The High School Fed Challenge is an academic competition that provides students grades 9-12 the opportunity to study the U.S. economy through the lens of the Federal Reserve, the U.S. central bank. The program encourages students to learn more about economics and the work of the bank’s Federal Open Market Committee. Enriching on many levels, it challenges participants to think critically about the economy, construct a solid argument, and present their research to Federal Reserve Bank economists. The Chicago Fed’s High School Fed Challenge is designed for teams from schools located within the Seventh District.

Benefits of the High School Fed Challenge

The High School Fed Challenge is designed to align with the Framework for 21st Century Skills and Common Core State Standards. These frameworks stress the importance of developing skills in critical thinking, communication, creativity, and collaboration to prepare young adults for college and life.

Students participating in the High School Fed Challenge:

• Analyze real data and use industry tools to assess the U.S. economy
• Prepare a well-organized presentation to demonstrate research findings and provide recommendations
• Develop critical thinking skills in preparation for a live Q&A session with professional economists
• Gain skills necessary for successful collaboration with team members, including communication, flexibility, organizing, planning, listening, and problem-solving

2025 High School Fed Challenge Competition

The Virtual High School Fed Challenge will feature teams of five or fewer students representing high schools throughout Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Over Microsoft Teams, each team will present a live 15-minute presentation on the state of the U.S. economy and a policy prescription for the Fed, followed by a 10-minute session to answer judges’ questions on their presentation, the economy, and the Fed. The winners will be featured at a virtual event, and their presentation will be posted on the Chicago Fed’s social media accounts and website.

Please note: all presentations will be live in front of judges. No pre-recorded presentations will be accepted.

Questions on this year’s competition? Email us.

Key Dates