15 Economics Summer Programs for High School Students
If you are curious about how money, markets, and policies shape the world around you, economics summer programs can be a powerful way to explore those interests early.
What are economics summer programs for high school students?
Economics summer programs for high school students introduce you to core topics, microeconomics and macroeconomics, financial markets, data analysis, game theory, and public policy. Many programs include hands-on projects, case studies, simulations, and group research, allowing you to apply classroom concepts to real-world problems such as market behavior, income inequality, and business strategy.
Why pursue economics summer programs for high school students?
Beyond academics, these programs help you build transferable skills you can use in your own ventures, such as budgeting, evaluating risks, understanding consumer behavior, and making data-driven decisions. These skills are valuable, whether you want to start a small business, manage investments, or work on a school initiative.
If you’re looking for economics internships, check here, or go here for economics competitions for high school students.
Here are 15 economics summer programs for high school students.
15 Economics Summer Programs for High School Students
1. Yale Young Global Scholars — Politics, Law & Economics Track
Location: Yale University’s campus, New Haven, CT
Cost/Stipend: $7,000 + $95 application fee. Need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Application Deadline: January 7
Dates: Session I: June 21 – July 3 | Session II: July 5 – 17 | Session III: July 19 – 31
(or the international equivalent) | First-time participant
The program uses lectures, seminars, small-group discussions, and collaborative projects, and it does not assign grades or academic credit. This format allows you to concentrate on understanding concepts and developing analysis rather than meeting assessment requirements. During the session, you examine how public policy, governance, human rights, market regulation, and international relations shape societies. These topics are studied through historical and comparative frameworks, helping you see how institutions and systems function across different contexts. You also participate in breakout discussions that build on lecture material, work on a mentor-guided Capstone Project, and take part in a symposium that encourages hands-on engagement with the session’s core themes.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Eligibility: High school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs, designed for high school students who want to turn ideas into real businesses. 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, and panel discussions. The program blends theory with hands-on experience, giving you the space to experiment, learn from feedback, and understand the frameworks behind successful businesses. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
3. Georgetown University: Economics Policy Academy
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, DC
Cost: Residential — $9,085; Commuter — $7,085
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: April 15
Dates: June 28 – July 17
Eligibility: Current 10th to 12th graders with a GPA of at least 2.0; International students can apply
Georgetown University’s Economics Policy Academy is meant for high school students who want to understand how governments influence markets, and how those decisions can be analyzed using tools from economics and political science. In the program, you learn from Georgetown faculty and policy practitioners through a combination of classes, interactive workshops, and field-based activities. The curriculum explores subjects such as globalization, development economics, trade policy and negotiations, and introductory microeconomic theory. Over the course of the academy, you develop a research-based poster that applies economic and political analysis to a real policy issue. You'll present your findings at the end of the program, building experience in research, analysis, and concepts related to a policy issue. Upon completion of the program, you receive a certificate acknowledging your participation.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Cost: Full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
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!
In the program, you are placed with a high-growth start-up and work on projects that contribute directly to the company's goals. 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. Many of Ladder’s partner start-ups are high-growth companies that have, on average, raised over a million dollars. Past founders include YCombinator alums, founders who have raised over 30 million dollars in funding, or professionals who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. As an intern, you'll work closely with your startup manager and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present your work directly to the company. Alongside project work, you'll receive one-on-one coaching in communication, time management, and other such valuable skills.
5. Economics for Leaders
Location: Various locations + Virtual options
Cost: Varies by location; Scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 25–40 students accepted at each site
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Varies by program and location
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors
Economics for Leaders is a selective program designed to introduce high school students to using economic reasoning as a tool in leadership and policy decision-making. In this program, you study core economic concepts and examine how they shape decisions in areas such as public policy and social outcomes. The curriculum emphasizes practical applications alongside discussions about leadership and responsibility. You take part in simulations and guided activities that apply economic analysis to real-world scenarios, working with instructors who specialize in economics education. In addition to the main session, you can choose from specialized tracks such as Advanced Economics for Leaders, Environment & the Economy, and Entrepreneurship in the Global Economy, depending on your interests.
