15 Finance Programs for High School Students in North Carolina
Building a strong foundation in finance early on can shape how you understand money, markets, and decision-making for years to come. Through structured programs, you can explore concepts like investing, budgeting, financial analysis, and entrepreneurship while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
What do finance programs for high schoolers involve?
Most programs combine classroom-style instruction with hands-on exposure to real-world financial scenarios, mentorship from industry professionals, and opportunities to collaborate with peers who share similar interests.
Why pursue a finance program in high school?
Participating in finance-focused programs can strengthen your college applications by demonstrating initiative, intellectual curiosity, and a clear interest in business-related fields. You'll gain insights into how financial institutions operate, engage with local professionals, and understand regional economic dynamics.
For related opportunities, check out our guides on finance workshops for high school students and investment and trading programs for high school students.
Quick Look
5 free programs: NCCU BASE Camp, NC State Financial Wellness, Real Money. Real World, JA Financial Literacy, and NC A&T's Pre-College Business Summer Camp (plus a $50 registration fee).
3 remote or virtual options: Young Founders Lab, the Ladder Internship Program, and NC State Financial Wellness's online resources.
6 North Carolina university-hosted programs: Wake Forest, NCCU (two programs), Tar Heel Business Academy (UNC Kenan-Flagler), and NC A&T.
Highest-cost programs: Financial Decision Making ($4,099) and Tar Heel Business Academy ($2,995).
Young Founders Lab is the only program on this list built around launching an actual revenue-generating startup rather than coursework or simulations, with full financial aid available.
15 Finance Programs for High School Students in North Carolina
1. Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program – Finance and Investing Institute
Location: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Cost/Stipend: $3,500
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited seats per session
Program Dates: Week of June 14–19 and June 21–26 (tentatively)
Application Deadline: Rolling until full (waitlist currently in place)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
The Finance and Investing Institute at Wake Forest University is a week-long immersive program that introduces you to the fundamentals of finance and investment analysis through a mix of academic instruction and hands-on learning. Hosted on the Reynolda Campus, the program helps you understand how financial markets operate, covering topics such as stock market mechanics, financial statement analysis, risk and return, and the time value of money. You will also explore how finance influences both personal and professional decision-making while gaining exposure to various careers in the financial services industry. A key highlight of the program is its experiential approach, in which you engage in activities such as mock investment competitions, discussions on current market trends, and potential visits to financial institutions or trading environments. You will collaborate with peers, learn directly from Wake Forest faculty and industry professionals, and build essential skills in analysis, communication, and investment pitching.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: 100% Virtual (live, interactive workshops)
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts offered in summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The Young Founders Lab is a startup-focused boot camp that helps you build a revenue-generating venture from the ground up. Led by Harvard entrepreneurs, the program emphasizes hands-on execution over theory, guiding you through identifying real-world problems and developing viable business solutions. You begin by validating your idea through market research, customer discovery, and iterative feedback, ensuring that your concept is grounded in real demand. By the end of the program, you will have a clear roadmap for turning your idea into a functional startup. You will learn about finance, the basics of investing, and understand the financial aspects of running a business. You also engage with case studies, workshops, and panel discussions that break down how successful startups attract customers, refine their offerings, and scale sustainably.
3. NCCU School of Business Summer Camps – BASE Camp (Accounting Program)
Location: North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
Cost/Stipend: Free (meals included)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited seats
Program Dates: June 16–20
Application Deadline: Registration closed (typically early summer)
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade students
The Isaiah Tidwell Accounting Program (BASE Camp) at North Carolina Central University is a hands-on summer program designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of accounting and business management. Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, you explore how financial systems work, how businesses track and manage money, and how accounting supports decision-making across organizations. The program is structured to give you both foundational knowledge and exposure to real-world applications within the finance and accounting fields. A key strength of the program is its focus on experiential learning and professional exposure. You engage with experienced instructors and industry professionals, gaining insights into accounting careers while building essential skills in financial literacy and business operations.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote (work from anywhere)
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; financial aid may be available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students (also open to undergraduates and gap year students; must commit 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks)
The Ladder Internship Program is a selective, startup-focused internship that allows you to work directly with high-growth companies across industries, including finance, consulting, marketing, and technology. Instead of simulated projects, you contribute to real business challenges, gaining practical exposure to how startups operate and scale. Many participating companies are backed by significant funding and led by experienced founders from organizations such as Google, Microsoft, and Y Combinator. You will contribute to active company initiatives, building skills in research, financial analysis, strategy, product development, marketing, or operations, depending on your placement. The experience culminates in presenting your work to the company, helping you build confidence and a professional portfolio. This program is a strong fit if you want hands-on experience in business or finance-related roles and the flexibility to work remotely while engaging with global startups.
