high school economics essay competition 2021

Harvard International Economics

Essay contest (hieec).

HIEEC provides students the opportunity to demonstrate an accomplished level of writing and understanding of economic theory. Through the contest, students hone their academic and professional skills and exhibit their knowledge. 

HIEE C 202 3 -2024

Hieec 2023-2024 is now closed. .

The 2023-2024  Harvard International Economics Essay Contest is sponsored by the Harvard Undergraduate Economics Association (HUEA). This essay competition is open to high school studen ts of any year and is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrat e an accom plished level of writing and understanding of economic the ory. T hrough the contest, student competitors hone their academic and professional skills and exhibit their knowledge to future employers and academic programs. 

Competitors must construct a convincing argument using economic theory and real-world examples. Winning essays will be published on our website  and will be available for the greater Harvard community to read. Essays should focus on argumentation supported with facts and references, although data-based support is also welcome.

Yiheng Lyu​

Audrey Ku k​

Hyoungjin Jin

Juyoung Chun

Kevin Zhang

Matthew Choi

Mikayil Sadikhov

Raunak Agarwal

Vallabh Himakunthala

Highly Commended

Aronima Biswas

Aryan Nangia

Kridaya Gupta

Leonardo Jia

Rohan Mathur

Anagha Chakravarti

Amberlynn Gong

Neha Shanavas

Donghyeon Oh

2023-2024  Essay Questions

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to affect growth, inequality, productivity, innovation, and employment. OpenAI’s ChatGPT, in particular, has greatly increased public awareness about the significance of AI and its implications for the future. What impact will the development of AI have on economic inequality, the composition of the workforce, and economic output as a whole? How can nations prepare for the micro and macroeconomic changes brought about by AI?

Measuring national and global economic activity allows us to understand how economies change in size and structure—how they grow and contract. In addition to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), government budgets, and the money supply, alternatives like the Human Development Index (HDI) and Gross National Income (GNI) are used to assess economic progress. What are the advantages of our current economic indices, including GDP, HDI, GNI, government budgets, and the money supply, and in what areas are they lacking? Which of these indices do you find most helpful, and how can we enhance or combine them to improve our understanding of economic measurement?

Proponents of income redistribution support the idea that redistribution policies will increase economic stability and give more opportunities to the less wealthy. Others, however, are more skeptical and believe it could have negative consequences for economic growth. Current methods of redistribution include taxation, welfare, public services, and other monetary policies. What strategies for income redistribution should the U.S. adopt from other countries? What economic impacts could a wealth tax or super millionaire tax have? What type of redistribution is most effective and feasible? What would be the impacts of the U.S. enacting universal basic income? Discuss the implications of any of these issues and feel free to expand on other areas of economic redistribution.

As the United States weighs the impacts of China’s rise to global prominence, economics and national security have become increasingly intertwined. As a result, the United States government has imposed both tariffs and investment restrictions on China to limit the nation’s access to both US markets and intellectual property (specifically in sensitive industries such as semiconductors). What are the economic implications of these policies for United States firms, consumers, and workers? Discuss the most important perspectives of the US-China trade war and provide suggestions on how both countries can manage the prospect of a changing economic order.

2nd November 2023 – Essay titles released

11:59pm EST 5th January 2024  – Essay submission deadline

Late February 2024*  – Highly Commended and Finalists notified

Early March 2024 * – Winners notified, results published on the website

*We received a high volume of submissions, therefore we anticipate  that it will take us a couple m ore w eeks to release the results. 

Entrants must choose one of the four prompts and write a response to it with a strict limit of 1500 words. Submission must be via the HUEA website and entrants are limited to submitting one essay with only the first submission being considered. Each essay submission will have a $20 reading fee which should be paid upon submission of the essay. If this fee will impose a significant financial burden on your family, please email us. The deadline for submitting the essay is 11:59pm EST January 5th, 2024. ​

Please submit essay submissions via this form.

If the above link does not work, use:  https://forms.gle/9NVDu9WVbU71iPpq6

*Be sure to read all the details in the submission form carefully before submitting, as failure to complete any of the steps correctly may result in your submission not being considered.

The essays will be judged by the board of the HUEA, with the top 10 submissions being adjudicated by the esteemed Harvard professor and 2016 Economics Nobel Prize winner Oliver Hart.

The top three winning essays will be published ( with the author’s permission) on our website. A finalist s list of the top  submissions will be published online and adjudicated by 2016 Economics Nobel Prize Winner Oliver Hart. A list of names that will receive the "Highly Commended" distinction will also be published online​. The judges' decisions are final.

Terms and Conditions

The word limit of 1500 must be strictly adhered to. Any words past the limit will be truncated. This limit excludes references, footnotes, titles, headers and footers.

Essays must be written only by the entrant. Any outside assistance must be declared in the beginning or end of the essay.

Only your first submission will be accepted. Any further submissions will not be read.

References must be included, and any plagiarism will lead to disqualification.

References must be in Chicago or APA format. 

The only accepted document formatting is PDF. Any other format will not be accepted, nor will refunds be given to those who do not follow this rule.

No refunds are granted.

Grades 9-12 are permitted.

The essay must not be entered in any other competition nor be published elsewhere.

No individual feedback of essays will be granted.

The decisions made by HUEA by the final round of adjudication are final.

All winners agree to their names being published on the HUEA website.

Past Winners

2022  prompts an d winners.

In recent years and decades, many countries have seen fertility rates drop, potentially leading to falling populations. Currently, China has a fertility rate of 1.3, one of the lowest in the world. However, in 2021, China experienced GDP growth of 8% with output totaling $17.7 trillion. Will this lowered fertility rate (with potential to fall further) affect China’s economic growth and policy? How so? What, if anything, can the Chinese government do to limit the risk of falling fertility rates?

U.S. mortgage rates recently passed 7%, making the purchase of a new home increasingly unaffordable. Meanwhile, the United States has suffered from a chronic shortage of available housing for decades, particularly in urban areas, leading to what many scholars and advocates call an affordability crisis. Why is housing so unaffordable in the U.S.? What can (or should) be done by private actors, state and local governments, and the federal government to alleviate the affordability crisis?

It is often suggested that a tradeoff exists between economic growth and the health of the environment, especially now as the threat of climate change becomes more dire. What economic risks does a changing climate pose? Can economic growth be consistent with a healthy environment? What policies, either market-based or otherwise, should governments enact to protect the environment while posing the least danger to economic efficiency? 

Central banks such as the Federal Reserve in the U.S. and the Bank of England in the UK manage their nation’s macroeconomies with the goal of ensuring price stability and maximum employment. Globally, inflation rates are rising to levels not seen since the 1980s, particularly in the U.S. and European countries. To what extent should the monetary policies of central banks in various Western countries differ or resemble one another as a reaction to the specific causes of inflation facing their economies?

​ Click below to view each winner's essay

Ashwin t elang  *   nanxi jiang   *   duncan wong, 2019 wi n ner.

https://www.economicsreview.org/post/when-is-one-choice-one-t oo-many

2020 Winners

https://www.economicsreview.org/post/covid-19-and-the-market

https://www.economicsreview.org/post/automation-and-jobs-this-time-is-different

https://www.economicsreview.org/post/making-rational-decisions

National Economics Challenge

Ages: High School

Type: Tournament

Scope: National

212-730-7007

Participate

The National Economics Challenge (NEC) is the nation’s most prestigious high school economics competition. Each year, over 10,500 students across the U.S. participate in the competition. The Challenge recognizes exceptional high school students for their knowledge of economic principles and their ability to apply problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to real-world events.

