12 Free Finance Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in finance as a career or want to learn more about managing your finances, you should consider enrolling in a structured program. These free programs give you a chance to dive into topics like investing, financial literacy, business strategy, and even economics, often free of cost. They are often organized by top universities, nonprofits, and leading organizations, making them not only free but also credible opportunities that add value to your academic and career path.
By participating, you gain exposure to practical skills, industry knowledge, and connections with professionals and peers who share your interests. For students who want to explore careers in finance, business, or related fields, these programs provide an early foundation that can set you apart. Whether you’re curious about managing money, analyzing markets, or understanding entrepreneurship, you’ll find options that blend activities with expert guidance.
To help you get started, we’ve rounded up 12 of the best free finance programs for high school students.
15 Free Finance Programs for High School Students
1. CLA High School Internship Program
Location: Multiple CLA locations across the U.S.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 17 – July 19
Application deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: High school students (16+) authorised to work in the U.S. without an employment visa
CLA’s High School Internship Program is designed to give you experience in professional services, accounting, and business through a paid, summer-long placement. In this internship, you’ll take part in activities such as case studies, job shadowing, and team-based projects that mirror client work. Depending on location, you may observe auditing practices, help with internal projects, or assist in preparing documentation that supports client services. You’ll also have the chance to attend meetings and connect with mentors who guide you through the day-to-day work of a professional services firm.
2. Veritas AI + Finance Deep Dive
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program (full financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program
If you are curious about how artificial intelligence is shaping the financial industry, the Veritas AI + Finance Deep Dive can help you explore that connection. Created by Harvard graduates, this program blends live instruction, coding practice, and applied projects that let you work directly with financial data. Over the course of the program, you’ll learn how to apply machine learning techniques to tasks like forecasting stock movements, running time-series analyses, and building financial models. The emphasis on projects means you’ll go beyond theory and practice coding solutions to real-world financial questions.
3. Headquarters Student Internship Program – U.S. Treasury
Location: Washington, D.C.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Spring (January – May), Summer (May – August), Fall (September – December)
Application deadline: Varies (apply in October for spring, December for summer, and June for fall internships)
Eligibility: High school students in the U.S. who are enrolled or accepted at an accredited institution
The U.S. Treasury Department’s Departmental Offices Student Internship Program gives you the opportunity to contribute to the work of a cabinet-level agency in Washington, D.C. This internship allows high school and college students to gain experience in areas connected to economics, public policy, and financial security. Depending on the office where you are placed, responsibilities can include researching policy issues, preparing briefing materials, drafting reports, and analysing financial data. You may also attend congressional hearings, official meetings, or conferences, gaining firsthand exposure to the policymaking process. Interns work directly with Treasury staff and may interact with other government agencies, providing a wide network of professional connections.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type (full financial aid available)
Dates: Multiple cohorts in spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in high school with a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4); no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. The program allows you to spend twelve weeks working one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor on a finance-focused research project. Conducted virtually, the program guides you through the full research process, from developing a question and reviewing existing studies to analysing data and writing a formal paper. You can choose specific areas of focus, such as corporate finance, accounting, or business strategy, tailoring the project to your interests. Regular mentorship sessions ensure you receive detailed feedback as you refine both your ideas and your writing. The end result is a research paper that demonstrates your ability to handle independent academic work, which can also serve as a strong addition to your portfolio for future applications.
5. Discover Yourself in Accounting Majors and Careers (DYNAMC)
Location: University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School of Business, Austin, TX
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 22-27
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
The DYNAMC program at the University of Texas at Austin gives you a closer look at what a degree in accounting can lead to and the different career opportunities it opens up. Over the course of the program, you’ll learn from faculty and guest speakers, work on case competitions, and get mentorship from current UT student leaders. The experience also includes networking with professionals in the field, as well as opportunities to build connections with other students interested in business. Living on campus during the program allows you to experience college life while also exploring Austin as part of the activities. With a mix of academic, social, and professional development, the program helps you understand whether accounting or related areas could be part of your future.
6. Accelerated Career Awareness Program (ACAP) – TCU Neeley School of Business
Location: TCU Neeley School of Business, Fort Worth
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 is a weeklong summer residency designed to introduce you to accounting, finance, and business through an interactive schedule. You’ll stay on the TCU campus while attending workshops on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, technology, and management, all taught by faculty and professionals from major firms. Guest speakers, including business leaders, share their career experiences and advice, giving you insight into different paths within finance and accounting. You’ll also work in groups on projects or case studies that highlight teamwork and problem-solving, and you’ll get the chance to visit accounting firms and companies to see careers in action. The program concludes with a recognition event for students and their families, marking the completion of a busy week.
