If you’re a high school student interested in economics, summer research programs and research internships provide an opportunity to build an advanced skill set and gain valuable experience early on. These programs not only allow you to explore economic theories and real-world applications but also to interact with industry professionals and academic experts who can provide insights that will help you prepare for higher studies in economics.
Whether you’re interested in public policy, financial analysis, or understanding market dynamics, these programs are designed to develop your critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities.
Here are 14 economics summer research programs and internships for high school students!
1. Horizon Academy Research Program
Location: Virtual
Cost:
Application date: May 21 for the summer cohort, and September 25 for the fall cohort
Program dates: Summer seminar – June 24 – September 2 | Fall seminar – October 23 – February 19
Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Target submission date: March 17, 2025
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as economics and finance! It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative 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.
This program is a great opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and on college applications. Apply here!
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — You can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school | Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4) | No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
3. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Multiple locations across the country with a week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Interns are paid an hourly stipend.
Application deadline: January 15
Program dates: 8 weeks in June- July, followed by the residential Summit from July 21-26
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors residing in one of the eligible locations who are authorised to work in the U.S. and have not been previously selected for the program are eligible to apply.
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to delve into the intersection of business, economics, and community service. As part of this economics summer research program and internship, you’ll be placed with a local nonprofit for a paid internship, where you’ll gain hands-on experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and planning, with a focus on nonprofit economics. You’ll also participate in a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll explore economic issues and develop networking skills.
4. UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program
Location: UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: Commuter – $5,175; Residential – $12,474 (limited need-based scholarships are available)
Application deadline: March 17
Program dates: June 16 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 or 11 (or outstanding 9th-grade students) with a minimum 3.80 academic weighted GPA are eligible to apply.
UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program engages high school students in hands-on research at the university level. As part of the program, you’ll be paired with a mentor – whether a graduate student, postdoc, or faculty member – and work on a research project related to economics or other fields. The program covers a broad range of research areas, giving you the chance to choose a project that aligns with your interests, whether it’s data analysis, market research, or economic modeling. Throughout the 6-week, intensive economics summer research program and internship, you’ll dive into the research process, from gathering data to writing a technical research paper and presenting your findings at an academic symposium.
5. Chicago Summer Business Institute
Location: Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid opportunity (amount unspecified)
Application deadline: March 31
Program dates: 6 weeks from June-August
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors residing in Chicago with a GPA of B or 3.0 and a family income of $80,000 or less per year are eligible to apply.
The Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI) provides high school students with an immersive learning experience in finance and business. Through this paid internship, you’ll gain exposure to the financial services sector while building skills for future roles in finance. The program includes interactive workshops, seminars, and career development events, where you’ll explore key topics like economics, business strategy, and finance. Working with prominent organizations such as Siebert Brandford Shank and Cabrera Capital Markets, you’ll gain practical experience, which can support future studies in business.
6. Fidelity Investments Asset Management High School Summer Internship
Location: Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid opportunity
Application deadline: October (tentative)
Program dates: 5 weeks from July-August
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
The Fidelity Investments Asset Management High School Summer Internship offers high school students an introduction to finance, focusing specifically on asset management. During this 5-week economics summer research program and internship, you’ll engage in hands-on projects that involve investment strategies, financial analysis, risk management, and portfolio management. This paid opportunity will help you develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are important in economics and finance. At the end of the internship, you’ll receive a certificate marking your achievement.
7. Port of Seattle High School Internships
Location: Seattle, WA
Stipend: Paid opportunity (amount unspecified)
Application deadline: Applications typically open in May
Program dates: June-August
Eligibility: High school students, including recent graduates who are at least 16 years old with work authorization in the U.S. are eligible to apply.
The Port of Seattle High School Internship Program provides students an unique opportunity to gain practical exposure in a well-known public organization, directly contributing to projects that influence the local economy. Throughout the internship, you’ll work on real projects that develop your skills in areas such as project management, process improvement, and leadership. You’ll also gain exposure to key business concepts like communications, diversity and inclusion, and public speaking. In addition to the practical work, this economics summer research program and internship offers career-building activities like mentorship meetings, resume workshops, and LinkedIn guidance to prepare you for future opportunities.
8. Young Entrepreneurs Program
Location: Kansas City, MO / Columbus, OH
Stipend: Interns are paid a stipend of $12/hour.
Application deadline: February 17
Program dates: Session 1: June 2 – June 27; Session 2: July 7 – August 1
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors residing in Kansas City or Columbus are eligible to apply.
The Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP) is designed to provide high school students first-hand experience in entrepreneurship, providing exposure to real-world business practices and entrepreneurial thinking. In this paid summer research program and internship, you’ll work directly on projects that develop business skills, such as problem-solving, innovation, and leadership. By participating in a paid internship with local businesses, you’ll gain practical experience while learning about the economic and financial aspects of running a company. YEP also includes a $2,500 scholarship for successful completion, along with networking opportunities that connect you with business professionals.
9. KP Launch High School Program
Location: You can intern at a Kaiser Permanente Medical Center or business office closest to where you are. Find a location near you.
Stipend: Paid opportunity (up to $24/hour)
Application deadline: Check the website for updates
Program dates: June 16 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–19 with work eligibility in the U.S. and permanent residence in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente designated service area are eligible to apply.
The KP Launch High School Program is a chance for high school students to explore the economics behind healthcare operations through a paid 7-week internship. While you won’t be involved in direct medical care, you’ll gain insight into the financial and administrative side of healthcare, including budgeting, resource management, and operational efficiency. The program includes weekly workshops that focus on developing skills such as project management, communication, and problem-solving. This is a great program if you’re curious about how economics plays a role in healthcare management and want to prepare for a future career in this field.
10. Economics for Leaders (EFL) by the Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE)
Location: One week in the summer. Check out the location-based program schedule here.
Cost: Ranges from $2000-$2600 based on location
Application deadline: April 9
Eligibility: Open to all high school sophomores and juniors.
The EFL program by the FTE is a competitive economics summer research program and internship designed for high school students interested in economic analysis and developing leadership skills. Through interactive simulations and discussions, you’ll explore key economic concepts like scarcity, opportunity cost, and market behavior while learning how to apply economic reasoning to real-world public policy issues. The program also incorporates leadership training, focusing on how to lead teams effectively and make decisions with an understanding of economic principles. You’ll dive into topics such as economic growth, labor markets, and international trade, all through the lens of responsible leadership and teamwork. This program is well-suited for students interested in economic analysis.
11. UCLA Economics Summer Institute
Location: Virtual or on-campus at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Calculate an estimate here.
Application deadline: June 13
Program dates: July 14 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9th- 12th in Spring 2025 who are at least 15 years of age by the first day of Summer Sessions 2025 on June 23 are eligible to apply.
The UCLA Economics Precollege Summer Institute is an opportunity for high school students to explore economic theory and policy. Over 3 weeks, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of economic issues, from financial analysis to economic policy debates. You’ll work with UCLA faculty and undergraduate students, applying economic methodologies to real-world case studies and engaging in team projects. The program covers a range of topics, including price controls, taxation, international trade, and data analysis, giving you practical experience in analyzing empirical data and justifying economic decisions. By the end, you’ll have developed skills in economic reasoning and data presentation, preparing you for higher studies in economics.
12. Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid opportunity
Application deadline: March 6
Program dates: June 23 – August 1
Eligibility: Students aged 14-24 who are able to commute to the internship location are eligible to apply.
The Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) provides high school students with short-term work experience in both the private and government sectors. If you’re a student aged 14 to 24, this program gives you the chance to explore various industries, develop professional skills, and earn a stipend while working in a structured environment. Through subsidized placements, you’ll gain exposure to the world of work, learning critical skills like communication, teamwork, and time management. While the program is short-term, it offers interactions with professionals across different sectors. For students interested in economics, this is an opportunity to gain practical exposure in a professional setting.
13. U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Unpaid
Program dates and application deadlines:
- Spring Internship (January-May): October
- Summer Internship (May-August): December
- Fall Internship (September-December): June
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply.
If you’re a high school student looking to dive into the intersection of economics, policy, and government, the U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program offers an opportunity to gain real-world experience. Though unpaid, this economics summer research program and internship allows you to delve into the core functions of one of the federal agencies in the country. You will support various Treasury offices by collecting and analyzing data, conducting research, and drafting reports on critical economic and financial topics. Throughout your internship, you’ll gain practical experience related to policy priorities, deepen your understanding of public service, and develop leadership and analytical skills while networking with professionals in public policy and economics.
14. Pentacle High School Internship Program
Location: Virtual or New York partner schools
Stipend: $600
Application deadline: November (tentative)
Program dates: 8 weeks
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
If you’re looking to gain real-world experience in business, the Pentacle High School Internship Program allows you to learn directly from professionals in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. This program offers you the chance to sharpen your skills in areas like financial literacy, business innovation, and leadership while working on projects with small businesses. Through weekly seminars and mentorship, you’ll develop practical knowledge that extends beyond typical classroom learning, including marketing, research, and even social media management.
Image source – Pentacle High School