At Charles River Associates (CRA), we believe that access and experience can unlock potential—and that early exposure to meaningful work can transform futures.
This summer, for the third consecutive year, we proudly welcomed a remarkable cohort of QuestBridge Research Scholars: rising college juniors who have distinguished themselves academically and enriched CRA with their curiosity, insight, and drive.
As part of CRA’s All-Access Initiative, our partnership with QuestBridge reflects a long-standing commitment to creating pathways for talented students from all backgrounds to engage with consulting and economics. More than an internship, this immersive experience opens doors to new perspectives, professional networks, and real-world problem-solving.
Real-World Experience, Real-World Impact
The CRA Research Scholar Program is a 10-week immersive experience designed for rising juniors eager to explore consulting careers. Scholars work alongside CRA professionals on research-driven projects, honing analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills while seeing how economic and policy analysis translates into measurable impact.
Each scholar is paired with mentors who provide guidance and professional development throughout the summer. Through workshops, case studies, and client-focused work, they learn how to approach complex challenges with clarity and confidence—skills that will serve them throughout their careers.
This hands-on model helps CRA nurture future consulting talent and broaden participation in the field.
Meet Our 2025 QuestBridge Research Scholars
- Charles Cook – Risk, Investigations & Analytics, Emory University
- Ye Lin – Financial Economics, Swarthmore College
- William Li – Antitrust & Competition, Princeton University
- Erick Diaz – Transfer Pricing, Pomona College
- Grace Xie – Life Science, Northwestern University
- Aleks Ivanov – Energy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Each of these scholars made meaningful contributions to CRA’s work this summer—bringing sharp thinking, enthusiasm, and new ideas to their respective practices.
In Their Own Words
“CRA helped me find my voice. My time at CRA has made me more comfortable reaching out to someone, shaking their hand, and making meaningful connections—fostering an invaluable skill that I will take with me throughout my career.”
— Charles Cook, Intern, Risk, Investigations & Analytics Practice, Emory University
“My favorite part of the CRA experience was gaining first-hand exposure to high-level client meetings and internal discussions among CRA consultants. This allowed me to see key stages of a project from start to finish.”
— Aleks Ivanov, Intern, Energy Practice, MIT
“The highlight was working alongside industry experts on real-world policy research. I learned so much about how CRA applies economic and policy analysis to answer client questions, while also experiencing what collaborative project work looks like in consulting.”
— Grace Xie, Intern, Life Sciences Practice, Northwestern University
Expanding Access to Education and Career Pathways
QuestBridge’s mission—to connect high-achieving students from under-resourced communities with pathways to higher education and professional success—aligns closely with CRA’s All-Access Initiative.
Through this firmwide effort, CRA helps create new routes into consulting for students pursuing studies in business, economics, or STEM. The QuestBridge Research Scholar Program is one way we put that commitment into action—alongside initiatives such as the American Economic Association Summer Program (ASASP) Fellowship and the KIPP Massachusetts Rising Freshman Internship.
Together, these programs give talented students early exposure to consulting, equip them with critical skills, and help them build lasting professional networks.
CRA is proud to partner with QuestBridge and other mission-driven organizations to invest in the next generation of consulting professionals—offering opportunities that cultivate growth, mentorship, and belonging.
We celebrate the achievements of our 2025 QuestBridge Research Scholars and look forward to the continued impact they’ll make as they carry forward the insight, confidence, and curiosity developed during their time at CRA.