24 High School Students Graduate from the Bootcamp in Economics and Finance
The third edition of the Bootcamp in Economics and Finance, an intensive and free course for high school girls, has successfully concluded. Organized by the Millennium Institute for Market Imperfections and Public Policy (MIPP) in partnership with the University of Chile’s Summer School, this initiative aims to reduce the gender gap in economic and financial literacy.
Educational Context and Relevance
The 2018 PISA results revealed that 30% of Chilean students scored below the basic level in economics and financial education. Moreover, only 4% of boys and 2% of girls achieved the highest levels of proficiency in these subjects. The 2022 PISA Mathematics assessment also reflected a decline in performance, with Chile’s national average dropping to 412 points, five points lower than in the previous edition.
In this context, the Bootcamp seeks to address these gaps from an early stage, working with students from 9th to 12th grade. In its third edition, 60 students applied, 30 were selected, and 24 successfully completed the program.
A Practical and Transformative Learning Experience
“Through practical teaching methodologies, we aim to equip girls and young women with economic and financial knowledge, enabling them to apply these concepts to real-life challenges,” explained the Economícate team, responsible for coordinating the course. “We want to contribute to closing the gender gap in economics nationwide, which is why the Bootcamp was completely free and open to participants from all regions.”
The hybrid-format course took place from January 6 to 14. The first five days were fully online, while the in-person sessions featured workshops, interactive activities, and games to apply the concepts learned. The program concluded with a visit to the Central Bank of Chile and a graduation ceremony, where participants received their diplomas.
Key topics covered included GDP, inflation, savings, investment, and responsible borrowing.
The Bootcamp was led by five mentors from the Economícate Group, all Commercial Engineering students from the University of O’Higgins, who delivered economic concepts in an engaging and accessible manner.
Impact and Future Opportunities
“This was an incredibly rewarding experience. The students were engaged, curious, and demonstrated advanced knowledge. They asked insightful questions, even beyond the program’s scope. We could have easily extended the course for another week,” shared the Economícate team.
Additionally, they emphasized that these initiatives help build networks among participants and inspire them to pursue further studies in the field.
Commitment to Inclusion
The Millennium Institute MIPP remains committed to increasing female participation in economics. Key initiatives include the Gender, Economics, and Public Policy Research Fund and scholarships for outstanding female students in the Master’s in Applied Economics program.
The Economícate team concluded:
“Seeing a classroom full of young women in the Faculty is something rare. They formed connections, shared their doubts, and created a supportive environment. These experiences have the power to change lives and open doors to a promising future.”
📸 Check out the photos from the Bootcamp graduation here!
