15 Prestigious Economics Summer Programs for High School Students
If you are interested in economics, finance, or business, participating in prestigious economics summer programs for high school students can significantly strengthen your academic profile and clarify your long-term career goals.
What do prestigious economics summer programs for high school students involve?
These programs are designed to expose you to practical economic thinking. You’ll study policy analysis, financial modeling, market research, or entrepreneurial strategy, well beyond what you encounter in a standard high school curriculum.
Why pursue prestigious economics summer programs for high school students?
You’ll gain early experience applying economic theory to real problems, collaborating with motivated peers, and learning directly from industry professionals, researchers, or policymakers. For students considering future paths in business, finance, public policy, or economics research, these opportunities provide both practical skill development and meaningful insight into how economics operates in professional settings.
If you’re interested in prestigious finance programs, you can check here, or go here for economics competitions for high school students.
Below is a list of 15 prestigious economics summer programs for high school students, selected based on competitiveness, academic rigor, institutional reputation, and the depth of experience offered.
15 Prestigious Economics Summer Programs for High School Students
1. UC Santa Barbara - Research Mentorship Program: Economics Track
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara (in-person; residential and commuter options available)
Cost: $13,274 (residential)
Program Dates: July 15–31
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic preparation and interest in research
The UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program allows you to conduct hands-on, university-level research alongside graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and faculty mentors. The program begins with a multi-day virtual component that introduces you to academic resources, research expectations, and your mentor before arriving on campus. Once on site, you are matched to a research project in your chosen field and commit 35–50 hours per week to intensive research, which may include lab work, fieldwork, data collection, and literature analysis. Over the course of the program, you learn how to communicate scientific and scholarly findings by writing a technical research paper and presenting at a formal academic symposium. You also earn 8 university credits through interdisciplinary research and presentation-focused coursework.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: Varies by program; need-based financial aid is available
Program Dates: Vary by cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
Young Founders Lab is a startup boot camp where you work toward building a revenue-generating venture that addresses a real problem. Throughout the program, you develop your idea from concept to execution while applying core principles of economics, business strategy, and market validation. You receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and professionals with backgrounds at organizations such as Google, Microsoft, and X, giving you insight into how successful startups operate. In addition to venture-building, you participate in interactive classes covering business fundamentals, ideation frameworks, and economic decision-making. You also engage in workshops, case studies, panel discussions, and skill-building sessions to strengthen your analytical thinking, communication, and leadership skills.
3. Economics from an Experimental Perspective
Location: University of Chicago (Residential)
Cost: $9,300
Program Dates: June 15 – July 2
Application Deadline: Pre-college registration opens January 2026
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11
In this immersive course at the University of Chicago, you explore economics through the lens of experimental methods, a field in which the university is a global leader. You participate directly in laboratory experiments that examine how individuals make decisions in markets, social interactions, and public-interest contexts such as environmental conservation and charitable giving. Throughout the program, you analyze experimental outcomes and connect them to core economic principles, developing a deeper understanding of how economic theories are tested in real-world and controlled settings. You also work both independently and in groups to solve applied economic problems, strengthening your analytical reasoning and collaboration skills.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: This program is 100% virtual, allowing you to work from anywhere in the world
Cost: Varies by internship; need-based financial aid may be available
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to high school students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective program that places you with a high-growth start-up, including companies across fields such as technology, AI/ML, health tech, consulting, marketing, journalism, and social impact. As an intern, you work directly with startup managers and founders on real-world projects that may involve market research, operations, strategy, or business development. You receive ongoing mentorship from a dedicated Ladder Coach, along with one-on-one training in professional skills such as communication, time management, and project execution. Throughout the program, you also participate in live workshops and cohort sessions, allowing you to collaborate with peers and exchange ideas. Many participating start-ups are led by founders with experience at Y Combinator or at major companies such as Google and Microsoft, providing you with insight into fast-paced, professional work environments.
5. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Local nonprofit organizations and Washington, D.C. (Student Leaders Summit)
Cost: Fully paid; includes a stipend and all travel expenses
Program Dates: Eight-week summer program, including the Student Leaders Summit (July 21–26)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school juniors and seniors who are legally authorized to work, reside in an eligible location, and can commit to the full eight-week program
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program places you in a paid summer internship at a local nonprofit, where you explore how economics and business principles drive social impact. During the program, you support projects such as budgeting, fundraising, operations, or community engagement, gaining insight into how organizations allocate resources and measure impact. You are paired with an industry mentor who guides leadership development and professional growth. The experience culminates in a national summit in Washington, D.C., where you participate in workshops, panel discussions, and policy-focused conversations with business and civic leaders. By the end of the program, you will have gained practical workplace experience and a deeper understanding of how economic systems can be applied to advance the public good.
