Finance Summer Programs for High School Students in NYC or Live Online

Getting Started with Finance Classes

Are you a high school student interested in preparing for a career in the financial sector? Or perhaps you just want to learn more about managing your money as you get older? Either way, investing in a summer finance program is a wonderful way to set yourself up for both professional and personal success. Careers in finance are expected to grow steadily over the next decade, and these careers often pay tens of thousands more per year than the average national salary. Awareness of your financial situation is also a crucial life skill that many experts feel is lacking in traditional education. 

You’ll find several options for summer finance programs designed with high schoolers in mind, including Noble partner school NextGen’s live online summer finance program and summer finance program in NYC. Read on to find out more about summer programs that teach critical financial skills to high school students!

Types of Finance Summer Programs for High School Students

There are many different types of programs available to high school students interested in learning finance over the summer. One of the primary differences is the virtual vs. in-person learning options. Remote classes are a convenient way for students to access quality education without commuting, especially if they live in a more remote area. The available courses also vary in length and daily time commitment. Some programs are more intensive, while others require only a few hours per day, meaning that students with jobs or other summer commitments can still participate.

A final key difference between these programs is where they take place. Private companies offer some, but many are available in partnership with prestigious universities. These programs usually offer students the opportunity to live on campus in the dorms for the class duration. These programs might be especially appealing to students who are planning to apply for college and want to learn more about university life. 

NextGen Bootcamp

FinTech Summer Program

• Program Information: Here, students learn everything from the basics of Excel to machine learning algorithms. Students will learn to locate, cleanse, and analyze complex financial data. They will also gain experience with data visualization and a foundational understanding of Python.
• Level of Difficulty: This program is geared towards beginner students who don’t have prior experience. The only required knowledge is basic computer skills.
• Location: This class is available both in-person and live online. NextGen’s campus is located in Manhattan near Grand Central Station, making commuting more convenient for students traveling from nearby areas on the East Coast. Students who participate in the virtual program will interact with their instructor and classmates via Zoom.
• Duration: Depending on whether you enroll in an in-person or live online course, as well as whether you choose a part-time or full-time course option, this program could last anywhere between two weeks and a month.
• Target Audience: NextGen classes are meant for students in high school or college.
• Cost: The price differs depending on whether you take the class remotely or in person. The live online version is $3,295, and the in-person class costs $3,495; for both programs, the total amount is due before the course begins. This price includes a certificate of completion at the end of the program, as well as the opportunity to retake the class for free within one year. Remote students are required to have their own Mac or PC as well. ⁠

Excel, Finance, & Investing Summer Program

• Program Information: This class is for high school students who are passionate about learning essential business skills. The course starts with simple Excel techniques like data entry and shortcuts before moving into more advanced topics like Pivot Tables and automation. Students will also learn to conduct thoughtful investment research by analyzing stock prices. 
• Level of Difficulty: This course is suitable for beginners with no prior experience in Excel or other financial software. The only requirement is that students possess basic computer skills before enrolling. 
• Location: NextGen offers their finance summer program both in-person and online. The campus is located in New York City near several public transportation options for students who plan to commute. Students who participate virtually will use Zoom to communicate with their classmates and instructor.
• Duration: The in-person program lasts for one week, with classes taking place on weekdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The online course is three hours per day for two weeks. Here, classes last from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm EST. 
• Target Audience: This course is designed for high school and college students. It is especially useful for those who are hoping to enter a finance-related field like business or real estate. Still, anyone who is curious about Excel or investing can take it.
• Cost: The cost of this program depends on which version you attend; the in-person class is $1,395, and the virtual class is $1,299. NextGen provides students with supplemental materials that they can refer back to as they continue their education. Students who take the course remotely will need access to a PC or Mac computer with the appropriate software installed. A NextGen instructor can provide support to make sure your computer is functioning properly before class begins. 

Noble Desktop

"MBA" Business Certificate

• Program Information: This comprehensive business certificate teaches key professional skills across project management, finance, marketing, and data analysis, with integrated training in productivity tools and generative AI. Students engage in 132 hours of live, project-based instruction, receive one-on-one mentoring, and gain access to class recordings to reinforce learning. The program is designed to provide practical, career-ready business knowledge that can be applied immediately in professional settings.
• Level of Difficulty: This is a beginner-friendly course. No previous experience is necessary.
• Location: This certificate is offered in-person in NYC or via a live online format. Students will use the video conferencing application Zoom to engage with the instructor and other students.
• Duration: Students receive a month of instruction. Classes take place during weekdays.
• Target Audience: The target audience is anyone interested in financial and business concepts. Recent high school graduates or college students would be well-suited for this program.
• Cost: The cost of this certificate is $3,495. This comes with workbooks, class recordings, in-depth lessons, hands-on projects, expert instruction, and a certificate of accomplishment by the end.

