EO Future Leaders Academy
EO Future Leaders Academy
A transformative academic journey through the world of Economics
The inaugural Economics Olympiad Future Leaders Academy is organized by the Stavros Center for Economic Education at Florida State University in partnership with the Economics Olympiad. This exclusive two-week immersive experience at Florida State University campus is designed for exceptional high school students with a strong interest in economics. The program connects participants with distinguished academics, policymakers, and thought leaders from renowned institutions, providing an unparalleled opportunity for academic and professional growth.
Over the course of two weeks, participants will be introduced to the foundations of economics through discussions on incentives, scarcity, opportunity cost, marginalism, gains from trade, and supply and demand. The program combines classroom-based exploration of key economic principles with applied learning through workshops on entrepreneurship, leadership, and public speaking. Students will engage with leading economists, policymakers, and business leaders, gaining exposure to the role of government, monetary stability, and property rights in supporting growth and prosperity. In addition to the academic program, students will enjoy a weekend trip to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, providing a memorable cultural and social experience that complements the learning journey. This immersive experience is designed to deepen students’ understanding of how economic institutions shape decision-making and development, while also equipping them with practical skills relevant to education, business, and public policy.
Who can apply?
- High school students from any country with a strong interest in economics and related fields.
- Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence, curiosity about economic ideas, and leadership potential.
- This program is ideal for students intending to pursue university studies and careers in fields such as Economics, Business, Political Science & Public Policy, International Relations, Law & Political Philosophy, History & Social Sciences, Enterpreneurship, or Journalism & Media Studies.
Dates & Location:
“We created the EO Future Leaders Academy to ignite intellectual curiosity, foster global awareness, and empower young minds to become thoughtful, engaged citizens of the world.”
Alexander Skouras
Executive Director of the Economics Olympiad
Why join the EO Future Leaders Academy?
This academic program offers unparalleled opportunities for students passionate about economics and its applications in business, public policy, and society:
- Academic excellence – Learn from leading economists, scholars, and practitioners.
- Skills development – Strengthen analytical thinking, economic reasoning, and leadership skills.
- Networking and future pathways – Connect with like-minded peers, professionals, and global leaders.
- Cultural immersion – Experience Florida’s cultural landmarks, including a weekend trip to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
The Future Leaders Academy brings together driven and curious students from around the world who share a passion for understanding how economics shapes societies.
Through collaborative learning, engaging discussions, and hands-on projects, participants will explore real-world challenges and build lasting connections with peers and mentors who value ideas, inquiry, and impact.
Cost of the program
Tuition Details:
- Early-Bird Fee: €4,250 (full payment due December 31, 2025)
- Regular Fee: €4,750 (full payment due April 15, 2026)
What’s included:
- 34.5 classroom hours plus 10 additional hours of academic content delivered through workshops and independent learning outside the classroom
- Accommodation in on-campus dormitories at Florida State University’s campus, giving participants the full student living experience.
- 32 meals provided at Florida State University’s dining hall or catered to students’ locations
- Transportation to and from Tallahassee International Airport
- Weekend trip to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, including round-trip transportation, hotel accommodation, and entry fees
- Guided tours, cultural visits, and other entertainment activities
- Certificate of program completion
What’s not included: Airfare, tourist visa, insurance, three meals during the Magic Kingdom trip, souvenirs and other personal expenses
Detailed Description
What you can expect
- Core economics instruction – Participate in daily coursework and interactive seminars covering fundamental economic concepts such as incentives, scarcity, opportunity cost, gains from trade, and supply and demand. Sessions are led by expert instructors and guest speakers from leading academic and policy institutions.
- Applied learning – Develop analytical and leadership skills through workshops and group activities that connect theory with real-world applications in business, policy, and entrepreneurship.
- Cultural enrichment – Experience Florida’s cultural landmarks, including a weekend trip to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, as well as visits to notable local institutions such as the Florida State Capitol and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.
Course Description
The Future Leaders Academy prepares students for a changing world by serving as an introduction to the study of economics, examining core principles, facts, and policy issues of the economy. Students will discover the essence of economics through discussions on incentives, scarcity, opportunity cost, marginalism, gains from trade, and supply and demand. In addition, the course will focus on key elements of an environment for growth and prosperity, such as property rights, competitive markets, allocation of capital, low taxes, and monetary stability. Students will also be exposed to the role of government and public policy. The course will emphasize skills such as entrepreneurship, public speaking, and leadership, and introduce students to artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in both education and the business world. Leading experts in these fields will provide content and guest lectures.
