Academy of Economics, Finance, and Entrepreneurship

We are proud to present the third edition of the “Academy of Economics, Finance, and Entrepreneurship” (AEFE) – a free educational initiative for motivated students in grades 9–12. The program is designed for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of economic processes, markets, and business, learn how to think structurally about real-world problems, and transform their ideas into meaningful projects. Every participant will have the opportunity to develop their own project on a current economic topic.

1. When and Where

AEFE 2026 will take place from June 20 to July 5 in two stages:

• Stage 1 (June 20 – July 3): Participants will attend a series of online lectures and seminars while working on their individual projects.
• Stage 2 (July 4–5): A hands-on weekend session held in-person in Sofia, where participants will present their final projects.

2. Our Goal

The Academy aims to introduce students to key economic and financial concepts. Participants will learn how to source, structure, and utilize information, applying these skills to a project addressing a real-world economic or entrepreneurial challenge. We emphasize clear thinking, strong argumentation, and the ability to draw well-founded elective conclusions.

3. Program Overview

AEFE 2026 features a concise, practice-oriented format combining:

• Interactive Online Lectures: Covering fundamental concepts in microeconomics, macroeconomics, finance, entrepreneurship and marketing.
• Applied Workshops: Short seminars focused on essential soft skills, including presentation techniques, business etiquette, and university major selection.
• Mentorship Support: Guidance from Bulgarian students currently attending prestigious universities in Europe and the US. Mentors will provide insights into the university application process and offer practical advice for the final projects.
• Independent Project Work: Preparation for the final presentation on July 5 in Sofia. The jury will include a guest lecturer from the University of Hong Kong, and as such, presentations will be held in English. The focus is not on “perfect” grammar, but on clear structure and persuasive delivery, helping participants build confidence for future academic and professional environments.

Estimated Daily Schedule:

• Lectures: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Seminars: ~2 hours
• Full schedule and program coming soon…

4. How Mentors Help

Each participant will have the opportunity to hold two one-hour sessions with mentors currently pursuing undergraduate degrees in Europe or the US. Participants are expected to prepare specific questions in advance to ensure the sessions are as productive as possible.

Discussion topics may include:

• University application processes and requirements.
• Guidance on the participant’s final presentation.
• Insights into living and studying in the mentor’s host country.
• Specific details regarding the mentor’s field of study.

Participants will select their preferred mentors at the start of the program. In cases of high demand, mentors will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Once paired, students are responsible for coordinating meeting times with their mentors.

Meet This Year’s Mentors:

• Yordan Tsanev – UCLA · HKU (USA, Hong Kong)
• Alexander Georgiev – Columbia University, USA
• Eleonor Spasova – University of Pennsylvania, USA
• Martin Makelov – London School of Economics, United Kingdom
• Natalia Borisova – Bocconi University · GWU (Italy, USA)
• Lilyana Kaneva – EDHEC · UCLA (France, USA)
• Boyan Georgiev – Bocconi University, Italy
• Veselin Marinov – University of Bologna, Italy
• Boyan Iliev – LMU Munich, Germany
• Velizar Chilikov – Stevens Institute of Technology, USA
• Additional mentors to be announced…

5. Who Can Apply?

The Academy is open to students in grades 9–12 with a keen interest in economics, finance, entrepreneurship, or business. We are looking for individuals ready to work consistently and complete the program by presenting a final project.

6. Application Process

• Cohort Size: 24 students.
• Early Action Deadline: February 22.
• Regular Decision Deadline: May 24.
• Selection Note: Applications are admitted on a roughly 1:1 ratio between the two deadlines. However, Early Action applicants who are not immediately selected may be deferred to the final deadline for reconsideration, giving them a second chance at admission.
• Our team will contact the successful candidates for a brief interview.