15 Finance Programs in NYC for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in business or finance, a finance summer program can help you understand how money, markets, and financial systems work in practical settings.
What do finance programs in NYC for high school students involve?
These programs go beyond classroom theory by introducing you to topics such as investing, financial analysis, budgeting, risk management, and economic decision-making. Through hands-on projects, case studies, and simulations, you can build practical skills, explore potential career paths, and see how finance concepts are applied across industries.
Why pursue finance programs in NYC for high school students?
New York City offers a unique environment for finance-focused learning thanks to its role as a global financial capital. Many finance summer programs in NYC connect you directly to the city’s financial ecosystem through workshops, guest speakers, site visits, and mentorship from professionals. These programs can help you develop skills you can apply to your own ventures, gain confidence navigating professional spaces, and build early networks in finance.
You can also check out online finance programs here, or have a look at finance research programs here for high school students.
Below is a list of 15 finance programs in NYC for high school students to help you explore your options and gain meaningful exposure to the field.
15 Finance Programs in NYC for High School Students
1. Wall Street Stock Market & Investment Experience
Cost: Varies by session
Location: New York City, NY (in person; commuter option available)
Program Dates: July 6–11 | July 12–17 | July 6–17
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until cohorts are full
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
The Wall Street Stock Market & Investment Experience is an immersive, in-person finance program that introduces you to the fundamentals of investing and the structure of global financial markets. Led by faculty from the New York Institute of Finance (NYIF), the program covers topics such as trading strategies, asset management, financial statement analysis, and market dynamics. In addition to classroom instruction, you take part in site visits, guided tours, and guest lectures from industry professionals, giving you direct exposure to New York City’s financial districts and institutions. The program offers both residential and commuter options. Upon completion, you earn a certificate and may request a letter of recommendation, making this program a strong option if you want structured, hands-on exposure to finance in NYC.
2. Young Founders Lab
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Location: 100% virtual with live, interactive workshops
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
Young Founders Lab is a virtual startup boot camp designed to introduce you to entrepreneurship, finance, and business strategy through hands-on experience. Founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs, the program guides you through building a revenue-generating startup that addresses a real-world problem. You work on idea validation, business modeling, and go-to-market strategy, gaining insight into how financial and operational decisions shape early-stage ventures. Beyond building the startup itself, you participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals, ideation, and strategy, along with skill-building workshops, case studies, and panel discussions. You also receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and professionals from companies such as Google, Microsoft, and X.
3. Dynamics of Financial Markets: Booms, Busts, and Everything In Between
Cost: Varies by session (see Columbia Summer Session details)
Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY
Program Dates: June 22 – June 26
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full (listed under Summer Session AA)
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to enroll in Columbia’s pre-college summer courses
Dynamics of Financial Markets: Booms, Busts, and Everything In Between is an intensive, one-week course that helps you understand why financial markets rise, fall, and sometimes collapse. Through an applied and interdisciplinary approach, you examine major historical events such as the 2008 financial crisis and recent phenomena like cryptocurrencies to identify recurring patterns in market behavior. Class sessions combine lectures, interactive simulations, and guided analytical exercises that explore how psychology, regulation, technological innovation, and macroeconomic forces influence financial volatility. You also work with basic data analysis tools to place current market conditions within broader economic cycles.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies by placement; some internships are paid
Location: Remote (you can participate from anywhere in the world)
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder Internship Program is a selective, project-based internship experience that places you with a high-growth startup working on real business and finance-related challenges. Startups span industries such as fintech, AI and machine learning, health tech, marketing, consulting, and media, giving you exposure to how early-stage companies make strategic and financial decisions. Many participating founders are Y Combinator alumni or former professionals from companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta. During the internship, you work closely with a startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach while contributing to meaningful deliverables, such as market research, financial analysis, operations planning, or growth strategy. You are expected to take ownership of your work and present your final project directly to the company.
5. Bank of America Student Leaders® Program
Cost: Paid internship
Location: Nationwide placements, including New York; local nonprofit internship plus a summit in Washington, DC
Program Dates: Eight-week summer program, including the Student Leaders Summit (July 21–26)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors who are authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship through September
The Bank of America Student Leaders® Program is a paid, full-time summer internship that places you with a nonprofit organization in your local community. You work on projects related to community service, administration, budgeting, fundraising, and program operations, giving you insight into how nonprofits manage resources and measure impact. A highlight of the program is the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC, where all travel and accommodations are covered. At the summit, you learn how businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations collaborate to address economic and social challenges.
6. Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) – LaGuardia Community College
Cost: Paid employment
Location: New York City, NY (in-person, remote, or hybrid depending on placement)
Program Dates: Summer (July–August; six-week program)
Application Deadline: Varies annually (applications typically open in spring)
Eligibility: New York City residents ages 14–24
The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) at LaGuardia Community College is a long-running, city-sponsored program that provides paid summer work experience to young people across New York City. Funded by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), the program places you in public- or private-sector roles where you gain hands-on exposure to professional environments while earning an hourly wage. SYEP includes workforce readiness training and financial literacy instruction, helping you build foundational skills such as time management, communication, and money management. You may also explore career pathways and learn about future academic opportunities at LaGuardia Community College.
7. Finance Institute: Wall Street in the Classroom
Cost: $1,300 total ($100 nonrefundable deposit; $1,200 remaining balance)
Location: Fordham University, Rose Hill Campus (Bronx, NY) or virtual (hybrid format)
Program Dates: June 15–19, June 22–26, July 20–24, July 27–31
Application Deadline: Rolling; priority given to applications submitted before April 1
Eligibility: Open to all high school students; international students may attend virtually
Finance Institute: Wall Street in the Classroom is a one-week introductory finance program offered by Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business. Designed for high school students, the program helps you build a strong foundation in finance, economics, and investing while exploring how financial markets function in practical contexts. You study topics such as the time value of money, personal finance, stocks and bonds, monetary policy, asset allocation, risk management, and emerging areas like cryptocurrency. The program is taught by a former Wall Street global equity trader and includes guest speakers from top finance firms and Gabelli School alumni. Through interactive discussions and applied examples, you develop the skills needed to understand higher-level financial concepts and make informed financial decisions.
8. Invest in Her: Financial Literacy and Leadership for Women
Cost: $1,300 total ($100 nonrefundable deposit; $1,200 remaining balance)
Location: Fordham University, Rose Hill Campus, Bronx, NY (in person only)
Program Dates: July 13 – July 17
Application Deadline: Rolling; priority given to applications submitted before April 1
Eligibility: Female high school students; international students are not eligible
Invest in Her is a weeklong summer program designed to introduce you to financial literacy and leadership skills in a supportive, women-focused learning environment. The program covers core topics such as financial markets, financial statements, accounting principles, and basic business analysis. Through collaborative activities and problem-solving exercises, you strengthen critical thinking and analytical skills that are essential for careers in finance and business. In addition to technical knowledge, the program emphasizes professional behavior, executive presence, and confidence-building in workplace settings. Instruction is led by Gabelli School faculty, with guest speakers and networking opportunities featuring alumni from top firms.
9. NYU Precollege Program- Finance & Business Courses
Cost: Varies by credits and format; tuition charged per credit (e.g., ~$6,006 for a 3-credit course; additional housing and fees apply for residential students)
Location: New York University, New York City, NY (in person or online, depending on course)
Program Dates: Offered during fall, spring, and summer terms
Application Deadline: Spring deadline: January 5; Summer deadline: June 15 for U.S. and online students
Eligibility: High school students eligible for NYU Precollege
NYU Precollege allows you to experience college-level academics while earning official NYU credits in subjects related to finance, business, and economics. Through courses such as Principles of Accounting, Basic Statistics, Business Organizations & Management, and Principles of Marketing, you gain exposure to foundational concepts that are central to finance and business careers. Classes are taught by NYU faculty and reflect the rigor and pace of undergraduate coursework. Beyond academics, the program immerses you in NYU’s campus and the broader New York City professional environment. You learn alongside students from around the world, receive academic advising, and gain access to NYU resources and networks. If you attend during the summer, you can also participate in college preparation workshops covering topics like admissions, study skills, and financial aid.
10. Young Finance Scholar (YFS) Program – New York Institute of Finance (NYIF)
Cost: Live Virtual Program: $1,990, Self-Paced Online Program: $950
Location: Virtual (live online or self-paced)
Program Dates: Live Virtual Session: July 20 – July 31, Self-Paced: Year-round access
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: High school students ages 15–18 (some tracks open to ages 13–17)
The Young Finance Scholar (YFS) Program is a structured, pre-college finance and economics program designed to help you build a strong foundation in business, economics, and financial markets. Offered by the New York Institute of Finance, the program combines conceptual learning with applied case studies to strengthen your analytical thinking, financial literacy, and professional skills. You explore both microeconomics and macroeconomics, learning how concepts such as GDP, inflation, interest rates, and fiscal and monetary policy shape real-world economic outcomes. Throughout the program, you analyze companies from a financial perspective, study capital markets and Wall Street institutions, and examine topics such as sustainable finance, fintech, and digital assets. Additional modules focus on entrepreneurship, ethics, personal financial management, and career pathways in finance, including banking, investment services, and mergers and acquisitions.
