College Fed Challenge
The Alfred University Student-Managed Investment Fund (“SMIF”) is proud to participate in the College Fed Challenge, a prestigious national competition hosted by the Federal Reserve System that promotes understanding of the U.S. economy, monetary policy, and the role of the Federal Reserve.
Each fall, student teams from across the country research current economic conditions, develop forecasts, and recommend monetary policy decisions in line with the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). Teams then present their analysis and policy recommendations to a panel of economists and Fed officials.
Through this competition, SMIF members sharpen their economic research and public speaking skills while gaining a deeper understanding of real-world policymaking. Alfred University typically competes in the Liberty Street Division, with the opportunity to advance to district and national rounds.
All are encouraged to watch the regional finalist presentations (Zoom link) and follow competition updates via the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s website and social media channels.
Timeline
- August 2025 – Team Formation
- Alfred University SMIF begins recruiting and forming its College Fed Challenge team for the fall competition cycle.
- Faculty advisors assist in assigning roles (researchers, presenters, writers, policy analysts).
- September 2025 – Research and Strategy
- Teams begin monitoring Federal Reserve communications, analyzing macroeconomic data, and constructing policy recommendations.
- Regular meetings simulate FOMC-style discussion and speech delivery practice.
- October 2025 – Submission Deadline
- Teams submit their video presentation to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, typically by mid-October.
- Presentations are judged by Fed economists based on clarity, accuracy, teamwork, and policy justification.
- Late October 2025 – Regional Results Announced
- Top-scoring teams from each regional division, including Liberty Street (NY Fed), are announced and advance to the semifinal round.
- Early November 2025 – National Semifinals
- Advancing teams deliver a live virtual policy presentation and Q&A to Federal Reserve officials from across the country.
- Mid-November 2025 – National Finals
- Top teams from each region compete in the final round judged by a panel of senior Fed economists and policymakers.
- The national champion is recognized by the Federal Reserve Board and receives professional accolades.
Prize Pool:
The College Fed Challenge does not offer cash prizes.
Instead, teams compete for academic recognition and advancement through regional and national levels.
Honors include:
• Advancement to national rounds judged by Federal Reserve officials
• Recognition from the Federal Reserve Bank and published results
• Invitations to educational events and professional networking opportunities
• Certificates of participation for all teams
Superlatives:
The College Fed Challenge does not include formal superlative awards.
However, individual judges or faculty advisors may recognize teams informally for excellence in specific areas such as:
• Most Accurate Economic Forecast
• Strongest Policy Justification
• Best Team Cohesion
• Outstanding Presentation Delivery
Slides and Presentation Guidelines
Each team is required to deliver a monetary policy briefing modeled after an official Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.
Presentations must include:
• Current analysis of national economic conditions
• Key data on inflation, labor markets, GDP, and financial stability
• A well-supported recommendation for the federal funds rate
• Justification for the policy stance using data and central bank communication
Teams must submit a recorded 15-minute presentation for the preliminary round. Teams advancing to semifinals and finals will present live via Zoom, followed by a Q&A session with Federal Reserve judges. Visuals (e.g., slides or charts) are encouraged but must be student-produced and clearly cited.
Click to view full rulebook.
