Foundation for Teaching Economics Opens Student Application for Summer 2026 

January 12, 2026

The Foundation for Teaching Economics is pleased to announce that applications for Summer 2026 student programs are now open. Designed for current high school sophomores and juniors, FTE’s pre-college programs invite students from across the country, and around the world, to spend a week immersed in economics and leadership. 

With more than 30 years of experience offering student programs, FTE has helped thousands of students discover how economic reasoning shapes decisions at every level. This summer, FTE will offer over 25 student programs that include in person, residential experiences hosted on college campuses across the United States, as well as live, synchronous online options for students who prefer a virtual format. 

Across all formats, students experience the same academic rigor, collaborative learning environment, and emphasis on leadership development that are cornerstones of FTE programs. Participants live in college residence halls, dine on campus, attend classes in university classrooms, and engage deeply with peers who share a curiosity about how the world works through an economic lens. 

At the core of every FTE program is a commitment to teaching the economic way of thinking. Students learn to analyze choices through incentives, opportunity costs, and tradeoffs, while also being encouraged to recognize unintended consequences in both personal and policy decisions. What makes FTE programs so unique is the integration of economics with leadership development. Students do not just learn theory. They practice applying economic reasoning as part of their decision-making process, building skills that extend far beyond the classroom. 

Students learn from a team of university faculty, economics educators, and leadership facilitators who are dedicated to meaningful, engaging instruction. With extensive experience in both higher education and youth development, FTE instructors guide students through rigorous coursework while supporting personal growth and leadership development.  

FTE’s Summer 2026 programs are offered across four distinct program types: 

Economics for Leaders

Economics for Leaders (EFL), FTE’s flagship program, is offered at the greatest number of locations nationwide. This program introduces foundational economic concepts while emphasizing teamwork, communication, and leadership through the Five Economic Reasoning Principles and Leadership Pyramid Matrix. It is designed to give students both a strong academic foundation and a sneak peek into what college life may look like. EFL is also offered in a virtual format for those who are looking to be a part of a meaningful precollege experience while still maintaining the ability to participate in other commitments.  

Advanced Economics for Leaders 

For students who have already completed a high school or AP economics course, Advanced Economics for Leaders offers a more challenging experience. This program dives into intermediate micro- and macroeconomic topics such as the Solow Growth Model, Edgeworth Box Diagram, and Prisoner’s Dilemma, while continuing to connect economics to leadership and real-world application. Students must have an economics course completed on their transcripts in order to enroll.  

Environment & the Economy

Students interested in environmental challenges can explore Environment & the Economy (E&E), a program that examines how economic principles shape environmental policy, sustainability, and resource use. Through case studies, leadership development, and a field-based experience, students analyze issues such as climate change, land use, and the tragedy of the commons through an economic lens. 

Entrepreneurship in the Global Economy 

Entrepreneurship in the Global Economy (EGE) allows students to explore how economic systems support innovation and entrepreneurship. Participants develop business ideas, build pitches, examine funding sources, and learn how markets and institutions influence entrepreneurial success in a global context. 

Each summer, students from all 50 states and more than 35 countries come together at FTE programs. Classrooms are shaped by diverse perspectives and goals, creating an environment where students learn as much from one another as they do from instructors. Alumni consistently report increased confidence, clarity around college and career goals, and greater readiness for college level academics. 

Applications for Summer 2026 are now open and are reviewed on a rolling basis. Space is limited at each location, and programs often fill quickly. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available, and families are encouraged to explore these options during the application process. 

For students ready to challenge themselves academically and explore life on a college campus, FTE programs offer a meaningful summer experience that supports both personal growth and college readiness. Students and families are invited to explore the Summer 2026 lineup and apply today.  

For more information:  

Apply Here 
FTE Website 
2026 Dates & Locations 
Alumni Stories 
Meet Our Faculty 

Early Deadline: Feb 11, 2026 – $200 Tuition Discount 
Priority Deadline: March 18, 2026 – $100 Tuition Discount 
Final Deadline: April 15, 2026