If you’re a high school student interested in economics, the subject can feel both exciting and abstract. You might enjoy analysing graphs in class, following business news, or debating economic policy with friends, but still wonder what studying economics really looks like beyond textbooks. Economics summer programs in Massachusetts for high school students offer a structured way to explore the subject more deeply, set within one of the most vibrant academic landscapes in the country.

Imagine spending your summer on a university campus in Boston or Cambridge, walking through historic academic quads between sessions, and collaborating with motivated peers from around the country. Picture attending lectures on macroeconomic trends, participating in data analysis workshops, or debating the economic impacts of public policy with professors. These experiences create an immersive environment where learning turns into inquiry, discussion, and real intellectual growth.

How do you choose the right economics summer programs in Massachusetts for high school students?

We know some programs can feel superficial, too introductory, or lacking meaningful academic challenge. That’s why thoughtful research matters: not all summer opportunities offer the same depth, structure, or mentorship that will truly help you grow.

Across Massachusetts, universities and educational institutions offer economics-focused summer programs that are academically rigorous and practically rooted. You might explore microeconomics and macroeconomics in laboratory-style seminars, analyze real datasets, build economic models, or engage in policy debates that mirror university-level expectations. Programs range from accessible introductions for beginners to advanced experiences designed for students ready to push their boundaries.

You’ll learn from experienced instructors, take part in discussions, simulations, and collaborative projects, and connect with motivated peers who share your curiosity. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your analytical reasoning, improve your quantitative skills, and gain a clearer sense of what studying economics at the next level truly feels like.

You can have a look at pre-college programs in Massachusetts, including economics pre-college programs. 

You’ll be challenged to engage actively and think critically. To make your search easier, we’ve curated a list of 15 Economics Summer Programs in Massachusetts for High School Students.

15 Economics Summer Programs in Massachusetts for High School Students

1. Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program

Location: Harvard campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $6,100 + $75 application fee
Dates: Session 1: June 21 – July 2; Session 2: July 5 – 17; Session 3: July 19 – 31
Application Deadline: Early: January 7; Late: April 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; minimum age: 16 years old and will not turn 19 years old before July 31; international students welcome

Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program offers a two-week intensive experience and is one of the most established economics summer programs in Massachusetts for high school students seeking early exposure to university-level learning. You’ll have the opportunity to live on campus, choose a subject of interest, and expand your knowledge through college-level classes.

Among the 30 available course options, there is a Business and Leadership course where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about a range of subjects, including economics, digital media, government, management, and speech. You’ll also participate in co-curricular activities, explore your academic interests, and have fun interactions with your peers. The program offers non-credit classes conducted in small sizes, and allows you to experience a well-balanced college life.

Why it stands out: You’ll learn in small, interactive classes and explore business and leadership through real college-level coursework.

2. Immerse Education’s Boston Economics Summer School

Location: Miller Hall, Suffolk University, Boston, MA
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; multiple dates throughout the year
Program Dates: Flexible; multiple cohorts in a year.
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18; international students welcome 

Immerse’s Economics Summer Program in Boston is one of the more academically focused economics summer programs in Massachusetts for high school students, allowing you to explore economic forces and global markets in depth. You’ll study microeconomics, macroeconomics, development, fiscal policy, and behavioural economics through case studies, academic discussion, and data analysis. You’ll participate in in-depth academic sessions and also work on a personal research project through one-on-one guidance from tutors.

You’ll have the opportunity to understand economics at the university level, learn the application of economics theory to solve real-world issues, and develop skills to interpret complex information. If you’re a high school student interested in pursuing a career in economics, business, or politics and want to sharpen your communication, evaluation, and logical skills, then this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore real-world economics through case studies and data analysis while working one-on-one with expert tutors.

3. Tufts University Pre-College Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp

Location: Tufts University Medford/ Somerville Campus, MA
Cost: Commuter: $4,225; Residential: $5,750
Dates: July 5 – 17
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10-12; international students welcome

Tufts University Pre-College Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp offers a two-week immersive, hands-on experience to high school students. You’ll work on real-world challenges, learn to build a business case, and find differentiating solutions. You’ll participate in the design, building, and launch of a startup, non-profit organisation, or small business. The program will offer you an experiential learning opportunity and help you develop an entrepreneurial mindset.

You’ll work on developing a go-to-market strategy, and also have the opportunity to pitch an original idea to stakeholders, including advisors, potential investors, and potential employers. If you’re interested in learning Economics and business strategies through real-world challenges, then this program could be a good option to consider. 

Why it stands out: You’ll build and pitch a real startup idea while solving real-world business challenges in a hands-on, immersive setting.

4. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Location: Multiple U.S. locations + week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Free; Hourly stipend is paid
Dates: 8 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: January 15 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors having permanent work Authorization; must be residents of one of the eligible cities

The Bank of America Student Leaders Program offers leadership training and work-experience to high school students. You’ll participate in paid internships with local non-profits and work on real-world challenges. You’ll gain first-hand experience in serving communities, witness how local needs are met through the collaboration among businesses, governments, and non-profits like Habitat for Humanity and Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

The program concludes with a National Student Leader Summit conducted in Washington, D.C. You’ll have the opportunity to make an impactful change through the skills developed during the program. If you’re interested in a paid learning opportunity in the field of banking and economics, then this program could be a good fit for you.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain paid, hands-on leadership experience by working with non-profits and solving real community challenges.

