15 Prestigious Economics Internships for High School Students
Internships offer high school students a valuable opportunity to gain professional experience and learn beyond the classroom. These experiences not only help strengthen your resume but also give you a chance to explore your interests through projects. Internships teach important workplace skills like professional communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving, which can make you more attractive to future employers.
For students interested in economics, there are many great internships that can help you develop key skills such as financial analysis, data interpretation, and problem-solving. You'll have the chance to network with experts and professionals from leading institutions, which can open up doors for future academic and career opportunities. Participating in a competitive internship like the ones on this list demonstrates strong academic motivation to college admissions officers, making them useful additions to your college applications.
Below, you’ll find a list of 15 prestigious economics internships for high school students. These programs are highly selective and hosted by some of the most well-known organizations in the field.
1. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee / $750 tax-free stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: <3% acceptance rate; 12 students selected annually
Dates: June 21 – August 6
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 17 years old by the program start date and are expected to graduate from high school in the application year or the next
This intensive seven-week research program allows 12 highly qualified high school juniors and seniors to work with university faculty on original research projects, including those in economics, finance, or related fields. You will attend weekly seminars, field visits, and discussions, develop a research report, and present your findings. The small cohort size ensures substantial mentorship from faculty and direct engagement in real research. You will gain experience using academic methods, data analysis, and scholarly writing in an economics or interdisciplinary setting. The programme’s selectivity and stipend make it one of the more prestigious options for those interested in economics research.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 10%; 70 – 100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts per year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); apply here
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and gap year students who can commit 10 – 20 hours/week for 8 –12 weeks
Ladder Internships pairs you with startups or non-profits for project-based internships in fields like finance, economics, business development, or analytics. Past founders have included Y Combinator alums and those who previously worked at Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. In the economics/finance track, you may work on market research, financial modelling, or economic-strategy projects under the supervision of a company manager and a Ladder coach. The programme culminates in a final presentation of the work product and often provides exposure to company founders, startup operations, and professional mentoring. The highly selective application process underscores its prestige for those interested in economics.
3. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Various U.S. cities (internships at local nonprofits) + Washington, DC (Student Leaders Summit)
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, exact amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 300 students annually from across the U.S.
Dates: 8 weeks in summer, June – August (including 1-week Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC, July 21 – 26)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are legally authorized to work in the U.S., and those who in eligible locations | Have not previously participated
Bank of America’s Student Leaders program offers 8-week paid internships for high school juniors and seniors with a strong interest in economics, leadership, and community service. You gain real-world exposure by working at local nonprofits, developing practical experience in nonprofit operations, civic engagement, and social impact. The program culminates in a week-long, fully funded summit in Washington, D.C., where you network with other young leaders and engage with policymakers to deepen your understanding of community challenges and solutions. With an acceptance rate between 5% and 8%, the program demonstrates significant selectivity and adds substantial value to the resumes of those driven to pursue public service, leadership, or social change careers.
4. J.P. Morgan Smart Start Program
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid along with a full college scholarship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; 10 annual scholarships
Dates: 4 years throughout college
Application Deadline: Typically, January
Eligibility: High-achieving graduating seniors based in New York City who are accepted to one of the participating NYC colleges, have a minimum GPA of 90, and are U.S. citizens with legal work authorization
The J.P. Morgan Smart Start Program offers a unique combination of a paid internship and a full four-year college scholarship, enabling students to work part-time during the academic year and full-time over the summer. You gain comprehensive exposure by rotating through departments such as commercial banking, risk management, and operations, providing a well-rounded understanding of the financial services sector. The program emphasizes mentorship to help you build essential professional skills and foster valuable networks. With a strong alumni presence continuing their careers at J.P. Morgan, this program is ideal for motivated students seeking long-term experience and development in corporate finance.
5. KPMG U.S. Empower High School Experience
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend of $20 – $25/hr
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive; about 18 – 20 interns per city
Dates: July (3 weeks)
Application Deadline: Typically, early spring
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who reside within commuting distance of a KPMG office
The KPMG Empower High School Experience is a paid three-week internship designed to introduce high school juniors and seniors to accounting, auditing, and advisory services at one of the world’s largest professional firms. You engage in workshops covering financial principles, client management, and consulting, while collaborating with mentors to solve real-world case studies. The program emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and ethical problem-solving, and offers extensive networking opportunities through career talks and interactions with KPMG professionals. This immersive experience provides insight into corporate culture and professional services, and helps build essential skills and industry connections before college.
