12 Economics Programs for High School Students in New York State
If you are a high school student interested in business, economic policy, or finance, economics programs are a strong way to build foundational skills and gain real-world exposure. These programs help you develop skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving while exploring how economic theories are applied in different markets and fields. You’ll also have the chance to collaborate with peers and mentors, developing insights that connect classroom learning to the real world.
New York State is home to world-class universities, financial institutions, and nonprofit organizations that create programs designed to prepare you for future careers in economics and related fields. These opportunities are ideal for in-state students looking to explore programs close to home, as well as out-of-state students eager to experience New York’s dynamic economic environment. Whether your interests lean toward academic research, financial markets, or public policy, there are programs tailored to your strengths and ambitions.
To help you get started, we’ve narrowed down the list to 12 economics programs for high school students in New York State.
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Multiple locations in New York + 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
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300 students
Dates: 8 weeks in June-July. The summit will be held on July 22-27
Application Deadline: January 15
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 an 8-week, fully funded internship for high school juniors and seniors. The program focuses on subjects such as economics, leadership, and community engagement. Participants are placed at a local nonprofit organization where they work on community service or advocacy projects, gaining direct exposure to the nonprofit sector and contributing to real initiatives. Throughout the program, students participate in workshops, seminars, and networking events where they interact with nonprofit leaders and Bank of America professionals. Finally, they attend a week-long, fully funded Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., in which they engage with peers nationwide and present their experiences. The program includes structured mentorship and skill-building sessions, making it a unique opportunity to gain leadership experience and professional exposure in a civic context.
2. Veritas AI AI+Finance Deep Dive Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts with close mentorship
Dates: Multiple 12–15 week cohorts offered in spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Rolling, with deadlines before each cohort (January, May, September, October). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: Open to ambitious high school students worldwide who have prior AI experience or have completed the AI Scholars program.
Veritas AI’s AI+Finance Deep Dive Track is designed for students who want to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and economics. You will learn how AI and machine learning tools are applied to financial problems, such as stock price forecasting and market pattern analysis. Through lectures, coding workshops, and project-based learning, you’ll develop practical technical skills while working on independent projects. With mentorship from Harvard graduate students and industry experts, the program emphasizes both technical mastery and real-world application in finance.
3. JA Economics – Junior Achievement
Location: Offered in schools across New York State; classroom-based or virtual options available
Cost/Stipend: Free through participating schools and Junior Achievement partners
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Depends on school and district participation; widely accessible through JA programs
Dates: Semester-long course, approximately 12–16 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by school or district participation
Eligibility: Open to high school students; availability determined by local JA partnerships
JA Economics® is a semester-long course designed to introduce you to the principles of economics and their role in everyday decision-making. The curriculum is aligned with national and state standards, emphasizing the practical applications of economic reasoning. You will explore topics such as markets, supply and demand, and personal finance, often through case studies or projects supported by teachers and volunteer professionals. The program can be taken in the classroom or virtually, offering flexible access for students across New York State. Volunteers frequently engage with students as guest speakers or coaches, helping to connect academic content with career pathways. The course is part of Junior Achievement’s broader financial literacy pathway, which emphasizes college and career readiness.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - Economics Track
Location: Virtual; accessible worldwide
Cost: Varies depending on program type; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 15%–20% acceptance rate
Dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year (spring, summer, fall, winter)
Application Deadline: Varies with deadlines before each cohort (January, May, September, November)
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic performance (generally 3.3+ GPA); no prior research experience required
Lumiere’s Economics Track allows you to dive deeply into economic research under the guidance of a Ph.D. mentor. You’ll work 1-on-1 to design and execute an independent research project in areas such as behavioral economics, macroeconomic policy, international trade, or financial markets. Over the 12-week program, you’ll gain experience in literature review, data collection, and analysis, culminating in a full-length research paper. The mentorship model ensures personalized guidance, making it an excellent choice if you want to experience real academic research. Select students may also extend their work into longer-term projects or pursue publication opportunities.
5. Invest in Girls – Girls Who Invest
Location: Offered in schools across New York State and virtually through IIG Afterschool
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; over 50 students matched annually in mentorships
Dates: Programs and workshops run throughout the academic year
Application Deadline: Rolling; school and online registration required
Eligibility: Open to high school girls interested in financial literacy and careers in finance
Invest in Girls (IIG) focuses on empowering high school girls with personal finance education and exposure to careers in economics and finance. You will take part in classes and workshops that cover budgeting, investing, and long-term financial planning. The program also provides mentorship opportunities, including 1:1 pairings with women professionals in fields such as investment banking, venture capital, and corporate finance. You may also visit financial institutions to gain first-hand insights into the industry. The emphasis on mentorship and networking helps you build confidence in financial decision-making as you explore career possibilities.
6. Game Theory: A Course in Mathematical Economics
Location: In-person at Columbia University (NYC) and online options available
Cost/Stipend: $6,645 tuition (per three-week session); financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small class sizes for interactive learning
Dates: Session A: June 30 – July 18 (in-person); July 7 – July 18 (online option)
Application Deadline: Early March priority deadline; final deadline in late May
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 9–12 with strong math interest; no prior economics background required
Columbia University’s Game Theory: A Course in Mathematical Economics introduces high school students to the study of strategic decision-making. You will explore probability sets, payoff analysis, and the theories of leading game theorists, applying these concepts to scenarios in economics, politics, and business. The course emphasizes how rational choice and uncertainty shape outcomes ranging from negotiations to pricing strategies. Classes combine readings, problem sets, and case applications, allowing you to see how game theory translates to real-world decision-making.
