If you are a high school student keen on pursuing economics as a major, a structured program in the field is worth considering! These programs can help you dive into microeconomics, macroeconomics, economic policies in and outside the country, and financial literacy, often utilizing quantitative methods to analyze market behavior and policy outcomes. They provide the opportunity to engage with mathematical models, data analysis software, and theoretical frameworks to evaluate real-world issues such as inflation, trade, and labor markets. By participating in these programs, you can gain exposure to the rigorous academic standards of the discipline and develop the analytical mindset required for collegiate-level study in social sciences and business.
Why should you choose a program in North Carolina?
If you are a North Carolina resident or are planning to visit the state on your school break, you can benefit from joining a local program in one of the most dynamic economic landscapes in the United States. The state is home to Research Triangle Park, a global epicenter of innovation, and to Charlotte, the nation’s second-largest financial hub. Institutions such as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, and Wake Forest University all provide economics education by world-class faculty and industry professionals who specialize in diverse fields, from behavioral economics to global finance. You can also benefit from localized research opportunities and networking events that connect theoretical learning with the practical realities of a state leading in economic growth and transformation.
Below is our list of 15 economics programs for high school students in North Carolina. While this list focuses on economics programs in North Carolina, we also have similar lists for free opportunities across the country and economics research programs that you can explore.
15 Economics Programs for High School Students in North Carolina
1. Foundation For Teaching Economics’s Economics for Leaders (EFL) @ Duke University
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost: $2,800 + $35 non-refundable application fee; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 20 – 26
Application deadline: Early: February 11; Priority: March 18; Final: April 15
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
EFL is a summer residential program for high school students interested in economics and leadership. Over the course of a week, you will learn how to apply the economic way of thinking to various leadership challenges and public policy issues while attending sessions at Duke University. The program involves interactive simulations and classroom discussions led by university professors who specialize in economic education. You will analyze how incentives influence human behavior and how market-based solutions can address social problems in a competitive environment. As a participant, you will gain exposure to advanced economics courses and build a stronger foundation for collegiate study in the social sciences.
2. North Carolina Governor’s School: Social Science
Location: Meredith College, Raleigh, NC; Greensboro College, Greensboro, NC
Cost: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective, requires school- or district-level nomination
Dates: June 21 – July 18
Application deadline: Local deadlines vary; nominations need to be made typically in the fall
Eligibility: Gifted high school juniors residing in North Carolina and holding an unweighted GPA of 3.25 or higher
This state-sponsored four-week residential program emphasizes exploring modern concepts across various subjects, including the social sciences, integrating economic theory and political philosophy. The curriculum focuses on theoretical inquiry and critical analysis rather than standard grades or credit-bearing tests. You will participate in seminars where you will debate the ethical implications of economic policies and the role of the individual in society. This environment will encourage you to think broadly about the intersection of human behavior, resource distribution, and societal governance. Compared to other, more mathematical economics programs, the NC Governor’s School facilitates a deeper engagement with contemporary socioeconomic issues.
3. Duke Pre-College: Applied Econometrics
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost: $6,050; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 28 – July 9
Application deadline: No fixed deadline; courses are typically full by early April
Eligibility: Current 9th to 12th grade students, ages 14 and up, with a 3.0+ GPA who have completed one or more years of high school
Duke University’s pre-college Applied Econometrics course introduces you to advanced quantitative methods commonly used by economists to analyze data and inform decision-making. You will learn how to use statistical modeling to evaluate economic policy and forecast outcomes. You will also work with real economic datasets on a data-driven capstone project, analyzing a real policy, market, or social issue and drafting a presentation to a nontechnical audience. The curriculum is designed to help you refine your data literacy, analytical precision, and evidence-based reasoning.
4. Explore@UNC: Economics Track
Location: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
Cost: $575/week; need-based financial aid available for qualifying NC residents
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Individual tracks cap at 36–40 seats and fill on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dates: June 22 – 26 | June 29 – July 3 | July 6 – 10 | July 13 – 17
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Rising 9th – 12th graders, including homeschool students
Explore@UNC is a one- to four-week, commuter pre-college program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where you get to enroll in courses to explore your interests. During the week, you will pick two different academic tracks, with options spanning tracks offering economics exposure. The Public Policy track can help you explore topics like wealth inequality, public debt, and how governments design and evaluate policy responses to large-scale challenges. You can also choose the Global Studies track to learn about global economics, international politics, cultural exchange, and social movements. All tracks are led by UNC faculty and near-peer mentors who will walk you through actual coursework, lab tours, classroom discussions, and career conversations with alumni and professionals.
