15 Finance Programs for High School Students in California

If you are a high school student interested in finance, a structured program is an excellent way to gain early exposure. Hosted by top institutions, these programs help you build financial skills such as budgeting, investing, and financial analysis, as well as critical thinking and communication skills. Many of these programs offer you lectures, case studies, simulations, or mentorship from industry professionals. You often gain access to site visits and networking opportunities, giving you a head start in building valuable connections. 

California offers numerous finance-focused opportunities through its dedicated pre-college programs at top universities such as UC Berkeley and UCLA, and diverse business communities located in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Orange County. These programs are ideal for California residents looking to engage locally as they help save travel and housing costs, as well as out-of-state students seeking exposure to West Coast institutions and industries like tech, venture capital, and startups. Whether you are curious about Wall Street or Silicon Valley, these programs offer a solid foundation. 

To help you make an informed choice, we’ve narrowed down a curated list of 15 top finance programs for high schoolers in California.

1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Location: Various locations throughout the U.S., including California; the Student Leaders Summit takes place in Washington, D.C.

Cost/Stipend: None / Stipend paid, amount not specified

Dates: 8 weeks from June to 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 authorized to work in the U.S. and permanent residents of one of the eligible locations 

The Bank of America Student Leaders Program offers an eight-week summer experience where you work with a local nonprofit organization. During the internship, you’ll support the organization’s daily activities and learn how nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies contribute to addressing community needs. Your role will involve assisting with various tasks, observing how decisions are made, and asking questions to better understand how these organizations operate. At the end of the program, you’ll attend a week-long summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll meet other student participants, take part in group discussions, and explore topics related to leadership and public service.

2. Veritas AI — Deep Dive: AI + Finance

Location: Virtual

Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available

Dates: Multiple cohorts available throughout the year; Winter cohort dates: December 14 –  February 15

Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort; you can apply here

Eligibility: High school students who have a background in Python or have completed the AI Scholars program

The Veritas AI Deep Dive: AI + Finance is a 10-week program where you explore how artificial intelligence is applied in finance. With support from instructors who have experience in AI, you’ll participate in lectures, coding exercises, and a project that focuses on using AI tools to address financial questions. Topics you might work on include predicting stock price movements, detecting irregularities that could signal fraud, and analyzing financial data for patterns. The program covers predictive modeling techniques commonly used in fields such as banking, investing, and risk assessment. Please find the program brochure here.

3. JA NorCal Financial Literacy Course

Location: Junior Achievement of Northern California, various sites, CA, or remote, or hybrid formats

Cost: California school/institution partnership (free for students)

Dates: Semester-long course aligned with school calendars flexible scheduling available depending on school

Application Deadline: Varies as schools or districts interested in participating coordinate with JA NorCal for scheduling

Eligibility: All high school students at partner schools

This teacher-led course is part of the JA High School Experience and provides semester-long, structured education around personal finance. You learn critical skills in banking, budgeting, saving, credit, investments, insurance, and risk management. The course is A-G approved for UC admissions, aligning with California and national educational standards. Lessons combine teacher delivery, volunteer presenters, and online activities such as simulations and games. After finishing the course, you demonstrate your understanding through cumulative projects and business case studies aimed at preparing you for successful financial decision-making. The curriculum is delivered in flexible formats: classroom-based, remote, or hybrid. 

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program — Finance Track

Location: Virtual

Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid is available

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; upcoming cohort is Winter starting December 8 

Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Winter Cohort: November 16

Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program allows you to study a finance-related topic through independent research, guided by a PhD mentor. You’ll select a finance-related subject area, develop research questions, and write a research paper with ongoing input from your mentor. The program emphasizes real-world applications such as macroeconomics, securities valuation, trading strategies, and financial technology. As part of the program, you’ll present your findings at the Lumiere Research Symposium, gaining experience in communicating your work. The program also includes virtual sessions with finance professionals and opportunities to connect with other students. You may also be eligible to earn a UCSD credit.

5. UCLA Introduction to Investments Summer Institute

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Cost: Estimated tuition fee: $2,985 (commuter) or $2,170 (virtual); need-based financial aid is available for California-based students.

