Economic Forces in American History

Economic Forces in American History (EFAH) is an exciting cross-curricular program designed to incorporate history, economics, and leadership for motivated students. University professors and mentor teachers provide in-depth, engaging lectures and fun, hands-on activities to provide economic explanations of pivotal events in American history. Students will also learn about the ‘economic way of thinking’, or how to use economic reasoning in their own life experiences. In addition, experienced leadership staff lead interactive sessions that are designed to encourage, motivate, and teach student participants about themselves and their role in the wider world.

EFAH lessons allow students to ‘re-live’ history by taking an active role in the choices that individuals had to make during key historical events – rather than just reading or hearing about it. Economic Forces in American History is a “must-take” course for any student interested in learning more about the importance of American history, economics, and leadership.

EFAH is designed as an advanced course; EFL attendance or prior economics coursework (must appear on your transcript) is required for admission to EFAH.

*Lodging, meals, tuition, and materials are included in the registration fee for EFAH programs. All accommodations are shared rooms in on-campus housing. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page (click on the link at the right) or contact lchang@fte.org for details.

Who Can Apply?

Students who are current sophomores or juniors in high school are eligible to attend an EFAH program. Students must have completed economics coursework or have already attended EFL to be able to attend EFAH, as long as they have not yet started their senior year of high school.

Admission

Admission to EFIAH is competitive, with acceptances based on leadership potential, maturity, and vision. Above all, EFAH participants are intelligent and articulate students who will benefit from this unique educational experience.

Applications are considered, reviewed, and accepted on a rolling basis. Space is limited at each site, so we encourage students to apply early to increase their chance of admittance to their preferred site. Students who apply by the early decision deadline and are accepted will receive a $200 tuition discount and priority placement into the program of their choice. Approximately 25-40 students are accepted at each site, dependent on COVID restrictions on campus.

College Credit

Through a partnership with the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, two semester hours of undergraduate credit are available to students attending the EFAH program. There is an additional fee of $244 for the credits, and students who opt to receive the credit must complete additional assignments. Information can be found on the right under College Credit for EFAH, but further registration instructions on how to sign up for the credits will be provided in orientation information to accepted students

Scholarships and Tuition Assistance

Scholarship funding is available for accepted students. Please follow this link to learn more.

Program Goals

EFAH aims to equip tomorrow’s leaders with the skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century economy.

• Give students the knowledge to understand the historical and economic concepts shaping the global economy
• Foster students’ commitment to continued learning about economics, history, and leadership
• Provide a fun-filled, active environment rich with new friendships that can last a lifetime
• Help students discover their potential as they recognize and develop their own effective leadership skills