5. Peggy Ward Financial Education Center (PWFEC) – Wealth Management Camp
Location: North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
Cost/Stipend: $50
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited seats
Program Dates: June 23–27 (tentatively), 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Application Deadline: Registration closed (typically early summer)
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students
The PWFEC Wealth Management Camp at North Carolina Central University is a week-long program designed to help you build practical financial skills and understand the fundamentals of managing money effectively. Through interactive lessons, you explore key concepts such as budgeting, saving, investing, and long-term financial planning. The program focuses on helping you develop financial independence while understanding how wealth management strategies apply to real-life situations. A major highlight of the camp is its engaging, activity-based format. You participate in team challenges, competitions, and collaborative exercises that reinforce financial concepts in a hands-on way. Along the way, you work with peers, learn from experienced instructors, and gain exposure to real-world financial decision-making.
6. Tar Heel Business Academy
Location: Charlotte, NC (Bank of America Tower) and Chapel Hill, NC (UNC Kenan-Flagler)
Cost/Stipend: $2,995 (includes course fees and meals)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited spots available
Program Dates: June 15–19 and June 22–26 (Charlotte) | July 13–17 (Chapel Hill, tentatively)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Tar Heel Business Academy is a pre-college program designed to introduce you to core business concepts while building leadership and critical thinking skills. Hosted by UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, the program combines academic instruction with real-world application. You explore topics such as business strategy, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving while working in teams to tackle projects for actual companies. This hands-on approach helps you understand how businesses operate and how decisions are made in professional settings. A standout feature of the program is its focus on experiential learning and mentorship. You learn directly from UNC faculty and collaborate with peers on dynamic projects that culminate in a final presentation to a real client. Along the way, you also develop skills in communication, teamwork, and goal-setting, particularly useful as you prepare for college applications.
7. JA Financial Literacy® (Junior Achievement)
Location: Classroom-based or virtual (availability depends on the local JA chapter in North Carolina)
Cost/Stipend: Free (typically offered through schools or partner organizations)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment through participating schools/programs
Program Dates: Semester-long (varies by school or implementation)
Application Deadline: Varies by school or local JA program
Eligibility: High school students
JA Financial Literacy® is a structured, semester-long program designed to help you build essential personal finance skills that are directly applicable to everyday life. Through a combination of teacher-led instruction, volunteer engagement, and self-guided learning, you explore key topics such as earning and saving money, budgeting, managing bank accounts, understanding credit, and evaluating investments. The curriculum is aligned with national educational standards and emphasizes applying financial concepts to real-world scenarios. A key strength of the program is its interactive and applied learning approach. You engage in case studies, projects, and activities supported by industry volunteers who may serve as guest speakers, mentors, or advisors. You also gain exposure to tools like JA Connect®, which includes simulations, games, and career exploration resources.
8. NC State Financial Wellness – Financial Education Programs
Location: North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (with online resources available)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open access
Program Dates: Year-round (varies by workshop/session)
Application Deadline: None (ongoing access)
Eligibility: Primarily high school and college students (availability may vary by program)
The NC State Financial Wellness program offers a range of financial education resources designed to help you build strong money management skills early on. Through workshops, seminars, and online learning tools, you explore essential topics such as budgeting, saving, credit management, debt, and financial goal-setting. The program focuses on practical financial literacy, helping you make informed decisions about money in everyday life and long-term planning. A key highlight of this program is its accessibility and flexibility. You can engage with self-paced digital resources, attend live workshops, and access tools that simulate real-world financial scenarios. The curriculum emphasizes building lifelong financial habits and confidence, making it especially useful if you are just starting to explore finance.
9. Real Money. Real World
Location: Schools, community centers, and extension programs across North Carolina
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open; typically large groups (100+ students per session)
Program Dates: Varies by school or local program
Application Deadline: Varies by local implementation
Eligibility: Students aged 12–18
Real Money. Real World (RMRW) is a hands-on financial literacy program designed to help you understand how everyday financial decisions impact your future. Developed by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, the program introduces key concepts such as income, budgeting, saving, credit, and spending through structured lessons aligned with state standards. You explore how education and career choices influence earning potential and financial stability, giving you a clearer picture of long-term financial planning. What makes this program especially engaging is its immersive simulation experience. You take on the role of an adult managing a household budget, making decisions about expenses, savings, and lifestyle choices in real time. This interactive setup helps you understand trade-offs, prioritize spending, and recognize the consequences of financial decisions.
10. Douglas Byrd High School – Academy of Finance (NAF)
Location: Douglas Byrd High School, Fayetteville, NC
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective (application-based CCS Choice Program)
Program Dates: Multi-year program (grades 9–12)
Application Deadline: Varies by school application cycle
Eligibility: High school students (application required; GPA and recommendations considered)
The Academy of Finance at Douglas Byrd High School is a structured, multi-year program designed to prepare you for careers in business and financial services. Affiliated with the National Academy Foundation (NAF), the program integrates academic coursework with career-focused learning, covering areas such as accounting, banking, financial planning, entrepreneurship, and economics. You follow a specialized curriculum alongside your regular high school studies, building a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied finance concepts. A key strength of the program is its emphasis on real-world exposure and college readiness. You participate in work-based learning experiences, such as internships, job shadowing, and field trips, and have access to college-level courses through Fayetteville Technical Community College. The program also offers opportunities to earn certifications (such as Intuit QuickBooks) and to develop professional skills such as interviewing, business etiquette, and customer service.
