Cochrane Summer Economic Institute is a structured summer opportunity for rising high school seniors to reimagine Richmond by imagining possible solutions to real-world challenges faced by partner organizations. 

CSEI provides experiences for students to apply knowledge of economics and use entrepreneurial skills and mindsets. Student participants experience the realities of the workplace while heightening their awareness of systems and “wicked problems”.

CSEI begins July 5 and runs for four weeks from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through the end of July. Students from any school in the greater Richmond metro area are invited to apply and provide a recommendation during the winter of their junior year. 

Students interested in economics, entrepreneurship, business and community who embrace uncertainty and enjoy meeting new people have historically gravitated toward the program.

Recent partnerships have included the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Dominion Energy, Henrico Entertainment & Sports Authority, Midas of Richmond, Richmond Squirrels, Startup Virginia and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.