If you’re in high school and curious about how money, markets, and policies shape the world, then research programs that focus on economics may be right up your alley. You might be thinking that studying econ in school would be good enough for that, but there’s a ton you might be missing out on. A lot of these programs go beyond classroom instruction and help you get into the mindset of an economist, how they test ideas, analyze data, and connect theories to real-world situations.
By working on hands-on projects, independent research, and structured workshops in data collection, policy evaluation, and economic modeling, you can gain practical experience in areas such as finance, behavioral economics, and public policy. Along the way, you’ll build valuable skills in analysis, communication, and collaboration, the same ones that top colleges and employers look for.
We’ve carefully curated a mix of economics programs and competitions with a research focus.
13 Economics Research Programs for High School Students
1. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) – Politics of Law & Economics (PLE) Session
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: $7,000 + $80-$95 application fee; financial aid is available
Dates: Session I: June 21 – July 3; Session II: July 5 – 17; Session III: July 19 – 31
Application Deadline: January 7
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors between the ages of 16 -18 by July | Be a first-time participant
The Politics of Law & Economics session at YYGS introduces students to economic theories, governance structures, public policy, human rights, and market regulation. You develop analytical and critical thinking skills by examining social systems and contemporary issues through economic, political, and legal lenses. Lectures and seminars cover topics ranging from development economics to game theory, and you engage in breakout discussions and capstone projects that encourage hands-on application of concepts. Living on campus with students from over 150 countries enhances cultural awareness and global perspectives, while the collaborative environment encourages interdisciplinary learning. Completion of the program grants you an electronic certificate.
2. Harvard Summer School: Economics, Finance, and Public Policy
Location: Harvard University, MA (Residential), Online, or Commuting
Cost: 7-week SSP residential: $14,950; 7-week SSP commuting/online: $4,050-$7,900; 4-week SSP residential: $8,650 + $75 application fee; financial aid is available
Dates: June 20 – August 8 (7-week SSP); July 12 – August 8 (4-week residential only)
Application Deadline: February 11
Eligibility: High school students currently completing 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, including those graduating that year | At least 16 years old by June
This program allows you to explore economics, finance, and public policy through college-level coursework and develop critical thinking, data analysis, and strategic planning skills. You can design your own schedule by choosing up to two courses, covering topics like microeconomics, macroeconomics, financial accounting, econometrics, public finance, and decision-making in economic contexts. Courses are offered in residential, online, or commuting formats, giving flexibility while providing an immersive academic experience. Completing the program earns college credit, and you gain exposure to rigorous academic standards, collaborative projects, and social opportunities that simulate a college environment.
3. U.S. Department of the Treasury – Headquarters Student Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: None
Dates: Spring (January–May), Summer (May–August), Fall (September–December)
Application Deadline: Spring: October | Summer: December | Fall: June
Eligibility: U.S. citizens | Enrolled or accepted at an accredited high school or university | Maintain student status throughout internship
The Treasury Student Internship Program offers high school and college students the chance to gain work experience while learning about the Department’s mission to promote economic prosperity and ensure financial security. You contribute to offices spanning economics, finance, law, policy, and national security, performing tasks such as analyzing data, drafting reports, attending briefings, and supporting management functions. The program emphasizes professional development, including leadership, analytical, and organizational skills, while providing exposure to careers in public service. You can explore a variety of offices aligned with economic policy, financial stability, operational management, or national security, tailoring their experience to specific career interests. Participation allows you to develop professional networks.
4. Wharton Global Youth Program – Leadership in the Business World (LBW)
Location: The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $11,399 + $100 application fee; financial aid is available
Dates: June 8 – 28; June 29 – July 19
Application Deadline: April 2
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (grade 11) | Minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA
LBW is an intensive summer program designed to give you a preview of Wharton’s undergraduate curriculum while developing leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. You attend lectures from Wharton faculty and guest speakers, participate in interactive business simulations, conduct research on real companies, and engage in case competitions to apply business theories in practical contexts. Session topics include organizational strategy, negotiation, customer-centric approaches, and business model generation, while evening and weekend activities offer opportunities for collaboration and enrichment. The program also features the Wharton Global Youth Speaker Series, providing exposure to cutting-edge research and insights across finance, marketing, social impact, neuroeconomics, and more.
5. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Various U.S. cities (internships at local nonprofits) + Washington, DC (Student Leaders Summit)
Cost: None
Dates: 8-week paid internship that start shortly following the end of school year (including 1-week Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC, July 21 – 26)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors | Legally authorized to work in the U.S., residing in eligible locations | Not previously participated
The Student Leaders program provides high school juniors and seniors with an immersive leadership and civic engagement experience. You participate in an 8-week paid internship at a local nonprofit, gaining hands-on exposure to community needs and nonprofit operations while developing civic, social, and professional skills. The program culminates in a week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC, where you interact with peers and leaders from government, business, and nonprofits. Alongside the internship and summit, you strengthen teamwork, communication, and leadership abilities, all while receiving mentorship and networking opportunities. The program emphasizes preparing motivated students to be community-minded leaders while providing an impactful first professional experience.
6. UCLA Economics Precollege Summer Institute
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $3,015; financial aid is available
Dates: July 14 – August 1
Application Deadline: June 13
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 | Must be at least 15 years old by program start
UCLA’s Economics Precollege Summer Institute is a three-week commuter program designed to deepen your understanding of critical economic issues affecting the U.S. and the world. You engage in lectures led by UCLA faculty and workshops facilitated by Economics Peer Learning leaders, working in small teams to analyze data, complete case studies, and deliver presentations. Program topics include taxation, international trade, price ceilings and floors, and the pros and cons of rent control, giving you practical tools to think like an economist. By collaborating with undergraduates and faculty, you build analytical and data skills while preparing case study presentations relevant to real-world economic problems.