5. North Carolina Youth Institute (World Food Prize)
Location: North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open to all qualified applicants who submit research
Dates: April 16 – 17
Application deadline: March 27
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 to 12
The North Carolina Youth Institute allows you to conduct independent research on global economic challenges related to food security, poverty, and resource distribution and share your results at NC State University. The program requires you to write a detailed research paper proposing solutions to critical issues in a specific country of your choice. During the two-day event at NC State University, you will present your findings to a panel of experts and engage in discussions about international development and agricultural economics. If you successfully present your work, you will be eligible to move on to the Global Youth Institute, where you will interact with world leaders and Nobel laureates. This can be an opportunity to develop specialized skills in academic research, policy analysis, and technical writing while exploring the intersection of economics and global sustainability.
6. Wake Forest Summer Immersion: Finance and Investing Institute
Location: Wake Forest University Reynolda Campus Winston-Salem, NC
Cost: $3,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 14 – 19 | June 21 – 26
Application deadline: Rolling admission, priority deadline is March 1
Eligibility: Current high school students
This Wake Forest University summer program is designed to help you explore the role of fundamental analysis in asset valuation and the broader implications of financial decisions on the global economy. The institute will provide you with hands-on experience in market analysis and the time value of money through collaborative group projects. You will get to visit financial institutions and trading floors to observe professional economic activity and interact with faculty from the Wake Forest School of Business. The program culminates in a mock investment competition where you will pitch prospective investments based on rigorous data analysis.
7. Davidson College: Summer Promise Program
Location: Davidson College, Davidson, NC
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 21 – 27
Application deadline: Priority: March 15; Final: April 12
Eligibility: First-time participants must be rising 9th-grade students; the program then invites the same 9th – 12th graders each summer following the first year.
Summer Promise offers incoming and current high schoolers a snapshot of the holistic college environment, along with the opportunity to take courses co-taught by Davidson faculty and local professional educators. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking, financial literacy, and leadership skills necessary for pursuing degrees in fields like economics. You will engage in seminars that challenge you to analyze social and economic issues through a collegiate lens and participate in workshops on college readiness. This residential experience can be a useful introductory option if you are just starting high school and want to understand the path to an economics major, rather than a more dedicated academic intensive.
8. Free Enterprise Leadership Challenge (FELC): Wingate University
Location: Virtual or Wingate University, Wingate, NC
Cost: $225; early-bird discount available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 21 – 25 (on-campus) | July 28 – 30 (virtual)
Application deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Rising high school students
In this program, you will explore the fundamental principles of the free enterprise system and the economic forces that drive innovation and trade. It requires you to work in teams to design and present a business concept that addresses a specific market need. You will attend lectures from economic experts and successful entrepreneurs who share insights into market dynamics and global competition, and learn to utilize economic models to assess risk and formulate strategic business plans. The curriculum focuses on developing your leadership skills and your understanding of how policy affects the private sector.
9. UNCG Technovation for Good
Location: University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG), Greensboro, NC
Cost: $1,750 for residential students | $600 for commuters; full and partial scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 21 – 30
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
This experiential learning program at the UNC Greensboro Bryan School of Business and Economics allows you to explore the intersection of business, STEM, and sustainability. The curriculum introduces you to core and emerging technology skills, which you can then apply to solve complex economic and social problems. You will interact with industry professionals during site visits to local companies, gaining insight into the economic impact of the technology sector. The program requires you to work on a team project that demonstrates your ability to integrate technical proficiency with economic strategy. While this is an interdisciplinary program rather than a core economics program, it offers insights relevant to economics.
10. Tar Heel Business Academy: Business Essentials
Location: Bank of America Tower, Charlotte, NC, or UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, Chapel Hill, NC
Cost: $2,995
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Charlotte: June 15 – 19; June 22 – 26 | Chapel Hill: July 13 – 17
Application deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
This five-day program is designed to help you analyze core business areas such as strategy, finance, and operations through a curriculum designed by the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. As a participant, you will apply economic principles to solve real-world challenges presented by local corporations and entrepreneurial ventures. You will utilize generative AI tools and data analytics platforms to conduct market research and formulate strategic recommendations. You will develop quantitative skills and professional presentation techniques while working under the guidance of university faculty and industry executives. This immersive experience can provide you with a foundational understanding of how economic forces drive organizational decision-making and market positioning.
11. Wharton Global High School Investment Competition
Location: Online
Cost: Free!
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open to all eligible teams; ~1,800+ teams from 66+ countries participated in the past.
Dates: Competition/trading: October – December; Semifinals: Week of March 9; Global Finale: April 24 – 25
Application deadline: September 12
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 12, ages 14 – 18; students must apply in teams of four to six with all members from the same school and a teacher advisor on board.
