15 Finance Programs for High School Students in Washington, D.C
If you're a high school student considering a future in finance, finance programs help you understand how the field works by giving you an overview of the fundamental concepts and processes that companies use to manage their finances. These programs also offer a perspective on the pathways you can choose within finance and the roles of various finance professionals.
What finance programs are available for high school students in D.C.?
Washington, D.C., is home to various organizations and institutions that offer in-depth finance programs for high school students. These programs offer an exploration of diverse fields within finance, including accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, and the nuances of economic policy.
Why pursue a finance program in D.C. specifically?
Because D.C. is home to major financial regulators, economic policy institutions, and global organizations like the IMF and World Bank, you get exposure to finance in a policy context that's difficult to find elsewhere. Many programs also include site visits, guest speakers from the local financial sector, and hands-on tools like Excel and Tableau that mirror real industry work.
We've compiled a list of the top 15 finance programs for high school students in Washington, D.C. 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
2 fully free programs: Gallaudet University Financial Wizards (deaf/hard-of-hearing students, fully funded) and Junior Achievement of Washington Personal Finance (free, classroom-delivered)
2 fully virtual programs open to all high school students: Young Founders Lab and Ladder Internship Program, both with financial aid available
Paid programs: range from $225/credit hour (Catholic University) to $9,085 residential (Georgetown's Economics Policy Academy and Business & Leadership Academy)
3 programs offering college credit: George Washington University College Intensive, American University Summer Scholars Program, and Catholic University's summer business courses
1 program restricted to a specific community: George Washington University's Caminos al Futuro (rising seniors with strong academics and Latino/Hispanic community leadership)
Most prize-driven program: Catholic University's Startup Venture, with $5,000 in awards distributed to top participants at the end of the 10-week challenge
15 Finance Programs for High School Students in Washington, D.C
1. Howard University Pre-Business Program: Finance Track
Location: Howard University School of Business, Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: $2,000; covers housing, meals, site visits, and instruction; limited need-based tuition waivers and reductions available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort of 50 students
Dates: July 25–31
Application Deadline: Applications processed on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (current sophomores and juniors should apply); motivated students with strong academic potential and interest in business; no minimum GPA required
Howard University offers a pre-business program for high school students interested in pursuing a business pathway. During the program, you can choose a track of your interests, including accounting, finance, and entrepreneurship. The finance track covers venture capital and investment markets through case studies, examples, and lectures from industry professionals. You will also gain insight into business operations, market dynamics, and understand how financial markets operate. The accounting track goes over the fundamentals of financial literacy, contract thesis, and policy, business policy, through workshops and interactions with industry professionals.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: Varies according to program. There is need-based financial aid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by the cohort
Application Deadline: There are 3 application deadlines that you can choose from; more details in the brochure!
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a real-world start-up bootcamp 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, whether as a for-profit company or a non-profit. 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 participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals, business ideation, and venture development. The program also features workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, and panel discussions to help you strengthen your entrepreneurial toolkit while learning how successful founders turn ideas into viable startups. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
3. Gallaudet University Financial Wizards
Location: Gallaudet University campus, Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: Free; fully funded by CSD Learns and SIFMA Foundation; covers classes, housing, meals, transportation, outings, and camp T-shirt; airfare/travel to and from DC not covered; spending money recommended for snacks and field trips
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 22–28
Application Deadline: Rolling; all forms and payment due May 1
Eligibility: Deaf or hard-of-hearing students entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in fall 2026; transportation assistance available through state VR counselors; Reagan National Airport (DCA) pickup provided for unaccompanied students
Gallaudet University offers a financial literacy skills development and career exploration bootcamp for deaf or hard-of-hearing students. During the bootcamp, you will explore fundamental concepts in business and finance and gain hands-on experience by engaging in project work and by managing a simulated stock portfolio. You will get to meet successful deaf and hard-of-hearing professionals, learning how they prepared for their careers in diverse roles such as accountant, financial analyst, corporate finance, and investment banking. Additionally, the program includes outdoor activities where you will get to bond with peers while working on your leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 10%; 70-100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for high school students interested in gaining experience with fast-growing start-ups. The start-ups offering internships span various fields, including finance, tech/deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies backed by leading accelerators such as Y Combinator and have raised an average of over $1 million in funding. These programs are often led by founders who bring experience from major organizations such as Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. Beyond project work, the program includes one-on-one training in communication and time management, as well as group learning sessions with other interns.
5. The Catholic University of America Summer Business Courses
Location: The Catholic University of America, Busch School of Business, Washington, DC; Courses may be in person or take place virtually
Cost/Stipend: $225/credit hour for high school and dual enrollment students; application fee $0 for high school dual enrollment applicants; housing and dining available separately
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies based on course
Application Deadline: Applications processed on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Current high school students; unofficial transcript required
The Catholic University of America offers summer business courses for high school students interested in learning about businesses and how the free market works. You can explore the subject of your choice by learning through a college-level curriculum and instruction from college professors. Courses offered vary every summer but are generally offered in subjects such as data analytics, business communications, finance, marketing, and operations. The courses offer an overview of these fundamental business concepts through examples and case studies. You'll also get to practice what you've learned through course assignments and practice working with professional tools such as Excel and Tableau.