7. Economics for Leaders (EFL)
Location: Multiple locations including Rice University, Emory University, University of Virginia, Vanderbilt University, Yale University, UC Berkeley, Cornell University; Virtual option also available
Cost: $900 (Virtual), $2,000 – $2,600 (Residential, varies by campus) + $35 processing fee; scholarship funding is available
Dates: Various one-week sessions from June through August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors; students entering junior or senior year; first-time participants only
Economics for Leaders equips students with leadership skills and the ability to apply economic analysis to public policy decisions. You explore economic concepts, reasoning, and leadership theory while engaging in interactive activities, lectures, and case studies designed to simulate real-world challenges. The program is competitive, with roughly two applicants for each spot, and college admission officers recognize participation as enhancing applicant competitiveness. Sessions are offered both virtually and at multiple university campuses, allowing you to select a format that fits your needs. Financial aid is available, though full scholarships are rare. Sessions are hosted on various college campuses across the country, creating an academically rich environment for learning.
8. UC Santa Barbara Summer Research Academies (SRA)
Location: UC Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $2,775 (commuter); $8,774 (residential); financial aid is available
Dates: June 25 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 31 (Rolling admissions)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors | U.S. citizens
UC Santa Barbara’s Summer Research Academies immerse high school students in project-based research across STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences. You’ll begin with a virtual preparation component before transitioning to an in-person experience, where you’ll form research groups, develop questions, and conduct in-depth investigations under the guidance of faculty actively working in your chosen field. The program emphasizes professional development, networking, and presentation skills, culminating in a capstone seminar to showcase your research findings. Tracks include Money Moves, exploring cultural and societal effects of capitalism, and Policy Puzzle, focusing on empirical analysis to evaluate public policy and law.
9. CICER Summer High School Program in Business, Economics & Data Analytics
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: $5,600 (tentative); early bird discounts available
Dates: July 13 – 31
Application Deadline: March 31 (Tentative)
Eligibility: All high school students, English proficiency required for international applicants
The CICER Summer High School Program is a two-week academic experience at Cornell that focuses on business, economics, and data analytics. You take courses in behavioral economics, global strategy, and business analytics, gaining a strong foundation in how economic choices are made and how data shapes decision-making. The program includes seminars with Cornell faculty, giving you direct exposure to active researchers and their work. Two capstone projects let you apply your learning in practice: a simulation where you manage a company and a pitch competition where you present a new business idea. Admissions workshops and consultations also help you prepare for college.
10. High School Fed Challenge
Location: Online, hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Cost: None
Dates: October 23 – March 16, inclusive of important milestones such as two information sessions and paper submission
Application Deadline: February 17; teams must register through a faculty advisor
Eligibility: All U.S.-based high school students in grades 9–12
The High School Fed Challenge is a national research and writing competition that encourages you to think like an economist, and this is precisely why it’s made it our list, despite being a competition. Teams investigate an economic theme, conduct original research, and submit a written project for possible publication in the Journal of Future Economists. The 2026 theme, Economics of Music, invites you to explore how economic principles shape the music industry, consumer behavior, and innovation. Along the way, you build skills in data analysis, writing, and teamwork while collaborating with peers to develop a strong project. Selected submissions earn national recognition, giving you the chance to see your work published alongside other rising economists.
11. UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program (RMP)
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $5,175 (commuter) | $12,474 (residential); limited scholarships are available
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 17 (rolling admissions)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–11; outstanding grade 9 students considered; minimum 3.80 weighted GPA
The Research Mentorship Program is a selective summer opportunity where you conduct university-level research under the guidance of a graduate student, postdoc, or faculty mentor. You choose from diverse fields such as neuroscience, economics, engineering, or marine biology, and spend 35–50 hours per week on hands-on work. Economics research programs include topics such as “Economic Behavior and Game Theory, ” “Environmental Economics and Policy,” and “Economic Development and International Trade.” Alongside your project, you attend GRIT Talks by UC Santa Barbara researchers, exploring innovative ideas across disciplines. By the end, you produce a technical research paper, present at a symposium, and earn 8 college credits.
12. Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: $5,500; need-based full and partial scholarships available
Dates: June 13 – 27
Application Deadline: January 21
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy is a two-week pre-college program that allows you to step into the world of business and economics. You’ll learn how companies operate, how leaders solve problems, and what makes high-performing businesses successful. Classes and workshops are taught by Ross faculty and cover multiple areas of business, with experiences ranging from field trips to guest lectures. You’ll work on group projects, explore leadership, and connect with peers and mentors in a collaborative, action-based learning environment. The program is rigorous, with college-level academic expectations, but no credit is awarded. The program also allows you to enjoy a taste of campus life at Michigan Ross.
13. Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY)
Location: UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business, Berkeley, CA
Cost: California Resident: $6,292; Out of State Resident: $7,332 (for previous years);
Dates: Typically run for two weeks in July
Application Deadline: Typically March 1
Eligibility: All high school students
The Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY) is a two-week, pre-college program that introduces you to the fundamentals of business and economics through hands-on learning. Taught by Haas faculty, PhD candidates, and undergraduates, the curriculum blends classroom instruction, independent research, and team projects. You’ll work with peers to design and present a comprehensive business plan while exploring key subjects like marketing, finance, accounting, entrepreneurship, game theory, and organizational management. The program also emphasizes leadership, teamwork, negotiation, and corporate social responsibility. Beyond academics, you’ll connect with industry guest speakers, learn college application strategies from UC admissions advisors, and experience campus life through tours and activities.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like economics, behavioral economics, and market analysis, 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 topic 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 – UC Berkeley