14 Economics Summer Pre-College Programs for High School Students
If you’re a high school student interested in economics, pre-college summer programs can give you a clearer sense of what studying the subject actually looks like beyond your high school classes. Many of these programs introduce you to the use of economics across policy, business, and finance through case studies, projects, and discussions. You’ll often work with instructors who teach at universities, which means you get a more realistic view of how the subject is approached at the college level. Some programs also include group work or simulations that mirror real decision-making environments.
What are the benefits of an economics pre-college program?
One of the main benefits is that you start building skills directly relevant to economics, such as data interpretation, critical thinking, and structured argumentation. Depending on the program, you might also explore related fields such as public policy, entrepreneurship, or finance, which helps you understand how economics connects to different career paths. These programs can also help you figure out whether you want to study economics in college, since you’ll experience the pace and expectations of the subject more closely. In some cases, you may complete projects, presentations, or even coursework that you can reference later in applications or interviews.
To help you evaluate your options, we’ve narrowed down a list of 14 economics pre-college summer programs for high school students.
If you’re looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
1. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $750 stipend provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 12 students
Program Dates: June 21 – August 6
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (17+); U.S. citizens or permanent residents
This is a seven-week research program where you work closely with a faculty mentor on an independent project. If you pursue economics, your work might involve theoretical analysis, data interpretation, or interdisciplinary research, depending on the mentor. You’ll spend most of your time developing a research paper, with consistent one-on-one guidance throughout the process. The program also includes weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips that introduce research methods and academic pathways. Because the cohort is very small, the experience is highly individualized and requires a strong level of independence. It’s best suited for students who already have a clear interest in research and are comfortable working at a sustained pace.
2. Yale Young Global Scholars – Politics, Law & Economics Track
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: $7,000 (need-based financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Session I: June 21 – July 3 | Session II: July 5 – 17 | Session III: July 19 – 31
Application Deadline: January 7
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors aged 16–18 by July 19; first-time participants
In this track, you spend two weeks studying how economics interacts with political systems and legal frameworks. The program is structured around lectures, seminars, and small discussion groups in which you work through topics such as public policy, market regulation, and international relations. You’ll complete a capstone project with a small group, using what you’ve learned to analyze a real-world issue. There are no grades or credits, which shifts the focus toward discussion and participation rather than evaluation. You’ll also take part in simulations and breakout sessions that require you to interpret data and form arguments.
3. Georgetown Economics Policy Academy
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, DC
Cost: Residential Tuition & Meals: $9,085 | Commuter Tuition: $7,085
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 28 – July 17
Application Deadline: April
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 8-12 | At least 2.0 GPA | Must be at least 15 years old by the date of check-in for select Non-Credit Academies
This program focuses on how economic theory is used in public policy and government decision-making. You attend lectures and workshops covering topics like globalization, development economics, and fiscal policy, then apply those ideas through case studies and group projects. You’ll complete a research-based poster that connects economic concepts to a specific policy issue. The schedule also includes site visits to policy-related organizations in Washington, DC, which adds context to what you study in class. Discussions often combine political and economic perspectives, so you’re expected to engage with both.
4. UCLA Economics Summer Institute
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA (commuter; no guaranteed housing)
Cost: ~$3,186 total estimated fees
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 22 – July 10
Application Deadline: June 12
Eligibility: Grades 9–12; minimum GPA 3.2; at least 15 years old
This three-week program focuses on how economists analyze real-world issues using data and policy frameworks. You attend faculty-led lectures, followed by workshops and discussions, where you apply concepts to topics such as taxation, trade, and price controls. You’ll work in small teams to develop case study presentations and regularly present your findings. The curriculum emphasizes interpreting empirical data and forming evidence-based arguments rather than memorizing theory. You also complete a UCLA course for credit, which includes assignments and attendance requirements.
5. Wharton Global Youth Program – Essentials of Entrepreneurship
Location: University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School), Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $8,299 (scholarships available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 7 – 19 | June 21 – July 3 | July 12 – 25 | July 26 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 18
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11
In this program, you learn how early-stage businesses are built, from identifying a problem to developing a workable solution. The curriculum includes lectures and workshops on topics like market research, product development, and basic financial planning. You’ll work in a team to develop a startup idea and present it as a final pitch. Most of your time is spent collaborating with peers and refining your idea in response to feedback. There are also sessions introducing different types of entrepreneurship, including social and tech ventures.
6. Penn Summer Prep Program
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: $5,949 + $100 application fee; students attending the School District of Philadelphia public or charter high school are eligible for fully-funded scholarships
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 5 – 19
Application Deadline: April
Eligibility: Grades 9–11; minimum GPA 3.5
This is a two-week academic program in which you take two non-credit courses across a range of subjects, including economics. You choose one morning and one afternoon class, both of which involve readings, discussions, and assignments similar to an introductory college course. You’ll manage coursework across two subjects at once, which gives you a sense of a college-style academic schedule. Outside class, there are structured activities and access to campus resources. The program is relatively fast-paced given its short duration.
