Fed Challenge
Manhattan University has participated in the College Fed Challenge for more than a decade, with an impressive record of outstanding performances.
The Fed Challenge is a national academic competition designed to encourage undergraduate students to learn more about economics, monetary policy, and the Federal Reserve System. Hosted annually by the Federal Reserve Bank, the competition brings together teams of students who play the role of monetary policymakers by analyzing economic conditions and recommending a course, such as a rate cut or increase, for monetary policy.
How It Works
After months of rigorous preparation, the Manhattan University team gives a presentation on its findings and recommendations before a panel of economists from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Manhattan’s 2024 presentation included a lively discussion about the inverted yield curve , productivity, and monetary policy.
If selected as regional semifinalists, the team then participates in a question-and-answer session, during which members respond to questions from the judges about recommendations made in the presentation. Threefinalists are then selected. Their presentations and questions-and-answer sessions are reviewed by the to determine the top three winners and three runners-up.
Manhattan University and the Fed Challenge
Under the guidance of advisor Hany Guirguis, Ph.D., interim dean of the O’Malley School of Business, Manhattan University has proved to be an exceptionally strong competitor in the Fed Challenge. The University has advanced to the regionals five times in the space of 14 years. In 2024, Manhattan’s team placed in the top 18 teams nationwide from a pool of more than 100 contenders. Within the New York division, they placed in the top three teams out of 30 competitors including Columbia University, New York University, Pace University, Rutgers University and Fordham University.
The Fed Challenge helps Manhattan University students develop skills in research, data analysis, public speaking and critical thinking; learn about career opportunities in economics and finance; and network with peers from other schools, professors and Federal Reserve employees.
Cara Loganadhan ’26 , 2024 Team ChairpersonThe Fed Challenge allows you to gain hands-on experience with market research, public speaking, and even developing monetary policy recommendations, in ways that surpass any experience you can get in a classroom setting. This has allowed me to have a better conversation while interviewing for summer internships, as I can show them that I have a great grasp on the many factors that impact the economy. I would highly recommend the Fed Challenge to anyone looking for an extra challenge in their undergraduate experience. It pushes them to develop skills of determination, hard work, teamwork, and so much more.