10 Prestigious Finance Programs for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 2
- 8 min read
If you're in middle school and already curious about investing, budgeting, or how the economy works, you're not alone—and you're not too early. Prestigious finance programs for middle school students are a solid way to start building your understanding of financial systems, real-world problem solving, and even public speaking or team-based project work. These programs go beyond typical classroom material by offering a closer look at college-level academics and day-to-day life on a campus. Many also incorporate real-world exposure, like case studies, interactive simulations, or conversations with professionals in the field.
What’s more, these programs don’t always come with the high price tag you might expect. Several offer scholarships or are fully funded, making them an accessible option for motivated students. If you're interested in finance, exploring a virtual or residential summer program can give you a head start while connecting you with students from around the country who share your interests.
To help you find the right fit, we've narrowed down a list of the most prestigious finance programs for middle school students.
10 Prestigious Finance Programs for Middle School Students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 1:1 student-to-PhD-mentor ratio
Dates: 8-week program
Application Deadline: August 24 (Fall Cohort)
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
Cost: Varies (need-based financial aid is available)
Location: Virtual
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an intensive and highly selective research program providing middle school students the chance to undertake advanced research. The program provides 1-on-1 guidance from PhD mentors from top universities like Harvard, Columbia, and MIT. You are encouraged to pick your subject of interest, which can range anywhere from artificial intelligence to history. Over 8 weeks, this virtual program lets you dive deep into your chosen subject, build high-standard research skills, and complete your own project by the end. Beyond gaining specialized knowledge, you also build the confidence to think critically, innovate, and approach both theoretical and practical academic endeavors with independence.
Subject Areas: Mathematics, Finance, Economics
Location: Various campuses including Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD), UC-Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, CA), and others
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 - 11 with qualifying CTY-level test scores in math
Application Deadline: May 16
Program Dates: Varies by campus; typically three-week sessions from late June through early August
Cost: $6,459 - $7,501 (commuter vs. residential); $55 application fee (waived for financial aid applicants); need-based financial aid available
This residential course from Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) explores how mathematics applies to real-world financial systems. You'll study personal and corporate finance topics like interest rates, loans, taxes, budgeting, and stock market performance, all through the lens of algebraic problem-solving. Expect to work on projects, simulations, and case-based investigations that reveal the impact of financial decisions in both individual and broader economic contexts. The course is ungraded, placing emphasis on learning rather than performance, and allows you to deepen your understanding of concepts like exponential growth, direct and indirect variation, and financial modeling. Designed for academically advanced students, it provides an intensive, structured experience in a college-style environment.
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Python Programming, Data Science
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Students in grades 6 - 8; no coding or technical background required
Application Deadline: July 20 (Fall Cohort, early deadline); other sessions may be offered throughout the year
Program Dates:
Weekend Track: 25 hours over 10 weekends
Summer Track: 25 hours over 2 weeks (weekdays)
Cost: Varies; full financial aid available for students with demonstrated need
Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers program introduces you to core concepts in artificial intelligence and machine learning through live instruction and group collaboration. Over the course of 25 hours, you’ll learn Python programming, explore data analysis, and build models using regression and classification techniques. The program includes small-group mentoring (5:1 ratio), ensuring personalized guidance as you move through increasingly advanced topics, including neural networks and AI ethics.
A major component is the team-based capstone project, where you and a few peers apply your new skills to a real-world challenge and present your findings. While the environment is designed for beginners, the curriculum pushes you to think critically about how AI works—and how it should be used.
Subject Areas: Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, Business Fundamentals
Location: Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, CA
Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6–8)
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Program Dates: June 9 - June 20
Cost: $3,640 (California residents); $4,160 (non-residents); does not include required health services fee
The Berkeley Business Academy for Youth (B-BAY) offers a two-week, in-person entrepreneurship program where you’ll experience what it’s like to build and run a business from the ground up. Through team projects, simulations, and daily classes taught by Haas faculty and students, you’ll explore core business areas including finance, accounting, marketing, and corporate social responsibility. The curriculum also helps you develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills through collaborative group work and presentations.
Guest speakers from industry add real-world insight, and the program wraps up with a showcase event where you'll present your business ideas. While it’s structured like a traditional business bootcamp, the interactive format and campus tour give you a taste of life at UC Berkeley, all while deepening your understanding of what it takes to succeed in today’s business world.
