If you’re a high schooler interested in economics and wish to build your portfolio, consider a research program in the field!
Economics research programs offer high school students an opportunity to explore economic theory, analyze real-world data, and develop critical thinking skills. These programs also allow students to gain hands-on experience in areas such as statistical analysis, economic modeling, and computational methods.
Many of these opportunities also offer mentorship from faculty or industry professionals, giving students insight into both academic and applied economics research. Whether you’re interested in finance, policy analysis, or global markets, these programs can help you build a strong foundation for future studies and careers in economics.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of 10 free economics research programs for high school students.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students, typically in 10th or 11th grade, with a 3.67+ GPA. Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Application Deadline: March 23 (Summer Priority) | April 20 (Summer Regular I) | May 18 (Summer Regular II) | June 22 (Summer II Priority)
Program Dates:
- Summer I: Starts June 16
- Summer II: Starts July 14
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Cost: $5,950 (financial aid available)
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, public health and safety, social psychology, and medicine. It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research! In the business track, you can explore topics such as behavioral economics and market trends.
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
The program includes a letter of recommendation for every student, plus comprehensive feedback on projects that can assist with future work and college applications. Apply here!
2. Chicago Summer Business Institute
Location: Chicago, IL
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors residing in Chicago; must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a household income below $80,000/year
Application Deadline: February 1 – March 31
Program Dates: June – July (6 weeks)
Cost: Paid
The Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI) provides high school students with a paid internship experience in finance, business, and government sectors. You work with professionals in areas like accounting, financial services, and public administration, gaining exposure to economic decision-making and business operations.
Interns develop skills in data analysis, financial literacy, and professional communication while completing hands-on assignments. The program also includes workshops on leadership, resume building, and interview techniques.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May.
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
Cost: Starts $2,990 (full financial aid available)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, offers high school students the opportunity to work one-on-one with PhD mentors to develop an independent research project in their subject area. If selected, you’ll work closely with mentors to create a college-level research paper based on your project, with additional support from writing coaches.
During this period, you’ll engage in thorough research, participate in workshops, and gradually refine your work. By the end of the program, you will have a completed research paper and gained experience in research methods, critical thinking, and academic writing. More details about the application are here! You can choose your subject track in the application form, such as business, as well as a specific area of focus, such as entrepreneurship, throughout your research experience!
4. U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in high school, undergraduate, or graduate programs; must remain enrolled throughout the internship
Application Deadlines:
- Spring Internship (January-May): Apply in October
- Summer Internship (May-August): Apply in December
- Fall Internship (September-December): Apply in June
Program Dates: Varies by session (Spring, Summer, Fall)
Cost: Free
The U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program offers high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public sector economics, finance, and policy analysis. Interns support Treasury offices by collecting and analyzing economic data, researching policy issues, and drafting reports for government leaders.
You may also attend congressional hearings and assist in organizing high-level meetings. The program is designed for students interested in economics, public policy, international affairs, and financial management. Participants build analytical, research, and communication skills while gaining insight into the workings of a federal agency.
5. Economics for Leaders (EFL) by the Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE)
Location: Various U.S. universities and Online
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (early application encouraged)
Program Dates: June – August (1-week sessions)
Cost: Varies by location; scholarships available
Economics for Leaders (EFL) is a selective summer program that combines economic analysis with leadership training. You’ll engage in hands-on simulations and discussions covering topics such as economic growth, market structures, labor markets, and government policy. The program also includes leadership instruction using frameworks from university-level courses to improve decision-making and teamwork skills. You’ll apply economic reasoning to real-world policy challenges, gaining insights into public policy, finance, and global markets. For those with prior economics coursework, an advanced version of the program is available at select locations.
6. J-PAL Economics Transformation Project (ETP)
Location: Various (primarily Boston, MA, and partner institutions)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and research professionals from historically underrepresented backgrounds in economics (Black, Latino/a/e, Indigenous, low-income, and female-identifying students)
Application Deadline: Varies by program and partnership
Program Dates: Varies (workshops and training sessions held throughout the year)
Cost: Free
The Economics Transformation Project (ETP) by J-PAL aims to increase diversity in economics by providing structured support at various academic stages. For high school students, ETP offers workshops introducing economic research and data analysis, focusing on real-world policy applications and randomized evaluations.
While high school programming is currently being restructured, past initiatives have included hands-on economics sessions in partnership with schools and college access programs. ETP collaborates with organizations such as the Sadie Collective and the American Economic Association to expand access to economics education and professional development.
7. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (must be at least 17 by the program start date); U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Application Deadline: February 24
Program Dates: June 22 – August 7
Cost: Free ($750 stipend)
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a highly selective, research-intensive summer experience where students work directly with Texas Tech faculty on independent research projects. In the economics track, participants explore economic theory, policy analysis, and quantitative methods. Scholars engage in weekly seminars, social activities, and networking events while developing an original research paper. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a $750 stipend.
8. USC High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Online
Eligibility: High school students (graduating seniors are not eligible); minimum 3.5 GPA
Application Deadline: Opens in April
Program Dates: June 1 – August 1
Cost: Free
Offered by the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future (CPF) in partnership with the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability, this internship provides students with an introduction to policy research and analysis. You closely analyze discussions from the annual Climate Forward Conference, producing two collegiate-level essays — one summarizing key insights and another critically evaluating panelist viewpoints with cited sources.
You’ll also engage in mentorship sessions, networking events, and skill-building workshops on research and writing. Upon completing all requirements, you can earn the title of Summer Research Intern for USC CPF and USC Wrigley Institute, gaining formal recognition on the program’s website.
9. High School Fed Challenge
Location: Virtual (hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York)
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12) from schools in the 12 Federal Reserve Districts, U.S. territories, or Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools abroad
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates:
- Theme Announcement & Registration Opens: September 10
- Virtual Workshop: October 16
- Paper Submission Deadline: March 17
- Notification of Publication Decision: May 15
Cost: Free
The High School Fed Challenge is an academic competition designed to introduce students to economic research and policy analysis. Each year, teams of students select a research topic related to the designated theme and submit a well-researched paper for evaluation by Federal Reserve personnel.
The top submissions are published in the Journal of Future Economists, offering students the opportunity to have their work recognized by economic professionals. You’ll develop skills in teamwork, research, data analysis, and analytical writing, gaining exposure to real-world economic issues and Federal Reserve research.
10. Wharton Global High School Investment Competition
Location: Online (Global)
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12) worldwide; teams of 4-7 students with an advisor
Application Deadline: September 13
Program Dates:
- Registration Opens: June 17
- Trading Period: September 30 – December 6
- Midterm Report Due: November 8
- Final Report Due: December 13
- Semifinalists Announced: January
- Virtual Semifinals: March
- Global Finale at Wharton, University of Pennsylvania: April 25-26
Cost: Free
The Wharton Global High School Investment Competition is an experiential learning challenge where students analyze a case study and develop a long-term investment strategy for a simulated client. Using the Wharton Investment Simulator (WInS), teams manage a $100,000 virtual portfolio, applying principles of diversification, risk management, and financial analysis.
Unlike traditional stock competitions, success is based on the strength of the investment strategy rather than portfolio growth. Semifinalists present their strategies to a panel of experts, with the top teams competing at the Global Finale at Wharton. The competition enhances your understanding of financial markets, teamwork, and strategic decision-making.
Lydia is currently a senior at Harvard University, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor’s School of Engineering and Technology. She aims to become a life sciences consultant after graduation.
Image source: Chicago Business Institute