7. UPenn Summer Academies – Economics Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: $9,949 (limited scholarships available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 11 – August 1
Application Deadline: February (rolling until full)
Eligibility: Grades 9–11
This three-week program concentrates on economic theory and its practical applications. Participants attend daily classes that explore topics such as market structures, scarcity, and government roles, often incorporating global examples. You will collaborate on a capstone project analyzing an economic issue and present your findings at the conclusion. The classes feature a combination of lectures, discussions, and guest speakers. Active participation in debates and policy analysis is expected.
8. Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $6,100 + $75 application fee (limited financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: About 15 students per class
Program Dates: Session I: June 21 – July 2 | Session II: July 5 – 17 | Session III: July 19 – 31
Application Deadline: April
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors aged 16–18
In this two-week program, you take one non-credit course in a subject like economics, business, or related fields. Classes are small and discussion-based, with regular assignments and active participation expected. Instead of grades, you receive a written evaluation that reflects your engagement and progress. Outside the classroom, the schedule includes organized activities, workshops, and on-campus events.
9. Harvard Secondary School Program
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (residential, commuting, and online options)
Cost/Stipend: $4,18 0– $15,735 + $75 application fee (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: 4-week: July 12 – August 8 | 7-week: June 20 – August 8
Application Deadline: April
Eligibility: Students graduating in the next two years; ages 16–18
This program allows you to take one or two college-level courses for credit alongside other high school and college students. You can choose from a wide range of subjects, including economics and related fields like finance or government. You’ll complete graded coursework and receive an official transcript upon completion. The longer format means you spend more time adjusting to the pace and expectations of college classes. Depending on your schedule, you may be balancing multiple assignments and deadlines at once.
10. Cornell Institute for CICER Summer High School Program in Business, Economics & Data Analytics
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost/Stipend: $5,700 (includes housing, meals, and program materials)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited cohort
Program Dates: July 13 – July 25
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students; international students welcome (English proficiency required)
In this program, you take two core courses and an elective in areas such as behavioral economics or business analytics, then apply the material through team competitions, a business simulation, and a final pitch presentation. The program moves between concept and application throughout, with group activities built into the structure rather than saved for the end. Faculty sessions on academic and career paths are also part of the schedule.
11. NYU Precollege – Economics Track
Location: New York University, New York, NY (in-person and online options)
Cost/Stipend: Tuition varies by course; additional fees may apply
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Course-based; class sizes vary
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts
Application Deadline: March (international) / June (U.S. and online)
Eligibility: High school students who meet NYU Precollege requirements
In this program, you enroll in actual NYU undergraduate courses, including options related to economics, business, and finance. Classes follow a college format with lectures, readings, and graded assignments. You’ll earn college credit upon successful completion of your course. Outside of academics, workshops cover topics such as study strategies and the college application process. You also have access to campus resources such as libraries and advising.
12. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA (remote and hybrid options available)
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee; $1,299 tuition, fee waivers available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Ages 15+ (remote); 16+ (in-person/hybrid)
ASSIP is an eight-week research internship where you work with a mentor on a project in your chosen field, including economics and related areas. The work typically involves data analysis, literature review, and the development of research output over the course of the program. You’ll present your work at a final symposium, often in a format similar to academic conferences. There are also group sessions on research methods and career pathways. The experience depends on your assigned mentor and project, so the structure can vary.
13. Wall Street Stock Market & Investment Experience
Location: New York City, NY (residential and commuter options available)
Cost: $3,899 (1 week) or $6,699 (2 weeks)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Up to 100 participants
Program Dates: One- or two-week sessions in July
Application Deadline: Rolling (until full)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
This program introduces you to how financial markets and investment strategies work in practice. You attend classroom sessions covering topics such as trading, asset management, venture capital, and financial statement analysis, and then apply these ideas through group projects and discussions. You’ll explore a range of finance areas in a short time, from traditional markets to newer topics like cryptocurrency. The schedule also includes career-focused sessions that explain how different roles in finance operate. Since the program is based in New York City, some activities are tied to the broader financial environment.
14. Global Finance
Location: Fordham University, Bronx, NY (in-person and virtual options)
Cost: $1,300 (includes $100 non-refundable deposit)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 6 – 10
Application Deadline: April
Eligibility: Open to all high school students; international students may attend virtually
This one-week program focuses on how global financial systems and markets operate across countries. You begin with an overview of globalization, then move on to topics such as foreign exchange markets, international investing, and trade dynamics. You’ll study how currency systems evolved and how global capital flows influence investment decisions. The course also covers tariffs, trade imbalances, and how different economies interact through financial systems. Classes are discussion-based, with an emphasis on understanding concepts rather than completing large projects. This is a short, focused option if you want an introduction to international finance without a long-term commitment.
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