6. Fidelity Career Discovery Programs – Boundless (High School)
Location: Boston, MA; Merrimack, NH; Westlake, TX; Durham, NC (varies by program)
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Vary by program (events, job shadowing, and internships held throughout the year)
Application Deadline: Varies; applications typically open between spring and early winter
Eligibility: Female high school students interested in finance, business, or financial services
Fidelity’s Boundless high school programs are designed to help you explore careers in finance and financial services while gaining early exposure to professional environments. Through a combination of career discovery events, job shadowing opportunities, and short-term internships, you learn about how large financial institutions operate and how economic and business principles are applied in practical settings. You interact directly with Fidelity professionals, gaining insight into roles across investing, operations, technology, and client services. The program emphasizes self-discovery, skill development, and career exploration rather than prior experience, making it accessible if you are still refining your interests. By participating, you gain a clearer understanding of potential career paths in finance while building confidence and professional awareness early in your academic journey.
7. Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP)
Location: Kansas City, MO (primarily in-person; limited remote options)
Cost: Free; paid hourly with a scholarship awarded upon completion
Program Dates: Session 1: June 2 – June 27, Session 2: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; must be able to commit to 30 hours per week
The Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP) is a highly selective, entrepreneurship-focused summer internship designed to immerse you in Kansas City’s startup ecosystem. You are matched with a high-growth local startup based on your interests and strengths, where you work on real business and operational projects. Throughout the program, you visit a different company every Friday, allowing you to learn about multiple industries, business models, and the support structures that enable startups to scale. You receive close support from program staff and become part of a tight-knit cohort, with continued access to an active alumni network after completion. In addition to earning hourly pay, you are awarded a $2,500 scholarship upon completing both sessions, making this program both financially supportive and professionally rigorous.
8. Harvard Secondary School Program – Economics, Finance, and Public Policy
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (Residential, Commuter, and Online options available)
Cost: $15,735
Program Dates: June 20–August 8
Application Deadline: Varies, check here
Eligibility: High school students admitted to the Harvard Secondary School Program
The Harvard Secondary School Program in Economics, Finance, and Public Policy allows you to study college-level economics and finance through rigorous coursework taught by Harvard-affiliated instructors. You can design your own academic focus by selecting two courses, enabling you to explore areas such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, financial accounting, econometrics, public finance, or economic decision-making. You develop a strong foundation in economic theory while applying concepts to real issues like public policy, financial systems, and strategic decision-making. Courses emphasize critical thinking, data analysis, and structured argumentation, mirroring the expectations of undergraduate economics programs.
9. U.S. Department of the Treasury – Headquarters Student Internship Program
Location: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Program Dates: Spring (January–May) | Summer (May–August) | Fall (September–December)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
The U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program gives you direct exposure to how economic policy and financial regulation shape the U.S. economy. As an intern, you support agency professionals by researching and analyzing economic data, drafting reports, preparing briefing materials, and observing meetings or hearings. Depending on your placement, you may work with offices such as Economic Policy, Tax Policy, Domestic Finance, or International Affairs, allowing you to understand both domestic and global financial systems. Throughout the internship, you strengthen analytical reasoning, written communication, and policy-focused research skills. This program is especially valuable if you are interested in careers in economics, public policy, government, law, or business and want firsthand experience inside a federal economic institution.
10. Kaiser Permanente KP LAUNCH – High School Program
Location: Kaiser Permanente medical centers and business offices in Northern California
Cost: Free; paid internship
Program Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 9 (applications open November 17)
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–19 (priority given to juniors and seniors) who reside in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente service area and can commit to full-time work
The Kaiser Permanente KP LAUNCH High School Program is a seven-week paid summer internship that provides you with early exposure to healthcare-related administrative and support roles. During the program, you work full-time in a professional healthcare environment, gaining insight into how large healthcare systems operate without participating in direct patient care. You earn $24 per hour while developing workplace skills through weekly professional development workshops focused on communication, career readiness, and personal growth. You also build relationships with supervisors and mentors who offer guidance on preparing for future careers in healthcare, business, or public service. In addition to day-to-day work responsibilities, you participate in networking opportunities, community service projects, and group activities that connect you with peers.
