If you are a high school student thinking about finance or business but can’t commit to an expensive in-person program, consider doing a free and online summer program in finance. These programs give you a chance to learn about investing, saving, financial planning, and economics without spending a ton on travelling or moving cities. Since they are free and online, you can join from anywhere and still gain solid experience working on real-world problems and exploring how financial systems work.
As a participant, you will learn how to create a budget, study how banks operate, or dive into the basics of the stock market. Some programs include projects or sessions led by people working in finance, so you can see how the things you learn apply to real jobs. It is also a good way to figure out whether finance is something you want to keep exploring later on!
We’ve pulled together 15 free + online finance summer programs for high school students that are worth checking out!
15 Free + Online Finance Summer Programs for High School Students
1. Ladder Internships – Finance Track
Cost: Starting at $2,490. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships gives high school students a way to work directly with high-growth startups and build real-world experience in finance. If you join the Finance Track, you will work on projects that explore topics like investment strategies, financial analysis, risk management, and portfolio management.
You will be part of a team that includes startup managers and a Ladder Coach who guides you through your tasks. The projects are based on actual business problems, so you will be applying what you learn to real situations.
2. Veritas AI + Finance Deep Dive
Cost: Starts at $2,290 (Full financial aid available)
Application Deadlines: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program
Veritas AI offers a focused AI + Finance Deep Dive program for high school students interested in how artificial intelligence is used in finance. Founded by Harvard graduates, the program combines live instruction, coding walkthroughs, and hands-on projects.
You’ll learn to build and apply machine learning models to analyze financial data, forecast stock trends, and understand key concepts like time-series analysis and financial modeling. By the end, you’ll have practical experience using AI tools to solve real-world finance problems, preparing you for more advanced studies in both fields. Here is the application form.
3. Internships at the American Psychological Association (APA)
Cost: None. Some internships are paid.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Year-Round
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible. However, specific details vary based on the internship.
The American Psychological Association (APA) offers internships where you can gain experience in psychology, public policy, communications, research, IT, or finance. You may conduct literature reviews, draft reports, manage data, support communications campaigns, or assist with financial analysis and budgeting.
In a research or policy role, you will strengthen your writing, critical thinking, and data analysis skills. Communications interns work on social media planning, content creation, and outreach strategy. Finance and IT interns may use tools like Excel, Python, or budgeting software.
4. EVERFI: Financial Literacy for High School
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Available year-round.
Program Dates: Self-paced.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
EVERFI’s free online financial literacy course teaches you how to manage money through real-life scenarios. You’ll learn how to create a budget, use checking and savings accounts, understand credit and debt, and recognize financial scams. The course also explains taxes, insurance, student loans, and how to plan for college expenses.
You’ll explore how different careers affect your financial future and practice making informed financial choices. Lessons are interactive and align with national financial education standards. No prior knowledge is needed.
5. FoolProofMe’s Financial Literacy Program
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Students can register any time.
Program Dates: Self-paced
Eligibility: The program is open to every high school student.
FullProofMe is a free online financial literacy program for high school students. You’ll go through video modules, animations, and peer-led lessons that teach you how to manage money, spot misleading marketing, and make informed financial decisions. The course focuses on building your critical thinking, personal responsibility, and resistance to common consumer traps.
You’ll learn to evaluate financial information, understand credit, avoid debt, and think carefully before making purchases. The curriculum meets Common Core and national financial literacy standards, and no prior experience is needed to participate.
6. SFEPD Financial Literacy Camp For High School Students
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications are open now. No deadline is mentioned.
Program Dates: July 21 – July 25
Eligibility: Rising freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior.
The SFEPD Academy is a free, one-week virtual program for high school students focused on financial literacy and professional development. You’ll learn how to budget, save, manage credit, and understand financial systems. The camp also builds your leadership, teamwork, and communication skills through interactive group activities.
You’ll work with students from across the country, complete challenges, and compete for prizes. You will also receive a certificate of completion, a t-shirt, and a $25 gift card.
7. Intuit Tax Simulation by EVERFI
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Available year-round.
Program Dates: Self-paced.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
This free interactive course by EVERFI helps you build practical tax skills using real-world scenarios. You’ll learn how to file taxes electronically with TurboTax, report gig economy income, claim tax credits, and understand education-related tax benefits. You’ll also explore how to read tax documents like W-2s and 1099s, calculate taxable income, and identify common deductions. The course includes videos, knowledge checks, and simulations that make complex topics easier to grasp. By the end, you’ll be better prepared to manage taxes on your own and avoid common filing mistakes.
