​​​​ACCESS TO ECON is a student-led resource hub helping to close opportunity gaps
in early exposure to education and guidance in economics for teens worldwide.
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Through a free econ starter kit, a podcast, and a mentorship program, A2E provides teen-friendly learning, visible role models, and practical pathways into the field, ensuring the next generation has the knowledge and support to succeed.
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Our mentorship board features diverse professionals and undergraduates across economics and related fields,
helping more students—especially young women—see themselves in the field.
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21+
STUDENT
MENTEES
In Spring & Fall 2025
cohorts comprised of
13 females, 8 males,
representing 5 countries
MENTORS
2025/26
Specializing in Areas
of Finance, Law,
Academia,
& Science
7
260+
RESOURCE
KITS
Downloaded across
7 states, including
6 counties in VA,
and 4 countries
Did You Know?
Facts and Tips
Demographics
Historically, economics has been a male-dominated field. IDEAS/RePEc estimates that only 26.2% of professional economists are women.
Nationwide, there are about 3 males for every 1 female student majoring in economics, and this ratio has not changed for more than 20 years.
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Classes
If your high school offers an entry-level economics course, consider taking it. Continue to take challenging math courses throughout high school, such as Calculus, which provides a strong foundation for economics majors.
SAT Test
On your SAT Questionnaire, indicate ECONOMICS, code 904, as a STEM major you are interested in!
The significant shift to designate Econometrics and Quantitative Economics as a STEM major gained momentum around 2018. Today, the majority of undergraduate and graduate economics programs are designated as STEM majors.
Education
According to the Council for Economic Education's 2024 Survey of the States, only 28 US states mandate economics education for high school graduation. This figure encompasses states where economics is taught
as a standalone course and those where its concepts
are integrated into other required subjects. Consequently, economics education remains inaccessible to many students nationwide.
A College Major With Lucrative Earning Potential!
The major you choose in college can have an even bigger impact on your future earnings potential than your choice of school!
Go to The Hamilton Project, to see an interactive chart allowing you to compare annual career earnings and lifetime earnings among bachelor’s degree graduates for 80 majors along with earnings for workers with a high school degree or GED. Check out the lucrative career-earning potential of majoring in economics!
Mentorship
Access to role models who can provide mentorship is proven to help. Plus, it is never too early to begin building your network. Check out ACCESS TO ECON's teen
mentorship program and board to participate!
Recommended Reading:
How Economics Explains the World,
A Short History of Humanity
by Andrew Leigh
​​
The World Trading System,
Law and Policy of International Economic Relations
by John Jackson​
Exposure
A significant disconnect exists between the popularity of economics as a college major (ranking among the top 15) and the limited exposure most high school students receive. Their understanding of the field is typically shaped by a single, required course taken late in high school, which often serves as their sole introduction to the subject before graduation.​​​
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