5. Harvard Student Agencies Business Academy

Location: Harvard University Campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $1,800; need-based financial aid available
Dates: Multiple one-week sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Grade 9-12 high school students; international students welcome 

Harvard Student Agencies Business Academy offers two immersive business programs focusing on entrepreneurship, management, and strategy. Through the  Entrepreneurship academy program, you’ll learn the basics of launching a business, understand financial literacy, and develop analytical thinking through hands-on experiences. You’ll develop an innovative startup idea, learn to conduct a SWOT analysis, and analyze a business school case study.

Through the Management and Strategy Academy program, you’ll learn to solve corporate challenges, act as a consultant, and learn to analyse business data. You’ll study income statements, balance sheets, and develop an understanding of pricing strategies and mergers and acquisitions. If you’re interested in learning how to manage and scale a business through hands-on activities, this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll learn how to build, manage, and scale a business through hands-on projects and real business case studies.

6. Economics for Leaders (EFL) – Foundation for Teaching Economics

Location: Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA
Cost: $2,800
Dates: July 13 – 19
Application Deadline: April 30 (tentative)
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores and juniors; international students welcome

Economics for Leaders (EFL) offers a selective, residential summer experience in economics and decision-making. You’ll develop leadership skills, learn the application of economics analysis in public policy decisions, and gain knowledge from skilled economics instructors. You’ll explore a range of national and international topics, including opportunity costs, markets in action, laboratory markets, property rights, government, money and inflation, international markets, and more.

You’ll participate in simulations, understand the role of economic theories in real situations, work on challenging social issues, and develop critical thinking skills. The program introduces you to economics concepts, reasoning, and leadership theory and prepares you to become a part of the next generation of leaders.

Why it stands out: You’ll learn how to use economic thinking to make real policy and leadership decisions through simulations and hands-on discussions.

7. Harvard Secondary School Program – Study Economics, Finance, and Public Policy

Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA; Available options: residential, commuter, or online)
Cost: Varies by program type. More information here
Dates: June 20 – August 8
Application Deadline: Varies. More information here
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; international students welcome 

Harvard Secondary School Program- Study Economics, Finance, and Public Policy offers you an insight into economic principles and financial well-being.  You’ll gain knowledge about business and finance and develop skills in critical thinking and strategic planning. You’ll have the opportunity to choose two courses from the options available to you, including economic principles, accounting and investing, and applications, data analysis, and public policy.

Through different courses, you’ll explore a range of topics including financial accounting, neuroscience and economics decision making, public finance, strategy, conflict and cooperation, and many more. If you’re a high school student interested in learning in-depth about finance along with earning transferable college credits, this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll study economics and finance in depth while earning transferable college credits through flexible course choices.

8. Bentley University’s Wall Street 101

Location: Bentley University, Waltham, MA; commuter, residential, and online options available
Cost: Commuter: $2,450; Residential: $3,380; Online: $1,490
Dates: Multiple weekly sessions from June to July
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; international students welcome 

Bentley University’s Wall Street 101 offers an experiential learning opportunity to high school students. You’ll attend small classes led by Bentley faculty, participate in interactive simulations and policy debates, and attend presentations by Wall Street professionals. You’ll learn about financial analysis, the investment process, trading, risk management, and understand the connection between capital markets and macroeconomics.

The program will allow you to develop leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills, along with attending college-level lectures. The course sections include personal finance, FinTech startups, stock market and investment research, global finance and trade. You’ll also gain hands-on experience using industry-standard databases and understand the impact of financial technology on the industry.

Why it stands out: You’ll get a hands-on introduction to Wall Street through simulations, expert sessions, and real financial tools.

9. Finance Essentials

Location: Tufts University, Medford / Somerville Campus, MA
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $3,550; Commuter: $2,750
Dates: Commuter: June 22 – 26; Residential and Commuter: July 19 –  24
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11-12; international students welcome 

Tufts University College of Finance Essentials Program allows you to explore the dynamic world of finance. You’ll learn the role of financial instruments and institutions in the global economy. You’ll participate in hands-on sessions and develop valuable skills in markets and financial tools. You’ll interact with practitioners and learn the interconnections and functions of stock exchanges, investment firms, banks, and government institutions.

You’ll participate in lectures, group exercises, micro-assignments, and develop a range of skills, including risk evaluation, money management, institutional operations, and investments. Along with gaining valuable knowledge, you’ll also get to explore professional career paths suitable for you. If you’re a high school student interested in exploring the field of sustainable finance, then this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore how global finance works through hands-on learning, real market tools, and guidance from industry practitioners.

