 | MICHIGAN COUNCIL ON ECONOMIC EDUCATION |
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| IMPORTANT DATES Virtual High School Fed Challenge Info Session: October 23, 2025 Virtual High School Fed Challenge Info Session: January 15, 2026 Registration Deadline: February 17, 2026 Paper Submission Deadline: March 16, 2025 Notification of Publication Decision: May 15, 2026
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The High School Fed Challenge is a research and writing competition where teams of students act as future economists.
The Federal Reserve System High School Fed Challenge offers the opportunity for students to develop skills in teamwork, research, data literacy, and analytical writing. Student teams author economics research and pursue an opportunity to be selected for publication in the Journal of Future Economists. |
This year’s theme – Economics of Music – offers the opportunity to explore music through the lens of economics. Music plays a part in our personal experiences and collective communities. It is art and an industry shaped by culture, market trends, innovation, and economics. The Economics of Music theme encourages critical thinking about how economic principles can apply to what we listen to, how it’s produced, and who benefits. Whether examining how streaming has transformed business models, analyzing consumer choices and decision making through behavioral economics, or considering how artists earn income in a changing landscape, this year’s theme provides an opportunity to apply economic thinking to real-world questions about music as a broad and dynamic subject. We have provided an online collection of different resources for this year's theme. We invite High School Fed Challenge teams to submit academically researched podcast scripts on any topic that relates explicitly to this theme. Students are not restricted to using the resources made available and may use other reputable or scholarly sources for their research. |
What is the High School Fed Challenge? Why participate?
How to Register
Faculty Advisors
| The High School Fed Challenge is a research and writing competition that aims to encourage students in grades 9–12 to learn more about economics and promote interest in economics as a subject for study and the basis for a career. Previous study of economics is not required—only intellectual curiosity and interest in exploring an economic theme.
The High School Fed Challenge is an opportunity for students to collaborate with peers, sharpen critical thinking, and see their writing stand alongside the work of other future economists. Registration is now open! Faculty advisors must register their teams online, on or before February 17, 2026. Before registering, please review the 2025 - 2026 High School Fed Challenge rule book for everything you need to know about the program and rules for participation. All correspondence and communication regarding registration, submission, and participation in the High School Fed Challenge will be done electronically through the New York Fed's website or email. It is the responsibility of faculty advisors and student participants to read and understand the competition rule book for the academic year as posted on the website, check the website for notices and other materials, read all email messages carefully, and be aware of competition rules and deadlines. There will be no exceptions to this policy. Faculty advisors will be asked to:
Note: Advisors may not be current employees of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors or any Federal Reserve Bank. |