14 Economics Programs for High School Students in Texas
If you are a high school student interested in how economies function, economics programs offer a practical and engaging way to dive into the subject. These opportunities go beyond classroom theory, letting you explore topics like inflation, markets, financial literacy, and policy through projects, data analysis, and case studies. Many programs also include mentorship from professors and professionals, helping you build your network.
Why should you apply to a program in Texas?
Texas is a particularly strong place to study economics, thanks to its diverse and rapidly growing economy. With major industries in energy, tech, and finance, and access to universities and research centers, you can engage with how economic principles play out in business and policy. Whether you are a local or out-of-state student, these opportunities let you explore your interests and develop your profile.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve rounded up 14 economics programs for high school students in Texas.
If you are looking for research programs and internships in Texas, check out our blogs here and here.
1. Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost | $750
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 12 students/year
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 17 by the start date and are U.S. citizens/permanent residents
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is a seven-week residential research experience designed for a select group of high-achieving high school juniors and seniors. Working closely with a faculty mentor, you’ll conduct an independent research project in a field of your choice, including economics, while attending seminars, lectures, and field trips that broaden your understanding of academic inquiry. Past economics participants have examined subjects such as media coverage of IPOs and the impact of digital advertising on market behavior. The program culminates with a formal research report. Open to only twelve students annually, the Clark Scholars Program is among the most competitive summer research opportunities in the country.
2. Veritas AI’s AI + Finance
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
The Veritas AI + Finance Deep Dive, developed by Harvard alumni, helps high school students explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the financial sector. Through a mix of lectures, code walkthroughs, and project-based learning, you’ll use AI and machine learning models to analyze financial data, forecast stock prices, and identify economic trends. The curriculum is focused on applying technical skills to real-world financial challenges rather than just theory. Guided by mentors, you’ll gain practical experience in Python programming, time-series modeling, and quantitative analysis.
3. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Nationwide (the Leadership Summit is held in Washington, D.C.)
Stipend: Provided; all expenses towards the trip to Washington, D.C. are covered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who have authorization to work in the United States, live in an eligible area, and have not participated in the program before
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program gives high school juniors and seniors the chance to gain paid, hands-on experience in community-focused economic management. Over eight weeks, you’ll intern with a nonprofit organization in your local area, contributing to projects involving financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation. Beyond the internship, all participants attend a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C., where discussions center on business, policy, and the economics behind community development. The program is centered on civic engagement and offers practical exposure to working at a nonprofit.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available) | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort; you can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program connects high school students with Ph.D. mentors for a 12-week guided research experience conducted entirely online. You’ll work one-on-one to design, execute, and write a research paper on a topic of your choice, with economics being one of the popular focus areas. This includes forming hypotheses, analyzing data, and interpreting results under the guidance of scholars from top universities. The structure of the program mirrors a collegiate research process, giving you valuable experience in both academic writing and critical thinking. Participants may also have the opportunity to earn college credit through partner institutions like UC San Diego. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Discover Yourself in Accounting Majors and Careers (DYNAMC)
Location: University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School of Business, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: June 22 – 27
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
The Discover Yourself in Accounting Majors and Careers (DYNAMC) program at the University of Texas at Austin introduces students to the field of accounting and its role within business and economics. In this program, you’ll attend sessions led by UT faculty and industry professionals, participate in case competitions, and receive mentorship from current McCombs School of Business students. The program also includes networking opportunities with professionals from firms like Ernst & Young, helping you understand how accounting supports financial systems and corporate strategy. Alongside the academic sessions, participants experience campus life and explore Austin.
6. The National Economics Challenge (NEC)
Location: Regional and National rounds (in-person and virtual formats)
Cost/Stipend: No cost to enter; finalists must arrange their own transport to the finals
Acceptance rate/cohort size: N/A
Dates: State Competitions take place during the school calendar year | Online National Semi-Finals: April 21 – 24 | National Finals (Atlanta, GA) May 28 – 30
Application deadline: Opens on January 1
Eligibility: High school students
NEC is a nationwide competition that tests high school students’ understanding of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and global economic concepts. Nearly 10,000 students participate annually, working in teams under the guidance of teachers or economic professionals who serve as coaches. The competition begins at the state level, advancing to regional and national rounds where teams solve applied economic problems and present their analyses. Students compete in two divisions: Adam Smith for advanced and returning competitors, and David Ricardo for first-time participants with limited economics coursework. Finalists travel to Atlanta for the national semifinals, where they compete for prizes and recognition.
7. Junior Achievement (Texas Chapters)
Location: Multiple locations across the state, find nearby opportunities here
Cost/Stipend: Free | Typically unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective
Dates: Varies by placement
Application deadline: School/partner driven; you can contact JA Greater Washington for partnerships or to join a school cohort
Eligibility: High school students
Junior Achievement’s Texas chapters connect students with hands-on experiences in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness. Through simulations like JA Finance Park, you can practice managing personal budgets and making spending decisions within a mock economy. Volunteers from business and industry often guide participants as mentors, helping you understand how economic and financial choices affect communities and organizations. Many activities involve team-based problem-solving, product development, and case studies based on real business challenges. By engaging with local professionals and learning from their experiences, you gain further insight into the skills needed to succeed in both business and economics-related fields.
