The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) at the University of Chicago has launched a first-of-its-kind, three-week Summer Institute, Expanding Diversity in Economics, designed to attract extraordinary students from colleges and universities around the country who would not otherwise consider studying economics. The goal is to diversify the pool of undergraduate students majoring in economics, who may go on to a graduate program of study or a career drawing on this important set of skills.
Each year, BFI will accept up to 40 participants to the Summer Institute, who will engage in daily lectures and skill-building coursework as well as other activities to promote networking. The program is open to undergraduate students age 18 and older from accredited institutions. There are no program fees and participants will be given a stipend to support their active engagement in the Summer Institute.
Participants will be exposed to a range of economic topics taught by a broad group of economists from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, and the Harris School of Public Policy, in addition to high-profile outside guests. The Summer Institute will also promote a mentoring network, linking participants with faculty for guidance and support, and providing opportunities for ongoing research experience during the academic year.
BFI's Expanding Diversity in Economics has been made possible through partnerships with the Booth School of Business and Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, as well as generous support from Northern Trust.
The Summer Institute will cover three main areas of study drawing on the expertise of University of Chicago faculty:
- Building an Economic Toolkit. Drawing from UChicago's unique approach to economics education, participants will build an analytical toolkit through coursework on Price Theory.
- The Power of Combining Economics and Data. Participants will learn how the widespread availability of data is transforming the kinds of observations economics can make about the world.
- Using Economics to Answer Big Questions. Woven into the curriculum will be an interactive luncheon series led by UChicago scholars who produce cutting-edge research on a range of topics, such as climate change, poverty and inequality, and global trade.
The deadline for applications is March 14, 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and public safety concerns, the 2021 Summer Institute will be held virtually. For more information and to apply visit: bfi.uchicago.edu/summer-