Learning Objectives
- How changes in incentives impact the choices of people.
- Understanding opportunity costs and that “there’s no such thing as a free lunch.”
- The importance of specialization and trade as a source of economic progress.
- How market prices direct the actions of buyers and sellers and bring them into harmony.
- The importance of sound institutions, property rights, and economic freedom for economic growth and development.
- The conditions under which both market and political allocation will lead to inefficient and counterproductive actions.
- Recognizing monetary policy that ensures money of stable and predictable value will promote the efficient use of resources.
- Gain an appreciation of the entrepreneurial spirit and its importance in a free market economy.
- Build leadership skills that can be applied to the professional world.
- Become a more informed global citizen and better decision maker using the core principles of economics.
Assessment
Student learning will be evaluated through a combination of short exercises, written reflections, and applied activities integrated throughout the program. These assessments are designed to encourage consistent engagement, reinforce key concepts, and promote critical thinking in both individual and group settings.
Admissions and Participation Details
Eligibility
- Open to high school students from any country who have a strong interest in economics and related fields
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining academic background and extracurricular involvement
- Motivation letter (up to 500 words) explaining your interest in economics, relevant experiences, and future ambitions
Timeline
- Applications open: November 1, 2025
- Early bird deadline: December 31, 2025 (€500 discount applies)
- Applications close: March 15, 2026
- Program dates: July 18 – August 1, 2026
Acceptances are issued on a rolling basis
Participants are advised to begin visa applications immediately after selection
Application Review & Decision
- All applications will be reviewed by the program’s selection committee.
- Selected applicants will be contacted for a virtual interview to assess their readiness for the program.
- After the interviews, two lists will be prepared:
- Selected Participants
- Waiting List (those who may join the program if spots become available)
- Once selected, parents/guardians of the participants will be required to sign a Consent and Agreement Document that confirms:
- Their agreement for the student’s participation in the program.
- Their acceptance of the program’s terms, including financial responsibilities.
- If a selected participant does not make the advance payment within 10 days, the next student on the waiting list will be contacted.
- The waiting list candidate must follow the same process: submitting the Consent and Agreement Document and making the advance payment within 10 days to secure their spot.
Payment Policy
- Upon signing the Consent and Agreement Document, parents must make an advance €2,100 payment to confirm the student’s place in the program.
- The advance payment must be made within 10 calendar days of selection confirmation.
- If the advance payment is not made within this time frame, the student’s spot in the program will be forfeited.
- The remaining balance of the program fee is due by December 31, 2025 for early bird applicants and by April 15, 2026 for regular fee applicants.
- Failure to make the final payment by this deadline may result in the forfeiture of the student’s place in the program.
Cancellation Policy
- Non-Refundable Advance Payment: The advance payment is non-refundable as it covers preparation and booking costs.
- Cancellations Before April 30, 2026: If a participant cancels before April 30, 2026, only the advance payment will be retained. The remaining balance (if already paid) will be refunded.
- Cancellations After April 30, 2026: If a participant cancels after April 30, 2026, no refunds will be issued, as program expenses (including accommodation, transportation, and activity bookings) will already have been committed.
- No Transfer of Fees: Program fees cannot be transferred to future years or other programs.
Saturday, July 18 – Sunday, July 19
- Arrival days – shuttle provided from Tallahassee International Airport to the FSU campus
- July 19, 6:00–8:00 pm: Welcome Dinner
Monday, July 20 – Thursday, July 23
- Classroom instruction, guest speakers, and some free time during the day
- Group activities in the evening
Friday, July 24
- 9:00–11:30 am: Classroom instruction
- 1:00 pm: Depart for Disney
- 6:00–10:00 pm: Dinner and exploration at Disney Springs
Saturday, July 25
- Disney Magic Kingdom
Sunday, July 26
- 11:30 am: Depart for Tallahassee
Monday, July 27
- Classroom instruction, guest speakers, and some free time during the day
- Group activities in the evening
Tuesday, July 28
- Beach day
Wednesday, July 29 – Thursday, July 30
- Classroom instruction, guest speakers, and some free time during the day
- Group activities in the evening
Friday, July 31
- 9:00 am–12:00 pm: Classroom instruction
- 1:30–3:00 pm: Awards Ceremony
- 5:30–7:30 pm: Farewell Dinner
- Participants may depart FSU after 3:00 pm
Saturday, August 1
- Departure day – shuttle provided from FSU campus to Tallahassee International Airport