Dates: June 23  –   July 11 (commuter or virtual)

Application Deadline: June 13

Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12

The UCLA Introduction to Investments Summer Institute is a three-week program that introduces you to the basics of investing and financial decision-making. The curriculum covers foundational topics such as personal finance, banking, and core investment concepts. You’ll take part in lectures on economics and finance, join small group discussions, and work through case studies to apply what you’ve learned. The program is structured to help you understand how financial systems operate and how individuals make investment choices. Upon completion, you will receive college credit from UCLA and a financial literacy foundation to make better money, banking, and personal investment decisions.

6. Investments, Financial Planning and You (IFPY)

Location: Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine, CA

Cost: $1,395

Dates: July 8 – 12; July 15 – 19 (tentative)

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full

Eligibility: Incoming high school freshmen to recently graduated seniors

The IFPY program is a one-week summer commuter course designed to help you build knowledge in finance and investing. It features sessions led by university instructors and industry professionals, complemented by group projects, case studies, and online simulations. Throughout the week, you’ll explore topics such as personal finance, various investment options, retirement planning, and real estate. For your final project, you’ll develop a personal wealth management plan, allowing you to apply the concepts covered in the program. This structure is carefully designed to provide a practical understanding of financial planning and investment strategies.

7. Economics for Leaders (EFL)

Location: Various University campuses throughout the US including Berkley CA, and Online

Cost: $900 (Virtual), $2,000 – $2,600 (Residential, varies by campus) + $35 processing fee; scholarship funding is available

Dates: June 23 –  29; June 30 –  July 6 (for Berkeley location; tentative, based on previous years)

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors; students entering junior or senior year; first-time participants only

The Economics for Leaders (EFL) program is a selective summer course that introduces you to fundamental economic concepts and how they relate to decision-making and public policy. The curriculum includes lessons on economic reasoning, leadership approaches, and their practical applications. You’ll participate in a mix of lectures and group activities designed to help you think critically about real-world issues. The program emphasizes both individual and collaborative learning. If you meet the program requirements, you may be eligible to earn college credit through a partner university.

8. Cal State Fullerton — Financial Planning Academy

Location: Cal State Fullerton, Fullerton, CA

Cost: $150 per camper; financial aid is available

Dates: July 14 –  18 (tentative, based on previous years)

Application Deadline: Typically June

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

The Cal State Fullerton Financial Planning Academy is a specialized summer program designed for high school students interested in exploring careers in financial planning, leadership, communication, and basic entrepreneurship. The program covers topics such as budgeting, investing, retirement planning, insurance, and college funding, providing an overview of personal financial management. You participate in case studies, contests, and skill-building activities. The program features a focus on real-world application and career readiness, including interaction with Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professionals. Student mentors from the business schools also provide guidance throughout the program. 

9. University of the Pacific Pre-college Summer Program

Location: University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA

Cost: $3,650; $500 discount and financial aid are available

Dates: June 2  –  12; June 17  –  27 (tentative, based on previous years)

Application Deadline: Typically May

Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12

This two-week in-person program combines coursework in finance and business with the experience of living on a college campus. You will study topics such as budgeting, investment strategies, and basic economic principles through structured classes. The program also features sessions by guest speakers, case examples, and hands-on projects designed to reinforce key concepts. The curriculum is intended to help you build a working understanding of financial topics that can support future academic or career decisions. The program is open to both residential and commuter participants, providing flexibility based on your location and needs.

10. Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY)

Location: University of California- Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

Cost: California Resident : $6,292; Out of State Resident : $7,332 (Application fee: $80) Limited needs-based scholarships are available

Dates: Typically run for two weeks in July

Application Deadline: Typically March 1

Eligibility: All high school students

This program brings together high school students from various backgrounds to study core areas of business, including entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and strategy. Instruction is led by Berkeley-Haas faculty and includes a mix of lectures, team-based projects, and independent work. Throughout the program, you will collaborate with peers to develop a business plan, which you will present to a panel at the end of the course. The program also offers sessions focused on college preparation, including guidance on writing college application essays and personal statements. Participants have opportunities to speak with Berkeley undergraduates and admissions representatives.