11. Statistics Applications in Finance
Cost: Varies by session
Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY
Program Dates: June 29 – July 17 | July 21 – August 7
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until sessions are full
Eligibility: High school students with basic knowledge of statistics and probability
Statistics Applications in Finance is a pre-college course that introduces you to the quantitative tools used in financial analysis, risk management, and investment decision-making. Throughout the program, you work with real financial datasets to apply concepts such as probability, regression, and statistical modeling, gaining insight into how data informs decisions in modern finance. The course includes stock market simulations, group projects, and case studies that connect statistical theory to practical investment strategies. You also explore portfolio management principles and learn how analysts use statistical models to forecast trends and evaluate financial performance.
12. Global Finance Program
Cost: Varies by year; check program site for current details
Location: New York City, NY (Baruch College campus and off-site field trips)
Program Dates: Summer (exact dates vary annually)
Application Deadline: Varies by year
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade high school students
The Global Finance Program at the Baruch Leadership Academy introduces you to finance, economics, and global markets through hands-on learning and real-world exposure in New York City. During the program, you participate in real-time trading simulations on Baruch College’s Wasserman Trading Floor, where you practice equity trading strategies using professional-grade software. You also attend workshops on finance fundamentals, explore investment strategies across stocks, bonds, and alternative assets, and study core economic concepts such as supply and demand, comparative advantage, and global trade. The experience includes site visits to major financial landmarks in NYC, panels with industry professionals, and networking opportunities with peers interested in business and finance.
13. CLA High School Internship Program
Cost: Paid internship (stipend provided)
Location: Multiple U.S. locations, including New York City offices
Program Dates: Mid-June – August
Application Deadline: Typically in January
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–18
The CLA High School Internship Program allows you to explore careers in accounting, finance, and auditing within a national professional services firm. During the summer internship, you work on real projects such as financial analysis, audit support, and tax-related tasks, allowing you to see how financial concepts are applied in client-facing, professional environments. The program places a strong emphasis on both technical skill development and professional growth. You receive structured mentorship from CLA professionals, gain exposure to different career paths within the firm, and build workplace skills such as problem-solving, communication, and collaboration.
14. Excel, Finance, & Investing Summer Program (NYC)
Cost: $1,395 total (discounted from $1,595; tuition varies by format)
Location: New York City, NY (in person) or Live Online / Self-Paced
Program Dates: Multiple summer sessions (June–August)
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment until sessions are full
Eligibility: High school students; no prior finance or Excel experience required
The Excel, Finance, & Investing Summer Program is a short, skills-focused course designed to introduce you to practical finance and investing tools used in professional settings. Over the course of one week (or two weeks online), you receive hands-on training in Microsoft Excel alongside foundational concepts in finance and stock market investing. The curriculum is project-based and beginner-friendly, making it accessible even if you have no prior experience. You learn how to use Excel for data analysis, charts, pivot tables, and basic automation, then apply those skills to financial topics such as reading financial statements, valuing stocks using metrics like P/E ratios and discounted cash flow (DCF). Instruction is led by experienced trainers, including Microsoft Certified Instructors, and the program concludes with a verified certificate of completion.
15. International Business & Finance – National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC)
Cost: $4,495 (Columbia University, New York, NY – residential), $4,295 (University of California, Berkeley – residential), $6,395 (University of Oxford, England – residential, 12 days). Scholarships and payment plans are available
Location: New York, NY (Columbia University); San Francisco, CA (UC Berkeley); Oxford, England (University of Oxford)
Program Dates: Summer (multiple 9-day or 12-day sessions, depending on location)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until sessions are full
Eligibility: High school students
The International Business & Finance program offered by the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) introduces you to how global markets, trade, and financial systems connect economies around the world. Through hands-on simulations and collaborative challenges, you explore how companies expand internationally, respond to trade policies, manage supply chains, and make strategic financial decisions. During the program, you participate in experiential learning activities such as market analysis, global strategy simulations, and cross-cultural problem-solving exercises. You also hear from guest speakers with experience in business, finance, and international affairs, and take part in educational site visits that provide behind-the-scenes insight into global commerce.
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