Economics Transformation Project (ETP)

J-PAL North America’s Economics Transformation Project (ETP), in partnership with researchers and peer organizations, aims to reduce the structural barriers impeding the entry and advancement of scholars from groups that have historically been underrepresented in the field, including Black, Latinx, first-generation, low-income, and female students. Current ETP programs are designed to spark interest in economics among underrepresented high school students and to provide skill-building opportunities for underrepresented undergraduate and predoctoral students. Together with local high schools, universities, and other partner organizations, ETP’s suite of programs offer insights into the applications and impacts of applied economic research and equip underrepresented students with the necessary information, skills, mentors, and networks to progress in the profession.

Motivation

The field of economics influences policies across education, criminal justice, entrepreneurship, housing, labor markets, and more. Despite this far-reaching influence, economics as a field historically has not represented the full spectrum of identities and viewpoints in society. For example, women of color were the recipients of only five percent of all economics degrees conferred in 2018. By embracing the lived experiences of underrepresented students, the economics profession can improve the effectiveness of the policies it impacts and reduce disparities in the everyday lives of those students.

Program areas and goals

High school students

Goal: Spark an interest in economics among underrepresented high school students.

Introduction to economics workshops

Through these workshops at high schools and college access programs, students will learn how economists use data to inform approaches to social issues. The workshops will also introduce career options for students who major in economics in college. Learn more. 

“Economics for Good” sessions at MIT 

These sessions, offered through MIT’s Educational Studies Program, will teach high school students how researchers use economics to identify effective ways to address social policy challenges.

Undergraduate/Predoctoral Students

Goal: Provide skill-building opportunities for college undergraduates and predoctoral students.

Invitations to Research Staff Training 

Each year, scholarships will be provided to this intensive, week-long program where J-PAL staff teach the technical and operational aspects of engaging in and conducting randomized evaluations. 

“About J-PAL & RCTs” at the American Economic Association Summer Training Program (AEASP) 

ETP has hosted information sessions for students at the AEASP seminar series to introduce students to J-PAL and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). 

Custom trainings for peer organizations 

J-PAL North America's training team can facilitate custom courses related to randomized evaluations. If you (or your organization) are working to improve diversity and inclusion in the economics (or economics-based) pipeline, and you are interested in a customized training or workshop, please contact Jatnna Amador at [email protected].

Our Partnerships

ETP collaborates closely with organizations who are working towards the same goal: diversifying the field of economics and elevating the voices of underrepresented students. In a four-part blog series, we explore the collaborative nature of ETP and celebrate the exciting work of our partners.

Get Involved

ETP values the contributions of students, researchers, and partner organizations. If you want to work with us to improve diversity and inclusion in the economics pipeline, you can get involved in the following ways: 

If you are interested in these opportunities or would like to learn more, please contact  [email protected]. 

Additional Resources

Further Resources

• Why a lack of diversity is hurting economics
• An open letter to economic institutions in the face of #BlackLivesMatter
• The pipeline problem for Black women in economics
• Economics, dominated by white men, is roiled by Black Lives Matter
• The Research in Color Foundation: Diversifying economics through mentoring and financial support
• The Sadie Collective: Addressing the pipeline & pathway problem for economics and related fields
• How You Can Work to Increase the Presence and Improve the Experience of Black, Latinx, and Native American People in the Economics Profession
• Wantchekon leads new effort to propel Black students into top economics PhD programs
• A conversation with Research in Color on the importance of mentorship in the economics profession
• Economist Lisa Cook being on Joe Biden’s transition team is a win for Black girls
• Why are there so few Black economists at the Fed?
• For women in economics, the hostility is out in the open
• Howard University and WISER awarded $1.9 million grant from the Peterson Foundation to support increased diversity in the field of economics 
• Banks publishes book on Sadie Alexander, first Black American to earn economics PhD
• Reaching our full potential: The importance of people and ideas to advance diversity and inclusion in the economics profession