• The Adam Smith Division for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Honors Students.
• The David Ricardo Division for students participating for the first time.

Website: http://councilforeconed.org/national-economics-challenge/

Managing Organization: Council for Economic Education

Contact: 212-730-7007

Eligibility: Students must be enrolled for credit in a qualifying public high school, private high school, or home-based high school course at some time during the year of entry.

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The National Economics Challenge

America’s premier competition for high school students.

The tools of economic analysis teach students to think logically, use data smartly, and build analytic and problem-solving skills

Each year, close to 10,000 students from across the nation take the chance to shine while being tested on key micro and macroeconomic principles, as well as their knowledge of the world economy. 

The National Economics Challenge provides a platform for high school students of economics to compete with their peers on a national scale and make themselves and their schools proud.

The 2024 National Economics Challenge semi-finals will take place April 22-26, 2024. The finals will be hosted in New York, NY on June 1-3, 2024.

Building knowledge, confidence, and camaraderie

The National Economics Challenge has a unique method for engaging, motivating, and rewarding high school students, making it a fun learning experience they’ll never forget. Participants compete for cash prizes, recognition, and bragging rights in one of two divisions: The Adam Smith division is for advanced placement, baccalaureate, honors students, and returning competitors, and the David Ricardo Division is for students participating in the NEC for the first time and who have taken no more than one economics course.

Working in local teams with instructors and economics professionals serving as coaches, students compete first at the state level. The winning team from each state moves on to the First Round National Challenge to vie for their spot in the National Semi-Finals.

The top four teams in the semi-finals advance and receive an all-expense paid trip to New York City to compete and earn cash prizes:

1st place $1,000 | 2nd place $500 | 3rd place $250 | 4th place $125

Sign up for the national economics challenge.

To register a team, please start by selecting your state in the drop-down below. The National Economics Challenge (NEC) is the country’s only economics competition of its kind for high school students. It tests micro and macroeconomic principles as well as knowledge of the world economy.

Register for your state competition here:

We’re proud to support young economics enthusiasts today, so they’re well-positioned to shape the very best tomorrow.

#econchallenge

+1 (603) 932 7897

[email protected].

Guide to the National Economics Challenge (NEC)

• Last modified 2023-11-10
• Published on 2022-01-10

1. What is the National Economics Challenge?

The National Economics Challenge is hosted by the Council for Economic Education, a long-standing organization committed to equipping K-12 students with knowledge and tools of personal finance and economics. National Economics Challenge is the only annual economic competition for high school students. The competition tests students about their knowledge of the world economy, specifically microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international and current events. In 2019, more than 10,000 high school students participated in 45 states nationwide. 

2. How does the NEC competition work? ​

Two main divisions.

Three to four high school students form a team to participate in either of the two divisions: 

• David Ricardo: For first-time competitors with no more than one course in economics. Students can only participate in the David Ricardo division only once. 
• Adam Smith: For returning competitors, AP, IB, and honors students (as well as any returning competitors). Students can compete in this division multiple times. 

For Middle School Students:

• Milton Friedman: This division is for middle school students offered in some state-level competitions. These students don’t compete beyond the state level and the top teams win state prizes.

Competition Process

The process begins with state-level competitions. Each state sets its own rules for competitions. For example, the 2022 state-level competition in New York consists of 30 questions that must be answered in 35 minutes. Each student works individually. The team composite score is the sum of the top 3 scores on each team. 

The winning team from each state moves onto the National Semi-Finals . The top eight scoring teams will compete at the National Finals. The finals include critical thinking round and quiz bowl, where students present and answer questions from economists and financial professionals. 

At the National Finals, there are three rounds of competition within each division: Round 1 – Microeconomics, Round 2 – Macroeconomics, and Round 3 – International Economics and Current Events. Each round lasts 20 minutes, with 15 multiple-choice questions. Members will compete individually, and the team score in each round is the sum of the top three individual scores. 

The 4th round is the Critical Thinking Round where students work as a team to develop a solution and analysis to a current economic problem. Students will be judged on: completeness of response, financial analysis and insight, background knowledge, and presentation.

The 5 th and final round of the National Finals is the Quiz bowl, where students decide one spokesperson, who will present the team’s answer to the judge’s questions on a sheet of paper. There are a total of 22 questions, with discussion time around 30 seconds each. 

Each state has a different deadline for registration and state final. Please refer to the main website to learn more about the deadline for your state. The National Semifinals is from April 22-26, 2024 and the National Finals is from June 1-3, 2024

Eligibility

To participate in the competition, students must be currently enrolled in qualifying public high school, private high school, or home-based high school courses at some time during the current academic year.

In the national finals, the winning team receives medals and certificates of accomplishment, as well as cash prizes for each team member: 

1st place: $1,000 

2nd place: $500 

3rd place: $250 

4th place: $125

3. How can I study for the contest?

There are various resources for students who want to prepare for the competition:

Study Material by Council for Economic Education

The study material collection created by CEE covers various topics within economics, from microeconomics like how you pay for college to macroeconomics like globalization. The lessons normally last around 30-60 minutes, and there are 42 lessons in total. 

Sample Test

Below are the sample tests provided by CEE to test your skill and knowledge in economics. Even though the test is 10 years old, students can use this test as a foundational test for any knowledge gaps and potential areas of improvement. In addition to the archived test, students can also register an account for practice tests on Ready Assessment . 

Another sample test you can take a look at is the sample tests in microeconomics, macroeconomics, international and current events from the state of Arizona. 

David Ricardo Division

• Microeconomics Test (2011)
• Macroeconomics Test (2011)
• International and Current Events Test (2011)

Adam Smith Division

• David Ricardo Critical Thinking Round Question (2012)
• Adam Smith Critical Thinking Round Question (2012)

Aralia's Courses

National economics challenge prep.

The 30-hour National Economics Challenge preparation course prepares students new to Economics by introducing Micro, Macro, and International Economics theories, concepts, and vocabulary. Teaching methodology includes lectures, assignments, videos, case studies, activities, quizzes, and tests to prepare students for participation in the 2022 NEC David Ricardo Division (DR) entry-level team competition as well as advanced-level high school and undergraduate college-level courses in Economics.

Introduction to Economics

This course will help students to interpret economic news and economic data profoundly. At the same time, students will learn to form their own insights on economic issues. This course will provide a solid foundation for students who wish to study advanced economics in the future.

Economic Research

Students will use college-level economic theory and models to analyze the financial impact on the global economy. The economic tutor will provide students with the models and tools necessary to write an economic research paper. The economic research project encourages students to integrate their acquired knowledge of economic theory, phenomenon, data, and policy.

• Competitions

Aralia Education is an innovative online education platform for ambitious middle and high school students worldwide. Aralia’s instructors propel students forward by helping them build a strong foundation in traditional academic courses. They also actively engage and guide students in exploring personal interests beyond their school curriculum. With this holistic approach, Aralia ensures its students are well-prepared for college and equipped for success in their future careers.