6. Wharton Global Youth Program — Essentials of Entrepreneurship
Location: The Wharton School campus, PA
Cost/Stipend: $8,299; application fee waivers and scholarship opportunities available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Application Deadline: March 18
Dates: June 7 – 19; June 21 – July 3; July 12 – 25; July 26 – August 8
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11
Hosted by the Wharton School, the program introduces you to how entrepreneurs identify problems worth solving, evaluate opportunities, and communicate a startup concept. Learning takes place through lectures, workshops, and group projects that focus on user research, idea testing, and opportunity evaluation. As the program progresses, you'll work on building a minimum viable product (MVP) and outlining plans for marketing, funding, and long-term growth. You'll collaborate closely with classmates and wrap up the program with a final presentation in which you share your venture idea with classmates and instructors. Along the way, you'll explore topics such as technology-focused startups, social ventures, and strategic planning. Sessions with guest speakers from Wharton’s faculty and alumni introduce you to different perspectives on entrepreneurship across fields.
7. U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program
Location: Washington, DC
Cost: Free. No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: December (for summer internships)
Dates: May – August (summer)
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens
The Headquarters Student Internship Program gives high school students a hands-on introduction to how economics is applied in real policy and decision-making environments. You'll gain practical experience in economics and related disciplines such as political science, international affairs, public policy, business, finance, and law. In this role, you may assist with tasks such as gathering and analyzing data, preparing reports and presentations, attending meetings or hearings, and supporting the planning of events and projects. Your responsibilities depend on the department you are placed in. Possible placements include areas such as Economic Policy, Tax Policy, Domestic Finance, and International Affairs, allowing you to see how economic analysis is used across different functions, from shaping policy to managing financial systems.
8. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Multiple locations + week-long residential Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC
Cost: Free. Students are paid hourly and given access to a fully funded trip to the Student Leaders Summit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 300 students selected across all locations in the program
Application Deadline: Applications will reopen in the fall
Dates: June – July (8 weeks)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors who live in one of the eligible locations
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program offers high school students a paid summer internship focused on leadership, service, and community impact. You'll work with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity or Boys & Girls Clubs to understand how community organizations operate and how they partner with government agencies and businesses to carry out projects. The program concludes with the Student Leaders Summit, where you join other participants from across the country for discussions and sessions led by professionals from diverse fields.
9. UPenn Summer Academies — Economics Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania campus
Cost: $10,050
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: July 11 – August 1
Eligibility: Current 9th–11th grade students
The Economics Academy at the University of Pennsylvania is a three-week program for high school students to build a strong foundation in economic theory while connecting it to current global issues. During the program, you examine topics such as scarcity, different market structures, sources of market failure, and how governments influence economic outcomes. These ideas are brought to life through international case studies, helping you see how the same economic principles apply across countries and contexts. Learning takes place through a mix of lectures, interactive workshops, and talks by guest speakers. The program culminates in a group capstone project in which you analyze an economic issue affecting a particular country and present your conclusions in a poster presentation.
10. Harvard Summer School: Economics, Finance, and Public Policy
Location: On campus at Harvard, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $15,735 (for 7-week SSP residential courses)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Application Deadline: March 24
Dates: June 20 – August 8
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and graduating seniors; Must be between the ages of 16–19
Harvard’s Secondary School Program gives high school students a chance to experience real college-level academics through summer courses lasting either four or seven weeks. Offered by Harvard University, the program allows you to enroll in introductory undergraduate courses either in person or online. You can choose from a wide range of subjects related to economics, finance, and public policy. Depending on your interests, options may include subjects such as macroeconomics, financial and managerial economics, econometrics, and the study of how decision-making connects with economics and neuroscience. If you opt for the seven-week option, you will take two courses and earn up to eight college credits, depending on successful completion.
