Economics Challenge

In the Economics Challenge, teams of high school students compete in a series of tests on economic problems, theory, and current events to demonstrate their knowledge and critical-thinking abilities. Teams can compete online or at one of our in-person competitions across Minnesota to qualify for our state championship.

The original idea for this program started in Minnesota in the 1980's, before spreading throughout the country. Now, students can advance to compete in the National Economics Challenge in New York City each year.

The Minnesota Council on Economic Education is grateful to the Connexus Energy Foundation, Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, Securian Financial, and the University of Minnesota - Department of Applied Economics for their generous support of the 2024 Economics Challenge competition. 

New Teachers:

New teachers who have at least one team compete in the competition will receive $200. 

2023/24 Competition Teacher Professional Development

2023 State Champions:

Adam Smith Division

Mounds View Senior High

David Ricardo Division

DeLaSalle High School

Joan Robinson Division

New Ulm High School

Past 7 Years Economics Challenge Champions

Adam Smith Division

2023: Mounds View Senior High

2022: Mounds View Senior High

2021: Mounds View Senior High

2020: Edina High School

2019: Mounds View Senior High

2018: Edina High School

2017: Mounds View Senior High

David Ricardo Division

2023: DeLaSalle High School

2022: Cloquet High School

2021: St. Thomas Academy

2020: Ubah Medical Academy

2019: Cloquet High School

2018: Parnassus Prepatory School

2017: Cloquet High School

Joan Robinson Division

2023: New Ulm High School

2022: Barnesville Secondary

2021: Albany Senior High

2020: Barnesville Secondary

2019: Albany High School

2018: Albany High School

2017: Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial High School

National Economics Challenge MN Winners

Adam Smith Division

2019 | 2nd Place: Mounds View Senior High

2017 | 1st Place: Mounds View Senior High

2016 | 2nd Place: Mounds View Senior High

2015 | 1st Place: Mounds View Senior High

2013 | 3rd Place: Mounds View Senior High

2011 | 2nd Place: Mounds View Senior High

2006 | 2nd Place: Moorhead High School

2005 | 3rd Place: Brainerd High School

2004 | 1st Place: Moorhead High School

2002 | 3rd Place: Edina High School

David Ricardo Division

2014 | 2nd Place: Little Falls Community High School

2013 | 1st Place: Little Falls Community High School

2012 | 1st Place: Little Falls Community High School

2009 | 1st Place: Little Falls Community High School

2008 | 4th Place: Little Falls Community High School

2007 | 2nd Place: Melrose High School

2006 | 1st Place: Hibbing High School

2005 | 2nd Place: Hibbing High School

2004 | 3rd Place: Hibbing High School

2002 | 1st Place: Fairmont High School