The National Economics Challenge (NEC) is the country’s only economics competition of its kind for high school students. It tests micro and macroeconomic principles as well as knowledge of the world economy.
This motivating and fun team learning experience begins with competitions at the state level. The winning team from each state moves on to the National Semi-Finals from which the top-scoring teams advance to compete for the National Title. This event is held annually in New York City in the spring.
HOW IT WORKS
Teachers register teams of three-to-four high school students. State-level competitions are run by the Council for Economic Education affiliates that organize them.
National Semi-Finals are scheduled by region to be held on one day in mid-May. In 2021, this round was conducted as an online test.
The National Finals include a critical thinking round and quiz bowl where students have the opportunity to present and answer questions from economists and financial professionals. This round will is held in late-May.
AWARDS
Each student team member as well as one coach from the top four USA teams receive a medal and certificate of their accomplishment as well as a cash prize corresponding to their team’s rank in the National Finals:
1st place: $1,000
2nd place: $500
3rd place: $250
THE COMPETITION RUNS IN TWO DIVISIONS:
DAVID RICARDO DIVISION
For first-time Challenge competitors who have taken no more than one economics course.
ADAM SMITH DIVISION
For AP, international baccalaureate, and honors students (as well as any returning competitors).
An abundance of study materials, including the NEC Teacher Toolkit, are available so you can feel confident that your students can be prepared and ready to compete.
2021 CHAMPIONS
For the third consecutive year, Mount Hebron High School from Ellicott City, Md., outscored student teams from around the United States to win both divisions of the 21st Annual National Economics Challenge (NEC).
The school emerged atop the 375 schools that participated. In all, more than 10,000 students competed nationwide in the NEC, the country’s only economics competition for high school students.
2021’s Challenge also included an international round featuring a quiz bowl between the top U.S teams and winners from CEE’s NEC International competition in China.
Adam Smith Division Champions
Mount Hebron High School from Ellicott City, Md.
David Ricardo Division Champions
Mount Hebron High School from Ellicott City, Md.
Adam Smith Division Finalists
· BASIS Scottsdale (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
· Chattahoochee High School (Johns Creek, Ga.)
· Conestoga High School (Berwyn, Pa.)
· Dublin High School (Dublin, Calif.)
· ‘Iolani School (Honolulu, Hawaii)
· Mount Hebron High School (Ellicott City, Md.)
David Ricardo Division Finalists
· Half Hollow Hills High School East (Dix Hills, N.Y.)
· Irvington High School (Fremont, Calif.)
· Lexington High School (Lexington, Mass.)
· Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School (Richmond, Va.)
· Mount Hebron High School (Ellicott City, Md.)
· Plano West Senior High School (Plano, Texas)
Adam Smith Division Champions, China
NEC: International is managed by its exclusive partner in China, SKT Education.
David Ricardo Division Champions, China
NEC: International is managed by its exclusive partner in China, SKT Education.
WATCH THE NEC ON SQUAWK BOX!