6. The George Washington University College Intensive
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Summer (exact dates vary)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors; must satisfy all prerequisites for the chosen course
George Washington University College Intensive offers rising juniors and seniors the opportunity to explore a subject of their choice through a college-level curriculum, while also earning college credit. The courses offered in finance include global financial markets, financial institution management and modelling, cases in financial modelling and engineering, advanced financial econometrics and modelling, among others. Each course will be taught by a college faculty member, giving you insight into the academic experience of studying finance in college. Many courses offered include additional subject exploration through seminars, lectures, and field trips.
7. Georgetown Economics Policy Academy
Location: Georgetown University campus, Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: $9,085 residential (includes tuition and meals); $7,085 commuter tuition;
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 28–July 17
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Current high school students; no minimum GPA specified; interest in economics, political science, and public policy; international students welcome
Georgetown's Economics Policy Academy is a three-week program that offers an in-depth exploration of how free markets and economic policy function. The program covers topics such as microeconomics, globalization, trade policy, fiscal and monetary policy, foreign aid, welfare state, and international negotiations. Learning will happen through a combination of class sessions, hands-on workshops, group discussions, field trips, and extracurricular activities. The programme will help you gain a better understanding of the factors that influence economic policy, and includes visits to economic policy organizations to see how they work. Towards the end of the programme, you will create a research poster on a topic you covered during the programme.
8. American University Summer Scholars Program (finance course options available)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $1,044 per course (1 credit); $100 non-refundable deposit required upon acceptance
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment subject to space availability and eligibility; students may enroll in up to 3 courses with program permission
Dates: June 22–July 17
Application Deadline: Rolling; apply early for best course availability
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors; minimum 3.0 GPA
The American University offers college credit courses to high school students through its summer scholars program. You will gain access to college travel curriculum and coursework, helping you decide what you want to study in college. If you are interested in finance, there are various business and finance courses available. The courses offer an overview of fundamental business and finance topics, helping you dive into subject areas such as international business, globalization, economic development, financial markets, and more. You will gain a perspective of these topics through case studies, examples, and additionally, videos, newspaper articles, and media tools. Apart from classes, the program includes reading and writing assignments, and further learning through podcasts, documentaries, and discussion boards.
9. Georgetown Business & Leadership Academy
Location: Georgetown University campus, Washington, DC (residential or commuter)
Cost/Stipend: $9,085 residential (includes tuition and meals); $7,085 commuter tuition
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 19–August 7
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Current high school students; no minimum GPA specified; interest in business, strategy, finance, marketing, and leadership; international students welcome
The Georgetown Business and Leadership Academy is offered to high school students interested in learning how businesses work and the leadership skills required to lead a business. The program covers business principles to help you recognize essential business challenges, problems, opportunities, and solutions. Each day begins with a business brief related to a domestic or global issue. The program covers essential subject areas to help you with business decision-making, such as investing, finance, strategy management, marketing, international business, communication, and ethics. Apart from classes, you will engage in learning through a mix of field trips, hands-on workshops, group discussions, and extracurricular activities.
10. The George Washington University Caminos al Futuro
Location: George Washington University campus, Washington, DC; includes visits to Congress, government agencies, and DC nonprofits
Cost/Stipend: Free; fully funded; covers lodging, transportation to and from GW, meals, and tuition; personal spending money recommended for optional DC activities
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 22–July 10
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Currently attending a US high school; will have finished 11th grade by summer; resides in the United States (regardless of citizenship status); able to participate in a college-level course entirely in English; must be under 18 by July 10
The George Washington University's Cisneros Institute offers Caminos al Futuro to high-achieving rising seniors interested in learning about the economic, social, and political issues affecting the Hispanic and Latino community. The economic transformation part of the course focuses on how a community can contribute to growth through development, consumer influence, and encouragement of entrepreneurship. During the course, you will engage in subject areas through interactive lectures, academic discussions, and conduct research. All of the educational material presented in the course will include real-life examples and real data, giving you an overview of changes in the Latino community over time. Apart from classes, the program focuses on engaging in community-based issues through workshops, ranging from raising awareness to directly implementing these services.
11. Foundation for Teaching Economics (Finance and economics course options available)
Location: American University campus, Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: $1,900; includes tuition, room, and board for the full program week; students are responsible for their own transportation; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective;
Dates: July 20–26
Application Deadline: May 13
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors only (entering junior or senior year); no prior coursework in economics or civics required; transcript (including in-progress courses) and two short personal insight questions required
Foundation for Teaching Economics offers an economics and action program for high school students based in Washington. During the one-week programme, you will understand how economics forms a base for most political decisions and how government officials make the choices that they do. You will understand how laws are formed, how policies come into play, and how things affecting civic life are influenced through economics. Some topics covered include budgeting, taxation, fiscal policy, monetary policy, the role of central banks, property rights, government action, markets, international trade, and globalisation, among others. Apart from classes, you will learn through activities, workshops, exercises, and work on a capstone project to present towards the end of the program.