Subject Areas: Business, Economics, Finance, Financial Literacy
Location: Online (Self-paced, offered by New York Institute of Finance)
Eligibility: Middle and high school students aged 13 - 17
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment; available year-round
Program Dates: Self-paced; 50-hour total course time
Cost: $950
The Young Finance Scholar (YFS) Program is a self-paced course designed to help you build a practical and theoretical foundation in finance, economics, and business. Through four major sections—Entrepreneurship & Ethics, Personal Financial Management, Capital Markets, and Career Pathways—you’ll gain exposure to real-world topics like financial statements, IPOs, saving and budgeting, stock markets, and even Wall Street institutions. The curriculum uses case studies, structured lessons, and industry examples to walk you through core finance concepts while introducing key ethical issues and global systems.
You’ll also explore career options across banking, investment, and insurance, with resources that outline necessary skills and qualifications. While there’s no live interaction or mentorship component, the course's depth makes it a comprehensive overview for anyone starting their journey into finance.
Subject Areas: Finance, Financial Literacy, Investment Strategy
Location: University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD
Eligibility: Students entering grades 6–8
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Program Dates: June 23–June 27
Cost: Typically under $300 (exact tuition varies by year; financial aid not listed)
This in-person course at UMBC introduces you to the fundamentals of investing, budgeting, and financial literacy through hands-on learning and competition. You'll participate in a stock market game where you simulate real investment decisions and track your portfolio’s performance. The class also explores advanced topics like option trading, encouraging you to develop strategic thinking and risk assessment skills. Along the way, you’ll grow your math abilities and apply critical thinking in a fast-paced, interactive setting. Students who perform well in the competition have the chance to win Amazon gift cards, adding an extra layer of engagement. It’s a good fit if you’re looking for an on-campus, short-term introduction to the stock market and personal finance basics.
Subject Areas: Entrepreneurship, Business Planning, Financial Literacy
Location: UC San Diego, San Diego, CA
Eligibility: Middle school students (grades 6–8)
Application Deadline: Until full, registration closes shortly before the course start
Program Dates: July 7–July 11
Cost: $275
This weeklong, in-person course introduces you to the fundamentals of starting and running a small business. You'll work through the entire entrepreneurial process—from developing a business idea and researching your target audience to building a budget and writing a business plan. The class also emphasizes the basics of financial planning, marketing strategy, and customer research.
Throughout the week, you'll collaborate with peers to design a mini-business and present your project at the end of the session. The program encourages creative thinking, teamwork, and real-world problem solving, giving you an early look at what it means to be a young entrepreneur in today's economy.
Location: Online (Live, small group format)
Eligibility: Students ages 12–14
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Program Dates: June 9–June 20 (Weekdays, 9–11 AM PT / 12–2 PM ET)
Cost: $2,995 (Includes live instruction, tutorials, course materials, and recommendation letter; no financial aid listed)
Discover Business Academy is a two-week intensive course designed to introduce you to the core principles of business, finance, and economics in a highly personalized learning environment. Led by an instructor with a PhD from the London School of Economics, the program covers topics such as investing fundamentals, macroeconomics, branding, business law, and leadership. The class also includes a “Business Start-up Challenge,” where you apply what you've learned to design and pitch a new business concept. You’ll participate in ten live, interactive classes (capped at six students per cohort) and receive two one-on-one academic tutorials for tailored feedback. You'll also get a completion certificate and the option to request a letter of recommendation. This program is especially structured for students who want to explore future business careers in a small-group, academically focused setting.
Subject Areas: Business, Economics, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Financial Literacy
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Eligibility: Rising 8th and 9th-grade students currently enrolled in a NYC public school
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: July 7 – August 1
Cost: Free
The College and Career Lab (CCL) at NYU is a selective, six-year program that introduces you to college academics and professional fields through hands-on learning and mentorship. During the summer Exploratory Stage, you’ll spend a week at NYU’s Stern School of Business exploring topics like marketing, economics, accounting, and entrepreneurship. Classes are taught by Stern faculty and include high-paced academic sessions paired with visits from business professionals, including NYU alumni working at companies like Facebook and Google. In addition to classroom learning, you’ll engage in networking events, team-based workshops, and campus life activities designed to help you picture your future in college and the business world. The program also continues throughout the year with Saturday sessions offering coaching and college prep..
Subject Areas: Wealth Management, Personal Finance, Financial Literacy
Location: North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
Eligibility: Rising 9th - 12th grade students
Application Deadline: Registration closes when filled
Program Dates: June 23 - June 27, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $50
Hosted by the Peggy Ward Financial Education Center at NCCU, this weeklong day camp introduces you to the fundamentals of personal finance and wealth management. Through interactive activities, team challenges, and group discussions, you’ll explore financial topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and long-term planning. The camp is structured to help you build critical money-management skills and understand the broader role of finance in achieving personal goals.
You’ll also collaborate with peers in team-based competitions and have a chance to win individual and group prizes. The program is led by finance professionals who aim to make financial education practical and accessible for teens preparing to take ownership of their financial futures.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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