10 Economics Internships for High School Students

From the price of cars to student loans to rising and falling interest rates, economics influences every aspect of society. This is why familiarizing yourself with key economic theories and concepts is so important. Especially when you are young. By enrolling in economics courses in high school and participating in economics competitions for high school students, students will be able to engage in real-world challenges more successfully. 

Economics internships for high school students are not only a chance to learn about the economy but also an opportunity to build a strong foundation of analytical and problem-solving skills that will benefit you throughout your academic and professional life. By engaging with real-world issues and gaining hands-on experience, you will be better equipped for college, future careers, and making an impact in the world of economics.

Wondering what you can do with an economics degree? The best way to get a thorough understanding of exactly what you can do with an economics degree is to complete an economics internship for high school students.  

Why High School Students Should Take Economics

Enrolling in economics courses in high school helps students grasp important financial concepts, empowering them to make smart, informed choices about their personal finances and future careers. Studying economics also strengthens critical thinking and problem-solving skills, both of which are invaluable abilities, regardless of students’ specific interests and career goals. 

It’s also worth mentioning that having a solid foundation in economics can help set students apart in their college applications, as it highlights their eagerness to engage in real-world challenges. And of course, having economic classes on your transcripts is a great way to bolster your economic internship applications! 

Real-World Experience: A Key to Unlocking Future Success

Participating in an economics internship allows high school students to dive into the complexities of economic theory while gaining hands-on experience in real-world situations. Whether you're analyzing market trends, researching financial policies, or working on economic data analysis, these internships help develop critical skills that are applicable to numerous fields, including business, engineering, finance, and public policy.

Develop Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

Internships in economics foster the development of strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Students engage with data, identify trends, and use economic models to analyze complex issues, sharpening their ability to think critically and logically. These skills are transferable across STEM disciplines and business-related fields, where decision-making often depends on data analysis, forecasting, and strategic planning.

How to Choose the Right Economics Internship

There are lots of economic internships out there to choose from. So, how do you go about deciding which internship is best for you? First, you’ll want to identify your specific interests within economics. For example, are you most interested in finance, public policy, research, the stock market, or entrepreneurship? 

Take your time researching different economic topics to see what sparks your curiosity. Read news articles, listen to podcasts, and scroll through financial blogs. You may also want to reach out to companies about job shadowing opportunities so that you can get a better sense of where your economic interests truly lie. 

Then, after you’ve decided on the nature of the internship you are most interested in, you’ll want to consider the reputation and mission of the organization. After all, working for a company that aligns with your values can make your experience even more fulfilling!

10 Economics Internships for High School Students

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of studying economics, let’s take a look at 10 of the best economic internships for high school students:

1. Oxford Scholastica Academy Business Economics

At the Oxford Business Summer School, students engage in a two-week immersive course where they attend interactive lectures, participate in case studies, and collaborate on projects, gaining a comprehensive understanding of economic principles and their real-world applications in the process. Students also have the opportunity to experience entrepreneurship firsthand by creating, branding, and pitching their own app.

Location: Oxford, United Kingdom

Eligibility: 15-18 years old

Application Deadlines: Before June

Program Dates: June-August 2025

Cost: £995

2. US Treasury Economics Student Intern

The US Treasury offers high school and college students a chance to explore public service careers in economics and finance. US Treasury Student Interns gain hands-on experience by supporting various departments within the Treasury, working on projects that address economic policy, financial regulation, and budgetary analysis, all while benefiting from mentorship and professional development.

Location: Washington D.C.

Eligibility: US citizens enrolled or accepted at an accredited institution.

Application Deadlines: Deadlines in October (for Spring internship), December (for Summer internship), and June (for Fall internship).

Program Dates: Spring Internship (January-May), Summer Internship (May-August), Fall Internship (September-December).

Cost: Free. Unpaid.

3. KP Launch High School Program

The KP Launch High School Program offers students a seven-week paid internship ($24/hour) in various healthcare sectors, including positions in administration, business, accounting, sales and marketing, communications, and product development. Through professional development workshops, mentorship opportunities, and community service projects, interns are encouraged to develop a wide variety of transferable job skills. 

Location: Northern California Kaiser Permanente designated service areas.

Eligibility: Current high school students aged 16-19 with U.S. work eligibility and permanent residence in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente designated service area. Students should be available to commute to the site and work full-time.

Application Deadlines: Before June

Program Dates: June 16th - August 1st

Cost: Paid $24/hour

4. Chicago Summer Business Institute

The Chicago Business Institute Summer Internship Program offers high school students the chance to work in diverse business environments across Chicago, enabling them to explore various aspects of economics. Interns participate in hands-on projects, workshops, and networking events that foster personal and professional growth, all while gaining valuable insights into the workings of the business world.

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors residing in Chicago with a B or 3.0 average and family income below $80,000/year.

Application Deadlines: March 31st, 2025

Program Dates: June-August (6 weeks)

Cost: Stipend provided (amount not specified).

5. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

The Bank of America Student Leaders Program empowers high school students to become leaders in their communities. By completing a summer internship at a local nonprofit organization — such as Habitat for Humanity or the Boys and Girls Club — participants not only gain practical work experience in economics and finance, but they also develop leadership skills through workshops and networking opportunities.