12. Georgetown Global Business Academy
Location: Georgetown University campus, Washington, DC; includes off-site visits to DC business organizations
Cost/Stipend: $9,085 residential (includes tuition and meals); $7,085 commuter tuition; C
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 7–26
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Current high school students; no minimum GPA specified; interest in international business, globalization, finance, and marketing
George Washington University offers its Global Business Academy to high school students looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of global business. During the 3-week program, some subject areas you will explore include globalization, thinking markets, financial markets, and important institutions in international business, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Apart from class sessions, you will learn through a mix of hands-on workshops, group discussions, extracurricular activities, and field trips. You will practice what you learn throughout the programme through a mix of investment challenges, case studies, and presentations, where you will develop practical skills and work on your critical thinking abilities.
13. Junior Achievement of Washington Personal Finance
Location: Delivered in-classroom at participating schools across Washington state; in-person or virtual implementation available
Cost/Stipend: Free to students; program costs covered by JA sponsors
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open to all students in participating classrooms
Dates: Scheduled by teacher or school in 11 sessions; Spanish translation available
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
The Junior Achievement of Washington offers the Personal Finance program for high school students interested in learning how their financial decisions will contribute to financial freedom in the future. During the program, you will learn about money management strategies that include budgeting, saving, credit and debt, customer protection, risk management, investing, and debt management. The program takes place through a series of level sessions where you will engage in practical activities and projects that help you practice for future financial decisions. You will understand how personal finances will affect your quality of life and how your financial choices can be tailored to goals such as paying off student debt, saving for a house, or investing in a retirement fund.
14. The George Washington University Pre-College Program
Location: George Washington University, Washington, DC; DC site visits integrated into coursework
Cost/Stipend: $4,950 residential; $4,350 commuter; includes program fees, supplies, room, and board for residential students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Various sessions in the summer (dates vary for each course)
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; strong academic performance in advanced or college preparatory courses; personal statement required; international students welcome
The George Washington University offers a pre-college program for high school students interested in exploring topics such as global development, public policy, international relations, and business. During the program, you will spend the summer engaging in college-level curriculum, learning from college professors, and exploring what academic pathway you want to choose at college. The courses change every summer, but the business and finance course options will brief you on fundamental business concepts through a series of lectures, seminars, and workshops. You will get to step into the role of real business professionals and make decisions business decisions using data about pricing, marketing, operations, sustainability, and movement.
15. The Catholic University of America Startup Venture
Location: Virtually hosted by the Busch School of Business, Catholic University of America, Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: $1,000; scholarships available based on financial need; top participants share $5,000 in prize awards at program conclusion; eligibility for awards requires weekly attendance and completion of weekly challenges
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Weekly sessions between June 9 and August 13
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Current high school students; interest in business and entrepreneurship; no prior experience required
The Catholic University of America offers a startup venture to high school students interested in learning what it takes to build a successful business. The challenge takes place over ten weeks, where you will be guided through the process of ideation, product development, and launching a business that serves a real need. You will delve into essential entrepreneurship topics such as finance, marketing, business planning, and product development, implementing them into your business as the weeks go on. You will receive mentorship throughout the challenge and complete weekly challenges that will prepare you for your business launch. Lastly, you will launch your business idea by the end of the ten weeks, and monetary rewards will be awarded to the top participants, which will go towards supporting their business venture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there free finance programs for high school students in Washington, D.C.?
Yes, 2 programs on this list are completely free. Gallaudet University's Financial Wizards program is fully funded for deaf or hard-of-hearing students entering grades 10-12, covering classes, housing, meals, and transportation. Junior Achievement of Washington's Personal Finance program is free and delivered in participating classrooms across the region. If you'd prefer a virtual, mentorship-based alternative instead, Young Founders Lab offers need-based financial aid and is open to all high school students regardless of D.C. residency.
2. Which D.C. finance programs are fully virtual?
Young Founders Lab and Ladder Internship Program are both fully remote. Young Founders Lab is a startup bootcamp where you apply financial concepts like pricing, market sizing, and resource allocation to a real venture, with mentorship from professionals at companies like Google, Microsoft, and X. Ladder Internship places you with a high-growth startup remotely, often involving finance-adjacent work like market research and financial modeling. George Washington University's College Intensive also offers virtual finance courses, though it requires meeting course prerequisites.
3. Which D.C. finance programs are best for students interested in economic policy specifically?
Georgetown's Economics Policy Academy is the most directly policy-focused option, covering trade, fiscal policy, and international negotiations, and concluding with a research poster. The Foundation for Teaching Economics program explores how economics underpins government decision-making through a one-week intensive. George Washington University's Caminos al Futuro also touches on economic policy through the lens of community development, though it's restricted to rising seniors connected to the Latino/Hispanic community.