7. Pamplin's Inspiring Possibilities (PIP) Academy
Location: Virginia Tech campus, Blacksburg
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: July
Application deadline: Applications typically open in Spring
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors having a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5/4.0 or its equivalent grading scale
The PIP Academy at Virginia Tech is a ten-day residential program that introduces you to multiple areas of business, including finance, accounting, marketing, management, and real estate. During your stay, you’ll attend classes taught by Pamplin College of Business faculty, meet alumni and corporate partners, and work closely with current Virginia Tech students who serve as mentors. The program includes a team-based project where you’ll apply what you learn and present your ideas, helping you practice communication and collaboration in a business setting. Professional development sessions cover topics like admissions, financial aid, study abroad, and wellness, giving you a broader perspective on preparing for college and careers. In addition to academics, you’ll experience life on the Virginia Tech campus through tours, student panels, and exposure to university resources.
8. J.P. Morgan’s Smart Start Program
Location: New York City, NY
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Application deadline: January
Dates: Four years through college
Eligibility: High-achieving graduating seniors in New York City who can balance their education with work
The Thomas G. Labrecque Smart Start Program, run by J.P. Morgan, combines a long-term internship with a four-year college scholarship, making it a unique option for graduating high school seniors. As part of the program, you work part-time during the school year and full-time in the summer, rotating through different departments to gain a broad understanding of the firm’s operations. Each year of the internship offers exposure to new areas of finance or corporate functions, giving you a comprehensive view of how a global financial institution operates. More than 300 alumni of the program have gone on to build careers at J.P. Morgan.
9. Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective, 12 students
Dates: June 22 - August 7
Application deadline: February 24
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 17 by the start date
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is a seven-week summer experience where you can conduct research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The program accepts high-achieving students from across the country and gives you the chance to explore a wide range of subjects, from finance and mathematics to the humanities and fine arts. Beyond research, you’ll participate in weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips, helping you connect your work to larger academic and career themes. Living on campus, you’ll experience a collegiate environment while collaborating with peers from around the world.
Disclaimer: The finance track was absent last summer, but has been there in previous years.
10. SFEPD Financial Literacy Camp For High School Students
Location: Remote
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate
Dates: July 21–25
Application deadline: No deadline mentioned
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen through seniors
The SFEPD Financial Literacy Camp is a free, one-week virtual program designed to build your understanding of money management while also strengthening leadership and communication skills. Throughout the week, you’ll participate in interactive workshops and group challenges that cover budgeting, saving, managing credit, and the basics of financial systems. Working with peers nationwide, you’ll also practice teamwork and problem-solving while competing in activities that test your financial knowledge. The camp includes opportunities to win prizes, and all participants receive a certificate of completion, a t-shirt, and a small gift card. Beyond the material rewards, the program emphasises personal finance skills that can help you prepare for future independence.
11. Wharton Global Youth Program: Financial Decision Making
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,099 (Full financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: Session 1: June 16 – June 27 | Session 2: July 7 – July 18
Application deadline: April 2 (Priority deadline), May 1 (Final deadline)
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9-12 with a demonstrated interest in economics and finance
Wharton’s Financial Decision Making program introduces you to the principles that shape personal and global financial choices. Across two weeks, you’ll take part in live lectures, smaller group recitations, and collaborative projects that draw on datasets. The curriculum covers topics such as saving, investing, borrowing, taxes, and the economic factors that influence financial decisions. Interaction with peers from around the world adds to the experience, giving you multiple perspectives on how financial knowledge applies in different settings. Students who complete all requirements earn a certificate of completion.
12. Brown Pre-College Mathematical Modeling of Finance: An Introduction to Quantitative Analysis
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $4,454. Full financial aid is available!
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 23 – July 8
Application deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12 and who are aged 14 to 18 by June 15 (must have a strong Algebra background)
Brown University’s Mathematical Modelling of Finance program is a four-week introduction to the mathematics that underpins financial systems. You’ll begin by working through concepts such as interest rates, compound growth, annuities, and loans, learning how these ideas are applied to everyday financial decisions. The second part of the course shifts to probability theory, focusing on sample spaces, probability distributions, expected value, and conditional probability, all in the context of financial risk. This curriculum allows you to see how mathematics and probability are used to measure uncertainty and make better decisions in finance. Along the way, you’ll develop skills in quantitative analysis and learn how to apply mathematical tools to solve problems involving loans, investments, and financial planning.
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