Fed Challenge

The College Fed Challenge is a national academic competition for undergraduates hosted annually by the Federal Reserve Bank. Participating teams of students analyze the current state of the U.S. economy and make a recommendation for future monetary policy actions to a panel of judges who work at the Federal Reserve Bank.

The competition involves both a presentation and a rapid-fire Q&A session with the judges. Teams who win their regional competition advance to the national competition held in Washington, D.C.

As a successful competitor in the College Fed Challenge, you gain:

• an in-depth knowledge of macroeconomics and the role of the Federal Reserve
• experience examining empirical data and statistical models
• experience in public speaking and teamwork
• an introduction into career opportunities in economics and finance
• networking opportunities with peers from other schools, professors and Federal Reserve employee

The 2023 Fed Challenge team was named Regional Finalist. This year's Federal Reserve Challenge team at Manhattan University, advised by Dr. Hany Guirguis, professor of economics and finance, was led by five student presenters: club president Rehan Mehta, Theresa Donlon, Giovanni Casonato, Clay Pinkham, and Cara Loganadhan, and  supported by a second team of seven students ranging from freshman to junior cohorts. 

How to Join

The College Fed Challenge takes place during the fall semester, and is available as an elective class at the University, as well as a co-curricular activity. Typically, students are recruited for this prestigious competition, but others who are interested in joining or supporting the Manhattan University team should reach out to the advisor, Professor at Hany Guirguis at hany.guirguis@manhattan.edu.