15 Finance Research Programs for High School Students
If you want to know whether finance is worth pursuing once you finish high school, a research program lets you test the field before making a big decision.
What are finance research programs for high school students?
Finance research programs walk you through practical tasks. You might collect information, run a simple analysis, interpret results, and present your conclusions. You learn how markets behave, how companies measure risk, or how economic changes affect outcomes. You analyze information, work through financial puzzles, and see how different factors shape an outcome.
Why should you pursue finance research programs for high school students?
By examining financial data yourself, you start to understand why markets or companies behave the way they do. Completing a research program also gives you something concrete to talk about in college applications and interviews. Finance research programs also help you understand finance better and potentially use that knowledge for your own ventures.
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With that, here are 15 finance research programs for high school students that can help you get started!
15 Finance Research Programs for High School Students
2. Pathways: Junior Fellows Program – OneAmerica Financial
Cost: Free; stipend provided (amount not specified)
Location: OneAmerica Financial Headquarters, Indianapolis, Indiana
Dates: Full-time summer employment (typically 8-10 weeks in June-August)
Application Deadline: Typically fall/winter
Eligibility: High school students and recent graduates from Indianapolis and nearby communities
The Pathways: Junior Fellows Program provides a structured introduction to the financial services industry through department rotations and hands-on projects. As a Junior Fellow, you will experience functions such as investment management, client relations, and business operations while contributing to team-based assignments. You’ll participate in leadership seminars and professional development workshops designed to strengthen communication and analytical skills. The program also features mentorship from OneAmerica professionals, giving you personalized insight into corporate finance and career pathways in the industry. Networking events throughout the program allow you to build connections with executives and staff.
2. Venture Analyst High School Internship
Cost: Free; stipend provided (amount not specified)
Location: Princeton, New Jersey
Dates: 10-week program (June–August)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–18
The Venture Analyst Internship at 1435 Capital Management is a prestigious program designed for students interested in finance, venture capital, and entrepreneurship. Over the course of 10 weeks, you will collaborate closely with partners and analysts to evaluate startups, study emerging markets, and identify trends shaping the investment landscape. Your responsibilities may include conducting due diligence, building financial models, and preparing professional research reports. You will also learn to assess competitive positioning and long-term growth potential, strengthening both your analytical and strategic thinking skills. The program concludes with a final presentation where you share investment insights and demonstrate the practical expertise you've gained.
3. Young Founders Lab
Location: Virtual, with live workshops
Cost: Varies depending on the program; need-based financial aid is available
Dates: Varies based on the cohort
Application Deadline: Varies based on the cohort; you can access the application link here
Eligibility: All high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a start-up boot camp created by Harvard entrepreneurs. The program will guide you through building a revenue-generating start-up that tackles a complex problem. You’ll also receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and professionals from Microsoft, Google, and X. Along with developing your start-up, you’ll participate in interactive classes on business basics and ideation, as well as workshops, case studies, skill sessions, and panel conversations. It’s a solid way for high school students to explore the business world and learn both the theory and practice behind creating a successful venture.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program; financial aid is available
Dates: Programs run year-round in 8–12 week sessions during spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, or gap year students who can work 10–20 hours a week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a remote program that connects high school students with nonprofits and startups worldwide. Many of these organizations are backed by Y Combinator or led by individuals with experience at companies such as Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey. Started by Harvard graduates, the program offers internships in finance, investments, consulting, tech, AI, and more. As an intern, you’ll work on real projects for your host organization and present your work at the end of the program. You’ll join group sessions with other interns, build communication and time management skills, and get support from a Ladder coach throughout your internship. If you want to plan, you can look at the application form.
5. Young Entrepreneurs Program
Cost: Free; $12–$14/hour stipend + $2,500 scholarship
Location: Kansas City, Missouri (primarily in-person; limited remote options)
Dates: Session 1: June 2 – June 27, Session 2: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from the Kansas City metro area
The Young Entrepreneurs Program places students in four-week paid internships with Kansas City startups, offering direct exposure to how early-stage companies operate. In this role, you will work about 30 hours per week on projects involving finance, market research, data analysis, or strategic planning. Weekly company visits give you a behind-the-scenes look at operations, leadership, and fundraising processes. You’ll receive mentorship from founders and startup teams who guide your project work and help build your business skillset. The program also provides structured workshops and reflection sessions to strengthen your understanding of entrepreneurial finance.
6. Asset Management High School Summer Internship
Cost: Free; stipend provided (amount not specified)
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Dates: Five-week program (July–August)
Application Deadline: Typically early March
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
Fidelity’s Asset Management Internship provides an immersive introduction to investment strategy and analytics through hands-on financial projects. During this five-week program, you will analyze datasets, build sample portfolios, and experiment with risk assessment techniques using Excel and other financial tools. Guided by experienced Fidelity mentors, you’ll learn how professionals evaluate market trends, assess regulatory factors, and make data-driven decisions. The program includes interactive workshops covering equity and fixed-income markets, forecasting, and portfolio construction. You’ll also develop communication and presentation skills as you explain your findings and justify investment choices.
7. Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI)
Cost: Free; stipend provided (amount not specified)
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Dates: Six-week program (June–August)
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors residing in Chicago; minimum “B”/3.0 GPA; family income below $80,000/year
The Chicago Summer Business Institute provides a structured pathway for students to explore key areas of business and finance through both coursework and experiential learning. Throughout the six-week program, you will work on projects involving investment research, financial analysis, and professional writing, gaining exposure to the tools used in financial workplaces. Workshops led by industry experts introduce you to topics such as corporate finance, banking operations, and capital markets, helping you understand how different areas of the financial sector function together. You’ll also receive mentorship from professionals who guide your development and answer questions about career paths.
