Program Content & Topics

During the week-long program, the following concepts will be covered:  

Economics Instruction  

Students participate in simulations that provide experiential learning opportunities and demonstrate the reliability of theoretical concepts. Outstanding economics instructors guide them in developing strong critical thinking skills as they examine difficult environmental and social problems. Students also explore current environmental issues, encouraging thoughtful discussion and a deeper understanding of how economic principles relate to real challenges.

Key topics covered during the program include:  

• Tragedy of the commons  
• World fisheries  
• Wealth creation  
• Endangered species  
• Climate change  
• Land use  
• Air and water quality  
• Key concepts covered in the program include:   
• Marginal decision-making  
• Institutions  
• Externalities  
• Scarcity  
• Pricing  
• Opportunity cost   
• Incentives  

Field Trip  

Environment & the Economy features a field trip designed to spotlight a specific challenge and solution to environmental issues. Students will be able to evaluate policy and critically assess these issues by using a rational approach based on economic analysis.  

Leadership Instruction  

Leadership topics are framed through the effective Hero’s Journey framework.  FTE’s goal is to improve participants ability to work and lead teams and to connect responsible leadership and the economic way of thinking.