15 Best Summer Finance Programs for High School Students
If you're a high school student interested in finance, summer programs and internships can help you build relevant skills early on. From analysing markets to exploring budgeting, financial writing, or investment strategy, these experiences give you structured exposure to how the field works. Some of the best summer finance programs for high school students also give you the chance to meet mentors, work on team projects, and build confidence using tools that matter in college and beyond.
In this blog, we’ve compiled some of the best summer finance programs for high school students, including paid internships, project-based experiences, and selective mentorship-driven opportunities. These programs cover a range of topics like corporate finance, economics, investment analysis, business operations, and financial policy.
15 Best Summer Finance Programs for High School Students
1. Wharton Global Youth Program: Essentials of Finance
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: $7,599 (need-based scholarships available)
Dates: Multiple sessions available from June – August
Application Deadline: January 29 (priority); April 2 (final)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-11 with a GPA ≥ 3.3
This program is one of the most prestigious finance pre-college options in the U.S. At Wharton’s Essentials of Finance, you’ll explore personal and corporate finance through lectures, case studies, and group projects. Topics include valuation models, equities, capital structure, and risk analysis. The program ends with a formal project presentation and a Wharton Global Youth certificate of completion. It’s a strong choice if you want to experience Ivy League-level teaching while building a foundation in finance.
2. Ladder Internships
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies (financial aid available)
Dates: Multiple cohorts per year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergrads, gap year students
During the Ladder Internships program, you’ll be connected with startups in fields that span finance, marketing, and tech for remote internships. As an intern, you’ll work on real deliverables like pitch decks, market research, and financial analysis. You’ll also collaborate with startup managers and a Ladder Coach to solve problems and present your final project to company leaders. Internships typically run for 8-12 weeks with a flexible 10-20 hours/week schedule. Many of the startups are typically high-growth and venture-backed, giving you exposure to fast-paced work environments.
3. Boston Leadership Institute Finance Program
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Location: The Newman School, Boston, MA, or Gann Academy/Bentley University, Waltham, MA
Cost: $2,200 tuition + $2,097 residential fees (scholarships for rising seniors)
Dates: Session 1: June 24 – July 12 | Session 2: July 8 – 26
Application Deadline: Rolling; Starts November 1
Eligibility: High school students
BLI’s finance program is a three-week intensive designed for students interested in the numbers behind business. As a participant, you’ll learn how analysts use mathematical models to forecast cash flows, value bonds, and spot financial trends. Daily trading simulations add a practical dimension, letting you apply what you’ve studied. You’ll work on coursework that is demanding but rewarding, with a focus on both theory and application. The program is ideal if you want a mix of finance, economics, and applied math in one curriculum.
4. Veritas AI
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies (financial aid available)
Dates: 8-week cohorts available year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
The Veritas AI programs introduce high school students to the use of artificial intelligence in finance. You’ll learn how to apply Python, Pandas, and TensorFlow to analyse datasets and model financial predictions. Each student works 1-on-1 with a mentor to design a capstone project that links machine learning to real-world finance problems, such as credit risk scoring or stock market trend analysis. Programs typically run for 8 weeks and conclude with a formal project presentation. You should have prior AI/ML knowledge or should have participated in the AI Scholars program to qualify for the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase.
5. Finance NYC: An Insider’s View – NYU High School Summer Program
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Location: New York University, NY (residential, commuter, and online options)
Cost: $2,495 (housing/dining extra)
Dates: Multiple sessions in July – August
Application Deadline: First-come basis
Eligibility: Students who have completed grades 9-11
This one-week program introduces students to finance directly in New York City. You’ll learn about financial analysis, investment management, derivatives, and risk. The curriculum also highlights the Federal Reserve’s role in markets and monetary policy. Aside from academics, you’ll go on site visits to Wall Street landmarks such as Federal Hall and the Finance Museum. The chance to study finance within NYC’s financial district makes this program especially valuable.
6. Federal Reserve Bank of Boston: TIP Internship
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid (varies)
Dates: Summer (dates TBA)
Application Deadline: N/A
Eligibility: Boston Public School rising juniors to seniors
The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston TIP Internship places you in departments across the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. As an intern, you might assist with clerical research, support banking operations, or help communications teams. You’ll learn how major economic institutions manage data, public reports, and outreach. The internship includes coaching and job-readiness workshops. High-performing interns may be invited to continue into the school year. Available to Boston Public School students through the PIC system.
7. Wake Forest University: Summer Immersion Program – Finance and Investing Institute
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: Wake Forest University, NC (residential or online)
Cost: $3,200 (need-based scholarships available)
Dates: One week in June or July
Application Deadline: Applications open November 1 (rolling basis)
Eligibility: High school students
Wake Forest University’s Summer Immersion Program offers courses that facilitate practical, hands-on learning, including in the field of finance; the Finance and Investing Institute course is a week-long dive into the world of investing. As a participant, you’ll learn how to analyse markets, build an investment portfolio, and take part in a mock investment competition. You’ll also participate in site visits to financial institutions, which will give you practical insights into how money is managed at scale. Public speaking and pitching skills are also part of the curriculum, helping you present your investment ideas effectively. This program is an excellent balance of theory, hands-on projects, and professional exposure.
8. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Location: Various locations across the U.S. + Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 8 weeks (June – August); Summit: July 21 – 26
Application Deadline: October 14 – January 15
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors; More info here
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program allows high school students to explore the connection between financial literacy and community leadership. For around eight weeks, you’ll work at a local nonprofit, learning skills in budgeting, project planning, and financial decision-making. As an intern, you’ll get to network with peers and executives while building your resume and understanding social impact. You’ll end the program with a week-long summit in Washington, D.C. that’s focused on civic leadership and career pathways. The program includes an hourly stipend to support student participation. It’s a strong opportunity if you’re looking to link finance with purpose-driven work.
9. KPMG Future Leaders Program
Cohort Size: 22 students/year
Location: Various KPMG locations
Stipend: $10,000 annual college scholarship
Dates: Summer before college (exact dates vary)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school senior girls
The KPMG Future Leaders Program is a selective program designed to support high-achieving young women pursuing business or finance careers. You’ll receive one-on-one mentorship from senior women leaders in business and take part in leadership training sessions. In addition to mentorship, you’ll be awarded a $10,000 scholarship each year for four years of college. The program focuses on confidence, decision-making, and long-term career readiness. It’s affiliated with the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit. This is a strong launchpad for future women in business.
10. JP Morgan & Chase High School Internship
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Location: Various locations
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Part-time (school year); full-time (summer)
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school students in New York City
JP Morgan & Chase High School Internships offer high school students early exposure to banking, finance, and corporate services. As an intern, you’ll rotate through departments at JP Morgan across summers and the school year, building financial, professional, and communication skills while working alongside real teams. The program also includes a four-year college scholarship and career development support. It’s highly competitive, with long-term mentorship and advancement opportunities. Preference is given to students from underrepresented backgrounds in New York City.
11. U.S. Treasury: Headquarters Student Internship Program
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Summer (May – August)
Application Deadline: December (summer)
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in or accepted at a U.S.-accredited institution
At the Treasury Department, you'll work with teams focused on tax policy, economic strategy, or domestic finance. You’ll help compile reports, summarise policy briefings, and assist with research tasks that support ongoing federal work. You’ll also develop analytical and writing skills while observing how financial decisions are made at a national level. This internship requires strong attention to detail and a genuine interest in public finance. Though unpaid, it gives you a front-row seat to federal operations. To participate, you must be based in the U.S. and able to manage your own commute or schedule.
12. Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP)
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Location: Various companies in Kansas City, MO & Columbus, OH
Stipend: $12 per hour + $2,550 scholarship
Dates: Session 1: June 2 – June 27; Session 2: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors residing in Kansas City or Columbus
In YEP, you’ll spend four weeks interning at a local company in roles tied to marketing, finance, or business ops. Your daily tasks could include assisting with budgeting tools, reviewing marketing data, or shadowing client calls. The internship also includes workshops on workplace etiquette, personal finance, and business planning. Each session ends with a presentation of your learnings. You’ll be paid hourly and receive a scholarship upon completing the program.
13. Fordham University Finance Institute: Wall Street in the Classroom
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Fordham University, NY (commuter)
Cost: $1,200 (need-based scholarships available)
Dates: Multiple 1-week sessions from June – July
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students
Hosted by Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business, this institute puts Wall Street theories into practice. The syllabus spans topics like investment analysis, asset management, risk theory, microfinance, and ethics. As a participant, you’ll engage with business officials in New York City, providing valuable professional exposure. The coursework is designed to deepen your understanding of both finance and its connection to economics.
14. University of Houston EXPLORE Financial Empowerment Institute
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: University of Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: 4-5 days in June (tentative)
Application Deadline: April (tentative)
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Houston’s EXPLORE program is a rare free option with strong practical value. Over a week on campus, you’ll learn the fundamentals of money management, budgeting, and financial goal setting. The program also exposes you to what life as a finance major in college might look like. While not as advanced as some Ivy League options, it gives you the building blocks of financial literacy. This program is a good fit if you’re starting and want an accessible way into finance.
15. UCLA: Introduction to Investments Summer Institute
Acceptance Rate: Selective (~25-30%)
Location: University of California, Los Angeles
Cost: $2,985 (limited scholarships available)
Dates: June 23 – July 11 (commuter); June 23 – July 11 (virtual)
Application Deadline: June 13
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18, including international students
UCLA’s Introduction to Investments Summer Institute program gives you a detailed introduction to investments and financial markets. As a participant, you will attend lectures and discussions covering stock ownership, private equity, valuation styles, and historic financial crises. Coursework includes participation, homework, and exams, offering a preview of college academics. You’ll live on campus and interact with UCLA faculty and peers throughout. You might also get to earn transferable college credit, making this program both educational and credential-building.
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