About

The Economics for Leaders (EFL) program is a selective, residential pre-college experience for high school sophomores and juniors that integrates economic analysis with leadership development. Administered by the Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE), the program is hosted at premier university sites—including Yale, Cornell, and UCLA—for the Summer 2026 cycle. The curriculum utilizes interactive simulations to teach fundamental concepts like scarcity, opportunity cost, and market structures, grounding them in the Leadership Pyramid Matrix pedagogical framework.

During the one-week session, students participate in intensive blocks that blend economics seminars with leadership exercises. This year’s sessions are scheduled throughout June and July 2026. A distinguishing feature of the program is the opportunity to earn three transferable undergraduate credits through the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs for an additional fee of approximately $360, which involves supplemental online modules and a final exam.

Admission is mildly selective, with approximately two applicants for every available spot. For the 2026 cycle, the Early Deadline is February 11, and the Final Deadline is April 15. The total residential cost is $2,800, which covers all on-campus tuition, housing, and meals. Decision notifications are issued on a rolling basis, and each campus cohort is typically capped at 25–40 students to ensure high instructor-to-student engagement.

Institutionally, EFL is one of several FTE offerings—including Advanced Economics for Leaders and Entrepreneurship in the Global Economy—designed to foster the "economic way of thinking." Participants leave with a Certificate of Completion and a sharpened ability to apply economic logic to public policy, positioning them as informed leaders prepared for the academic rigors of top-tier universities.