Here are ten of the top economics competitions for high school students. Dates and details change year to year, so confirm the current information with each.
1. Federal Reserve High School Fed Challenge
Hosted by the US Federal Reserve (virtual, free). Participants act as economists, analyzing data, forecasting trends, and presenting findings. Top essays are published in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Journal of Future Economists. Entry deadline around February.
2. National Economics Challenge
Hosted by the Council for Economic Education (free). A team competition testing micro, macro, and current events, culminating in a national final. Entry deadline around March.
3. International Economics Olympiad (IEO)
A global competition (free) with challenges in financial literacy, economics, and business case studies, attracting students from around the world. Entry typically in January, finals in summer.
4. The Stock Market Game
Run by the SIFMA Foundation (virtual, free). A simulation of investing in financial markets that gives students real-world trading experience with no financial risk. Rolling enrollment, ongoing.
5. Harvard Pre-Collegiate Economics Challenge (HPEC)
Hosted by Harvard College (virtual or on campus; entry fee around $125). A written exam plus quiz bowl rounds, with a chance to network with peers and economists. Entry deadline in spring.
6. Euro Challenge
Run by the EU Delegation to the United States (free). Focuses on European economic issues, offering an international perspective and networking. Entry around January.
7. National Personal Finance Challenge
Also run by the Council for Economic Education (free). Focuses on real-world personal finance: budgeting, investing, and financial planning, with a national final. Deadlines vary by state.
8. InvestWrite
An essay competition from the SIFMA Foundation (free; you must have played the Stock Market Game). It builds on that experience, asking participants to analyze and create investment strategies. Entry deadline around December.
9. Young Economist of the Year
Run by the Royal Economic Society in the UK (free). Students write an economics essay, and top submissions receive recognition and a cash prize. Entry typically around July.
10. Global Youth Economics Forum competitions
The Global Youth Economics Forum runs various competitions on global economic issues, with scholarships and networking opportunities. Dates and details depend on the specific competition.
These competitions give students real exposure to economics, plus networking and a chance at meaningful awards.
Resources to win competitions
Rishab Jain, who won the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge, Regeneron ISEF, JSHS, and RSI, has done well across many research competitions. His Science Fair & Competitions course shares his strategies, and his free STEM guide lists 50+ opportunities, internships, and competitions.
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