Author: programs

  • Announcing Summer Institute 2026

    Announcing Summer Institute 2026

    Challenging Capitalism in Troubled Times and Building Collective Futures

    In the face of authoritarian governance, violent suppression of free speech, unlawful deportations, unceasing climate change, increasingly unaffordable basic goods and services, and imperial wars, social movements around the world are coming together to rise up against fascism to collectively build just and democratic futures.

    The Center for Popular Economics’ 2026 summer institute will take place June 24-28 at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. The curriculum will cover the basics of radical economics, providing a material analysis of capitalism, racism and patriarchy. We will also discuss the logic behind progressive reforms and post-capitalist experiments. And we will educate each other about the history of social movements and debate different strategies of resisting and moving beyond capitalism.

    Learn more and register today here!

  • A look back at Summer Institute 2025

    A look back at Summer Institute 2025

    In July 2025, CPE hosted over 35 activists from across the country at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA for our Summer Institute.

    CPE’s Staff Economists led a four-day workshop in radical economics that covered the history of global capitalism; economics of racism and patriarchy; colonialism and imperialism; and alternative economic systems. It applied CPE’s unique pedagogical approach which involves co-producing the learning experience, inviting participants to connect the concepts discussed to their practical experience to build new knowledge together.

    Summer Institute facilitators smiling at a check-in table
    Facilitators welcoming participants to the 2025 Summer Institute!
    A Summer Institute participant presenting rapid research in front of a canvas covered with sticky notes
    A Summer Institute participant presenting their rapid research during a workshop
    A Summer Institute facilitator laughing with some participants during an outdoor activity at the Summer Institute
    CPE Facilitators laughing with participants
    Summer Institute participants listening to a brief lecture in a classroom
    Summer Institute participants listening during a lecture on imperialism
    CPE Director leading an activity in a classroom filled with seated participants
    CPE Director leading a classroom activity during the Summer Institute
    Participants discuss the approaches and ideas of past revolutionaries in a park
    The last day of workshops was held outside at a park to take advantage of the great weather!
    Summer Institute facilitators leading a discussion amongst seated and standing participants in Pulaski Park, Northampton
    Facilitators leading a workshop on the last day at Pulaski Park in Northampton
    Summer institute facilitators and participants with their fists raised outside Hampshire College
    Summer Institute Facilitators and participants enjoying some sun at Hampshire College

    Learn more about Summer Institute 2025 here and stay tuned for the link to register for SI 2026 in the coming days!

  • We’re back!

    The Center for Popular Economics is launching a new website. Please be patient as we get this back up and running. We’ve got lots of events to share coming soon. You can also sign up for our newsletter, The Popular Economist, here.