• College Accelerator Program
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Give us a call: +1 (603) 932 7897

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The High School Fed Challenge offers the opportunity for students to develop skills in teamwork, research, data literacy, and analytical writing. Student teams author economics research and pursue recognition in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s  Journal of Future Economists.

Congratulations to the schools selected to be published in the 2024 Journal of Future Economists. The schools and papers included in the journal are as follows, listed by school name, in alphabetical order:

• Bergen County Technical High School, Teterboro, NJ;   The Elderly Economy: America’s Aging Workforce
• Bridgewater-Raritan High School, Bridgewater, NJ;   The AI Takeover: A Hoax or Reality?
• Cold Spring Harbor Jr./Sr. High School, Cold Spring Harbor, NY;   Tipping Culture: A Comparative Analysis
• Floral Park Memorial High School, Floral Park, NY; The BTS Effect: Growing South Korea's Economy and the Workforce Both Indirectly and Directly
• Glen Rock High School, Glen Rock, NJ;   Sheconomics: Beyond Plastic - Barbie and Women Shaping the Workforce
• Greenwich High School, Greenwich, CT;   Gig-a-Bite: Food Delivery and the Rise of the Gig Economy
• High School for Math, Science, and Engineering at CCNY, New York, NY;   America's Trucking Industry: The Hard Road Ahead
• John P. Stevens High School, Edison, NJ;   Ear to the Ground: Unearthing the Decline of Labor in Corn Farming
• New Canaan High School, New Canaan, CT;   Why Money Matters: Immigration and the American Workforce
• Passaic County Technical Institute, Wayne, NJ;   Nurses on Strike: Who Will Take Care of Them? 
• Ridge High School, Basking Ridge, NJ;   Four-Day Forecast
• The Brearley School, New York, NY;   Deflating the Productivity-Compensation Puzzle

The High School Fed Challenge is an educational program that aims to encourage students in grades 9 – 12 to learn more about economics and promote interest in economics as a subject for study and the basis for a career. Previous study of economics is not required – only intellectual curiosity and interest in exploring an economic theme.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York designates the annual competition theme. Entering teams may select any topic that explicitly relates to this theme for academic research, which will be submitted for evaluation to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Bank judges select submissions to be published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in the Journal of Future Economists. In addition to gaining broader exposure to the field of economics, all entering teams will receive recognition in the Journal of Future Economists .

For schools that have been approved for the New York State Education Department's  Seal of Civic Readiness + 1 Civics Pathway , the High School Fed Challenge academic competition can be used as a 1-point research project to count towards the Seal of Civic Readiness 6-point requirement.

The High School Fed Challenge academic competition encourages students to work as a team to develop and enhance their skills in critical thinking, creativity, writing, time management, and conducting rigorous research. This experience will prepare students for academic success at the collegiate level and help students build analytical and communications skills for use in their future careers.

Everything you need to know about the program and rules for participation:

To compete, teams of three to eight students write an entry (between 1,500 – 2,500 words) on a topic that explicitly relates to the annual competition’s economic theme, selected by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Each eligible high school may register one team and each registered team can submit one entry for the year’s competition.

Each student team must have one to two adult advisors. At least one advisor must be designated by the principal of the competing school and neither advisor may be an employee of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York will select submissions to be published in its Journal of Future Economists based on a holistic evaluation that will include, but may not be limited to:

• Academic quality. Each submission will be evaluated according to the rubric included in the rule book for the academic year.
• Geographic diversity. Selection for publication will consider representation of the various communities within the Federal Reserve’s Second District.
• Relevance and variety of topics submitted.

“The Federal Reserve has a dual mandate to promote maximum employment and price stability. These goals are intrinsically linked—price stability is essential to sustaining maximum employment over the long term and for the economy to reach its full potential.” – John C. Williams , President and Chief Executive Officer. 1

Work and employment are key economic drivers with impact ranging from the well-being of individual households, families, and towns to the stability and growth of nations. The types of work that people do and how they work shift and evolve over time to raise countless questions about workforce characteristics, mobility, and agility. Different views of the nature of work can inform a wide variety of policies and outcomes.

The New York Fed conducts research to better understand work and employment trends and their impact on economies. We have provided an online collection of different resources available from the Federal Reserve System and other sources, as well as a high school lesson plan to help teachers prepare students to learn more about this year's theme. We invite High School Fed Challenge teams to submit academically researched podcast scripts on any topic that relates explicitly to the competition theme.

1 Attaining and Maintaining Price Stability

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate fully in our society and in our economy.” —Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve

What Is Economic Inequality? Economic analysis often focuses on understanding the average effects of a given policy or program. While such analysis is important to gauge how the economy is doing, understanding how outcomes vary across geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic boundaries is key to grasping both the whole picture and the implications of any given policy.

Economic Inequality Theme Resource Center. The New York Fed conducts research to better understand what contributes to economic inequality in its many forms and we have provided an online collection of different resources available from the Bank and other sources. We invite High School Fed Challenge teams to submit academic papers on any topic that relates explicitly to this theme. Visit the Theme Resource Center.

A team consists of three to eight students who attend the same high school, advised by one to two adult advisors. A team can be formed in a number of ways:

• As part of an extracurricular activity. The team is made up of student volunteers and one to two faculty advisors who work on the Fed Challenge as a club or enrichment program.
• As the result of a class- or school-based competition. The class is divided into teams. Each team researches and writes a submission that is evaluated by the rest of the class or school faculty; one team is selected to represent the school. Alternatively, team selection can be extended to all the classes in a school by choosing either a top submission or a team of the school's most accomplished authors.
• By teacher selection. A teacher assembles a team on the basis of overall performance, an in-class assignment, or expressed interest in the subject of economics.
• By student interest. Three to eight interested students may wish to participate and can request that their school principal designate an advisor for the team. Please ensure that the school principal officially acknowledges the team as the school’s High School Fed Challenge team and that an adult advisor is designated by the principal to manage team activities and communication with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Teams without official sponsorship from their school may not participate.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York will provide an online collection of different resources available from the Bank and other sources to help students research the annual competition theme and select a topic. Students are not restricted to using the resources made available by the Bank and may use other reputable or scholarly sources for their research. However, the topic selected must relate explicitly to the annual competition theme.

What is the difference between the competition theme and the topic?

The annual competition theme is designated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. It will always relate to economics and have relevance in the field. Competing teams will write academically about topics that explicitly relate to the same annual theme. However, topics can vary, will tend to be more specific, and will differ across teams.

For example, if the designated theme were “Birthdays,” teams could decide to research and write about a variety of topics such as:

• Surprise! Types and social implications of birthday celebrations in the United States from 1910 – 1950
• Differences in the flavors of birthday cakes bought or made: A case comparison of New York City and Buffalo, NY
• Are you more likely to be named Dion in December in Denville? The relationship between name selection and birthday dates for newborns in New Jersey
• The global distribution of birthdays and impact on population growth rates

Note that the only requirement is that topics relate explicitly to the theme. A topic may be local, state, national, or global in scope. Sources may provide quantitative or qualitative evidence to support the research thesis (argument or perspective on the topic).

Registration for the 2023 - 2024 competition is closed.

