The Fund for American Studies

Civics & Economics in Action

A one-week, immersive summer program for high school students who want to understand why government officials make the choices they do – and how economics provides the framework to understand every political decision.

Applications for Summer 2026 are now closed. Please consider joining us next summer - applications for 2027 will open in December 2026.

What if your civics class actually explained how the real world works?

Are you curious about how ideas become laws, why some policies work while others fail, and how you can make a real impact as a citizen?

Civics & Economics in Action explores civic life through the lens of economics – helping students see the invisible forces shaping political decisions.

Content + Topics

Costs + Scholarships

Sample Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Locations

University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA

June 29 - July 5, 2026

Philadelphia is where the American experiment began. As the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, the city offers a living classroom for exploring the ideas that shaped our system of self-government. In this milestone year – the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence – students will study civics and economics in the very place where debates about liberty, rights and governance first took form. From discussions of natural rights and the rule of law to the economic foundations of political freedom, Philadelphia provides powerful historical context for understanding American’s founding principles.

American University

Washington, DC

July 20 - 26, 2026

Washington, DC brings those founding ideas into the present. As the nation’s capital, DC offers a front-row view of how economic reasoning shapes modern policymaking, from Congress and the courts to federal agencies and regulatory institutions. Students will connect classroom lessons to real-world governance – examining how incentives, trade-offs, and unintended consequences influence today’s public policy decisions. Studying in DC allows students to see how the constitutional framework designed over 250 years ago continues to guide democratic decision-making.

Content + Topics

Civics & Economics in Action explores civic life through the lens of economics – helping students see the invisible forces shaping political decisions.

Civics + Economics Instruction

Core Topics Include:

Scarcity, choice, and trade-offs
Incentives and unintended consequences
Markets and voluntary decision-making
Government action and collective decision-making
Property rights, public goods, and externalities
Separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism
Rule of law and individual rights
Budgeting, taxation, and fiscal policy
Monetary policy and the role of central banks
Antitrust, competition, and regulation
Social welfare programs and equity considerations
Public choice theory and bureaucratic behavior
Rational ignorance and democratic participation
International trade and globalization

Leadership Instruction

Leadership topics are framed through the effective Hero’s Journey framework. Our goal is to improve participants ability to work and lead teams and to connect responsible leadership and the economic way of thinking.

Cost + Scholarships

Civics & Economics in Action is a comprehensive, residential experience with a single program fee that covers instruction, housing, meals, an all program activities. Substantial scholarship support is available to significantly reduce the cost of participation.

Cost: $1,900

The program fee covers:
- All academic instruction and program materials
- On-campus housing for the full week
- Meals provided through the host university dining facilities
- Program activities, guest speaks, and leadership programming

Please note - transportation costs to and from the program site are the responsibility of the student

Substantial Scholarship Opportunities

Generous scholarship support is available to make participation possible for a wide range of students. Scholarships are awarded through a holistic review process and are not based on financial need alone.

Scholarships can provide up to a 100% of tuition costs
Average scholarship awards range from $500-full scholarships
Awards consider academic engagement and interest in civic leadership
Scholarship decisions are made at the time of admission

Sample Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for this program?

CEA is open to current high school sophomores and juniors (15-17 years old). Students come from a wide range of academic backgrounds.

Do I need prior economics or civics coursework?

No. The program does not require any prior coursework in economics or civics. Curiosity and motivation matter far more than previous experience.

What are you looking for in applicants for this program?

We look for students who are active on their campus or in their community, demonstrate maturity and intellectual curiosity, and care deeply about civic life.

What materials are required to apply for this program?

Applicants must submit a high school transcript including all completed and in progress coursework, and two short personal insight questions.

What are the application deadlines for Summer 2026?

The Early Deadline is April 1st (which qualifies for a $100 early decision discount) and the final deadline is May 13th.

How and when will I be notified of an admission decision?

Admissions decisions are sent by email on a rolling basis within three weeks of an application being marked complete.

Where does the program take place?

Summer 2026 programs are offered at the University of Pennsylvania (June 29-July 5) and American University (July 20-26). Students live on campus for the full duration of the program.

What is a typical day like at the program?

Days combine interactive academic sessions, leadership development activities, and group discussions, with structured evening programming.

Is this a residential program?

Yes, Students live in university residence halls and dine in campus facilities throughout the duration of the program.

Is the program political?

No. CEA is nonpartisan. Students learn analytical frameworks for understanding public policy, not advocacy for specific political views.

How much does the program cost + what does tuition include?

Tuition is $1900 and including academic instruction, housing, meals, program materials and all scheduled activities.

Is financial aid or scholarships available?

Yes! CEA offers generous support of up to 100% tuition discount through scholarships based on need and merit.