Compete

Three events. Every cycle. Open to all chapters.

Competition dates: TBD

GECIndividualEPRTeamGRPResearch
Individual50 Questions75 Minutes

Global Economics Challenge (GEC)

The GEC is IES's flagship individual assessment. Every question is scenario-based, with no definitions or memorization. Students apply economic reasoning to situations drawn from international markets, public policy, and global trade.

Format

Questions50 multiple-choice
Duration75 minutes
StyleReal-world scenario application
AdministrationProctored exam conditions
Scoring1 point per question, out of 50
TiebreakerTime of completion

Awards

1st PlaceGold Trophy + Certificate
2nd PlaceSilver Trophy + Certificate
3rd PlaceBronze Trophy + Certificate
4th–10thMedal + Certificate

Perfect Score Award: any participant achieving 50/50

Chapter Champion: highest scorer from each chapter

Eligibility: Active IES chapter members currently enrolled in high school. No prior economics coursework required.
Team2–4 MembersLive Presentation

Economic Policy Recommendation (EPR)

The EPR is IES's team presentation event. Teams of 2–4 develop and deliver a policy proposal responding to an announced theme, presenting live to a virtual judging panel.

Format

Team size2–4 members
Presentation8 minutes maximum
Q&AJudges may question any team member
Visual aidSlide deck or screen-shared material
PlatformOnline video conferencing
ThemeAnnounced in advance, same for all teams

Judging Criteria

Economic reasoning & accuracy
Strength of policy argument
Use of real-world evidence
Feasibility of proposed policy
Team cohesion & delivery
Response to judges' questions

Awards

1st PlaceGold Trophy + Certificate
2nd PlaceSilver Trophy + Certificate
3rd PlaceBronze Trophy + Certificate
4th–5thMedal + Certificate

Best Argument Award: strongest policy argument

Best Delivery Award: most confident presentation style

Chapter Champion: highest-scoring team per chapter

Eligibility: Teams of 2–4 active IES chapter members from the same chapter, currently enrolled in high school. Stable internet connection required.
ResearchIndividual or PairWritten Paper

IES Global Research Paper (GRP)

The GRP is IES's research and writing event. Each cycle features a specific country, and participants write a paper on any economic topic connected to that nation. The GRP rewards depth of research, quality of argument, and strength of academic writing.

Format

ParticipantsIndividual or team of 2
Word count2,000 words max
ThemeFeatured country per cycle
TopicOpen (any economic subject)
SourcesMin 5, MLA/APA/Chicago

Paper Structure

01Title page with name(s), chapter, and paper title
02Abstract (150 words max)
03Introduction, body with citations, conclusion
04References: minimum 5 credible sources

Judging Criteria

Quality and relevance of research
Depth of economic analysis
Strength and clarity of argument
Use and accuracy of evidence
Structure and academic writing quality
Originality of topic or approach

Awards

1st PlaceGold Trophy + Certificate
2nd PlaceSilver Trophy + Certificate
3rd PlaceBronze Trophy + Certificate
4th–5thMedal + Certificate

Published in the IES Journal: top 5 papers are featured in the official IES Journal

Niche Research Award: most unique or underrepresented topic

Outstanding Writing Award: highest quality academic writing

Chapter Champion: highest-scoring submission per chapter

Eligibility: Active IES chapter members currently enrolled in high school. Individual or team of 2 from the same chapter. All work must be original and free of AI-generated content.

Dates, themes, and platform details are announced to chapters ahead of each cycle.

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