This is a free, 10-week, team-based simulation in which you and your teammates will manage a virtual portfolio of $500,000 using the Wharton Investment Simulator (WInS), a platform that allows you to trade stocks and ETFs in a simulated market. Each team is assigned a real case study featuring a Wharton alumni client and must develop a long-term investment strategy aligned with that client’s goals. You will practice industry and company analysis, portfolio construction, diversification strategy, risk assessment, and written financial communication, submitting two formal deliverables that are reviewed by expert judges. The competition focuses on evaluating the quality and coherence of your strategy and analysis, not portfolio returns, offering a structure that reflects institutional investment practice rather than speculative trading. The top 50 semifinalist teams present virtually, and the top 10 advance to the Global Finale at Wharton.
12. Harvard Secondary School Program: Economics Track
Location: Online
Cost: $4,180 for four credits | $8,160 for eight credits + $75 non-refundable application fee; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 20 – August 8
Application deadline: Early: January 7; Regular: February 11; Late: April 1
Eligibility: High school students, ages 15 – 18
This seven-week, online program allows you to take Harvard college-level economics courses, such as Principles of Macroeconomics (ECON S-10B), Principles of Microeconomics (ECON S-10A), and Introduction to Financial and Managerial Economics (ECON S-190), taught by Harvard faculty or visiting faculty. Depending on the course you choose, you will attend live lectures and explore concepts like economic growth, interest rates, inflation, the budget deficit, financial markets, unemployment, and the trade deficit, and policy-making institutions, such as the Federal Reserve. The program admits students from around the world, offering you exposure to a more diverse academic setting than typical pre-college programs. The courses are graded on the same standards applied to all Harvard Summer School students. You will earn transferable Harvard University academic credits recorded on a Harvard transcript upon successful course completion.
13. Wharton Global Youth Program: Financial Decision Making
Location: Online
Cost: $4,099 + $100 application fee; financial aid and scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 15 – 26 | July 6 – 17
Application deadline: Priority: January 28; rolling enrollment thereafter
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9 – 12
Wharton Global Youth’s Financial Decision Making is a two-week online program built around a curriculum developed by Wharton Professor David Musto, an expert in capital markets and strategic equity finance. You will study the fundamentals of personal and corporate finance, including spending, saving, borrowing, and investing, and will engage with real-world datasets and practical examples to build analytical and decision-making skills. Daily programming includes two hours of live lectures by Wharton instructors and one hour of recitation led by Wharton teaching assistants. You will also practice using Excel throughout the program to analyze financial data, and you will collaborate on team projects with peers from around the world.
14. NC State University Summer Sessions Poole College of Management Courses
Location: Online
Cost: Typically, $376.14/credit hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Varies by course; typically, 3 – 10 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: Varies by session/course
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors with a GPA of 3.5+ who have exhausted all course options available at their high school
NC State University’s Poole College of Management, which offers undergraduate programs in accounting, business administration, and economics, runs summer courses in business, economics, and related disciplines available to high schoolers through Summer Sessions. You will gain direct exposure to the type of analytical and quantitative reasoning that undergraduate economics and business programs at NC State require. Courses in the Poole catalog cover microeconomics, macroeconomics, and the fundamentals of economic theory, alongside data analytics skills. This can be an opportunity to learn how to manage college-level coursework and explore economic pathways during the summer.
15. Rice University Precollege Program’s The Business of Economics Course
Location: Online (asynchronous)
Cost: $1,795; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Courses available year-round in a flexible, self-paced format
Application deadline: Rolling (typically a week before the session start date)
Eligibility: Students, ages 13 and up
This is a fully online, asynchronous course designed by Rice University faculty for high school students interested in understanding how economic principles apply in real-world business contexts. You will study market supply and demand, the role of the Federal Reserve, monetary policy, the effects of inflation and supply chain disruptions, and international economic conflict through video lectures, guided notes, discussions, and module assignments. The course places an emphasis on energy markets and business economics, distinguishing it from a standard high school AP economics course. You will complete a capstone project at the end of the program that requires you to apply and synthesize the course material in a substantive way. Mentors will be available throughout the course to answer questions and provide feedback, though all sessions are asynchronous and accessible on your own schedule.
One more option—Horizon Academic Research Program
If you are looking for a competitive mentored research program in economics, econometrics, policy, and international trade, you can consider applying toHorizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! It is a selective virtual research program that allows you to engage in advanced research and come up with a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1,000+ high school students so far, offering 600+ research specializations to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – North Carolina State University