8. Modern Apprenticeship Program (MAP) – EmployIndy & Indy Chamber
Cost: Paid; average $13/hour + up to $4,000 in tuition assistance and $2,000 for high school credentialing
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Dates: Multi-year apprenticeship; part-time during high school
Application Deadline: Rolling; recruitment through schools and MAP partners
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in Indianapolis; must commit to after-school apprenticeship hours
The Modern Apprenticeship Program (MAP) offers students a structured, multi-year pathway to gain professional experience while still in high school. Beginning in your junior year, you will work part-time in roles that align with your skills and interests, eventually transitioning into full-time work in the program’s third year. Apprenticeships are available in finance, business operations, IT, and related fields with employers such as OneAmerica Financial and the Indianapolis Airport Authority. Depending on your placement, you may serve as a staff accountant, project coordinator, junior coder, or another early-career role. Throughout the program, you will receive mentorship from industry professionals, attend career-readiness workshops, and build meaningful professional networks.
9. Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP)
Cost: Earnings applied toward tuition; optional school-break work may provide direct pay
Location: Indianapolis & Carmel, Indiana (partner companies)
Dates: School year
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Enrolled students at Providence Cristo Rey High School (grades 9–12)
The Corporate Work Study Program enables students to earn a substantial portion of their tuition by working one full day each week at partner companies across Indianapolis and Carmel. Through CWSP, you will gain early professional experience in fields such as finance, accounting, technology, healthcare, law, and real estate. Depending on your placement, you may perform tasks like data entry, IT support, project coordination, and general office operations, all while developing communication and organizational skills. Before beginning work, you complete CORE training to learn workplace expectations and professional conduct. Throughout the school year, you will build relationships with supervisors and coworkers who provide mentorship and insight into potential career paths.
10. TeenWorks Summer Program
Cost: Paid; wages provided for all participants
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana (various nonprofit sites)
Dates: Six-week summer program
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications open through spring
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in Marion County schools
The TeenWorks Summer Program provides paid, community-focused work experience for high school students across Indianapolis. You will work in teams of 10–13 at nonprofit organizations, contributing to projects that address local needs while gaining insight into nonprofit operations and community development. Each placement includes structured financial literacy training and weekly lessons on budgeting, resume building, and workplace communication. You’ll also participate in mock interviews, college visits, and career assessments that help you understand your strengths and long-term goals. Supervisors and guest professionals offer mentorship and share their own career journeys, giving you a clearer picture of future opportunities.
11. High School Internship Program – Young Founders School x BSD Education
Cost: Varies by placement; some sponsored spots available
Location: Virtual (projects hosted by companies worldwide)
Dates: Year-round; internships typically 4–6 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
The Young Founders School x BSD Education Internship offers a global, project-based experience where you collaborate with startups and companies across finance, healthcare, marketing, and technology. You’ll begin with a 10-hour online foundation course covering business writing, marketing principles, digital tools, and professional communication. After this training, you are matched with a company and work in small teams to complete business projects that address industry challenges. Mentors guide you through problem-solving, research, and project execution, helping you build confidence in a professional setting. At the end of each cohort, you will present your work directly to company partners for feedback. With nine available career pathways, including finance, consulting, and business management, you can explore specialized interests while developing practical workplace skills.
12. Mary Miller Summer Program – PHC Group
Cost: A stipend is paid
Location: Virtual
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Typically in the spring
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with unrestricted U.S. work authorization
The Mary Miller Summer Program at PHC Group provides a fully virtual, project-based internship focused on public health, business operations, and digital communications. During the program, you will work with senior staff on tasks such as marketing research, outreach planning, report preparation, and social media strategy. The internship emphasizes strategic thinking and collaborative problem-solving, allowing you to contribute to real campaigns that support community-focused initiatives. You’ll participate in regular check-ins and receive mentorship throughout, gaining insight into how nonprofit consulting organizations operate.
13. Wall Street 101
Cost: Online: $1,490, Commuter (5-day): $2,450, Residential (5-day): $3,380. Scholarships available
Location: Bentley University, Waltham, Massachusetts (commuter, residential, and online options)
Dates: Weekly sessions offered throughout June and July
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until June 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; must be 16 by September 1 to participate in residential housing
Bentley University’s Wall Street 101 program is a one-week, intensive introduction to finance, markets, and analytical decision-making. You can choose from multiple course tracks, including Stock Market and Investment Research, Macroeconomics and Financial Markets, FinTech, Artificial Intelligence in Finance, and Investment and Trading Strategies, based on your interests. Throughout the week, you will engage in case studies, simulations, and team-based projects taught by Bentley faculty and industry professionals.
14. Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy
Cost: $5,500 (includes classes, workshops, and program materials)
Location: University of Michigan, Ross School of Business
Dates: June 7–17; June 21–July 1
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy is a finance research opportunity for high school students that offers the opportunity to explore the world of business at one of the nation’s leading business schools. Over two weeks, you will learn how companies operate, uncover strategies behind successful leadership, and experience life as a business student at Michigan Ross. Led by faculty from various business disciplines, the program challenges you with college-level coursework, providing insights into business operations, management, and strategy.
15. Research Mentorship Program (RMP): Economics Track
Cost: Residential: $13,274; Commuter: $5,675; need-based financial aid available
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, California
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least 10th grade and are 16+ by the start date
UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program offers a six-week, full-time research experience where you work directly with UCSB faculty, graduate students, or postdocs in a selected discipline. The program begins with an online orientation and transitions into in-person work on campus, allowing you to experience real university-level research environments. n the Economics Track, you’ll explore advanced topics such as market behavior, public policy, and financial modeling, applying economic theory to real-world data. The program culminates in a technical research paper and a formal symposium presentation, giving you experience that mirrors the expectations of undergraduate research.
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