Business and economics
EFL (Economics for Leaders)
EFL is a 1-week residential program run by Foundation for Teaching Economics. Open to: current high school sophomores and juniors.
- Last cycle's deadline
- Rolling
- 2027 date not posted yet
- Cost
- Paid, aid available
- Who can apply
- Grades 10 to 11
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 1 week
- Residential
What students do
Students spend a week on a university campus learning economic reasoning and how to apply it to decisions and public policy. Leadership workshops and group activities run alongside the economics sessions.
- Economics
- Leadership
- Public policy
- Decision-making
Key facts
- Run by
- Foundation for Teaching Economics
- Where
- Multiple locations (residential)
- Who can apply
- Current high school sophomores and juniorsFreshmen and seniors are not eligible; scholarship funding is limited to U.S. citizens or residents.
- Dates
- Week-long sessions from June 8 to August 9, 2026 at host campusesThese are the 2026 dates. 2027 dates are not posted yet.
- Cost
- $2,800, includes tuition, room and board for the program week (travel not included); $35 processing fee
- Deadline
- Rolling; 2027 applications open December 2026This was last cycle’s deadline. The 2027 date is not posted yet.Application opens December 2026.
- Selectivity
- Approximately 25 to 40 students are accepted at each site, with roughly two applicants for each available spot.
What the application asks for
- Essays or short answers
- Transcript
- Teacher recommendation
- Application fee
Three personal insight questions, a letter of recommendation, complete high school transcripts and a $35 non-refundable processing fee.
How a mentor helps with your EFL application
- Decide whether EFL fits, and which similar programs to apply to alongside it.
- Work backward from the deadline so essays, recommendations, and forms are not left to the last week.
- Draft and revise the essays or short answers with one-on-one feedback.
Email me the EFL deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-BAYUC Berkeley Haas School of Business | Berkeley, CAResidential | Rising 10th to 12th grade students | Paid | Not posted |
| Data Science AcademyWharton Global Youth Program, University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PAResidential | Rising juniors and seniors | Paid, aid available | Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| Essentials of EntrepreneurshipWharton Global Youth Program, University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PAResidential | Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors | Paid, aid available | Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| Essentials of FinanceWharton Global Youth Program, University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PAResidential | Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors | Paid, aid available | Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| LaunchXLaunchX | Ann Arbor, MIResidential | High school students ages 14 to 18 | Paid, aid available | Priority November 11, 2026; early January 21, 2027; financial award March 4, 2027; final March 31, 2027 |
| LBWWharton Global Youth Program, University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PAResidential | Students currently in 11th grade (rising seniors) | Paid, aid available | Priority January 28, 2026; final March 18, 2026Last cycle’s date |
Frequently asked questions
When is the EFL application deadline?
The 2027 deadline has not been posted. Last cycle's deadline was Rolling; 2027 applications open December 2026, and most programs keep a similar date from year to year.
How much does EFL cost?
$2,800, includes tuition, room and board for the program week (travel not included); $35 processing fee. Financial aid is available.
Who can apply to EFL?
Current high school sophomores and juniors. Freshmen and seniors are not eligible; scholarship funding is limited to U.S. citizens or residents.
What does the EFL application require?
Essays or short answers, Transcript, Teacher recommendation, Application fee. Three personal insight questions, a letter of recommendation, complete high school transcripts and a $35 non-refundable processing fee.
How hard is it to get into EFL?
Approximately 25 to 40 students are accepted at each site, with roughly two applicants for each available spot.
Read from the program’s own site and last checked 2026-10-09. Programs change dates, fees, and requirements each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with this program.
