Expanding Diversity in Economics+ Summer Institute
The EDE+ Summer Institute provides participants with an extraordinary nine-week experience to enhance their research skills, to gain technical expertise, and to connect with like-minded peers interested in economics and in changing the world through the quantitative social sciences.
The Diversity Challenge in Economics
There is little diversity among economics majors compared to other fields. Women account for 28.4 percent of the nation’s economics majors, according to a recent study, while just 14.7 percent of economics majors are Black, Hispanic, or Native American. Diversity is important because it can inform research questions and lead to otherwise unanticipated answers. A diversity of perspectives enhances the field’s contributions to public policy and society. Further, economics’ rigorous analytical tools and framework for addressing complex social challenges makes it a useful complement to broader fields like sociology, business, political science, and data science.
Program Format
The EDE+ 2025 Summer Institute will offer a comprehensive exposure, experience, and education into research careers through a combination of both in-person and remote programming from June 2-July 30, 2025. Programming features a week-long virtual bootcamp, followed by in-residence programming in Washington, DC (one week with the Hutchins Center at Brookings) and in Chicago (one week with Chicago Booth at UChicago), leading into a six-week synchronous, online summer course, and concluding with an invitation to attend and present research findings at an undergraduate research conference (two days in Washington, DC hosted by PREDOC.org). Opportunities to gain publishing credit are also available as part of the summer experience.
Virtual Bootcamp Highlights (June 2-6, 2025)
- Intensive instruction on statistical programming
- Guided introduction to economic data literacy, with opportunities to earn a microcredential and digital badges
- Produce a data narrative for publication submission (optional)
Washington, DC Programming Highlights (June 7-14, 2025)
- Hear informative lectures from Brookings fellows and other experts
- Take field trips to institutions that make monetary and fiscal policy
- Network with early-career professionals in research
- Meet economic policymakers
University of Chicago (UChicago) Programming Highlights (June 14-22, 2025)
- Coursework on developing a research question, taught by UChicago professors and supported by teaching assistants
- Engaging guest talks and networking with Nobel Prize winners and renowned researchers at UChicago
- Online Synchronous Programming Highlights
- Evening courses allow participants to maintain other full-time summer employment
- Explore a self-selected research question in groups
- Produce a collaborative research presentation
PREDOC Research Conference Highlights
- Two days at Federal Reserve Board of Governors
- Network with similarly interested students at every phase of the PhD pipeline from across the country
- Polish public speaking and presentation skills
Students who successfully complete EDE+ will receive a stipend of $2,000, with all travel, housing, and group activities covered for on-campus programming in Washington, D.C. and Chicago.
“Our new home at Chicago Booth offers students unparalleled interdisciplinary research exposure and access to world-class resources in the quantitative social sciences. This next chapter will enhance our reach and impact, empowering young scholars to develop the skills, vision, and community to tackle today’s most pressing challenges. We will cultivate a community of change-makers who are dedicated to making a positive difference in the world as we prepare future leaders in the quantitative social sciences.”
Application Cycle
Applications for the EDE+ 2025 Summer Institute are open from November 18, 2024 through January 29, 2025.
Start an EDE+ Application
Read EDE+ Frequently Asked Questions
Application Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the program start date, and currently enrolled in an accredited, degree-granting institution in the United States. US. citizens, US permanent residents, and international citizens who meet this criteria are eligible to apply. Our goal is to bring together a diverse group of students from a broad range of backgrounds, including first generation college students, Pell Grant recipients, community college students, and those from under-resourced rural and urban areas. Preference will be given to applicants in their first year of undergraduate study, as well as those who have yet to complete high level economics and econometrics coursework. Please see our FAQ for more information and the application guide.
2024 Cohort
The 45 participants in the 2024 cohort were selected through a holistic and rigorous evaluation process involving nearly 1,000 applications. The cohort represents 33 universities across 17 states.
Learn More About the 2024 Cohort
Additional Background
“EDE+ is a fantastic opportunity for students to discover how research in economics and the quantitative social sciences has the power to change the world. Chicago Booth’s world-class faculty study such critical issues as climate change, inequality, healthcare, artificial intelligence, discrimination, and their research helps shape a better future for everyone. I am very excited about the opportunities that EDE+ and Booth will provide for students to pursue rewarding research careers, fostering new ideas and impactful research.”
Ongoing Programming & Support
EDE+ provides participants ongoing opportunities to engage in a menu of research, networking, and programmatic offerings as they pursue opportunities that further their development and study of economics. Some of which include:
- Research Assistant Programs. EDE+ participants may apply for a paid research assistant position to work with a wide range of faculty on research projects during the academic year or during the summer following their participation in the Summer Institute to enhance their skills and experience — an invaluable opportunity for participants applying to graduate programs, or for internships or research assistantships with other organizations or academic institutions.
- Academic Year Programming. EDE+ offers wide-ranging workshops and programming to support alumni in their economics career exploration, including resume and mock interview workshops, meet-and-greets with early career research professionals and economics PhD students, and connecting with representatives from the public and private sectors.
- Networking Opportunities. The program fosters lasting connections among students, both within and across cohorts. Over the years, we are creating a broad network of EDE+ alumni who can connect over time.
