Expanding Diversity in Economics Summer Institute

The Expanding Diversity in Economics Summer Institute (EDE), a University of Chicago program hosted by the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI), is designed to identify and support talented undergraduate students from a broad range of backgrounds interested in the study of economics. Our goal is to diversify the pool of students majoring in economics, who may go on to a graduate program of study or a career drawing on this important skill set.

Special thanks to William W. Bennett, JD’75, for supporting EDE on Giving Day.

Watch the program highlight video.

Program success & ongoing support 

Over the past three summers, EDE participants experienced rigorous skill-building and programming that included daily course instruction emphasizing microeconomic inquiry and applied economic analysis, delivered by distinguished economists from the Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, and the Harris School of Public Policy. Additionally, participants engaged with UChicago faculty and outside guests throughout the three weeks.

During daily guest lectures, book talks, networking receptions, keynote addresses, and field trips, EDE has created a culture of inclusion and provided unique access to academics and guests. Participants interviewed and had both formal and informal interactions with Nobel laureates, researchers and their global initiatives, private sector leaders, and national media correspondents. They visited quasi-governmental and private sector organizations central to the health of the national economic landscape. Participants were exposed to extremely complex and vital themes in economics in the areas of climate, inequality, criminal justice, human behavior and decision-making, business, education, and journalism, to name a few. 

Speakers for 2023 included Nobel laureates Ben S. Bernanke, Douglas W. Diamond, Richard Thaler and James Heckman, former Council of Economic Advisors Chair Austan Goolsbee, Booth scholar Marianne Bertrand, University trustee and Northern Trust COO Jason Tyler, MBA’99, LAB’89, University trustee and Ariel Investments Chairman John Rogers, LAB’76, John Liew, AB’89, MBA’94, PhD’95, University Trustee, and more.  

As part of the EDE program, BFI 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 Program. EDE participants have been placed in paid research assistant positions to work with UChicago faculty on research projects 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. BFI offers wide-ranging workshops and programming to support EDE 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 has fostered lasting connections among students, both within and across cohorts. EDE provides opportunities for deep connections, networking, and peer mentoring, and is building a large network of alumni who can connect over time at their home institutions, regionally, and at BFI-hosted events.
• Mentorship Program. EDE participants have the opportunity to learn from each other’s valuable experiences through peer mentoring groups, as well as flash mentoring with other University early career professionals and graduate students.