Registration is open from September 13, 2022 to February 15, 2023

• Before registering, please review the High School Fed Challenge Rule Book for everything you need to know about the program and rules for participation.
• All correspondence and communication regarding registration, submission, and participation in the High School Fed Challenge will be done electronically through the New York Fed's website or email. It is the responsibility of faculty advisors and student participants to read and understand the competition rule book for the academic year as posted on the website, check the website for notices and other materials, read all email messages carefully, and be aware of competition rules and deadlines. There will be no exceptions to this policy.

Faculty advisors will be asked to:

• Fill out all information about the team in the online registration system.
• Send a completed principal acknowledgment form via email to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Economic Education team at [email protected] . This endorsement is required for team participation.

Note: Advisors may not be current employees of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Who can participate in High School Fed Challenge?

Participating high schools must be:

• Located in the Second Federal Reserve District, which includes New York State; Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren Counties in New Jersey; Fairfield County in Connecticut; Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

How can my school register to compete in High School Fed Challenge?

To register for High School Fed Challenge, a faculty advisor from the school must complete an online registration form, on or before the registration deadline. To complete registration, the advisor must also submit a completed  principal acknowledgement form  (signed by the principal), which confirms that the team represents the school and the faculty member is the school’s appointed faculty advisor for its High School Fed Challenge team.

Does my school need to register? Why can’t we just submit without registering?

Teams must register for the competition before submitting their work for evaluation.   We would like to know of your school’s intention to submit so that we can better communicate with faculty advisors if there are any questions along the way. Timely registration will also help us to better manage the evaluation process.

What if my school registers and then the team decides not to compete? Or doesn’t finish its submission?

If registered teams decide not to submit, we would appreciate a notification in writing to  [email protected] . However, if registered teams simply do not submit their work on or before the submission deadline, they will not be eligible to compete.

When can my school register to compete? When will the theme be announced?

Registration opens in September and teams must register on or before the registration deadline at 11:59 p.m. The theme for the academic competition is announced when online registration for the competition becomes available.

What are the rules of the High School Fed Challenge?

The High School Fed Challenge  rule book  is available online. Please ensure you follow the rule book for the academic year in which your team is competing.

How does a team “win” the High School Fed Challenge?

The High School Fed Challenge will not designate only one winning team. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York competition judges will evaluate and select submissions to be published by the Bank in its Journal of Future Economists .

When is the deadline for papers to be submitted for the High School Fed Challenge?

To be considered for publication in the Journal of Future Economists , school teams must submit their final paper on or before the published submission deadline at 11:59 p.m. via email to [email protected]. Papers must be submitted on or before the deadline. Exceptions will not be made for late submissions.

How will the Federal Reserve Bank of New York evaluate the submissions?

The selection process for publication in the Journal of Future Economists will be based on a holistic evaluation that will consider academic quality, geographic representation of the various communities within the Federal Reserve’s Second District, and the relevance and variety of topics submitted. The evaluation committee will be comprised of Federal Reserve Bank of New York employees. More information on the evaluation process can be found in the rubric listed in the rule book.

How many submissions will be selected for publication in Journal of Future Economists ?

The holistic evaluation process will review each submission carefully. We anticipate that the committee will select as many submissions to be published as possible.

How will we be notified if our school team’s work is selected for publication in the  Journal of Future Economists ?

The faculty advisors for all school teams that submit on or before the submission deadline at 11:59 p.m. via email to  [email protected]  will receive a selection notification by email, on or before the notification deadline. The notification will indicate whether the paper has been selected for publication.

What if our school team’s submission is not selected for publication in the  Journal of Future Economists ?

All school teams that submit on or before the submission deadline at 11:59 p.m. via email to  [email protected]  will be acknowledged as competition participants in the  Journal of Future Economists . A selection notification will be sent via email on or before the notification deadline, which will indicate whether the paper has been selected for publication.

What if our school team’s work is not selected for publication and I disagree with the evaluation?

Decisions regarding the evaluation and selection for publication will be final. We understand that some teams will be disappointed. There is a subjective element in all types of evaluations. Decisions will not be made lightly, but they will be final. We kindly ask that faculty, students, parents, and Bank personnel conduct themselves professionally, respectfully, and with integrity during all communications and interactions associated with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York High School Fed Challenge.

Who is publishing the  Journal of Future Economists ? How can I get a copy?

The  Journal of Future Economists  will be published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. It will be available in digital and print form. We anticipate that it will be made available at no cost and at least one print copy will be provided to each participating school, as well as each individual member of the published teams.

When will the  Journal of Future Economists  be available? How often will it be published?

The  Journal  will be finalized and available during the summer. It will be published annually to recognize the authors of the selected submissions and acknowledge all the teams in High School Fed Challenge each year.

Congratulations to the schools selected to be published in the 2023 issue of the Journal of Future Economists . The schools and papers included in the journal are as follows, listed by school name, in alphabetical order:

• Bergen County Academies of Hackensack, NJ;   Holy Guacamole! The Avocado as a Globalized Good in the United States and Mexico
• Bethlehem Central High School, Delmar, NY;   Money Doesn’t Grow on Dead Trees: Invasive Species in Our Globalized Economy
• Brooklyn Technical High School, Brooklyn, NY;   Pop Culture Economics: Japanese Anime Globalization and Impact
• Edison Academy Magnet School, Edison, NJ;   Biodiversity Loss: The Hidden Cost of Economic Globalization
• George W. Hewlett High School, Hewlett, NY;   Competing in the Global Semiconductor Industry: Let the Chips Fall Where They May
• Greenwich High School, Greenwich, CT;   It’s a (s)Mall World: Globalization, E-Commerce, and Shopping Malls
• Hawthorne High School, Hawthorne, NJ;   Globalization Revolution: How Advancements in Technology Affect the Global Economic Landscape
• Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, NJ;   Goodz Gone Global: The International Success of Acai
• Niskayuna High School, Niskayuna, NY;   Generous Electric: How General Electric’s Globalization Lights and Hauls the World
• Northern Highlands Regional High School, Allendale, NJ;   Making CENTS of Petrodollars: The De-Globalization of Petrodollars and its Effect on the United States Economy
• Rye Country Day School, Rye, NY;   “Friendshoring” and Deglobalization in the Shadow of COVID-19 and Russia’s War in Ukraine
• TASIS School in Dorado, Dorado, Puerto Rico;   Lucid Economics Podcast: Dimensions of Globalization

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Essay Competition

 “the ideas of economists… both when they are right and when they are wrong, are more powerful than is commonly understood… indeed the world is ruled by little else” ,     j. m. keynes (general theory, 1936), essay competition 2024.

The Marshall Society Essay Competition for 2024 has officially opened!

We are proud to announce that the 2024 Marshall Society Essay Competition is being sponsored by Cambridge Global Connect .

Cambridge Global Connect are a subsidiary of Oxbridge Global Connect, an award-winning education technology platform and research think tank founded at the University of Cambridge that offers premier tutoring services.

Marshall Society Essay Competition 2024

The competition.

The Marshall Society, the economics society of the University of Cambridge, is excited to launch its 2024 essay competition! This is an opportunity for all students who have not begun their university studies to demonstrate their ability to write a convincing and well-structured essay. Emphasis should be placed on sound explanation of economic theory and well-reasoned, original arguments, drawing on relevant real-world evidence.