10. Marketing Essentials

Location: Tufts University, Medford / Somerville Campus, MA
Cost: Residential: $5,750; Commuter: $4,225
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: July 19 – 31
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11-12; international students welcome

Tufts University’s Marketing Essentials Program offers a two-week immersive experience to high school students. You’ll gain knowledge about marketing concepts, learn strategies to solve real-world challenges,  and develop skills to improve your professional versatility. You’ll analyze customer needs, test ideas, evaluate the methods of marketing from traditional to digital, and gain access to marketing and entrepreneurship resources through collaboration with mentors and students from Tufts.

You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of some of the most important marketing concepts, theories, and principles. If you’re interested in learning the essentials of marketing through hands-on projects and interactive workshops, then this program could be a good option.

Why it stands out: You’ll learn core marketing skills by solving real-world problems through hands-on projects and interactive workshops.

11. Babson Summer Study

Location: Online or in-person at New England Innovation Academy, Marlborough, MA
Cost: Online Format: $6,295; In-Person Format (Day Student): $9,295; In-Person Format (Residential Student): $12,995
Dates: July 8 – 28
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors; minimum age: 16 years; international students welcome

Babson Summer Study offers a three-week experiential experience that allows you to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. You’ll develop problem-solving and teamwork skills, gain confidence, and address real-world challenges. You’ll have the opportunity to explore a range of concepts, including finance, communication, leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, business, and more.

You’ll interact with entrepreneurs, leaders, land earn from faculty at Babson, and earn four college credits. If you’re a high school student interested in practical skills to solve real-world business challenges, then this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll build an entrepreneurial mindset by working on real-world business challenges while earning college credits at Babson.

12. Today’s Interns, Tomorrow’s Professionals (TIP) Internship Program

Location: Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free; a stipend is paid
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Apply through the Boston Private Industry Council
Eligibility: High school students studying in Boston Public Schools; Must have completed sophomore year

Today’s Interns, Tomorrow’s Professionals (TIP) Internship Program offers a summer work experience to high school students. You’ll participate in skill-building workshops, develop interpersonal skills like complex problem solving and conflict resolution, and prepare for professional employment opportunities.

You’ll gain meaningful experience in finance, banking, and economics. If you perform well during the summer program, you’ll become eligible for the year-round program and receive support for three transitional years from junior year of high school through first year of post-secondary education. 

Why it stands out: You’ll gain real finance and banking experience while building workplace skills and long-term career support.

13. Northeastern University — Experiential Entrepreneurship (Accelerate Pre-College)

Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Cost: $7,095; Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: July 12 – 24
Application Deadline: Priority: January 15; Regular: February 27; Late: March 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; international students welcome 

Northeastern University Experiential Entrepreneurship (Accelerated Pre-College) offers a summer experience for future entrepreneurs. The program will allow you to work in teams and build a startup from an idea to a final pitch. You’ll receive guidance from industry professionals in a range of topics, including business planning, pitch presentations, product development, negotiation, and more.

You’ll have the opportunity to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, interpersonal skills, explore creativity and innovation, and engage in team development and systems thinking. If you’re a high school student interested in learning directly from student entrepreneurs and forming meaningful connections, then this program could be a good option to consider. 

Why it stands out: You’ll build a startup from idea to pitch while learning directly from entrepreneurs and industry professionals.

14. Boston University — Academic Immersion: Business (Questrom)

Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost: $5,640
Dates: Shared with students via email two weeks before the program
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; international students welcome 

Boston University Academic Immersion: Business (Questrom) offers a three-week business experience for high school students. You’ll participate in interactive lectures led by BU instructors on a range of disciplines, including operations management, introduction to quantitative methods to support business decision making, marketing, finance, and managing people, organizations, and stakeholders.

You’ll work on case studies, go on local field trips, receive supervision from instructors, and design your own New Product Development (NPD). You’ll also develop a range of soft skills, including team leadership, business writing, and PowerPoint presentations. The program will conclude as you present your NPD business plan to students and selected Questrom faculty. 

Why it stands out: You’ll explore core business disciplines while designing and pitching your own product through hands-on projects and case studies.

15. Suffolk University – Summer Entrepreneurship Program

Location: Suffolk University, Boston, MA
Cost: Free
Dates: July 7 – 24
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors; international students welcome

The Suffolk University Summer Entrepreneurship Program allows you to explore how entrepreneurs launch new ventures. You’ll gain hands-on experience, participate in team projects, and interact with successful entrepreneurs. You will have the opportunity to experience student life at Suffolk and gain access to campus resources.

You’ll engage in a range of activities, including lectures, listening to guest speakers, and working lunch. The program will conclude with an interesting event where you’ll have the opportunity to present your unique new concept. 

Why it stands out: You’ll experience college life while building and presenting your own startup idea through hands-on entrepreneurial projects.

Explore Markets, Money, And Behaviour

Economics comes to life when you move beyond theory and start examining how incentives, markets, and human behaviour interact in real situations.

By working with data, debating policy, and analysing real examples, you sharpen quantitative thinking, refine arguments, and understand how economic ideas shape everyday decisions.

This is exactly what economics summer programs in Massachusetts for high school students are designed to offer: structured academic challenge, expert guidance, and exposure to university-level economic thinking.

To continue building this foundation, explore our Economics Top Books Guide for essential reading that deepens economic understanding and supports your next academic steps.