15 Economics Research Opportunities for High School Students
If you're a high school student interested in understanding how the world works, whether it’s inflation, income inequality, or global trade, economics research programs can be a great way to explore these topics with real data and academic inquiry.
These programs allow you to go beyond classroom theory and ask your own research questions, work with mentors, and analyze information using the tools and methods that economists use. You’ll learn how to read academic papers, design research studies, interpret economic data, and present your findings clearly and persuasively.
Some programs also teach introductory coding or statistics skills using tools like Excel, R, or Python. Whether you're passionate about finance, behavioral economics, public policy, or international development, these experiences help you build research, writing, and critical thinking skills, and give you a head start if you're considering a major or career in economics.
To help you find a program best suited to your interests, we’ve curated this list of the top 15 economics research opportunities for high schoolers that you can consider. Let’s dive in!
1. Economics for Leaders (EFL) – Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE)
Location: Students can choose from multiple residential and virtual sessions.
Cost: $2,300 (approx.) for residential students. Costs vary with the location. | $900 for virtual students. Scholarships and financial aid are offered!
Application deadline: April 30
Dates: All sessions are typically held in June. TBD.
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors can apply
The Economics for Leaders (EFL) program, run by the Foundation for Teaching Economics, is a selective summer experience for high school students interested in public policy, economics, and leadership. Through lectures, discussions, and simulations, you’ll explore topics like scarcity, opportunity cost, trade, labor markets, and economic growth. The curriculum emphasizes applying economic reasoning to policy decisions and is designed to help you develop analytical and leadership skills. Beyond the classroom, the program includes social events, leadership workshops, and an award ceremony. EFL is hosted at college campuses around the U.S., and participants have the option to earn undergraduate credit through the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. This program is ideal if you're looking to build skills in economics and gain insight into public decision-making.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote!
Cost: Varies based on program type
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective virtual program that connects high school students with startups and nonprofits around the world. Founded by Harvard alumni, the program offers internship opportunities in fields like business, finance, marketing, growth strategy, consulting, and nonprofit development, making it a great option for students interested in economics. Interns work with startup founders and team members to complete real-world projects, while also receiving mentorship from company managers and guidance from Ladder Coaches. The 8-12 week program includes structured training in communication, time management, and professional development. Interns conclude their experience by presenting their work to their company. With over 600 applicants and a small cohort selected each cycle, this program offers a learning experience in applied economics and business.
3. UCLA Economics Summer Institute
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, California / Virtual
Cost: $3,015 (commuter) | $1,916 (virtual). Scholarships are available
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in June
Dates: June 24 – July 12 (virtual) | July 15 – August 2 (commuter)
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12)
The Economics Summer Institute at UCLA is a three-week program that introduces high school students to the fundamentals of economic analysis and policy evaluation. Offered in both residential and virtual formats, the program is designed to help students think like economists, using data, theory, and critical reasoning to understand issues such as taxation, trade, and market regulation. Through lectures, group projects, case studies, and presentations, you'll explore key topics like price controls, international trade, and rent control. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with empirical data analysis and financial concepts. Taught by UCLA faculty, this program is ideal for students interested in economics, public policy, and finance, and helps build the analytical and communication skills needed for college-level study.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) | $5,900 (16-20 weeks). Financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June-August), fall (September-December), winter (December-February), and spring (March-June)
Eligibility: All high school students
Lumiere Education, founded by researchers from Harvard and Oxford, offers ambitious high school students the opportunity to conduct advanced research in economics through its virtual program. As a participant, you will be matched with a PhD mentor for one-on-one sessions over 12 weeks, during which you’ll explore a self-selected economics topic and produce a university-level research paper. The program is ideal for students eager to dive deep into subjects like behavioral economics, macroeconomic policy, development economics, or interdisciplinary topics combining economics with tech or public policy. Past student work has included forecasting cryptocurrency returns with machine learning and analyzing the economic impact of nonprofit employment. Lumiere is highly selective and a strong fit for students considering competitive undergraduate economics programs.
5. UCB’s Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY)
Location: University of California, Berkeley, California
Cost: California Resident $6,292 | Out of State Resident $7,332.
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: Session I: July 5 – July 19; Session II: July 19– August 2
Eligibility: US and international high school students
This two-week summer program at UC Berkeley introduces high school students to core economics and business skills through a collaborative learning experience. In a cohort of about 50 students, you’ll develop abilities in teamwork, research, communication, and business planning while working with peers to create and present a complete business proposal. The program also offers a taste of college life through on-campus housing, social events, and guest lectures. You’ll have the chance to engage with UC Berkeley undergraduates and learn from business professionals. The course culminates in a final pitch session where teams present their business plans to a panel, giving you practical experience in leadership, entrepreneurship, and public speaking within a supportive academic environment.