Participants are invited to submit an essay response to one of the following questions:

• In the face of disinflation, policymakers are hesitant to reduce interest rates. Is this in line with economic theory?
• What are the causes and consequences of low fertility rates in advanced economies? How can we combat them?
• Is the attention economy necessarily harmful? 
• To what extent is a merger between two big firms beneficial to consumers?
• “In an efficient market, at any point in time, the actual price of a security will be a good estimate of its intrinsic va lue.” – Eugene Fama. To wh at extent does this apply today?
• Why did Britain choose to return to the $4.86 gold standard rate in 1925? Was this the right decision?
• Has the field of Economics become too mathematical? Is this a problem?

Writing the essay

Your essay should be written in English with good grammar and structure . We will evaluate your essay based on the logic and persuasiveness of the arguments presented, the quality of the evidence used to support your points, and the originality of your ideas.

Your essay should be properly referenced , citing all sources along the way. It is recommended to use the APA (Author, Year) style of citation in the text. (For example, “The persistence of high unemployment rates is mainly associated with rigidities in the labour markets (Bertola and Rogerson, 1997).”)

Please also provide a bibliography , where you list all your sources at the end of the essay. Don’t worry too much about sticking to one citation format for this; spend your time writing your essay instead (although look to the APA format as a guide for this). Just make sure all the information needed to verify your sources is in here.

Before submitting your essay, do a word count. Words in your bibliography and in any data tables don’t count towards the limit, but everything else does, including footnotes. The limit is 1,250 words (we will check!). We put a word limit so you can focus on what the really important aspects of the question are. Because of the limit, you shouldn’t worry about providing a complete overview of the topic; rather, focus on getting a really good insight into the key aspects, with facts to back it up. You may assume that the judging panel have a basic understanding of the question topic, i.e., there is no need for lengthy definitions or background information.

Finally, some notes on style:

• Include page numbers on every page
• Format your essay in Times New Roman, size 12, with line spacing 1.5
• On the first page, include the question, question number, your name and your school .

Use of Generative AI

The use of Generative AI programmes, such as ChatGPT, is not prohibited in producing your essay, and you will not be penalised for fair usage. However, any use of AI must be declared on the form used to submit your essay. All essays will be passed through software which detects plagiarism and the use of AI, including where passages have been produced by AI and manually rewritten. Any essays found to have used AI without proper declaration will be disqualified.

Use the submission form below to submit your essay. Do not email your essay to us: we will not read it if you do!

If you encounter any issues while submitting your essay via the Google Form below, please email [email protected] at least 48 hours prior to the deadline.

We have extended the deadline for submissions to Sunday 18 th August 2024, 11:59pm BST . Late submissions will not be considered.

Before submitting, please convert your file to a PDF and change the file name to “[your name] Q[question number].pdf” . (For example, “Adam Smith Q4.pdf”). Make sure this is no larger than 10 MB in size.

Competition results will be published on the Marshall Society website by late-August 2024. Prizes are as follows:

First place: £100 Finalists: £50 Commendation: No monetary prize, awarded to excellent submissions shortlisted for finalist.

Selected winning essays will be featured in the Marshall Society’s annual publication, The Dismal Scientist .

Terms and Conditions of Entry Please also observe that by entering you agree to the terms and conditions listed below:

• Your submitted essay must be your work alone and any assistance given to you must be declared in the form used to submit your essay. This includes the use of Generative AI software such as ChatGPT.
• You cannot make any revisions to your essay once it has been submitted.
• Only students who have not started an undergraduate degree can enter. Please note that you do not have to be studying in the UK to enter.
• Any personal data relating to entrants will be used solely for the purpose of this competition and will not be disclosed to any third parties for any purpose without prior consent.
• The essay that is entered may not be entered into any other competition.
• The winner, runners up and those with shortlisted essays will be contacted via the email used to submit the essay. Unfortunately, any other feedback will not be possible to any of the entrants.
• The Marshall Society reserves the final right, where necessary, to make amendments to the above terms and conditions and to select the winners of the competition.

We look forward to reading your submissions!

Jing, Research Director 2024/25 Chiara, Magazine Editor 2024/25

Top 10 Economics Competitions for High School Students

By Surya Ramanathan

Johns Hopkins University, B.S. in Applied Mathematics and Statistics, B.S. in Economics, and M.S. in Applied Economics

6 minute read

Testing your knowledge at an economics competition is a great way to go beyond a traditional classroom’s offerings, allowing you to showcase your understanding of economic theory, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The experience gained can not only sharpen your academic competition prowess but it can also provide you with a sneak peek into the intricate web of global economic dynamics. Today, we’ll be looking at the ten best economics competitions for you to partake in to boost your college application and enhance your economic understanding. 

#1 Federal Reserve High School Challenge

Hosting Institution: US Federal Reserve

Location: Virtual

Awards: Submission to Federal Reserve Bank of NY Journal of Future Economists

Entry Deadline: February 15

Competition Date: March 15

The Fed Challenge is a dynamic competition hosted by the Federal Reserve, inviting high school students to act and think as economists. Every year, the Fed will choose a competition theme, and each team will write a 1,500-2,500 word paper on the topic. The best submissions to the essay contest are chosen to be published in the Journal of Future Economists by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Participants will have the chance to analyze economic data, create forecasts, and present their findings to a panel of expert judges. 

#2 National Economics Challenge

Hosting Institution: Council for Economic Education

Location: Varies by location

Awards: Cash prizes

Entry Deadline: March 1

Competition Date: June 1 - June 3

The National Economics Challenge, organized by CEE, is a premier competition testing high school students on microeconomics, macroeconomics, and current events. Students begin by participating at the local state level and then moving on to a sem-final national challenge. Finally, the top eight teams proceed to the final national challenge in NYC. The NEC encourages academic excellence and cultivates teamwork and critical thinking. 

#3 International Economics Olympiad

Hosting Institution: International Economics Olympiad

Awards: Trophies and medals

Entry Deadline: Typically in January

Competition Date: July

The International Economics Olympiad is a prestigious global competition that draws together the brightest minds in economics. Hosted by various countries on a rotating basis, the IEO challenges participants with rigorous theoretical and applied problems. Students can choose to participate in one of three competitions: financial literacy (an online simulation game where participants need to create personal financial plans), economics (a blend of open-ended and multiple choice questions), or business case (presentation of case solutions to a panel of judges).

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#4 The Stock Market Game

Hosting Institution: Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA)

Awards: Bragging rights

Entry Deadline: Rolling

Competition Date: Ongoing

The Stock Market game is a great way for students to get involved in financial markets without taking on the risk of losing real money. This nationwide competition simulates real-world trading scenarios, allowing participants to make strategic investment decisions within a risk-free environment. Beyond recognition, the game provides an immersive learning experience, bridging the gap between economic theory and practical application. As teams navigate the complexities of financial markets, they develop a nuanced understanding of economic forces. 

#5 Harvard Pre-Collegiate Economics Challenge

Hosting Institution: Harvard College

Location: Virtual or in-person on Harvard campus

Awards: Trophies

Entry Deadline: March 10

Competition Date: April 8

The Harvard Pre-Collegiate Economics Challenge (HPEC) is a student-run competition hosted at Harvard University. The challenge has two main phases: an initial written exam that all participants must complete, and quiz bowl rounds which consist of questions on topics ranging from microeconomics to modern research topics. In addition to the challenge, students gain the opportunity to network with Harvard economists and students, giving it a unique advantage when compared to other competitions on this list. 