11. Caminos al Futuro
Location: George Washington University, Washington, D.C. (Residential)
Cost: Free; fully funded (tuition, housing, meals, and travel covered)
Program Dates: June 22 – July 10
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors attending a U.S. high school with strong academic achievement and demonstrated leadership; must reside in the U.S. and be under 18 by the end of the program
Caminos al Futuro is a highly selective, fully funded pre-college summer program that allows you to study the social, economic, and political transformations affecting the Hispanic and Latino community in a college-level environment. During this three-week residential program, you live on the George Washington University campus and participate in an undergraduate-style academic lecture series focused on policy, data analysis, and contemporary issues. You gain firsthand exposure to policymaking through visits to Congress, government agencies, and leading nonprofit organizations in Washington, D.C. In addition to academic coursework, you take part in writing labs and develop a Community Action Project that addresses a real issue impacting your community, which you formally present at the end of the program. You also receive college preparation support through admissions workshops led by GW specialists, making this program especially valuable if you are interested in economics, public policy, leadership, or social impact careers.
12. Federal Reserve Bank of Boston – Today’s Interns, Tomorrow’s Professionals (TIP) Internship Program
Location: Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Boston, MA
Cost: Paid internship (stipend provided)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Summer (exact dates vary)
Application Deadline: Apply through the Boston Private Industry Council
Eligibility: Boston Public Schools high school students who have completed their sophomore year
The Today’s Interns, Tomorrow’s Professionals (TIP) Internship Program at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston gives you hands-on exposure to careers in economics, finance, and central banking. During this paid summer internship, you are placed in departments across the Boston Fed, where you may assist with economic research, analyze financial markets, or contribute to communications and operational initiatives. You receive structured job coaching and professional development support designed to strengthen workplace readiness and long-term career planning. Throughout the program, you gain insight into how the Federal Reserve System functions and how economic policy is applied in practice. High-performing interns may be invited to continue in a year-round internship, making this program especially valuable if you are interested in economics or public-sector finance careers.
13. CLA High School Internship Program
Location: Select CLA offices nationwide (in-person)
Cost: Free; paid internship
Program Dates: Summer (typically beginning in June; exact dates vary by location)
Application Deadline: Varies by location
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–18
The CLA High School Internship Program allows you to gain hands-on experience in business, professional services, and accounting while working on real projects alongside industry professionals. During the internship, you explore how professional services firms operate by supporting client-facing work and internal initiatives, giving you early exposure to fields such as accounting, consulting, and advisory services. You develop practical workplace skills, learn how to collaborate in professional teams, and gain a clearer understanding of potential career paths before pursuing further education. The program emphasizes skill-building, self-discovery, and career exploration in a structured, supportive environment. By the end of the internship, you leave with paid work experience and a stronger sense of how economics, finance, and accounting translate into real-world professional practice.
14. On the Money Magazine (OTM)
Location: Chicago, IL (hybrid; rotating in-person and virtual meetings)
Cost: Paid internship
Program Dates: January – early May
Application Deadline: Rolling until positions are filled (virtual interviews begin January 13)
Eligibility: City of Chicago residents only; high school students interested in writing, finance, and entrepreneurship
On the Money Magazine (OTM) is a by-teens, for-teens publication where you research and publish articles focused on finance and entrepreneurship. You develop a publishable article for the next magazine edition while strengthening professional writing and reporting skills through support associated with DePaul University’s Writing Center. You build practical career readiness tools by working on resume development, interviewing techniques, public speaking, and financial literacy alongside your cohort. Meetings run on Tuesdays from 5–7 p.m., alternating between in-person and virtual formats, which helps you practice collaboration in a real editorial workflow. You also participate in a structured interview process, with virtual interviews beginning on January 13, starting with an information session. This program is a strong fit if you want a credible writing-and-finance experience that results in a concrete, public-facing deliverable.
15. Financial Decision Making – Wharton Global Youth
Location: Online
Cost: $4,099; limited financial aid available
Program Dates: June 15 – June 26 or July 6 – July 17
Application Deadline: Priority deadline January 28; rolling admission thereafter
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
Financial Decision Making is an intensive two-week online program that helps you build a strong foundation in economics and finance while learning how to make informed, data-driven financial choices. Through a curriculum developed by Wharton professor David Musto, you study personal and corporate finance topics, including budgeting, credit, investing, financial markets, and the roles of banks and monetary policy. You work with real datasets and case studies, strengthening your analytical reasoning and learning how data informs financial decision-making. The program emphasizes practical tools, including hands-on use of Excel, to evaluate risk, return, and long-term wealth-building strategies. By the end of the program, you earn a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion and gain transferable skills in financial literacy, analysis, and communication that are valuable for future studies in economics, business, or finance.
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