6. 1435 Capital Management’s Venture Analyst High School Internship
Location: Princeton, NJ
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: <1%, exceptional competitive; 3 – 4 students
Dates: Ten weeks in the summer (June to August)
Application Deadline: Rolling acceptance
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 16 to 18
The 1435 Capital Management Venture Analyst internship is a highly exclusive, 10-week summer opportunity for high school students to explore venture capital and finance. You work closely with partners and analysts, gaining hands-on experience by actively supporting the firm’s deal sourcing and financial modeling efforts. Responsibilities involve preparing detailed presentation materials, researching potential market opportunities, and directly engaging with promising startups to assess investment viability. This rigorous program is designed to cultivate advanced analytical and professional communication skills, culminating in a comprehensive final presentation of findings to the team.
7. Today’s Interns, Tomorrow’s Professionals Internship Program (TIP)
Location: Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; relatively small and highly localized cohorts
Dates: 8 – 10 weeks in the summer, between July and August
Application Deadline: Typically, March
Eligibility: Students who attend public high school in Boston and have completed their sophomore year
The TIP program offers underrepresented high school students a chance to gain hands-on experience in accounting and finance within a professional setting. You attend workshops covering auditing, financial reporting, business communication, bookkeeping, tax fundamentals, and financial statement analysis. The internship includes daily involvement in banking operations and pairs you with mentors from the Federal Reserve who guide you on technical skills and career development. Emphasizing teamwork, networking, and community engagement alongside skill-building, the program also offers you the opportunity to extend your internship through the academic year for continued growth.
8. U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C., USA, some remote options available
Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not publicly available
Dates: Spring (January – May), Summer (May – August), Fall (September – December)
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort; Spring: October; Summer: December; Fall: June
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens in an accredited high school
The U.S. Department of Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program places you in departmental offices of the U.S. Treasury that deal with economic policy, public finance, regulation, and international affairs. You assist with data analysis, drafting briefing materials, preparing economic policy documents, and supporting research teams. The experience provides exposure to federal economic policy workflow, professional mentorship, and networking opportunities with economists. The public sector context within the program and competitive selection process make this programme valuable for you if you are interested in economics, finance, and policy roles.
9. Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI)
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, exact amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; around 125 students each year
Dates: 6-week summer internship between June and August
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors who are Chicago residents with a family income below $80,000 and have a GPA of “B” or 3.0+
The Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI) is a six-week, paid internship program for Chicago high school sophomores and juniors, specifically targeting students from lower-income households. The program’s core mission is to introduce students to the financial services sector and broader business community. You will complete projects and office work for four days per week at host sites like banks, law firms, accounting firms, and government offices. The program also involved weekly seminars and workshops led by business executives, covering topics like financial markets and professional development. You develop critical skills in business etiquette, time management, and professional communication.
10. Young Entrepreneurs Programme (YEP)
Location: Kansas City, Missouri / Columbus, Ohio, USA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $2,500 scholarship + $12 – 14/hr stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; Kansas City: 15 – 25 students, Columbus: typically, a large cohort size
Dates: Session 1: June 2 – 27; Session 2: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school students completing their junior or senior year
The Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP) in Kansas City and Columbus is a free entrepreneurship program designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in starting their own businesses. They cover topics such as business planning, marketing, finance, and pitch development. You will develop a business plan, pitch ideas to local entrepreneurs, participate in workshops on financial literacy and marketing, and network with business mentors. Unique to YEP is its strong connection with local startup communities and real-world experiential learning, which helps you develop entrepreneurial thinking, leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for business success.
11. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) High School Business Internship
Location: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (WA); some virtual roles offered
Stipend: Paid, exact amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically, small and localized cohorts
Dates: School-year internship between August and May
Application Deadline: Rolling acceptance
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who attend a partnering local high school (Tri-Cities, WA) and are able to attend the program in person, and they should also have U.S. work eligibility
The year-long, part-time PNNL High School Business Internship introduces students to the operational aspects of a leading national research laboratory, allowing them to balance academics with professional work. You dedicate up to four hours daily, collaborating with PNNL mentors across diverse business and administrative departments. Duties are varied, spanning financial research, communications support, operational assistance, and lab demonstrations, providing broad exposure to essential corporate functions. The program significantly focuses on enhancing workplace readiness, technical expertise, and leadership capabilities through dedicated workshops and networking, with the added benefit of potentially earning school elective credits.
12. Yale Young Global Scholars
Location: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Cost/Stipend: Tuition charged (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: <12%; typically large cohorts
Dates: Session I: June 21 – July 3; Session II: July 5 – 17; Session III: July 19 – 31
Application Deadline: Typically, early January
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors who are first-time participants and are between 16 – 18 years by July 19
This intensive two-week institute at Yale University explores how economic principles interact with politics and law. You will participate in lectures, seminars, and collaborative projects that examine market regulation, public policy, trade, and financial governance. Small-group breakout sessions and a capstone project will help you apply economic reasoning to real-world dilemmas. The global peer cohort, university faculty involvement, and residential model provide a strong immersive experience. Though shorter than many internships, the selective nature of the programme makes it attractive for those seeking an economics-oriented challenge.
13. Stanford Young Investigators
Location: Stanford University, California, USA, Bay Area
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Honorarium available for low-income students who are the first in their family to attend college and are U.S. citizens
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 10%; 6 – 30 scholars
Dates: Summer (Eight weeks)
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least one year of high school, live and attend school in the San Francisco Bay Area (San Mateo County south through San Jose and Los Gatos, and in the East Bay from San Leandro south to Milpitas), and who do not live further than 25 driving miles from campus
Stanford’s Young Investigators program allows you to join faculty-led research groups in social science, including applied economics and policy topics. You will collaborate with graduate students or postdoctoral researchers, work on ongoing research, produce a short deliverable, and gain methods-based training. The environment emphasizes mentorship, hands-on analysis, and presentation of research outcomes. You also engage in structured weekly activities, which include attending lectures given by Stanford faculty covering the expansive field of Earth and environmental sciences. Furthermore, you gain real-world exposure through scheduled lab tours and field trips to research sites and institutions.
14. Seed Scholars (Economics) – Yale Women in Economics
Location: Virtual, along with a 4-day residential boot camp at Yale University, CT
Cost/Stipend: None except a non-refundable $75 commitment fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; 40 scholars
Dates: 10 months (March of the junior year – May of the senior year); monthly virtual workshops and a 4-day bootcamp in late July
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Current high school juniors of all genders attending a public or parochial School whose household income does not exceed $125,000 and who have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
The Seed Scholars Program, in partnership with Yale Women in Economics, is a highly selective 10-month program designed to encourage young women of color from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue economics. You learn foundational economic concepts through lectures from Yale professors and are mentored by Yale undergraduates to complete an original Capstone Research Project focused on applying economic knowledge to your communities. The program involves monthly college admissions and financing workshops, interview preparation, and a mandatory four-day, all-expenses-paid residential overnight boot camp at Yale University. The program aims to build a supportive, four-year college network while developing skills in research, critical analysis, and professional communication.
15. KP Launch High School Internship at Kaiser Permanente
Location: Kaiser Permanente offices across the U.S.
Stipend: $24/hr
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically, 40 – 50 students
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 – 19 by June who are permanent residents of Northern California Kaiser Permanente designated service areas and are legally allowed to work in the U.S.
Kaiser Permanente’s KP Launch Internship offers high school students professional exposure in business and finance within a healthcare environment. You engage in job shadowing, workshops, and hands-on projects across accounting, corporate finance, and actuarial analysis. Typical tasks include conducting financial audits, preparing tax returns, and building financial models, all under the mentorship of experienced business leaders. Emphasizing communication, teamwork, and mentorship, the program helps you understand the vital role finance plays in large organizations. This internship is an excellent opportunity for students interested in merging financial skills with healthcare operations.
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