Location: Multiple locations in the country + week-long residential Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors permanently residing in one of the eligible locations and legally authorized to work in the US. 

Application Deadlines: Keep checking the program page in the fall for application details.

Program Dates: 8 weeks in June-July. The summit will be held on July 22-27 in Washington, DC.

Cost: Stipend (hourly rate for 35 hours/week) and fully funded trip to the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC.

6. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) – Economics Track

Founded by Columbia University alums, the Horizon Academic Research Program offers high school students the unique opportunity to engage in academic research by working alongside top university professors. Through a combination of small classes, office hours, writing clinics, and individualized research guidance, students complete a 20-page capstone paper on a topic of their choosing. 

Location: Virtual

Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders!

Application Deadlines: May 18th (for June 16th start date) and June 22nd (for July 14th start date).

Program Dates: June 24th – September 2nd, 2025 (Summer Seminar)

Cost: $5,950 (financial aid available for students with household incomes below $75,000).

7. Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP)

Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program provides high school students in Washington, D.C., with paid summer internships in various fields, including economics. By working in government agencies and community organizations, interns not only gain practical experience but also have the chance to reinforce their commitment to public service and civic engagement.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Eligibility: Individuals aged 14-24 who can commute daily to the host company’s location

Application Deadlines: Applications usually close in March.

Program Dates: June-August

Cost: Free. Students are paid a stipend (amount not specified).

8. Young Entrepreneurs Program

The Young Entrepreneurs Program inspires high school students to develop their entrepreneurial skills by providing internships focused on business development and economic principles. Participants learn about launching and managing startups, gaining hands-on experience in finance, marketing, and operations, all while fostering their sense of creativity and innovation.

Location: Kansas City, MO, and Columbus, OH

Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who reside in Kansas City or Columbus

Application Deadlines: Applications typically close in February.

Program Dates: Session 1 (June 2nd – June 27th) and Session 2 (July 7th – August 1st). Students can attend either or both.

Cost: Students are paid $12 per hour and given a $1,250 scholarship per session.

9. Port of Seattle High School Internships

The Port of Seattle High School Internships offer high school students the chance to explore careers within the maritime and transportation industries. Interns participate in a variety of projects related to economics and logistics, gaining firsthand experience in how these sectors impact the local economy and environmental sustainability.

Location: Seattle, WA

Eligibility: High school students (including recent graduates) who are at least 16 years old and have U.S. work authorization.

Application Deadlines: Applications for the summer internship will open in May. The deadline is not mentioned.

Program Dates: June-August (length of internship varies).

Cost: Students are paid a stipend (amount not specified).

10. Miami-Dade County Mayor’s Internship Program

Miami-Dade County provides high school students with diverse internship opportunities across various departments, including economics and finance. Interns gain valuable exposure to public sector operations, contributing to projects that enhance community services while developing essential job skills.

Location: Miami, FL

Eligibility: High school, college, and graduate students. 

Application Deadlines: Applications for summer usually close in April/May. Make sure to check the website for the summer application in spring.

Program Dates: 14 weeks in summer

Cost: Free. Both paid and unpaid opportunities are available.

Stand Out in College Applications with Economics Internships

In today’s competitive college application process, internships can significantly enhance a student’s profile. Having hands-on experience in economics not only demonstrates intellectual curiosity but also shows a commitment to engaging with real-world issues. Whether you want to pursue a career in business, economics, public policy, or even technology, completing an internship in high school can set you apart from other applicants.

Strengthen Your Application for Top-Tier Schools

Top-tier colleges and universities look for students who go beyond the classroom to develop their intellectual passions and leadership potential. Completing an economics internship proves to admissions officers that you're proactive, motivated, and capable of handling the demands of rigorous academic environments. These experiences show that you’ve already started to apply classroom learning to tangible challenges, which is a key differentiator in the competitive college admissions process.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Economics Internship

In order to get the most out of your economics internship, you’ll need to have a proactive mindset. Engage actively with your assigned tasks and ask questions whenever you’re curious or uncertain. Not only will this showcase your commitment, but it will often lead to greater knowledge and deeper insights. You’ll also want to periodically seek feedback from your supervisors so that you can better understand your strengths and weaknesses. 

Next, reflect on your experiences by keeping a journal. Not only is this a great way to keep track of your accomplishments, but it will also give you the opportunity to synthesize what you’ve learned and reflect on how what you’ve learned can be applied to the future.  

Lastly, be sure to network with your supervisors and other interns! Be friendly, introduce yourself, and build rapport with the people around you. After all, networking can lead to valuable mentorship opportunities and even future job prospects. 

Conclusion

As previously mentioned, there are lots of economic internships for high school students to choose from. However, given the competitive nature of economics internships, you’ll want to apply to a handful of programs — just in case! Then you’ll be able to narrow down your options from there. In short, explore multiple economics internships and choose one that fits your interests and learning style best. 

In addition to the programs detailed in this article, you’ll also want to explore the various research programs Polygence has to offer, including our small virtual classes, Polygence Pods, and our one-on-one research mentorships. For more information about our programs, peruse our list of research program mentors, as well as past economics passion projects completed by Polygence alums. 

And remember, studying economics in high school is a worthwhile endeavour! One that will help you grow personally and professionally. So invest in your future today by signing up for economics courses and applying for economics internships.