14 Finance Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in finance, programs can be a worthwhile way to explore the field. Finance programs for high school students combine projects with guidance from professionals or faculty, helping you build practical skills. As a participant, you gain insight into how finance works in professional and academic environments and learn the fundamentals of markets, analysis, and decision-making.
Why should I participate in a finance program in high school?
Many colleges, universities, and organizations across the country offer finance programs for high schoolers that cover investing, financial modeling, banking, and business strategy. With structured instruction, practical exposure, and mentorship, you can gain a deeper understanding of the field. A good finance program can help you decide whether you want to study the subject in college and even pursue a career in it. If you’re applying to the Ivy League or other top colleges, a competitive finance program can show admissions officers your interest and ability in the field.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 14 finance programs for high school students.
1. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote (attend from anywhere in the world)
Cost/Stipend: Cost applies (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies depending on your program type, including cohorts in winter, fall, summer, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies according to your program type
Eligibility: High school students and gap year students; international students are welcome to apply
In the Ladder internship program, you will work with a startup or research-driven company on projects related to finance, data, or business analysis. You will support tasks such as preparing research briefs, contributing to financial models, or reviewing market trends while learning how teams make decisions in fast-paced environments. You will receive ongoing mentorship from professionals who will guide your weekly progress and introduce you to industry practices. You will also join skill-building workshops on communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Many placements will offer opportunities to collaborate across departments and present your final project. Apply now!
2. Student Leaders Program by Bank of America
Location: Various local nonprofit organizations across the United States
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 300+ students
Dates: 8-week program with a 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 United States without sponsorship | Permanently reside in one of the eligible locations
In the Student Leaders Program, you will spend the summer working at a local nonprofit on projects that support community programs and daily operations. You will assist with tasks such as research, outreach, event planning, and service initiatives while gaining hands-on experience in how nonprofit organizations operate. You will receive ongoing guidance from staff members and learn about leadership, teamwork, and local policy issues. During this finance program for high school students, you will also attend workshops and discussions that explore the connection between business, government, and community development.
3. Veritas AI + Finance
Location: Virtual (attend from anywhere in the world)
Cost/Stipend: Cost applies (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies depending on the cohort type, including sessions in winter, spring, summer, and fall
Application Deadline: Depending on your cohort type
Eligibility: High school students | international students are welcome to apply
In the Veritas AI + finance program, you will work on machine learning projects focused on finance and guided by mentors from top universities. You will take on tasks such as analyzing market data, building prediction models, and reviewing current research on AI applications in finance. You will gain hands-on experience in Python, data analysis, and core AI methods while learning how these tools shape modern financial systems. You will attend live mentorship meetings that cover technical skills, real examples from industry, and ethical considerations in financial AI. Many cohorts also host project presentations at the end of the program, where you share your findings. Here is the program brochure and the application form.
4. Economics, Finance, and Public Policy by Harvard Summer School
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost: $4,180 - $15,735 (tuition) plus $75 as application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 12 - August 7
Application Deadline: January 7
Eligibility: Students graduating from high school and entering college in the next 3 years; at least 16 years old by June 20, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31
In this Harvard Summer School program, you will take college-level courses in economics, finance, and public policy. You will explore how markets operate, how governments make financial decisions, and how policies affect communities. Your coursework will include problem sets, data analysis, class discussions, and research-based assignments designed to help you think like a college student. Instructors and teaching staff will guide you through the course material and give you regular feedback. You may also participate in optional workshops, advising sessions, and events that will support your academic progress.
5. Finance and Investing Institute by The Wake Forest University Summer Immersion Program
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: Opens on November 1 with no hard deadline
Eligibility: Current 9th to 12th grade students who are in good academic standing and have no school suspensions | international students are welcome to apply
In this finance program for high school students, you will spend a full week studying the principles of investing through hands-on projects and guided instruction. You will work with faculty and industry guests on analyzing company data, reviewing market trends, and comparing investment tools, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. You will participate in exercises that mirror real financial decision-making and receive mentorship throughout the week. Most sessions include group discussions, case studies, and opportunities to present your investment ideas.
6. Wall Street in the Classroom by the Gabelli School of Business
Location: Rose Hill Campus, Bronx, NY
Cost: $100 (non-refundable deposit) plus $1,200 as tuition fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple dates, including June 15 - 19; June 22 - 26; July 20 - 24; July 27 - 31
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12; international students can attend virtually
In Wall Street in the Classroom, you will spend a week learning core financial concepts through lectures, workshops, and guided exercises. You will work on projects that involve reading financial news, examining market data, and comparing investment choices. You will review case studies and participate in discussions that link classroom topics to real financial decisions. Guest speakers from major firms will offer insight into careers in banking, investing, and financial analysis. Some cohorts also include collaborative group tasks where you will present your conclusions in a presentation.
7. Essentials of Finance by Wharton Global Youth Program
Location: Philadelphia, USA
Cost/Stipend: $8,299
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 7 - June 20; June 21 - July 3; July 12 - 25; July 26 - August 8;
Application Deadline: March 18
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9 - 11
In the Essentials of Finance program, you will spend two weeks learning the fundamentals of modern finance through Wharton’s lectures, group work, and hands-on analysis. You will take part in exercises that involve company valuation, studying investment strategies, and reviewing financial statements. You will work with faculty and teaching assistants who will guide your research, help you interpret data, and explain how financial decisions influence businesses. Through this finance program for high school students, you will also participate in discussions about markets and ethics and collaborate with peers on case studies that reflect real corporate challenges. The session may end with team presentations.
