The College Fed Challenge
The College Fed Challenge is a nation-wide team competition for undergraduate students hosted by the Federal Reserve. Teams compete within their region by presenting an analysis of current economic conditions and related policy recommendations to a panel of judges. Teams are scored by the judges and winning teams from each region move on to compete in Washington D.C. at the Board of Governors.
How to Get Involved
At UConn, teams of students are assembled in both Stamford under the guidance of Faculty Advisor Natalia Smirnova, and in Storrs led by Faculty Advisors Derek Johnson and Owen Svalestad. When classes begin in the spring, the current teams and their advisors start seeking new members. Over the semester, students collaborate, learn together, and do research in readiness for Fed Challenge presentations in November.
Why Get Involved
The Fed Challenge offers students a challenging learning experience to explore policy and the economy. Through preparing their presentation, participants acquire practical skills that can lead to internships, job offers, research opportunities, and more. Due to the hands-on nature of The Fed Challenge, students develop skills in public speaking, critical thinking, writing, analysis, teamwork, and leadership, leaving the competition more confident than when it began.