11. NC A&T Pre-College Business Summer Camp
Location: North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC
Cost/Stipend: Free (plus $50 registration fee; includes housing, meals, and materials)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; preference for early applicants
Program Dates: June 14–19
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen–seniors with a minimum 2.8 GPA
The Pre-College Business Summer Camp at North Carolina A&T is a 5-day residential program designed to introduce you to the intersection of business, technology, and data analytics. Hosted by the Deese College of Business and Economics, the program focuses on helping you understand how modern businesses operate using data-driven decision-making. You participate in hands-on activities that involve analyzing business operations, using technology tools, and exploring how analytics shapes real business strategies. A major highlight of the program is its strong industry exposure. You engage with corporate partners such as Synchrony, Cisco, Target, and Fidelity, gaining insight into how major companies operate and make strategic decisions. The program also includes field trips, networking opportunities, and social activities that simulate a college experience.
12. Financial Decision Making
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $4,099
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited enrollment
Program Dates: June 15–26 or July 6–17
Application Deadline: Priority deadline: January 28; rolling admissions thereafter
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
The Financial Decision Making program is a two-week intensive course that helps you understand how financial and economic principles shape real-world decisions. You explore how individuals and businesses make choices about budgeting, borrowing, and investing, while also examining broader concepts such as inflation, interest rates, and market behavior. The program emphasizes structured thinking, teaching you how to analyze financial problems systematically rather than relying on intuition. A key component of the program is its focus on quantitative and applied learning. You work with real data using tools like Excel to evaluate risk, returns, and trade-offs across different financial scenarios. Through case-based exercises and practical analysis, you develop skills that are directly applicable to finance, economics, and entrepreneurship.
13. Young Finance Scholar (YFS) Program – Online
Location: Online (fully self-paced)
Cost/Stipend: $950
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited enrollment
Program Dates: On-demand; ~50 hours of coursework
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18
The Young Finance Scholar (YFS) Program is a self-paced online course designed to help you build a strong foundation in finance, economics, and core business principles. You explore how companies raise capital, manage financial operations, and interact with markets, while gaining exposure to concepts such as financial statements, stock exchanges, and initial public offerings. The program connects these ideas to decision-making, helping you understand how individuals and organizations approach saving, borrowing, and long-term financial planning. Beyond technical knowledge, the program encourages critical thinking about ethics and responsibility in finance. You examine how financial decisions affect stakeholders and the broader economy, while also gaining insight into areas such as banking, insurance, mergers and acquisitions, and global capital flows.
14. Wall Street 101
Location: Bentley University, Waltham, MA (in-person, commuter, residential, and online options available)
Cost/Stipend: $1,490 (online); $2,450 (commuter); $3,380 (residential); limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; small, faculty-led classes
Program Dates: One-week sessions offered throughout the summer
Application Deadline: Applications open January 15; rolling admission until June 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who have completed at least two years of high school coursework
Wall Street 101 is an immersive finance program that provides you with a college-level introduction to investing, financial markets, and economic decision-making. You can choose from specialized courses covering topics such as stock market analysis, personal finance, macroeconomics, fintech, and global finance. The curriculum focuses on helping you understand how financial systems operate while building analytical skills used in real-world investing and business contexts. A major highlight of the program is its hands-on, data-driven approach. You work with real market data to analyze stocks, evaluate trends, and develop investment strategies. In small, faculty-led classes, you collaborate with peers and receive personalized guidance while building investment pitches.
15. Understanding Your Money
Location: Fully online (self-paced)
Cost/Stipend: $329
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderately selective; guided by Wharton faculty
Program Dates: On-demand; start anytime
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Open to high school students
Understanding Your Money is a self-paced online program that introduces you to key concepts in personal finance, economics, and investing through a practical framework. You explore how money flows through the economy and how everyday financial decisions, such as spending, saving, and earning, impact long-term outcomes. The curriculum is delivered through short, structured video lessons taught by Wharton faculty, making complex financial ideas accessible and applicable. You also complete interactive quizzes and activities that reinforce concepts and help you evaluate your understanding as you progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there free finance programs for high school students in North Carolina?
Yes. NCCU's BASE Camp, NC State Financial Wellness, Real Money. Real World, and JA Financial Literacy are all free, and NC A&T's Pre-College Business Summer Camp only requires a $50 registration fee.
2. Which programs let you work remotely instead of on a college campus?
Young Founders Lab and the Ladder Internship Program are both fully remote, letting you participate from anywhere. Young Founders Lab pairs you with mentors to build a real, revenue-generating startup, while Ladder places you with high-growth startups across industries including finance and consulting.
3. Which program is best if I want to build my own business rather than study finance theory?
Young Founders Lab is designed specifically for this, guiding you through market research, customer discovery, and go-to-market strategy as you build a real startup, led by Harvard entrepreneurs with full financial aid available. This makes it a strong complement to more theory-focused programs like Wake Forest's Finance and Investing Institute.