EO Future Leaders Academy
Two weeks that change how you see the world.
Empowering tomorrow's thought leaders
Spend two weeks at Florida State University learning how economies really work - supported by leading economists, policymakers and business leaders. Made for high schoolers who want to think bigger and deeper.
Organized by the Economics Olympiad at Florida State University, in partnership with the Gus A. Stavros Center for the Advancement of Free Enterprise & Economic Education.
What you'll walk away with
More than a summer course. Two weeks that sharpen how you think, widen who you know, and give you skills that outlast any single class.
Learn from the best
Seminars and guest lectures from economists at the Federal Reserve, SMU and Florida State.
Skills for any career
Entrepreneurship, leadership, public speaking and a working grip on AI.
A global network
Live and learn with driven students from around the world. The friendships and mentors are half the reason people come.
More than a classroom
A weekend at Disney's Magic Kingdom, a Florida beach day, and campus life in the dorms.
Research program
Write a real research paper - as a team
Working with fellow students under the supervision of a professor, you'll research and write an original paper on the Fraser Institute's Economic Freedom of the World Index - the kind of work most students don't get to do until university.
Collaborate with peers
Work alongside students from around the world - splitting the research, debating findings and writing together.
Supervised by a professor
A professor guides your team from first question to final draft, the way research works at university.
Real data, real methods
Use the Index's cross-country data to test how institutions and policy shape prosperity.
A paper with your name on it
Finish the program with a completed, co-authored research paper you can point to.
Hear from past students
"Its a wonderful experience worth trying and it has been the best opportunity i had to experience college life... I would prefer this academy over other more renowned ones like in big universities like yale or harvard as of the small group size and the fact that we really had the time to bond as a group."
"This is the best option for you if you want to meet with other high achieving students like you in an international environment and a beautiful university campus to learn and discuss contemporary economic issues."
"If you feel like international exposure is your thing, and you want to progress in Econ/Finance/Business, but dont know why - it is a strong case to go!"
"The most memorable moment was indisputably the day at disney. The freedom of running around a huge fairytale with my newly met friends is incomparable."
"I was really worried about being away from home but the whole program was so well organised and all the people were so amazing that it literally felt like home. I appreciated the close relationship with the leaders and the teachers. I wish this would last longer!"
A day in the life
Structured enough to learn a lot, open enough to actually enjoy Florida. Here's the shape of a typical day - and the moments nobody forgets.
Morning seminars
Interactive classes and guest lectures on how markets, money and incentives really work.
Applied workshops
Put ideas to work in entrepreneurship, leadership and public-speaking sessions, plus group projects on real problems.
Campus life
Dinners in the dining hall, socials and group activities with your cohort - plus free time to explore campus and the FSU dorms.
Field visits
Trips to the Florida State Capitol and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory bring the ideas out of the classroom.
Walt Disney World - Magic Kingdom
A full weekend at Disney: round-trip transport, hotel and park entry included, with dinner and exploring at Disney Springs.
Florida beach day
A day to reset with the friends you've made - sun, sand and the Gulf coast, built right into the schedule.
Economics, from first principles to the real world
No prior economics required - just curiosity. You'll start with the core ideas and build toward how they shape governments, businesses and everyday decisions.
- How incentives, prices and trade quietly steer the choices of billions of people.
- Why some countries grow rich - property rights, open markets, sound money, strong institutions.
- Where markets and governments fail, and how to tell good policy from bad.
- Entrepreneurship, leadership and AI - the mindset and tools to turn ideas into impact.
- How to do real research - framing a question, working with data, and co-writing a paper with your team.
- How to be a sharper thinker and a more informed global citizen and decision-maker.
Topics you'll cover
Faculty & guest speakers
You won't just read about these ideas - you'll hear them from the people who research and teach them.
Dr. Bob Lawson
Lesley Mace
Prof. Shelly Griffin
Dr. Doug Norton
Dr. Paul Marty
More to be announced
Your whole summer, in one price.
Tuition, housing, meals, campus life, field trips and the Disney weekend - all included.
What's included
- 44+ hours of classes, workshops & guided learning
- On-campus dorm accommodation at FSU
- Meals across the program
- Airport transfers to and from Tallahassee
- Disney Magic Kingdom weekend - travel, hotel & entry
- Guided tours, cultural visits & a beach day
- Certificate of completion
Not included
- Airfare to and from the USA
- Tourist visa & travel insurance
- Three meals during the Magic Kingdom trip
- Souvenirs & personal expenses
Four steps to your spot
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so earlier is better. Send us two things to get started.
Apply online
Submit your CV and a short motivation letter (up to 500 words).
Interview
A friendly virtual interview with our team if you're shortlisted.
Get your offer
A selected list and a waiting list; offers roll out as decisions are made.
Confirm your place
Secure your place with an advance payment within 10 days of acceptance.
Know a student who belongs here?
Teachers, counsellors and partners can nominate a high-achieving student. After you submit, our team reaches out to them directly with the details. Submitting a nomination doesn't guarantee admission.
Good things to know
Do I need to have studied economics before?
Will this help me in the Economics Olympiad?
What is the research paper?
Who supervises students during the program?
What does the fee cover - and what's the payment schedule?
What's the refund policy if plans change?
I'm travelling internationally on my own - is that okay?
"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."
Two weeks you'll be talking about for years
