary options, whether that’s college, apprenticeships, or direct employment.
10. Appleton Area School District – Youth Apprenticeship
Cost: Free; students earn wages from their placement
Location: Appleton, WI
Dates: Academic year; typically junior and senior years
Application Deadline: Varies by school, spring enrollment for the following year
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in related instruction coursework
The Appleton Area School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) Internship gives you the chance to earn school credit while gaining real-world experience in finance, accounting, business, or marketing. If you're interested in economics-related careers, you can be placed with local employers where you’ll apply classroom learning to practical tasks like budgeting, financial reporting, and client services. You’ll build technical and professional skills, strengthen your work habits, and get early exposure to workplace expectations.
11. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program
Cost: No tuition fee; a $25 application fee is charged, with a fee waiver available for eligible candidates.
Location: Remote
Application deadline: Typically February
Program dates: June – August
Eligibility: Students who are 15 years or older
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) gives high school students the chance to pursue original research under the mentorship of George Mason faculty. While the program is known for its STEM breadth, you can also select projects in STEM-related business, finance, entrepreneurship, and scientific enterprise. As an ASSIP intern, you might analyze financial models for technology adoption, study the economics of renewable energy, or contribute to entrepreneurship and enterprise-focused projects. The program emphasizes research design, data analysis, and professional communication, with interns presenting their findings at a final poster session. Some students even co-author publications or patents.
12. Economics for Leaders (EFL) by the Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE)
Cost: $900 (virtual); Scholarships are available.
Location: Remote
Application deadline: April 9
Program dates: June — August (multiple weeklong sessions)
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors can apply
The Economics for Leaders (EFL) program, run by the Foundation for Teaching Economics, helps you understand how economic reasoning works and how it connects to real policy and leadership decisions. The online version gives you the same kind of experience as the residential one, with interactive lectures, case studies, and simulations led by professors and leadership instructors. You’ll learn the basics of micro and macroeconomics, practice looking at trade-offs in decision-making, and apply these skills to public policy issues. At the same time, you’ll work on leadership skills like communication, teamwork, and making decisions.
13. NASA OSTEM High School Internships – Business & Program Management Tracks
Cost: Paid (stipend based on grade level and internship duration)
Location: Remote or onsite at select NASA centers
Dates: Summer: June–August (exact dates depend on placement)
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 16+ enrolled full-time in high school (GPA ≥ 3.0)
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Program offers high school students the chance to contribute to one of the world’s most respected organizations. While many placements are STEM-oriented, there are also opportunities in finance, budgeting, procurement, accounting, and project management, giving you a unique economics-centered experience inside a federal agency. You’ll work alongside NASA professionals, receive structured mentorship, and take part in projects that strengthen both technical and analytical skills. You will gain paid, hands-on experience while exploring how economics and business operations support space exploration and scientific innovation.
14. Junior Economic Club Global Internship Program
Cost: Free
Location: Remote
Dates: Varies by placement; typically during the academic year or summer
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies per cycle
Eligibility: High school students
The Junior Economic Club (JEC) Junior Economist Internship Program connects ambitious high school students with startups, investment firms, and policy organizations for hands-on business experience. You will work on projects like market research, investment underwriting, financial curriculum design, marketing strategy, and economic writing for partner organizations ranging from private equity firms to financial literacy nonprofits. You’ll gain exposure to professional economics and business environments while contributing directly to high-impact projects. Past partners include the Zell Fellows Program at Northwestern, Dekos Capital, FinLit, and the Henry George School of Social Science.
15. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis – High School Research Internship
Cost: Free; Paid program ($17.00 per hour)
Location: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis (serves Wisconsin's western regions as part of the Ninth District)
Dates: Academic year program (September – May)
Application Deadline: July 6
Eligibility: Current high school students who have completed or will complete economics coursework and are making progress toward a high school diploma
The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis High School Research Internship is open to Wisconsin high school students who want experience in economics. This year-long program helps you build research and technical skills that can prepare you for studying economics in college. As an intern, you’ll work with a research economist who will guide you through projects like data analysis, literature reviews, library research, and data entry. You’ll see how economic research is done at the federal level and attend seminars where economists share their work on issues like monetary policy and financial stability.