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.
2024/5 Competition Teacher Professional Development
November 7 | Grade 9-12 | 4:00-5:00 PM CT | 2025 High School Student Competitions | Virtual
December 12 | Grade 9-12 | 5:00-5:45 PM CT | Deep Dive into Economics Challenge Teaching | Virtual
January TBD | 4:00-5:00 PM CST | Grade 9-12 | Case Study | Virtual
2024 State Champions:
Adam Smith Division
Mounds View Senior High
David Ricardo Division
Barnesville High School
Joan Robinson Division
New Ulm High School
Past 8 Years Economics Challenge Champions
Adam Smith Division
2024: Mounds View Senior High
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
2024: Barnesville High School
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
2024: New Ulm High School
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