#6 Euro Challenge

Hosting Institution: EU Delegation to the United States

Location: TBA

Awards: Networking opportunities, trophies, certificates

Entry Deadline: January

Competition Date: March 18-29 (Preliminary Round)

The Euro Challenge invites high school students to focus on European economic issues. With nationwide competitions across the United States, the challenge goes beyond traditional economics contests. Winners earn recognition and a coveted trip to the national competition, as well as the opportunity to meet the Ambassador of the European Union to the United States. This is a unique opportunity for students to compete in a challenge that takes on an economics view from a different country’s viewpoint. 

#7 National Personal Finance Challenge

Location: Depends on state

Awards: Cash prize

Entry Deadline: Depends on state

Competition Date: June 4-5 (National Level)

The National Personal Finance Challenge, organized by the Council for Economic Education, focuses on financial literacy for high school students. Although the competition varies slightly state-by-state, the general premise involves participants tackling real-world personal finance issues, including budgeting, saving, investing, and financial planning. Trophies, medals, cash prizes, and the chance to compete at the national level make this challenge a great opportunity for those interested in the intersection of economics and personal finance. 

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#8 InvestWrite

Awards: Cash prize, recognition

Cost: Free (must have participated in Stock Market Game)

Entry Deadline: December 20

Competition Date: N/A

For students who took part in the stock market game (mentioned earlier on this list), the accompanying InvestWrite competition is a great way to get some additional economics experience and work on your critical thinking skills. This year’s prompt is: “Which of your Stock Market Game investments performed well or not and why? Using at least one of your Stock Market Game investments, how would you build a $10,000 diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and/or mutual funds to save for a personal, family or community goal in the year 2033. Be sure to mention what your goal is.”

#9 Young Economist of the Year

Hosting Institution: Royal Economic Society

Location: England, Wales

Awards: Cash prize, certificate, and recognition

Entry Deadline: Typically July

Competition Date: September

Young Economist of the Year stands as a prestigious competition open to students worldwide but typically attracts those in the United Kingdom. This challenge, held annually in the UK, encourages participants to explore a specific economic research question or topic. Beyond certifications and recognition, top participants receive a cash prize, making this competition a great opportunity for young economists to showcase their research and analytical skills, both qualities important for a job in economics. 

#10 Global Youth Economics Forum Competitions

Hosting Institution: Global Youth Economics Forum

Location: Dependent on competition

Awards: Typically scholarships or cash prize

Cost: Typically free

Entry Deadline: Dependent on competition

Competition Date: Dependent on competition

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The Global Youth Economics Forum is a community aimed at any high schooler and early collegiate student who has an interest in economics, finance, and business. This community organizes many forums and competitions to test students' economics knowledge. Some examples of past competitions include an essay writing competition, a stock market competition, and a quiz bowl. This is a great place to go to look for informal competitions to get some experience and a chance at scholarships/cash prizes while you practice. 

As you take on these competitions, remember that the experience you gain and the skills you hone will not only set you apart academically but will also help prepare you for the dynamic challenges of the real world. 

Student Essay Competition .

The dorian fisher memorial prize 2022.

• A short essay, of roughly 1,200 words, on one of the following questions:
• A 500-word answer to one of the following two questions:
• A 500-word answer to the following question.

The Monetary Policy Essay Prize 2021-22 By the Institute of Economic Affairs, the Institute of International Monetary Research, and the Vinson Centre

“Does inflation matter? And will the current inflation upturn be transitory or not?”

The IEA is an educational charity and free market think tank .

Our mission is to improve understanding of the fundamental institutions of a free society by analysing and expounding the role of markets in solving economic and social problems.

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10 Economics Competitions for High School Students

In the last few decades, there’s been a steady increase in the number of economics majors.

For those looking to study economics at a top university, competing and winning economics-oriented competitions is one way to stand out. You’ll expose yourself to incredible problem-solving opportunities, network with high-caliber peers and have a shot at impressing admissions officers.

In this blog, we list out 10 economics competitions for you to consider. We’ve included investment challenges, essay writing competitions, and Olympiads.

1. Harvard Pre-Collegiate Economics Challenge (HPEC)

One of the most prestigious economics challenges in the world, Harvard's Pre-Collegiate Economics Challenge (HPEC) invites talented students from around the world to learn, engage, and analyze their knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and global economics. You can participate in teams of 1-4, in the following rounds - the written exam round, and the Quiz Bowl round.

Alongside the competition, you also have the chance to interact with professors, graduate students, and leading economists, and learn about economics and its applications in a real-world setting. The final round for HPEC is held at Harvard University, with finalists receiving an all-expense-paid trip to the University.

Note : There is a $125 registration fee for each team

Dates: April 8, 2023

Application Deadline: March 10, 2023

Location: Virtual

Prizes: Awards, prizes

Eligibility: All high school students

2. Wharton Global High School Investment Competition

Hosted by the Wharton School of Business, one of the country's most prestigious undergraduate business schools, the Global High School Investment Competition is an exciting, engaging, and rewarding challenge. As part of the competition, you are required to build a portfolio with $100,000 in virtual cash, on a simulator. You must use your financial and business analysis skills to invest and make profits.

The best part about this challenge? Winners are not chosen simply based on profits, but also on the strength of the strategies they chose to make decisions. The competition also involves a 10-week crash course on investing, business analysis, pitch creation, and portfolio building.

You participate in a team of 4-7 students from your school and send in 2 deliverables that will be shortlisted for a semifinal round. At the Global Finale, the top 10 teams pitch their ideas for funding at Wharton. Here are some free learning resources and case studies from previous years!

Dates: September 26 - April 22, 2023

Application Deadline: September 16, 2023 (based on last year's timetable)

Location: Virtual pitching rounds with a final presentation at UPenn

Prizes: Certificates, a complimentary spot in the Wharton Online Summer Program for winning teams

Eligibility: High school students residing in the US

3. The International Economics Olympiad

Aimed at furthering literacy in the subjects of finance and economics, the IEO, or International Economics Olympiad is an opportunity you should consider. The Olympiad tests students on their logical thinking, creative application, and problem-solving skills in economics and finance, along with a business case presentation.

Tip : IEO's study materials make for an excellent reference while prepping for the Olympiad.

Dates: July 26 - August 1, 2023 (based on last year's timetable)

Application Deadline: 31 May 2023 (based on last year's timetable)

Location : Virtual

Prizes: Medals, statutes, special prizes

Eligibility: The competition is open to students from all around the world, make sure to check your eligibility here !

4. World Economics Cup

An international competition aimed at fostering better engagement with economics and its development in a global society, the World Economics Cup tests students on a variety of topics across various formats. The competition is a great way to understand pure economics and solve problems using economics concepts.

You must register for the WEC as a team from a school and go through 3+ rounds of MCQs on basic concepts of micro and macroeconomics, material-based objective questions, as well as team presentations.

The WEC does not merely test students on the basis of pre-learned information, which varies from country to country, but provides enough academic guidance and background knowledge in the competition beforehand.

Dates: November 12-13, 2023 (based on last year's timetable)

Application Deadline: Applications are currently open on the WEC website

Prizes: Medals

5. The National Economics Challenge

Sponsored by the Council for Economic Education, the National Economics Challenge (NEC) sees participation from almost 10,000 students every year!

