Economics Opportunities for High School Students
Economics opportunities for high schoolers are a smaller, more specialized category than business broadly — mostly research programs (often paired with a university economics department), case or policy competitions, and a handful of dedicated summer intensives. Strong quantitative skills matter here, but so does being able to write clearly about a policy question, which some students underweight.
A public-policy-focused case competition is often a more accessible entry point than a formal research program if you're newer to the field — it rewards a clear argument more than prior technical training in economics specifically.
Real economics opportunities right now
Common questions
Do I need to have taken AP Economics to apply?
Not usually — most entry-level programs and competitions don't assume prior economics coursework, though strong math skills often help.
Is economics research the same as a business case competition?
No — economics research typically involves data analysis around an economic question over weeks or months; a case competition is a shorter, structured business or policy challenge.
Are economics opportunities only useful for an economics major?
No — the analytical and writing skills apply directly to public policy, business, and political science paths too.