7. Federal Reserve Bank of New York High School Fed Challenge
Location: Virtual and Federal Reserve District sites, New York Fed oversees the New York State region
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; thousands of students participate annually across Federal Reserve Districts
Dates: Registration opens in September; paper submission in March; publication decisions announced in May
Application Deadline: February 15 (registration); March 17 (final submissions)
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 9–12; prior economics coursework not required
The High School Fed Challenge is an academic competition hosted by the Federal Reserve System to promote interest in economics among high school students. You and your team will research an annual theme, such as the economics of food, and submit a written project for evaluation. Submissions are reviewed by Federal Reserve personnel, with selected papers published in the Journal of Future Economists. This program focuses on developing teamwork, data literacy, and analytical writing skills, alongside an introduction to real-world economic challenges. Participants will earn certificates of recognition, and the program's publication offers an academic credential.
8. Macroeconomics: An Introduction
Location: In-person at Columbia University, New York City
Cost/Stipend: $6,645 tuition (per three-week session); financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small class sizes for discussion-based learning
Dates: Session B: July 22 – August 8
Application Deadline: Early March priority deadline; final deadline in late May
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 9–12; no prior economics coursework required
Columbia University’s Macroeconomics: An Introduction course offers a comprehensive overview of the forces that shape national and global economies. You will examine key concepts such as GDP, inflation, unemployment, and international trade, while exploring how governments and central banks use fiscal and monetary policies. The course also incorporates case studies on events like the 2008 financial crisis and recent global trade disputes. Class discussions and assignments help you apply economic theory to real-world challenges such as inequality and financial stability.
9. National Economics Challenge – Council for Economic Education
Location: State and national competitions (initial rounds in New York State; finals in Atlanta, hybrid/virtual options available)
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; top finalists receive travel support and prizes
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 10,000 students compete nationally each year
Dates: State rounds typically run in spring; nationals occur in early summer
Application Deadline: Varies by state; usually late winter or early spring
Eligibility: Open to high school students, with two divisions: Adam Smith (advanced students) and David Ricardo (first-time competitors with limited coursework)
The National Economics Challenge is one of the most recognized competitions for high school students interested in economics. You will work in teams with peers, guided by teachers or mentors, to test your knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics. The challenge begins at the state level, where top teams advance to national rounds. The Adam Smith Division is designed for advanced students, while the David Ricardo Division is suitable for beginners. If your team reaches the semi-finals, you may earn the chance to attend the national finals, where the top four teams compete for recognition and prizes. This program emphasizes collaboration, analytical thinking, and application of classroom knowledge in a competitive but supportive environment.
10. Globalization: Challenges in International Economics & Politics
Location: In-person at Columbia University (NYC) and online options available
Cost/Stipend: $6,645 tuition (per three-week session); financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small, seminar-style cohorts
Dates: Session A: June 30 – July 18; Session B: July 22 – August 8 (in-person); July 7 – July 18 and July 21 – August 1 (online)
Application Deadline: Early March priority deadline; final deadline in late May
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 9–12 interested in economics, political science, and international relations
Columbia University’s Globalization: Challenges in International Economics & Politics course examines the complex interplay between global markets, domestic policy, and international relations. You will study theories of international political economy, foreign aid, trade, sovereign debt, and the influence of organizations such as the IMF and the United Nations. The curriculum incorporates case studies on populism, China’s currency policy, and the challenges of public debt across regions. Students in the in-person program often visit the United Nations Headquarters, connecting classroom concepts to real-world diplomacy.
11. 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 available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Selective
Dates: All sessions are typically held between June and August.
Application deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors can apply
The Economics for Leaders program is a summer activity designed for students interested in public policy and economics to learn about practical applications of the fields. It introduces students to economics concepts and prepares them for future opportunities. Students attend lectures, discussions, and simulations, and learn about various topics such as scarcity, trade, and economic growth. The program aims to help interested students develop leadership skills and teach them how to analyse public policy decisions using economic theory. The program also includes leadership workshops, social gatherings, and an award ceremony. This program is ideal for building skills in economics and gaining insight into public decision-making.
12. Introduction to Business, Finance, and Economics
Location: In-person at Columbia University (NYC) and online options available
Cost/Stipend: $6,645 tuition (per three-week session); financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small seminar-style cohorts
Dates: Session A: June 30 – July 18; Session B: July 22 – August 8 (in-person); July 7 – July 18 and July 21 – August 1 (online)
Application Deadline: Early March priority deadline; final deadline in late May
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 9–12; laptops recommended for in-person participation
Columbia University’s Introduction to Business, Finance, and Economics course explores the intersection of economic theory and financial markets. You will learn how businesses acquire and distribute capital, explore valuation models, and interpret financial statements. Key areas of study include stocks, bonds, risk assessment, investment approaches, and how financial markets operate. You'll have the chance to apply these classroom concepts to practical business situations through case studies and individual projects. The program emphasizes both microeconomic models of firm behavior and macroeconomic influences on markets, preparing you for further study in economics, business, or finance.
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