Apart from key micro and macroeconomic principles, you are also tested on your knowledge of global economics. Once you qualify for the First Round National Challenge and National Semi-Final Level after participating in the NEC in your state, your team is rewarded with a fully-funded trip to NYC, where you will challenge teams from other states.

Dates: State-wise dates vary, the National Semifinals is from April 24-28, 2023 and the National Finals is from May 20-22, 2023

Application Deadline: Varies from state to state

Location: State-wise, National Semifinals, and Finals are held in NYC

Prizes: Cash prizes of up to $1,000, awards

Eligibility: All high school students residing in the US

6. The National Personal Finance Challenge

Another prestigious event organized by the Council for Economic Education, the National Personal Finance Challenge aims to educate students on financial literacy and test their application of personal finance concepts and skills in their day-to-day lives.

The NPFC sees over 20,000 students participate every year! As part of the competitions, you will be taught about earning income, spending, saving, investing, managing credit, and managing risk. Once you qualify for state-level rounds, the National Finals will be as follows - your team will be given a fictitious family scenario, and you have to prepare and present a personal finance plan to a panel of judges.

If you're just starting out as a finance enthusiast or budding economist, feel free to check out this free toolkit offered by the CEE.

Dates: Varies from state to state, National Finals will be held on June 4-5, 2023

Application Deadline: Varies from state to state, you can access state-wise applications here

Location: Varies for state-level rounds, National Finals will be held in Cleveland, Ohio

Prizes: Cash prizes of up to $2,000 for each team member

7. InvestWrite

InvestWrite is geared at testing students' understanding of financial concepts and clearly communicating them to an audience of industry experts. As a participant, you are required to submit an essay (of not more than 1000 words) based on the Stock Market Game program, a tool to help the student learn the basics of investing and financial markets.

You are judged based on how clear your understanding of the topic is, how concisely you've delivered it, as well as how sound the critical analysis of your essay topic is. This can be a great choice for you if your strength is in written research and articulating findings on paper!

If selected, your essay is sent for a National Round and an International Round.

Dates: To be announced in January 2023

Application Deadline: Early January 2023 for Spring entries

Location: Virtual submission

Prizes: Certificates, gift cards

Eligibility: Students from Grades 9-12 can participate

8. Northwestern Economics Tournament (NET)

An annual challenge held at Northwestern University, the Northwestern Economics Tournament (NET) challenges students on their knowledge of AP level Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, economic history, current events, and modern economic research through both individual and team-based rounds.

The NET invites hundreds of bright high schoolers from around the country, and is divided into two rounds - an asynchronous, team-based Power Round, and an in-person Econ Bowl. Alongside the challenge, you will also engage with professors and students from NWU, and attend lectures. Students are encouraged to participate in the NET, regardless of their prior exposure to economics!

Dates: March 28 - April 2, 2023

Application Deadline: January 17, 2023

Location: Virtual/NWU Campus

Prizes: Cash Prizes

Eligibility: Open to all high-school students

Note : Here are some sample questions that can help you prepare for the challenge!

9. High School Fed Challenge

A highly prestigious economics competition hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the High School Fed Challenge challenges students to author research in economics and gives them a chance to get published in the Journal of Future Economists.

Students are encouraged to work as a team and focus on honing their teamwork, research, data literacy, and analytical writing. The competition is as follows - every year, participants are given a theme and must pursue research and analysis on any topic related to the theme. Submissions of their academic papers will be judged by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

The winning team will have its papers published in one of the most coveted Economics journals in the country, as well as recognition.

Dates: March 15, 2023

Application Deadline: February 15, 2023

Prizes: Publication and recognition in the Journal of Future Economists.

Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply

10. Global Stock Pitch Competition

Hosted by the Young Investors Society, the Global Stock Pitch Competition challenges students on their knowledge financial analysis and investment. It also provides students mentoring on these topics. In a team of two or individually, you evaluate a publicly traded firm and develop a "best stock idea", occasionally meeting with management.

Each team or student creates a report on their chosen firm with a "Buy" or "Sell" recommendation, and you then present and defend your analysis to a panel of university professors and business professionals in a written report and brief format.

All state-level winners move up to compete regionally in events for the East Coast, Midwest, West Coast, Asia, Access Initiative & International Open.

Note : All registered students will receive a lifetime subscription to TIP Finance, a collection of investment tools developed by The Investor’s Podcast Network!

Dates: May 19, 2023 - Global Stock Pitch Round, April 3, 2023 - state-wise submissions

Application Deadline: April 3, 2023

Location: State-level submissions are virtual, while the Global Stock Pitch Competition will be held at The University of Utah -Eccles School of Business

Prizes: Awards

You can also check out other competitions open to high school students, such as the Economics Poster Competition , Pirates Pitch Competition for High School Students , Capitol Hill Challenge , and University of Texas at Dallas Top Trader Competition .

If you’re interested in writing an economics research paper, consider applying to Lumiere’s Research Scholar Program . We’ve had hundreds of students work with economics researchers from places like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. Lumiere is a selective online high school program for students that I founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 2100 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the   application form   here .

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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Alex Chen '23 Wins Third Prize in Global Essay Competition

• Alex Chen '23

HIR Academic Writing Contest Fall/Winter 2021 Medal Winners

The Harvard International Review is a quarterly magazine offering insight on international affairs from the perspectives of scholars, leaders, and policymakers. Since our founding in 1979, we've set out to bridge the worlds of academia and policy through outstanding writing and editorial selection.

The quality of our content is unparalleled. Each issue of the Harvard International Review includes exclusive interviews and editorials by leading international figures along with expert staff analysis of critical international issues. We have featured commentary by 43 Presidents and Prime Ministers, 4 Secretaries-General, 4 Nobel Economics Prize laureates, and 7 Nobel Peace Prize laureates.

Inspired by our growing high school readership around the world, we created the Harvard International Review Academic Writing Contest to encourage and highlight outstanding high school writing on topics related to international affairs.

Congratulations to all Fall/Winter 2021 medal winners on the quality of your submissions!

Alexander Gianola Cook . Stevenson School . “ China’s New Silk Road and The Scramble For Africa ”

Yueyang Lu. Shanghai Weiyu High School. “ Farm-to-Table: Will China Take a Seat within the Fresh Food Movement?”

Yilin Cai. Basis International School Shenzhen. “ Locked-up Santa, the Forgotten Cost of Travel Restrictions”

Mia Liu . Shenzhen College of International Education. “US Bar on Huawei: The First Steps Towards De-Globalization”

Zara Haque. Greenwich High School. “ Power Struggle: The Regional Implications of Germany’s Nuclear Phase Out ”

Longhao Chen, Fengshuo Wang . Lansdale Catholic High School, Allendale Columbia School. “ Two Superpowers Moving Apart: Hong Kong's Future Positioning as an International Financial Center.”

