If you’re a high school student interested in economics, consider joining a summer program! An economics summer program is a solid way to gain practical experience, learn about and contribute to real-world economic policies, network with professionals, and build professional skills. Economics applies to international relations, politics, business, finance, engineering, gender, science, and family.
These paid programs compensate you for your time while offering hands-on experience in economic research, data analysis, and exposure to various financial systems. If this interests you, here are 12 paid economics summer programs for high school students.
12 Best Paid Economics Programs for High School Students
1. U.S. Department of the Treasury Student Internship
The U.S. Department of the Treasury offers paid internships for high school and college students, providing an introduction to economic policy, financial regulation, and public administration. You will work on projects such as federal budget analysis, economic forecasting, and international trade research.
You’ll also have opportunities to attend policy briefings, shadow senior officials, and contribute to reports on pressing economic issues. The program helps you develop technical and analytical skills, preparing you for advanced studies in economics, finance, or public policy.
Cost/Stipend: Paid; stipend details provided upon acceptance (typically ranges from 1,500–3,000 per month depending on location and role).
Program Dates: Spring (January–May), Summer (May-August), Fall (September–December)
Application Deadline: Spring (October), Summer (December), Fall (June)
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens enrolled or accepted in an accredited institution. High school students must maintain student eligibility and provide proof of future enrollment if recently graduated.
2. Bank of America Student Leaders® Program
The Bank of America Student Leaders® Program offers high school juniors and seniors a paid internship at local nonprofits, along with participation in a national leadership summit. Throughout this program, you’ll learn how nonprofits, governments, and businesses collaborate to meet local needs by participating in the national Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. You’ll also gain hands-on work experience and leadership skills by tackling real-world issues and collaborating on community projects.
Cost/Stipend: Paid; compensation details provided upon acceptance.
Program Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from participating communities, demonstrated interest in community service and leadership, must meet specific program criteria detailed during the application process.
3. Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP)
The Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) offers Washington, D.C. residents aged 14 to 24 paid summer positions in both private and government sectors. This program enables you to earn income while acquiring specific economics-related skills.
Through MBSYEP, you will develop practical abilities such as budgeting, financial planning, and resource management. Engaging in tasks like managing project budgets, analyzing financial data, and understanding economic principles will enhance your financial literacy.
Cost/Stipend: Paid; subsidized wages provided by the Department of Employment Services.
Program Dates: June 24 – August 9
Application Deadline: Not announced yet
Eligibility: Youth aged 14-24 residing in Washington, D.C., open to both high school and post-secondary students
4. Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP)
The Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP) offers high school juniors and seniors a chance to gain practical business experience through internships with Kansas City-based companies. You will develop entrepreneurial skills and gain insights into how businesses operate in various sectors. By working closely with professionals, you’ll enhance your leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills.
Though the program is more focused on business, you will also get exposure to economic concepts like market dynamics, financial planning, and the role of businesses in the economy. This hands-on experience will help you understand how economics plays a part in real-world business decisions.
Cost/Stipend: Paid; compensation varies by company
Program Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, must be available for in-person work in Kansas City
5. Port of Seattle High School Internship Program
The Port of Seattle High School Internship Program gives you the chance to gain real-world work experience in one of the most dynamic public organizations in the region. You’ll work on impactful projects that contribute to local communities and the regional economy. With placements at places like SEA Airport or the Seattle waterfront, you can expect a hands-on professional experience that’s more than just a typical summer job. The program focuses on skill-building, professional development, and networking.
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: June-August (duration varies)
Application Deadline: May (exact deadline not specified).
Eligibility: 16+ years old, currently in high school, recently graduated, or enrolled in a GED program.
6. PNNL High School Business Internship Program
The PNNL High School Business Internship Program provides you with hands-on experience in business and research environments, helping you understand the intersection of economics and business operations. Running from August to May, the program allows you to explore business strategy, economic decision-making, and financial analysis.
You will work alongside professionals to manage projects and contribute to research efforts, enhancing your ability to analyze data, solve problems, and understand economic factors affecting business outcomes. This experience will give you valuable skills in economics, project management, and business strategy, setting a strong foundation for your future academic and career pursuits in economics or business-related fields.
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship.
Program Dates: August to May (academic year).
Application Deadline: Applications open in early February.
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in a work-based learning program.
7. Economics for Leaders Virtual Internship
The Economics for Leaders Virtual Internship offers you a chance to build economic reasoning and leadership skills through an immersive learning experience. You’ll collaborate with experienced economics professors and leadership instructors to analyze public policy challenges and apply economic principles. The program focuses on problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork, providing you with real-world applications of economics. You’ll work on team projects, participate in group activities, and gain valuable skills for your academic and future career in economics while networking with peers and mentors.
Cost/Stipend: Details on tuition are available upon inquiry. Financial aid options may be available.
Program Dates: Program duration varies; check specific session dates.
Application Deadline: Early Deadline: February 5; Final Deadline: Rolling admissions until full.
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with an interest in economics and leadership; No prior coursework in economics is required.
8. On The Money Paid Internship – Spring
The On The Money (OTM) Paid Internship offers you a chance to contribute to a magazine focused on finance and entrepreneurship, created by teens for teens. You’ll research and write articles for OTM while gaining valuable skills in financial literacy, public speaking, resume building, and interviewing. In collaboration with DePaul University’s Writing Center, this internship provides hands-on experience in publishing and writing, while also helping you enhance your professional skill set. You’ll attend rotating in-person and virtual meetings, receiving guidance on your articles and improving your communication skills.
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: January – May (Part-time)
Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted before the interview on January 21
Eligibility: Must be a high school student residing in Chicago.
9. Chicago Summer Business Institute
The Chicago Summer Business Institute offers you the chance to explore business and leadership skills that can shape your future success. You’ll gain exposure to key business principles like marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship while learning leadership skills. The program focuses on developing your critical thinking, communication, and teamwork abilities, which are crucial for any career, especially in economics and business. Designed for students committed to personal growth and community contribution, it offers a strong foundation for future success in the business world.
Cost/Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Program Dates: Dates not specified, typically during summer months)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Chicago resident, high school sophomore or junior, 3.0 GPA, family income under $80,000/year.
10. KPMG Empower High School Experience
The KPMG Empower High School Experience offers you a three-week paid internship designed to introduce you to careers in public accounting and professional services. This program focuses on providing students from diverse backgrounds with access to valuable career opportunities. During the internship, you’ll develop skills in business, explore career paths in economics and finance, and expand your professional network, all while learning about the public accounting industry.
Cost/Stipend: Pays $20-$25/hour, plus stipends for clothing, transportation, and meals.
Program Dates: Winter Internship: January to Mid-March; Summer Internship: June to August
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students graduating, from diverse backgrounds, interested in accounting and professional services.
Bonus program – Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) – Economics/Policy Track
Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) offers you trimester-long opportunities to conduct advanced research in economics and policy. Through the economics/policy track, you’ll work on projects exploring topics like economic systems, international trade, public policy, and global governance.
You’ll develop analytical and critical thinking skills, using quantitative research methods like data analysis and econometrics, or qualitative approaches such as policy evaluation and case studies. Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with a mentor to refine your research, conduct detailed analyses, and create a polished paper. You’ll also receive a letter of recommendation and feedback to guide your academic path.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Spring: February 16; Summer: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)!
Program Dates: Spring : March 3; Summer : June 16! Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: Open to high school students with a minimum GPA of 3.67/4.0, typically 10th and 11th graders. Prerequisites vary by track, but most tracks are accessible without formal requirements.
Image source – Young Entrepreneurs Program logo