11. Babson Summer Study — Finance & Entrepreneurship Track
Location: Fully Online or In-Person at New England Innovation Academy (NEIA), MA
Cost: $6,295 (Online), $9,295 (In-Person Day), $12,995 (In-Person Residential) + $95 application fee; full and partial need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application deadline: March 14
Dates: July 8 – 28
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors scheduled to graduate in the next two years. At least 16 years old by program start
Babson Summer Study is a three-week program for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in exploring entrepreneurship and its role in solving real-world business challenges. The program is built around Babson’s Entrepreneurial Thought & Action® approach, which emphasizes learning by doing rather than just theory. You'll take courses in problem-solving, leadership, marketing, and finance, working on projects about global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. You collaborate closely in teams with other students and receive guidance from Babson faculty and student mentors, gaining experience in project-based and cooperative learning. Participants can earn four college credits, making the program both academically meaningful and career-focused.
12. CLA High School Internship Program
Location: Various locations nationwide, including select cities in MA
Cost/Stipend: Free/paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application deadline: Varies; internships start in June
Dates: Summer internships, typically starting in June, duration varies by location
Eligibility: Students aged 16 to 18 currently in high school
During the internship, you contribute to ongoing projects, i.e., analyze data, engage with clients, and observe how professional teams make decisions, helping you understand the economic and financial considerations that shape business operations. The program is designed to help you develop practical workplace skills, including financial analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making. You also learn professional expectations, in terms of how teams communicate with clients and manage responsibilities, while gaining clarity about your own strengths and interests. Throughout the internship, you receive guidance and feedback from experienced professionals at CLA, giving you insights into real career pathways. You also have opportunities to connect with professionals across roles, helping you explore how economics, finance, and business intersect in different career paths.
13. Discover Yourself in Accounting Majors and Careers (DYNAMC)
Location: University of Texas at Austin — McCombs School of Business, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost/Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Application Deadline: January 31
Dates: June 21 – 28
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
The Discover Yourself in Accounting Majors and Careers (DYNAMC) program gives high school students an inside look at accounting and its role within business and economic systems. You attend sessions led by UT faculty and industry professionals, work through case studies, and receive guidance from current McCombs School of Business students. These activities help you understand how accounting supports financial decision-making, organizational planning, and economic analysis across different types of organizations. You also meet professionals from firms such as Ernst & Young, gaining insight into how accounting and economic principles are applied in real-world business settings. Beyond academics, the program gives you time to explore the UT campus and the city of Austin, helping you get a sense of what studying business and economics at UT might involve.
14. Rice University Precollege Program: The Business of Economics
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795; Need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Varies by session; Rolling admissions
Dates: Multiple 1- to 4-week session options offered year-round
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
The Business of Economics course explores how economic ideas shape business decisions. The course examines practical topics such as inflation, supply and demand, labor markets, energy economics, and the role of the Federal Reserve in influencing economic conditions. The course is delivered through on-demand lectures created by Rice University faculty, allowing you to progress at a pace that works for your schedule. During the course, you complete assignments and simulations that challenge you to use economic principles to analyze real-world business scenarios rather than just learning concepts in isolation. You also work with a mentor who provides feedback and guidance as you develop your capstone project. Upon successful completion, you receive a Certificate of Completion from Rice University to include in your academic records.
15. UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program
Location: UC Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $5,675 (commuter); $13,274 (residential); Limited scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Application Deadline: March 9
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (outstanding freshmen considered); Minimum weighted GPA of 3.80
UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program gives high school students the chance to experience what real, university-level research looks like. When you join the program, you are matched with a graduate student or faculty mentor who works with you throughout the experience. The program introduces you to research-focused academic paths, core research methods, and the GRIT Talks lecture series. Your work may include collecting and analyzing data, participating in fieldwork, and using academic library resources to support your project. Over the course of the program, you develop a technical research paper based on your findings and present your work at an academic symposium at the end of the session.
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