Econ Scholars Program

In 2013, the Department of Economics launched the Econ Scholars program, designed to recognize the achievements and potential of our top students. Students are chosen to participate in this program on the basis of their academic records, personal statements, and future goals.  Each Econ Scholar is assigned a faculty mentor and given access to a number of worthwhile opportunities for educational and career enhancement. Annual activities include:

• A fall reception to welcome the new Econ Scholars, attended by economics faculty and advisors, and financial sponsors of the program.  Don and Pat Spence, whose generous gift to the Department supports the Econ Scholars program for the first five years.
• Small group meetings with distinguished alumni and visitors when they are on campus.  Past opportunities include leaders in both academia and business. 
• Lunch with the Department’s Advisory Board during the annual fall meeting. 
• Opportunities to compete for attractive internship positions in business and economics, as well as an internship workshop and panel discussion to learn from senior Econ Scholars.
• Opportunities to request funding for career-related training, including unpaid internships, Wall Street Training, and conference expenses. 
• A trip to Chicago to meet with executives in a variety of firms and industries. 
• Priority hiring for our Undergraduate Assistantship Program, a paid position to provide tutoring to students struggling in Econ 201 and Econ 202, and our Social Media Assistant.

As the number of economics majors at MSU continues to grow much more quickly than the number of faculty, the Econ Scholars program provides a means for us to continue to give special attention and opportunities for enrichment that will help our most gifted and hard-working students realize their full potential.

Click here to see Econ Scholars Alumni.

Econ Scholars visit the Chicago Fed in November 2017, hosted by MSU Advisory Board member Peg Koenigs.