The Federal Reserve Board is actively expanding its economic education and outreach initiatives, offering a range of programs and opportunities for students and aspiring economists. These efforts aim to deepen public understanding of the Federal Reserve's mission, policy rationales, and decision-making processes.
Among the key offerings, registration is now open for the College Fed Challenge, a competition where undergraduate teams analyze economic conditions and propose monetary policy. Teams must register by September 30, 2026, with an orientation call scheduled for September 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. EDT. Additionally, the fall recruiting cycle for Research Assistant (RA) positions at the Board is underway, accepting applications from August 17 to October 15.
The Board is also initiating its fall recruiting for summer 2027 internships in Washington, DC, starting in September. These 10-12 week in-person internships require U.S. citizenship and are open to matriculated students graduating in fall 2027 or later. For high school students, an AP Econ Pep Rally will be held virtually on September 24, from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM CT, offering tips and strategies for Advanced Placement Economics.
Furthermore, the High School Fed Challenge, designed for grades 9-12, will open registration on September 10, 2026, fostering interest in economics and developing critical skills. The Federal Reserve has also enhanced its data resources, with five outcomes from the Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking (SHED), comprising 85 data series on financial well-being, now available on the FRED site. These initiatives underscore the Federal Reserve's ongoing commitment to economic literacy and career development.