Students

FTE is committed to equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing economic landscape. Learn to use economic reasoning skills in your decision-making process. Join over 1,200 of your peers this summer at universities around the country.
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Summer 2026 Application Deadlines

  • Early Deadline: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
  • Priority Deadline: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
  • International Student Deadline: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
  • Final Deadline: Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Requirements

  • Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
  • Letter of Recommendation: Must be from a teacher, advisor or coach
  • Transcript: Includes all in progress and completed coursework
  • Personal Statement: Respond to 3 personal insight questions
  • Application Fee:  $35, nonrefundable

Alumni Leadership Academy – Washington DC

A dynamic and immersive program designed to empower FTE alumni with essential leadership skills, foster a deeper understanding of economics, and provide a platform to create positive change in their communities.

  • Economics for Leaders was my first exposure to economics besides my what I’ve picked up in the market and through the news, and I found most of the topics covered really interesting. Socially, this week was really amazing as I was able to find a great group of friends and get to know a lot of different people. Leadership wise, I will definitely take some of the lesson with me as I continue my high school journey.

    Erin Patterson
    UCLA 2024
  • I truly enjoyed every moment of my EFL experience at Cornell University, as I made new and lasting friendships, learned valuable information in regard to economics and closely worked together with my peers, coordinators and instructors through economic and leadership activities. After my EFL experience had concluded, I had a much stronger understanding of economics in general and more confidence as a leader.

    Logan Day
    Cornell University 2022
  • EFL allowed me to truly enhance my passion for economics. I was good at AP Macro and memorizing textbook information but truly learning to apply it was something I never understood. I came into this program knowing I enjoyed Econ but I was unsure about how much impact or understanding I had. This program truly changed my perception.

    Sophia Li
    UCLA 2025
  • Economics for Leaders impacted my life greatly by allowing me to meet some very incredible people who share a lot of similarities and differences to myself. I became more knowledgeable on the topic of economics and gained an understanding of why some things in the world are the way they are. For example, the topics of scarcity, poverty and supply and demand were really interesting, and I enjoyed gaining new perspective on how they relate to our world. The leadership part was very enlightening for me. I learned so much about myself and others and it allowed us to all work together to solve various problems. I have developed listening and leadership skills that will enable me to continue to work in positive relationships at school and in my future endeavors.

    Patrick Kenah
    University of Michigan 2022
  • The Economics for Leaders program certainly expanded my knowledge of economics and strengthened that which I am already familiar with. The leadership aspect of this program helped me become more in touch with my emotions, decision-making process, and relationships. I am so thankful I participated in this program.

    Nathan Schwartz
    Duke University 2024
  • I feel like this program completely changed me and my perspective on everything. Prior to attending EFL, I was so nervous about making friends, meeting new people, and my skill level in economics/leadership. Almost right away, I felt welcomed and wanted there. The leaders and my peers were all so friendly and kind to me.

    Sadie Jai
    Washington University 2025
  • I EFL would be more economics heavy, but this program taught me a lot about myself and how to communicate with and relate with others. The leadership activities were really frustrating but were really helpful, because I learned more about myself and I learned how to make deeper connections with people. I thought this program would only benefit me in economics, but it also benefitted me as a person because I learned and grew as one.

    Ved Kamath
    Cornell 2025

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