Student Board of Directors Application, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ Student Board of Directors Program provides St. Louis high school seniors a dynamic way to learn about the nation’s central bank. The students, who might not otherwise be exposed to the central bank or the financial services industry, will gain an understanding of the Federal Reserve’s role in the U.S. economy and receive financial literacy education. Students will also gain opportunities to network with and receive mentoring from Federal Reserve employees.

To be successful as a member of the Student Board of Directors, each student must commit to attending all meetings, completing all assigned work and giving a presentation about the Federal Reserve at their school.

The application period for the 2024-25 Student Board of Directors Program opens Feb. 6, 2024, and closes March 25, 2024.

Eligibility

The St. Louis Fed is looking for program participants from diverse backgrounds who will serve as ambassadors between St. Louis-area high schools and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Students from Office of Minority and Women Inclusion-designated schools (those serving all-female or majority-minority populations) are especially encouraged to apply.

Student applicants should:

• Be St. Louis-area rising high school seniors for the 2024-25 academic year
• Have good academic standing

Children of Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis employees are not eligible.

Application process

Review the following instructions carefully. Both steps must be completed by 5 p.m. on March 25, 2024.

1. The student fills out the application of interest form. Completing this form generates a questionnaire that is sent to the recommending teacher the student listed on the form. Students should notify the recipient teacher about the forthcoming questionnaire.
2. The recommending teacher completes and returns their questionnaire by the March 25, 2024, deadline.

Both steps must be completed by 5 p.m. on March 25, 2024.

2023-2024 Student Board of Directors

More Information

Who can apply?

• Rising seniors of the class of 2024-2025 attending a public or private high school in the St. Louis metro area.
• Children of Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis employees are not eligible to apply.

How are students selected?

• Qualified student applications are scored on a rubric.
• Students are selected based on their submissions and nominating teacher recommendation.
• Due to the limited number of seats on the board, only one student per school will possibly be accepted.
• Students will be notified of selection in mid-May 2024.

How often do students meet?

• Students meet in person once a month between August-May at the St. Louis Fed, Broadway and Locust Street.
• Meetings are from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
• Attendance at all meetings is mandatory.
• July/August is a luncheon meeting. A parent/guardian or family member is required to attend.
• May is a recognition dinner for board members’ work. Parents/guardians and recommending teacher will be invited to attend the dinner with their students.
• Virtual meetings, instead of in-person, will be conducted when appropriate (ice storms, etc.).

What do students do?

• Learn what the Fed does and how it applies to everyday citizens.
• Work with other board members to create a presentation and share it with a class at your school.
• Gain career planning resume writing and interview skills.
• Participate in discussions with St. Louis Fed leaders and learn about career paths.

What is required?

• Attend all meetings and prepare for and participate fully in all discussions and projects.
• Complete online learning modules from our Econ Lowdown Online Learning series to prepare for discussions and interactive activities.
• Collaborate with other Student Board members to create a presentation about the Fed and share it with a class at their school.
• Maintain a standard of behavior befitting a representative of the nation’s central bank.

After successful completion of the yearlong program, students may apply for summer internships at the St. Louis Fed.

For more information, contact: STLSSBoD@stls.frb.org