Competition

The College Fed Challenge asks a team of undergraduates to do, in compressed form, what the FOMC does: read the incoming data, write down a forecast, name the risks, and recommend a policy path.

What the video has to cover

The Board’s rubric asks for four pieces, as of the day you record:

  • an analysis of current economic conditions
  • a near-term forecast relevant to policy
  • the main risks the FOMC should watch
  • a recommendation, with reasons, using the tools the Fed actually has

2026 dates

From the Federal Reserve Board. Last updated April 22, 2026.

Monday, September 21

Board virtual orientation, 1:00 p.m. EDT

Wednesday, September 30

Registration deadline, 5:00 p.m. EDT

Monday, October 5

Video submission deadline, 5:00 p.m. EDT

November 2–4

Virtual Q&A for advancing teams

Friday, November 20

In-person finals and awards, Washington, D.C.