Gongkai Yuan. Hangzhou Foreign Languages School. “ New Forms of Global Education: Taiwan’s Soft Power Initiative in the Wake of Confucius Institute Closures”

Yi Xin. Beijing Huijia Private School. “ A Bleak Sky: Call to Reform Africa’s Aviation Industry”

Parmis Mokhtari-Dizaji. Phillips Exeter Academy. “ COVID-19 as a Driving Factor in the Isolation of Supply Chain Networks in the World and an Accelerator of Deglobalization”

Xuan Jin. Shanghai Pinghe School. “ Offline and Online: Increasing Hate Towards African Residents in China”

Silver Medal

Tianxin Yu. Shanghai Pinghe School. “ End of Slavery? Trafficking and Forced Labor of Illegal Latin American Immigrants in South Georgia”

Tiffany Wen. The Lawrenceville School. “ China's Divided Policies: Encouraging Globalization Yet Implementing Isolation”

Jessica Wang. The Bronx High School of Science. “ Frenemies: The Sino-Japanese Relationship”

Chenyue Liu, Yixuan Chen. Cheshire Academy. “ Global Crisis: The Uncompromising Trade War”

Angelina Richter. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. “ What the Upcoming “Surface Land Race” Means for Global Relations”

Xiyan Liu. Crofton House School. “ The Paradox of Pollution: The Environmental Impact of Space Exploration”

Wenhan Pei. Qibaodwight High School. “ India's Going Electric: Hyundai Invests in the Electric Vehicle Market”

Chenghou Wang, Zhenhao Li. Chengdu Experimental Foreign Languages School. “ Cyber Attacks Occur Frequently:Only Worldwide Cooperation Can Push Cybersecurity Forward”

Margaret Li. Eastside Preparatory School. “ Laws for LAWS: A Topic for International Discussion.”

Langrui Cao. Mingde High School of Changsha. “ HUAWEI in a Dilemma: Pursuing Globalization but Thriving in Isolation”

Isabelle Ravanas. Walter Payton College Prep. “ The Philippines Under Duterte- Increasingly Alone”

Yifan Zhou. BASIS International School Guangzhou. “ Chinese Education: The Pros and Cons Brought by Globalization”

Jiaqi Shou. Hangzhou Foreign Language School. “ An International Sea Power Storm Over Jersey Island”

Luming Jia. Beijing No.101 High School. “ Within an Ace of Success: How Globalization in the Aviation Market Might Hinder Independent Innovation”

Jiayu Pan. Shanghai Foreign Language School Affiliated to SISU. “ Where to go: Tourism industry in Thailand in the face of COVID-19”

Bronze Medal

Arrnavv Chawla. Fravashi International Academy. “ Our Link to The Sea”

Jiarun Yao. The Masters School. “ Invalidated Privacy Shield, Turbulent Data Policies, and the Blurry Future”

Zhou Shen, Feiyu Lin. Hangzhou Foreign Language School Cambridge A-level Centre. “ An Evolving Autopilot Industry: How Google and Tesla Head to Different Directions”

Fanghao Shen. Phillips Academy Andover. “ Anxiety, Automation, and AI On Methods of Identifying and Mitigating the Risks Posed by Technological Innovation and Automation”

Xiaohe Chen. Beijing Royal School. “ Becoming a “Global Citizen”:The Controversy of Bilingual Education under “Coro-nationalism”

Jiayi Wei. Keystone Academy. “ Climate Change and Extreme Weather: The Irreversibility of Globalization Resulted in Impossibility of Isolation”

Yufei Chen. Beijing 101 middle school. “ Loosen or fasten: globe supply chain restructuring in post-COVID-19 era”

Zhiyang Zhong. TABOR Academy. “ The Diversity Problem:Financial Globalization and Minority Groups”

Jia Han. The Experimental High School Attached to Beijing Normal University. “ Carbon net zero: new dominance?”

Zhiyi Chen. The Experimental High School Attached to Beijing Normal University. “ Harmony vs Hostility: Policy for International Students in the United States During COVID-19 Pandemic”

Leo Li. Benjamin N. Cardozo Highschool. “ The Ramifications of Cryptocurrency Regulation.”

Haoyu Guan. St. Stephen's Episcopal School. “ Smart Production for Service Production: the International Cooperation of UAV Delivery”

Naviya Kamdar. D Y Patil International School. “ The Exodus of Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar”

Zhehao Zhou. Hangzhou Foreign Language School Cambridge A-level Centre. “ Global Anger Grows Over Brazil’s Handling of Deforestation at COP26”

Baoyi Ouyang. Guangdong Shunde Desheng School. “ Vocational Education in China: Will Vocational Schools Become as Important as Universities in the Future?”

Yuanheng Yue. Shanghai World Foriegn Language Academy. “ Metaverse: The Iron Curtain of the New Cold War”

Ruoyu Zhou. Hwa Chong Institution Boarding School. “ Victim in the Global Economy : How to Humanise the Experience of Migrant Workers?”

Yifei Li. Beijing 101 middle school. “ The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: climate ambition and trade protection”

Aadya Medha Akkipeddi. The Commonwealth School. “ Globalization vs Isolation”

Ka Yan Choi. Shanghai High School International Division. “ Globalization Versus Isolation in Public Health: Coronavirus and Gain-of-Function Research”

Jiajun Li. Basis International Parklane Harbor. “ Social integration assessment: foreign merchants in Yiwu”

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Armenia: essay competition encourages high school students to tackle common sense economic issues

The Center for Behavioral Decisions (CBD) hosted its first nationwide essay competition for students in Years 10-12. Entrants chose from a range of topics including “economics in my life”; “sources of growth in my region”; “improper subsidies in my region”. Over 100 entries were received and evaluated by a committee which included teachers from the American University of Armenia and senior members of the Armenian Economic Association. The seven finalists were invited to an awards ceremony in Yerevan, escorted by their teachers, several of whom are already using the book in their lessons and who would love to see it included in the national curriculum. CBD were so inspired by the excitement which the book is generating in both students and teachers that they plan to make the competition an annual event. “A bright future is with a financially educated society”, commented Armenuhy Hovakimyan, Deputy Secretary General of the Federation of Euro-Asian Stock Exchanges, as she congratulated the winners.

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Durham University Economics Society Essay Competition 2021

24th April 2021

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tutor2u is delighted to support a competition for students run by the Economics Society at Durham University. The deadline is 25th April 2021

Our friends at the Durham University Economics Society have launched their new competition with a choice of five engaging and topical essay titles for students to consider.

This competition is open to students who are in the final 2 years of pre-tertiary education, e.g. Sixth Form (Lower and Upper Sixth), Junior College (JC 1 and JC 2), and in the last two years of high school.

Entrants can be of any nationality and studying in any country.

Essay titles:

*Answer only ONE of the following questions within 1500 words*

• With reference to at least one country of your choice, evaluate the effectiveness of central banks’ mitigatory efforts in the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Should vaccine development and distribution be left to the private sector, public sector, or both? Discuss.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of a wealth tax in fighting inequality.
• Discuss the current environmental policy challenges with regards to the renewables sector.
• Assess whether continued technological innovation and the emergence of the digital economy will benefit developing countries.

For full details of the competition including the prizes, please follow this link

Please contact the Chief Journal Editors (Charlie Fraser and Tatyana Wu), who are happy to answer your questions and/or provide more guidance, via emailing [email protected] .

Follow the DUES Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/durhameconomics

Geoff Riley

Geoff Riley FRSA has been teaching Economics for over thirty years. He has over twenty years experience as Head of Economics at leading schools. He writes extensively and is a contributor and presenter on CPD conferences in the UK and overseas.

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