6. UCSB’s Research Mentorship Program (RMP)
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, California
Cost: $4,700 (commuter option) | $6,599 (housing option)
Application Deadline: March 15
Dates: June 17 - August 2
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 (outstanding 9th graders may be accepted on a case-by-case basis) with a minimum 3.80 weighted GPA, can apply.
The Research Mentorship Program (RMP) at the University of California, Santa Barbara is a prestigious summer opportunity for high school students interested in pursuing advanced, university-level research. As a participant, you’ll select a project from a wide range of fields, including economics, and be matched with a faculty member, graduate student, or postdoctoral researcher as your mentor. Over the course of six weeks, you’ll conduct independent research, attend lectures and seminars, and learn to write technical papers and present your findings at a formal symposium. The program also offers the chance to earn college credits and experience life on a university campus.
7. Yale Young Global Scholars: Politics, Law, and Economics
Location: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
Cost: $6,500. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: November (early) | January (regular)
Dates: June 23 – July 5 (session I) | July 7 – July 19 (session II) | July 21 – August 2 (session III)
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors who are 16-18 years old. International students can apply, too!
The Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Politics, Law, & Economics (PLE) session is an interdisciplinary summer program for high school students interested in economics, law, and public policy. Over two weeks, you’ll explore how political systems, legal structures, and economic principles interact to shape societies and influence global affairs. Through lectures, seminars, and collaborative projects, you’ll examine topics such as international trade, market regulation, human rights, public policy, and the commodification of art and media. You’ll develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills while engaging in dynamic discussions and hands-on activities. Designed for curious and motivated students, PLE encourages you to view real-world issues through economic, legal, and political lenses, preparing you for future academic and leadership pursuits.
8. Harvard Secondary School: Economics, Finance, and Public Policy
Location: Residential (Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts) | Online | Commuter Cost: $3,900–$14,250 + $75 application fee
Application Deadline: The early and priority financial aid deadline is January 8. The regular deadline for applying for financial aid is February 12. The late deadline is April 9
Dates: Jul 14 — Aug 9 (4-week residential-only program) | Jun 22 — Aug 10 (7-week residential, online, or commuting program)
Eligibility: For the program, high school students must be at least 16 years old by June 22 and should not turn 19 years old before July 31
Harvard’s Secondary School Program (SSP) offers high school students the opportunity to experience college life while earning academic credit. In the 7-week Economics, Finance, and Public Policy track, you can choose two rigorous, college-level courses in subjects such as microeconomics, public finance, financial accounting, managerial economics, or data analysis. The program is available in residential, commuter, and online formats to suit your schedule and location. The courses emphasize analytical thinking, data interpretation, and structured argumentation, mirroring Harvard undergraduate classrooms. You’ll learn how to approach economic problems using theoretical frameworks and quantitative methods. Through lectures, discussions, case studies, simulations, and research assignments, you’ll gain experience in reading academic literature, synthesizing complex ideas, and presenting findings in both written and verbal formats. These skills will help you build confidence as a researcher and prepare for the academic demands of college.
9. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Multiple locations in the country + week-long residential Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will be paid at an hourly rate + fully funded trip to the Student Leaders Summit
Application Deadline: Keep checking the program page in the fall for application details.
Dates: 8 weeks in June-July. The summit will be held on July 22-27
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors with U.S. work authorization and permanent residence in one of the eligible locations
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is a highly selective, paid eight-week summer internship designed for high school students interested in leadership, community engagement, and economics. Each year, 300 students are placed with local nonprofit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity or Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Over seven weeks, you'll explore how nonprofits operate, collaborate with government and private sectors, and support local economies, making this a way to understand applied economics and public service. In the final week, interns attend the all-expenses-paid National Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. Here, you’ll meet professionals from business, policy, and social impact sectors, and gain insights into how institutions interact to address community needs. It’s a strong stepping stone for students interested in economics, policy, or nonprofit management.
10. Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI)
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: 6 weeks (June - August)
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores or juniors living in Chicago who have at least a B average and a family income under $80,000 a year
The Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI) is a paid summer internship program for high school students in Chicago, designed to introduce you to the financial services sector. Founded in 1991, CSBI combines real-world work experience with classroom learning through seminars, workshops, and career development sessions. Interns are placed at finance-related work sites, where they collaborate on professional projects under the guidance of supervisors, while also building communication, analytical, and leadership skills. The program provides strong exposure to business and economics, especially for students from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds. Past interns have worked at organizations like Siebert Brandford Shank and the City of Chicago’s Department of Finance, with many going on to study economics, business, and finance at top universities. CSBI is a valuable stepping stone toward a career in business or public finance.
11.Anson L. Clark Scholar Program: Economics/Business/Finance/Marketing
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will receive a $750 stipend
Application Deadline: Mid-February
Dates: 7 weeks, from June to August
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the program start date and should graduate in this or next year (U.S. and International)
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program is a seven-week summer research opportunity for twelve academically advanced high school juniors and seniors from around the world. Hosted at Texas Tech University, the program allows you to work one-on-one with faculty mentors on an independent research project in a chosen field, including economics. You'll also participate in weekly seminars, lectures, field trips, and discussions that deepen your academic engagement and broaden your perspective. Economics-focused students have explored topics such as how initial public offerings (IPOs) influence media coverage, and the effectiveness of digital advertising in the travel industry. With its emphasis on rigorous research and close faculty mentorship, this highly selective program is an excellent opportunity to strengthen your academic profile and gain hands-on experience in economic research.
12. Pentacle's High School Internship Program
Location: New York City, New York | Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $600 stipend
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis!
Dates: Typically, 8 weeks in summer
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Pentacle’s High School Internship Program is an eight-week opportunity that bridges academic learning with applications. You’ll be matched with a small business, nonprofit or for-profit, based on your interests and work 5 hours a week on projects that involve research, data analysis, economic decision-making, and organizational tasks. This experience allows you to apply economic concepts in a practical setting and better understand how small businesses function. In addition to your internship, you’ll attend 2.5 hours of weekly professional development workshops led by Pentacle staff and guest professionals. These sessions focus on building career skills and offer insights into economic management, business operations, and professional communication. It’s a strong opportunity to grow your skillset, build your resume, and explore applied economics in the arts and nonprofit sectors.
13. Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology Summer Institute (M&Tsi) – Penn Engineering and Wharton, University of Pennsylvania
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Cost: $9,000 On-Campus Program Fee + $100 application fee
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: July 6-26
Eligibility: High school seniors and rising high school juniors
The Management & Technology Summer Institute (M&Tsi) at the University of Pennsylvania is a rigorous, four-credit program for high school students interested in combining business strategy with technical innovation. Open to rising seniors and select juniors, M&Tsi introduces you to core concepts in both engineering and management through coursework, lectures, and hands-on projects. You’ll attend classes taught by Penn faculty and guest speakers from the tech and business world, then collaborate with peers to develop a prototype and a go-to-market strategy for a tech-driven business. The program culminates in a final presentation, where your work will be evaluated by faculty and industry professionals. M&Tsi offers a real-world introduction to entrepreneurship, product development, and interdisciplinary problem solving.
14. Stanford's SHTEM
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March
Dates: 8 weeks, June - August
Eligibility: Students who will be in grades 11-12 at the time of application, OR full-time community college students (within the first 3 years of community college), are eligible to apply
SHTEM is a fully virtual, eight-week summer internship for high school and early college students interested in interdisciplinary research. Interns are grouped into teams and matched with projects based on their interests, strengths, and academic goals. Past projects have covered topics such as computational biology, artificial olfaction, nanotechnology, and virtual reality. Participants commit 30–40 hours per week and work under the mentorship of Stanford faculty, graduate students, and staff. If you’re interested in economics, you can explore intersections between economic theory and other fields. This internship emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and exposure to applications of research. It’s an excellent opportunity for motivated students to build academic experience and connect with Stanford’s research community.
15. Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy
Location: University of Michigan, Ross School of Business
Cost: $5,500 (includes classes, workshops, and program materials). Scholarships are offered
Application Deadline: January
Dates: June 13–27
Eligibility: You must be a rising high school senior with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to apply. Preference will be given to U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy is a two-week, pre-college program for high school students interested in economics and business. Hosted by one of the top business schools in the country, the academy introduces you to core concepts in business strategy, financial decision-making, and economic reasoning through college-level coursework led by Ross faculty. You’ll explore how companies operate, how leaders solve problems, and how economic principles shape the business world. This program is ideal for motivated students from diverse backgrounds who want to understand the role of economics in business and leadership. You’ll collaborate with peers, engage in real-world case studies, and connect with faculty and professionals, gaining exposure to college academics and future career paths in economics, finance, and beyond.