If you are a high school student interested in economics, applying to research programs is one of the best ways to hone your skills, get mentorship, and create a portfolio for college. These programs vary in structure but typically are immersive experiences that range from individual research with professors to seminars that focus on global economic problems as group-based research projects. Programs of this nature help students become critical thinkers, prepare for selective university acceptance, and contribute to a publishable manuscript. Here are nine excellent economics-focused research opportunities, sourced for intrapreneurial high schoolers.
1. RISE Research
RISE Research provides high school students exclusive one-on-one mentoring, helping them to create research projects that lead to esteemed publications. RISE helps students succeed academically and stand out on college applications by matching them with mentors from prestigious international universities like Harvard, Columbia, and Cambridge. RISE alumni have gained unique talents by pursuing a variety of fields, including psychology, economics, sustainability, and artificial intelligence.
Location: Online
Program Dates: Flexible, year-round enrollment with customized timelines based on student needs.
Cost: $2,000 (publication included)
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students (grades 8–12) from any country.
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Scholarships: Merit-based
2. Pioneer Academics
For its high quality, and world-class research mentors, Pioneer Academics offers one-on-one high-quality research experiences in economics and other fields. Along with developing original research papers with actual university professors, they stress academic honesty, respect for research ethics, and the research or academic process, which might lead to a paper for potential publication, and signifies a college experience. Pioneer Academics is global with research mentors from the best schools, institutions, and universities, combined with major support systems to help students.
Location: Online
Program Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts
Cost: $6,580
Eligibility: High school students worldwide with strong academic records
Deadline: Varies by cohort (early deadlines are encouraged)
Scholarships: Need-based available
3. Economics for Leaders – FTE
Economics for Leaders from the Foundation for Teaching Economics provides students with an interactive experience combining economics and leadership. Students will learn from economists and leadership facilitators through simulations and discussions how to apply economic thinking to real-world events. The program will be hosted at leading universities in the United States.
Location: Multiple U.S. campuses
Program Dates: June to August (one-week sessions)
Cost: ~$2,000 (varies by location)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
Deadline: March annually
Scholarships: Yes (need-based)
4. National Economics Challenge (NEC) – Council for Economic Education
CEE's National Economics Challenge (NEC) challenges high school students to actively use their knowledge of economic concepts in a competitive and research-based format. While there is a competitive aspect, through regional and national rounds, students are actively engaged in applied economics problem solving and research preparation. The program builds analytic thinking, communication, and collaboration skills which are important for any aspiring economists.
Location: Regional + National rounds (in-person and virtual formats)
Program Dates: Spring (state & national rounds typically from March to May)
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students in the U.S. (grades 9–12)
Deadline: February–March (varies by state)
Scholarships: Prizes and recognition at national level
5. Yale Young Global Scholars – Politics, Law & Economics Track
YYGS is also an interdisciplinary experience that takes place at Yale University. If you are interested in economics, you will particularly enjoy the Politics, Law & Economics track at YYGS. Through examining global markets, economic justice, and governing structures, you will engage in capstone projects that will allow you to work collaboratively with students from all over the world. Students develop analytical skills in economics, but most importantly they grow to be more aware and engaged global citizens.
Location: Yale University (In-person & Online)
Program Dates: June–August (2-week sessions)
Cost: $6,500 (residential); $3,500 (online)
Eligibility: Students aged 16–18
Deadline: January annually
Scholarships: Generous need-based
6. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes – Economics Track
Stanford’s Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes give high school students the opportunity for a unique two-week experience in economics including Behavioral Economics and Economic Policy, a two-week course on the topic of economics. Students work together in college-level seminars and apply new ideas in collaborative assignments, and discuss these activities with their instructors to further enhance their critical thinking and analytical skills. Students also engaged in academic enrichment activities, as well as college navigation support, to help them obtain as much information as possible to inform their studies in economics, business, or public policy/driving change in their communities.
Location: Online
Program Dates: June to August
Cost: $3,250
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–11
Deadline: March annually
Scholarships: Limited financial aid
7. Clark Scholars Program – Texas Tech University
The Clark Scholars Program is a globally recognized and fully funded summer research opportunity for talented high school seniors. Students research one-on-one with Texas Tech faculty in varying disciplines such as economics or social sciences though many students conduct research in STEM fields. In addition to research, the program includes academic seminars and leadership-building experiences, as well as final presentations of their research. Students will be exposed to university-level research processes and both faculty and peer mentoring, allowing students to be inspired intellectually and think more critically, as well as prepare for battling it out for college space and scholarships as college students.
Location: Texas Tech University
Program Dates: 7 weeks (June–August)
Cost: Free (plus stipend)
Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors (exceptional academic record)
Deadline: February annually
Scholarships: Fully funded
8. Research Science Institute (RSI) – MIT
RSI at MIT is the world's leading opportunity for senior high school students to engage in serious research over the summer. Offered by the Center for Excellence in Education, the program promotes intensive research, independent research mentored by affiliated MIT faculty, and on-campus coursework. Although RSI is based in STEM, students can also engage in social science projects in the areas of behavioral economics, market dynamics, and decision science. Participants in the program complete a research paper and give a symposium at the end of their program, providing students with unique exposure to elite academic research environments.
Location: MIT Campus (Cambridge, MA)
Program Dates: June–August (5 weeks)
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors globally
Deadline: January annually
Scholarships: Fully funded
9. London School of Economics – High School Summer School
The LSE High School Summer School provides academically motivated/high-achieving students the opportunity to study economics, politics, and finance at one of the leading social science universities in the world. LSE has faculty that teach the courses and the course will be very focused on meaningful real-world applications such as inflation, inequality, globalization and economic development, to name a few. The Summer School includes lectures, group discussions, and project work all while experiencing what it's like to live in London. It offers students a global academic perspective and sets them up to pursue international applications to universities in the programme.
Location: London, UK
Program Dates: July–August (1–3 week sessions)
Cost: £2,100–£6,300 depending on session length
Eligibility: Ages 15–18
Deadline: Rolling
Scholarships: Limited
Selecting the right economics research program is an important milestone in a high school student’s academic career. These research programs help you explore a new interest, gain deeper understanding, and work towards the realities of university life. Having the opportunity to attach yourself to reputable mentors and conduct hands-on research means you are not just learning about economics, but you are starting to add to it as well. Whether your goal is college admissions, intellectual growth, or an academic publication, there is a program in this list directed towards your aspirations.
FAQs
Q. Am I required to have a comprehensive understanding of advanced math or economics, if I want to apply?
A. You do not have to! Most programs are focused on teaching from the roots, and that expresses the need for academic curiosity and motivation on behalf of the student.
Q. Can I be an international student and apply to one of these programs?
A. In fact, yes! Most programming, like RSI, Pioneer, and YYGS, has international students in sourcing their candidates.
Q. Are there free or fully funded options?
A. Yes, there are fully funded - RSI, Clark Scholars, and others, and some of them have need-based grants as well.
Q. Is it possible to receive a publication, specifically from taking these programs?
A. Many programs like Pioneer and RISE offer the support of publication, or guidance in publishing.
If you’re a student hoping to build a college profile that truly reflects who you are and what you care about, take a look at RISE Research. RISE Research connects you with mentors from leading universities, guides you through independent research, and helps you publish your work.
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