11. Finance: Investing & Market Insights course | Dartmouth Precollege Online Program

Location: Virtual

Cost: $1,895 per course; need-based scholarships are available

Dates: Multiple sessions offered throughout the year with flexible scheduling; next available start date is November 9

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Eligibility: Students ages 13 and older

This program introduces key financial topics such as company valuation, investment analysis, financial statement review, and market research. You will learn methods like discounted cash flow (DCF) to assess investment opportunities and examine the roles of financial institutions, including banks, investors, and regulators. The course combines video instruction, interactive simulations, and a final project where you will take on the role of a private equity analyst to develop and present an investment proposal. Finance professionals provide guidance throughout the program. The course is asynchronous, allowing you to work at your own pace, and you will receive a Certificate of Completion from Dartmouth after meeting all requirements.

12. Stanford Pre‑Collegiate Summer Institutes — Introduction to Finance and Banking

Location: Stanford University (online/live format)

Cost: $3,080 + $100 materials cost; financial aid is available

Dates: June 16  –  27 (tentative, based on previous years)

Application Deadline: March 20 (tentative, based on previous years)

Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 at time of application 

This is a two‑week live/online hybrid program where you explore how financial markets, banks, and investment decisions work. The curriculum covers investing, interest rates, risk, banking functions, and financial system roles. Activities include readings, group work, and projects. As this course is available online (plus synchronous sessions), it is accessible from anywhere. It’s a good option for students wanting exposure to finance without relocating. The program emphasizes critical thinking by training you to evaluate real-world financial decisions effectively. By the end of the course, you will have developed stronger financial awareness and analytical skills. 

13. Wharton Global Youth Program — Online

Location: Virtual

Cost: $329 – $4,799, depending on the course selected + $100 non-refundable application fee; cost of each online course can be found here; scholarships are available

Dates: 1–4 weeks typically between June and July depending on the course selected

Application Deadline: May 1 (tentative, based on previous years)

Eligibility: All high school students

Wharton Global Youth offers a series of online courses for high school students that cover key business topics through instruction from Wharton faculty. In the “Financial Decision Making” course, you study basic principles of economics and finance. “Future of the Business World” focuses on current challenges in the business landscape using group projects and simulations. “The Sports Business Academy” looks at the commercial and legal aspects of the sports industry, while “Understanding Your Money” introduces core ideas in personal finance and investing. These programs are held virtually and bring together students from a range of backgrounds to examine business-related subjects in a structured academic format.

14. Babson Summer Study

Location: Virtual

Cost: $6,295 + $95 application fee; full and partial need-based scholarships are available

Dates: July 7 –  28 (tentative, based on previous years)

Application Deadline: March 14 (tentative, based on previous years)

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors scheduled to graduate in the next two years | At least 16 by the start date of the program

Babson Summer Study is a three-week virtual program where you explore entrepreneurship through topics such as finance, leadership, marketing, and business communication. The curriculum is organized around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, encouraging you to analyze global challenges and consider practical responses. You attend scheduled live sessions, complete independent assignments, and engage with faculty, alumni, and peers from different regions. The program emphasizes the development of analytical and communication skills in a business context. Students who finish all requirements earn four college credits from Babson College.

15. Georgetown Pre College Online Program in Investing

Location: Online

Cost: $1,895 (Enrichment course); $3,995 (College credit course); need-based scholarships are available

Dates: 1, 2, and 4-week sessions available year round

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Eligibility: Students aged 13 and up

The Georgetown Pre-College Online Program in Investing introduces you to the fundamentals of how investments work and how financial decisions are made. You’ll examine topics like fintech, cryptocurrencies, and what happens after purchasing a stock. The course also explores how companies are evaluated and how that influences stock prices. As part of the program, you’ll develop a personal investment plan based on your financial goals. If you’re considering a future in personal finance or investment management, this course offers a practical starting point. Classes are self-paced video lessons with mentor support, and you can choose 2- to 4-week course lengths and study on your schedule.

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