FinTech Bootcamp

• Program Information: Those enthusiastic about technology and curious about a career in finance might be interested in Noble Desktop’s FinTech Bootcamp. This course teaches students to use Python and Structured Query Language (SQL) to analyze data and communicate with large databases. Students will also learn about machine learning models, risk management, and SEC filings throughout the course. 
• Level of Difficulty: This course is designed for beginners. Registrants can request a free supplemental information packet before the course starts to familiarize themselves with financial concepts like stock fundamentals, IRR, and NPV.
• Location: Attendees can participate in this bootcamp online or in-person. 
• Duration: This bootcamp is offered on a full-time and part-time basis, so students with varying outside commitments can still receive a quality education. The full-time version is four weeks while the part-time version is four months. 
• Target Audience: Students who are 18 years old or turning 18 soon can attend. 
• Cost: This bootcamp is $4,495 per person. In addition to over 100 hours of live instruction, students receive a certificate of completion and mentoring sessions with their instructors. This price also includes the option to retake the bootcamp for free within a year, which is handy if you’d like to work on different projects or brush up on core concepts. Students can finance their tuition with a 0% interest loan or make installment payments. 

Financial Modeling Bootcamp

• Program Information: If you only have time for a shorter course, check out Noble Desktop’s Financial Modeling Bootcamp. In just 21 hours, students will learn advanced Excel techniques to design a discounted cash flow (DCF) and create a financial model for an existing company. 
• Level of Difficulty: This program is designed for beginners. As long as students possess basic computer skills, they are eligible to enroll.
• Location: Students can take this course in-person at Noble’s Manhattan campus or online. Virtual participants will use Zoom to connect with their classmates and instructors in real-time.
• Duration: This class takes just three days to complete. Sessions are held Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm EST.
• Target Audience: High school juniors and seniors can attend as long as they are 18 or turning 18 in the near future.
• Cost: This class is $995 per student and includes a certificate of completion and the option to retake the class for free within a year. While no financial aid or payment plans are available, students can take this course as part of Noble Desktop’s Financial Analyst Training Program.

Why Learn Finance During the Summer?

Enrolling in a summer program to learn about finance is beneficial for several reasons. First, you’ll build relationships with your classmates and instructors that have the potential to last a lifetime. These connections can lead to exciting networking opportunities, mainly since some of these programs include excursions to Wall Street and other finance hubs. Many courses also teach fundamental skills with Microsoft Excel, a highly marketable and transferable skill. Many employers require proficiency in Excel, even if you don’t end up working in finance. 

While these courses aren’t explicitly designed to teach personal financial literacy solely, many of them touch on its importance. These courses present students with a unique opportunity to learn how to manage their money at a young age. Being armed with this knowledge could help you avoid some common financial pitfalls, like being unable to afford a home or not saving enough to retire. Regardless of your ultimate career path, gaining personal money management skills is a wise investment. 

Which Finance Summer Program is Right for Me?

Now that you’ve reviewed some of the available options to learn about finance over the summer, you might be unsure how to narrow your choices. There are a few essential things to consider when enrolling in one of these programs. For most people, money is the most significant barrier to participating in a program like this. While these skills could lead to a lucrative career later in life, spending thousands of dollars can feel too daunting for some families. If this sounds like you, focus your attention on courses that offer financial aid or scholarships.

You’ll also want to pay attention to your learning style. Many of the programs discussed here offer a virtual learning environment, which can be extremely helpful for some students. But some students struggle to focus at home and perform at their best in a more traditional classroom. There’s no right or wrong answer, but if you desire an in-person learning experience, consider a course at NextGen, Columbia, Yale, or UCLA. While all of the programs listed above are suitable for students with no prior financial or investment experience, they teach a range of skills and subjects. It’s important to review the course curriculum to make sure you enroll in a program that aligns with your interests and future goals. 

There is a range of summer finance programs that cater to various academic and financial needs. Enrolling in one of these programs can enrich your life, but selecting which class to attend can be challenging. By taking the time to consider which program is the best fit for your unique needs, you’ll ensure that you make the most of this opportunity.

Can High School Students Learn Finance?

There’s no reason why even young high school students can’t learn and master complex finance concepts! In fact, many of the core tenets of the financial world are surprisingly easy to master by taking a summer course. For example, you can learn how to make a budget by examining what you spend, decreasing unnecessary costs, and boosting your earnings. That’s a considerable skill that can help you in almost every walk of life and career that interests you.

Should High School Students Attend a Finance Summer Program?

It’s a wise investment for parents to send their high school teens to a finance summer program. Financial literacy is at an all-time low, and many teens fresh out of school make many mistakes and get into serious trouble later in life. Credit card debt, student loans, and excessive spending can significantly impact a teen’s development and hold them back for years. Thankfully, finance programs can help teens prepare for better careers and manage their money better.

Which Finance Summer Program is Best for High School Students?

NextGen Bootcamp is one of the most trusted high-school learning programs. They use hands-on training from real experts in small class sizes (with hands-on exercises) to teach teens about important technology, coding, business, and finance lessons. Excel, Finance, & Investing Summer Program Live Online teaches these lessons from home. Rather than attending an in-person class, you can study with your parents and teach them something new.

Is It Worth Attending a Finance Summer Program as a High School Student?

Any teenager interested in banking, finance, and investing careers should seriously consider taking a summer course. These classes will immerse you in important finance concepts, help you save more effectively, and help you prepare for college. That’s a huge benefit even if you’re not interested in financial careers. Imagine knowing how to budget your finances and save money properly. Those skills can translate to almost any area of your life and keep you happy.