Economics for Leaders (EFL)
Economics for Leaders (EFL) is a selective summer program for high school students, focusing on economics and...
▌ Editor's read The Economics for Leaders (EFL) program, offered by the Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE), is an overnight academic program for high school students. The FTE website indicates the program has been operating for over 40 years, founded by Dr. Mark Schug. It is a nonprofit organization. The program is held at various university campuses, including Yale, Cornell, Duke, and UC Berkeley, providing a collegiate experience. While specific staff-to-student ratios are not published, the program emphasizes a selective application process. The website does not mention ACA accreditation or state licensing information. Google reviews for 'Foundation for Teaching Economics' show an average rating of 4.8 stars from 100 reviews, with participants frequently praising the engaging curriculum, knowledgeable instructors, and the valuable insights gained into economics and leadership. The program's social media handles are @fteorg on Instagram and 'FoundationforTeachingEconomics' on Facebook.
Who thrives here Ages 15–17
Economics for Leaders (EFL) serves high-school campers, which means the program is competing against summer jobs, college visits, internships, and residential overnight options. The case for a day camp at this age is usually a CIT (counselor-in-training) track, deep specialization in academic, or a portfolio item parents and kids both value. Programs that don't articulate one of those three usually lose this age band by 9th grade.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Not verified
- Established
- 1986 (40 years)
- Operator
- Nonprofit organization
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: Academic
- Ages: 15–17
- Hours: 24-hour residential
- Address: 1900 Campus Commons Dr Suite 100, Reston, VA 20191
- Phone: (800) 989-4331
- Email: [email protected]
- Cost notes: The cost to attend FTE residential student programs is $2,800.
↗ What parents like
- Focus on economics and leadership
- College credit available
↘ Watch for
- Competitive admission
- Transportation not included
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about Economics for Leaders (EFL)
- What ages does Economics for Leaders (EFL) accept?
- Economics for Leaders (EFL) is open to children ages 15–17. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does Economics for Leaders (EFL) cost?
- Economics for Leaders (EFL) publishes $2,800/week for the standard session. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
- What are Economics for Leaders (EFL)'s hours?
- Economics for Leaders (EFL) runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
- Who runs Economics for Leaders (EFL)?
- Economics for Leaders (EFL) is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 40 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Economics for Leaders (EFL) provide lunch?
- Economics for Leaders (EFL) does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Economics for Leaders (EFL) with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- STEM summer camps guide · Compare projects, staff fit, and age-readiness signals.
- Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.
- Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.
Camps near here
Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Economics for Leaders (EFL).
- Child's Element Forest School Forest Bathing Camp · Child's Element Forest School · Ages 5–14 · $300/week