8. Summer Business Program by the Boston Leadership Institute
Location: The Newman School in Boston, MA, or Gann/Bentley, Waltham, MA
Cost: $500 (deposit) plus $2,500 as program fees
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15 - 20 students
Dates: June 22 - July 10 at The Newman School and July 6 - 24 at Gann/Bentley
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school and pre-high school students entering 8th grade through college
In the Summer Business Program at the Boston Leadership Institute, you will spend 3 weeks exploring core concepts in finance, marketing, and corporate strategy through case studies and structured lessons. You will take part in activities that demonstrate how companies price products, measure risk, and plan for growth. You will assist with data analysis, market comparisons, and business research, with instructors guiding your progress and explaining how firms make decisions. You will join group discussions and collaborative projects that mirror common business challenges.
9. Bulls Finance by the University of South Florida
Location: USF Tampa - Muma College of Business
Cost/Stipend: $1,395
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 50 students
Dates: Scheduled in summer (check their website for the exact dates)
Application Deadline: Opens on February 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 - 12
In this finance program for high school students, you will spend a week studying personal finance, investing, and corporate decision-making through sessions led by USF faculty. You will work with real financial tools, including Bloomberg Terminals, to analyze market data and practice basic valuation skills. You will participate in group exercises that reflect common tasks in finance classrooms and trading labs. Instructors will guide discussions on budgeting, risk, and financial planning. Some sessions will also feature guest speakers who explain how finance works across different industries.
10. Financial Decision Making by Wharton Global Youth Programs
Location: Online
Cost: $4,099
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 15 - 26; July 6 - 17
Application Deadline: January 28
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9 - 12
In the Financial Decision Making program, you will spend two weeks working through Wharton-designed lessons on personal finance, economic behavior, and analytical thinking. You will complete assignments that involve reviewing financial data, building spreadsheets, and studying how individuals and companies make spending and investment choices. You will attend live online classes led by Wharton instructors and join smaller discussion groups where you will ask questions and compare approaches with students from around the world. Many sessions include guided projects that reflect everyday financial decisions.
11. Introduction to Business, Finance, and Economics by Columbia University
Location: Both online and in-person; in-person at Columbia University, New York City
Cost: $12,764 (residential); $6,310 (commuter); $3,965 (online)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohorts
Dates: In-person: June 29 - July 17; July 21 - August 7, and online: July 06 - 17; July 20 - 31
Application Deadline: March 2 for residential; April 2 for online sessions
Eligibility: High school students; international students with a F-1 visa may participate
Through the Introduction to Business, Finance, and Economics course, you will spend several weeks studying how companies, consumers, and markets interact. You will work on assignments that involve reading financial statements, comparing investment choices, and reviewing case studies on business decisions. You will analyze how interest rates, supply and demand, and global events influence economic outcomes. Instructors will guide your analysis and help you apply classroom concepts to real market examples. Many sessions include group discussions and short presentations where you will share your findings.
12. Wall Street 101 by Bentley University
Location: Bentley University, Waltham, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: $75 (application fee) plus $3,380 (residential) or $2,450 (commuter)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: Summer; exact dates to be announced
Application Deadline: Rolling until the sessions are filled
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors interested in finance and have completed at least two years of college preparatory coursework at the high school level before entering the program | Must be 16 years old by September 1
In this finance program for high school students, you will spend a week learning how financial markets function through hands-on activities in Bentley’s high-tech trading room. You will assist with analyzing stock performance, reviewing market trends, and practicing investment strategies using financial tools. Faculty members will guide your daily work and explain how traders and analysts make decisions in fast-moving markets. You will attend sessions on corporate finance, portfolio building, and market structure. Many cohorts also include simulations where you will test your ideas in a realistic trading environment and present your results.
13. Investments, Financial Planning, and You
Location: Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine
Cost: $1,395
Acceptance rate/cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: In the summer; dates not specified
Application Deadline: Opens in January
Eligibility: Incoming high school freshmen to recently graduated seniors
In the Investments, Financial Planning and You program, you will spend a full week on UC Irvine’s campus learning how money management and investing apply to real-life situations. You will take part in daily workshops on budgeting, saving habits, and reviewing investment options such as stocks, bonds, and retirement accounts. Instructors from the Merage School will guide your exercises and explain how financial choices influence long-term goals. You will also work on short group assignments, compare strategies with classmates, and ask questions during live sessions.
14. Economics for Leaders
Location: Various sites throughout the US, including Washington, Houston, Atlanta, Berkeley, and many more; virtual internships are also included
Cost: $35 (non-refundable processing fee) plus $2,800 (tuition fee)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 2 applicants for each available spot, and 25 - 40 students are accepted at each site
Dates: Various dates; check their website for more information
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students who are currently in their sophomore or junior year of high school; international students are welcome to apply
In the Economics for Leaders program, you will spend a full week working with university-level instructors to develop economic reasoning and leadership skills. You will take part in workshops where you will analyze policy issues, evaluate trade-offs, and apply economic models to everyday decisions. You will assist with simulations that mirror choices faced by business and government leaders while receiving guidance from FTE faculty. Through this finance program for high school students, you will also attend daily sessions to build communication and teamwork, and many sites encourage group presentations where you will share your conclusions.
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