8. Accelerated Career Awareness Program (ACAP) – TCU Neeley School of Business
Location: TCU Neeley School of Business, Fort Worth, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; the program hosts approximately 30–35 students.
Dates: July 13 – 18
Application deadline: April 11
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12 with a minimum GPA of 2.0 for freshmen/sophomores and 2.5 for juniors/seniors
ACAP at Texas Christian University’s Neeley School of Business is a free, weeklong residential summer program for high school students interested in accounting, finance, and business. You’ll stay on campus and attend workshops led by TCU faculty and industry professionals covering topics such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and management. The program includes visits to local accounting firms and corporations, where you’ll see firsthand how financial concepts are applied in real business settings. Group projects and case studies hone teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Designed to encourage diversity in business education, ACAP concludes with a recognition event for students and families.
9. Baylor University – Accelerate Programs
Location: Baylor University, Waco, TX
Cost/Stipend: $775 per credit hour | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Summer I: June 8 – July 11 | Summer II: July 13 – August 13 | Spring: January 20 – May 13
Application deadline: Summer: May 1 | Spring: December 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Baylor University’s Accelerate Programs allow high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit while experiencing university-level coursework. You can choose from online or on-campus classes taught by Baylor faculty, including courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics. The program’s Early Admission Track also offers conditional freshman admission to Baylor based on your performance. Designed to bridge the transition from high school to college, Accelerate exposes you to the academic expectations of higher education while letting you explore subjects that may shape your future major. By completing college-level economics coursework, you’ll also have a chance to strengthen your transcript.
10. UCLA Economics Summer Institute
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Calculate an estimate here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: July 14 – August 1
Application deadline: June 13
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9th- 12th in Spring | At least 15 years of age by June 23 | Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 (from unofficial transcripts from grade 9 to present) | Basic algebra skills
The UCLA Economics Summer Institute is a three-week pre-college program that introduces high school students to foundational and applied economic concepts. You’ll attend lectures by UCLA faculty on topics such as market dynamics, taxation, international trade, and public policy, followed by workshops that reinforce what you’ve learned through data-driven exercises. In small groups, you’ll work with UCLA undergraduate mentors to prepare and present case studies on current economic issues, developing both your research and communication skills. The program covers empirical analysis, helping you interpret data and justify positions using real-world evidence.
11. Harvard Secondary School Program
Location: Virtual or on-campus at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $4,050 – $14,950 + $75 application fee; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 4-Week: July 12 – August 8 | 7-Week: June 20 – August 8
Application deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Students graduating high school in the current or next two years | At least 16 years old by June 21 and under 19 years old as of July 31
Harvard’s SSP allows motivated high school students to enroll in real college courses for academic credit over a four- or seven-week period. With more than 200 course options, including economics, entrepreneurship, and business management, you can explore areas that align with your academic or career interests. The classes are taught by Harvard faculty and emphasize rigorous analysis, research, and discussion-based learning. Students manage a college-level workload while engaging in campus activities that build independence and time management skills. Upon completion, you earn an official Harvard transcript and college credit.
12. Rice University Precollege Program: The Business of Economics
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $1,795 | Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective
Dates: Multiple 2- and 4-week sessions
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
Rice University’s Pre-College Program on ‘The Business of Economics’ introduces high school students to the economic principles that shape business decisions. Through online modules and guided mentorship, you’ll study how factors such as inflation, labor markets, supply and demand, and government policies affect business performance. The program includes interactive lessons and real-world case studies that highlight the relationship between economics and industries like energy and finance. You’ll also complete a capstone project demonstrating your understanding of how economic policy influences business strategies. At the end of the course, you earn a Certificate of Completion from Rice University.
13. Brown University Pre-College: Pre-Baccalaureate: Principles of Economics
Location: Virtual
Cost: $8,973 (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12, aged 14 to 18 by June 14
Brown University’s Pre-Baccalaureate program offers high school seniors the opportunity to take real, credit-bearing undergraduate courses alongside Brown students during the summer term. One of the available options is ‘Principles of Economics’, a course that introduces key concepts such as market behavior, resource allocation, and the role of institutions in shaping economic outcomes. You’ll explore how economists analyze issues like unemployment, inflation, and income distribution, and how these ideas apply to modern social challenges. The course runs over seven weeks, combining lectures, discussions, and independent research. Participants who complete the course receive college credit and a performance report.
14. Wharton Global Youth Program: Financial Decision Making
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,099
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – 26 | July 6 – 17
Application deadline: Rolling | Priority deadline: January 28
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9–12
The ‘Financial Decision Making’ course by the Wharton Global Youth Program at the University of Pennsylvania is a two-week intensive course that explores core topics in economics and finance. You’ll study personal finance, credit, interest rates, and financial markets while developing practical decision-making and data analysis skills. The curriculum, designed by Wharton faculty, integrates case studies and Excel-based exercises to help you interpret real-world financial data. Topics include budgeting, investment strategies, banking systems, and the economic effects of inflation and monetary policy. Completing the program earns you a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion.
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