Our student board of directors program offers high school seniors a dynamic way to learn about the nation’s central bank! Students will gain a thorough understanding of the Federal Reserve’s role in the U.S. economy and engage with various employees.
The application period for the 2021-22 student board is now open. The deadline to complete your online application and submit materials is 5 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2021. Please review these instructions carefully.
Members of the St. Louis Fed’s student board of directors program come from diverse backgrounds and serve as ambassadors between St. Louis-area high schools and the Federal Reserve. Applicants:
Children of Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis employees are not eligible.
There are four steps to the application process.
Download a printable checklist (pdf) of all items required for the application process.
First, interested students must fill out this online application. Be sure to finish the whole form.
Next, write a narrative essay on “why I think leadership is important.” Explain how leadership can help others resolve disputes, contribute to group efforts, or make your community or school a better place. Give at least one specific example of how you have demonstrated leadership.
Format:
In addition to the essay, applicants will need two signed recommendation letters:
Note to schools: A single high school may recommend no more than two students in an academic year.
If you’ve completed the online application and your materials are ready, attach the essays and two letters of recommendation to an email and send to STLSSBoD@stls.frb.org by 5 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2021.
Please:
-Jasmine Smith Essay 2.1.21.doc
-Teacher Recommendation for Jasmine Smith 2.1.21.pdf
-Community Member Recommendation_Jasmine Smith 2.1.21.doc
The St. Louis Fed uses a scoring rubric and reviews student nominations and applications. Students are selected based on the quality of their essays and letters of recommendation. Due to the limited number of seats on the board, only one student per school will be accepted.
Students who are selected will be notified via phone in early May 2021.
During their year on the board, members meet every month from late July/early August through May at the St. Louis Fed, Broadway and Locust Street.
Virtual instead of in-person meetings will be conducted if warranted out of an abundance of caution for health.
Students will discuss issues related to economics and personal finance; participate in discussions with St. Louis Fed leaders on topics ranging from professional development to career planning and progression; and prepare a presentation about the Federal Reserve to be delivered to peers at their respective high schools.
Meetings are from 7:30 to 9 a.m., with two exceptions. In July/August, a luncheon meeting will be scheduled. A parent/guardian or family member is required to attend. In May, the meeting will be a recognition dinner for board members’ work. Teachers who recommended the students, and students’ parents and/or guardians, will be invited to the dinner.
If selected for the board, members must:
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