8. CFI Introduction to AI in Finance
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Available year-round.
Program Dates: Self-paced.
Eligibility: Anyone with basic knowledge of AI and finance can join.
CFI’s Introduction to AI in Finance is a beginner-friendly, self-paced course that explains how artificial intelligence is changing the finance industry. You’ll learn about key AI concepts, including machine learning and automation, and how they are used in tasks like fraud detection, risk assessment, algorithmic trading, and portfolio management. The course also introduces you to ethical concerns, such as data privacy and bias in financial algorithms.
9. Wharton Global Youth Program: Financial Decision Making
Cost: $4,099 (Full financial aid available)
Application Deadline: April 2 (Priority deadline), May 1 (Final deadline)
Program Dates: Session 1: June 16 – June 27 | Session 2: July 7 – July 18
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9-12 with a demonstrated interest in economics and finance.
The Wharton Global Youth Program: Financial Decision Making is a two-week online program that introduces you to the basics of financial literacy. You will take part in daily live lectures and small group recitations led by Wharton teaching assistants. During the program, you will explore topics like saving, investing, borrowing, inflation, and taxation. You will also work with real-world datasets and collaborate on group projects that help you understand how financial decisions are made.
10. UCLA Introduction to Investments Summer Institute
Cost: $2,170 (Full financial aid available)
Application Deadline: June 13
Program Dates: June 23 – July 11
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 12
This three-week summer program at UCLA helps you build a strong foundation in investments and financial markets. You will learn about stock ownership, bonds, commodities, economic cycles, and how companies are valued. The program also covers the role of banking systems and the Federal Reserve in the economy.
In addition to these topics, you will explore personal financial planning and gain useful skills for managing money. The program does not require a background in economics or advanced math, so it’s a practical way to start exploring the finance world and possible career paths.
11. Brown Pre-College Mathematical Modeling of Finance: An Introduction to Quantitative Analysis
Cost: Starts at $4,454. Full financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: May 9
Program Dates: June 23 – July 8
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12 and who are aged 14 to 18 by June 15.
Brown University’s Mathematical Modeling of Finance takes you through the math that drives financial decision-making. Over four weeks, you will work on topics like interest rates, annuities, and how loans are calculated. Then, you will explore how probability is used to model risk and uncertainty in finance. As you move through the course, you will also develop skills in quantitative analysis and learn how to apply these tools to financial problems.
12. Foundations of Finance by the University of Cambridge (edX)
Cost: None
Application Deadline: The last session available before the course gets archived is between April 2 and July 20.
Program Dates: 5 weeks, self-paced.
Eligibility: Anyone can apply.
Foundations of Finance by the University of Cambridge on edX is a free online course that introduces core financial concepts. You’ll learn how to analyze cash flow, assess risk, evaluate investments, and understand the time value of money. The course uses case studies, expert interviews, and interactive exercises to help you build practical problem-solving skills.
13. Coursera – Personal & Family Financial Planning
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Students can enroll any time.
Program Dates: Self-paced.
Eligibility: Anyone interested in finance can apply.
The Personal & Family Financial Planning course, offered by the University of Florida on Coursera, provides a comprehensive introduction to essential financial management topics. Over approximately 15 hours, you’ll explore subjects such as the time value of money, budgeting, income taxes, credit management, insurance, investments, and retirement planning.
The course is structured into nine modules, each featuring video lectures, readings, and practical assignments to reinforce your learning. By the end, you’ll have the tools to make informed financial decisions and develop prudent financial habits for both your personal and family life
14. Coursera – Financial Management Specialization by the University of Illinois
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Program Dates: Self-paced
Eligibility: Anyone with some basic knowledge of finance can apply.
The Financial Management Specialization by the University of Illinois on Coursera is a college-level online program that covers financial accounting, investments, and corporate finance. As part of the iMBA curriculum, it helps you build a strong foundation in value-based financial management. You’ll earn college credits and learn how to read financial statements, evaluate investment portfolios, assess risk, and apply corporate finance strategies.
15. ColumbiaX: Introduction to Corporate Finance
Cost: Free without a certificate.
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Program Dates: Self-paced
Eligibility: Open to all.
Columbia University’s Introduction to Corporate Finance offers a beginner-level overview of core financial concepts. You’ll learn how to value firms, analyze bonds and stocks, and apply tools like net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR).
The course focuses on topics like the time value of money, cost of capital, and capital budgeting. You’ll use Excel to work with real data, calculate returns, and assess investment decisions. By the end, you’ll be able to evaluate asset value, understand stock pricing, and interpret bond yields.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like finance and economics, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Columbia University