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.
Congratulations to the following schools that have been selected to be published in the 2026 issue of the Journal of Future Economists. The schools and papers that will be included in the journal are as follows, listed by school name, in alphabetical order:
- Bergen County Technical High School - Teterboro, Teterboro, NJ; Swiftonomics: The Impact of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour
- Fairview High School, Boulder, CO; Time to Face the Music: Is Inequality in the Music Industry a Problem?
- Greenwich High School, Greenwich, CT; Swinging Towards Shutdown: Why Jazz Clubs Are Losing the Market
- Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, Aurora, IL; The Attention Economy of Music: How Social Media Rewired the Music Industry
- Lafayette Academy, Lake St. Louis, MO; I, Song
- Langley High School, McClean, VA; Symphonomics: The Economics of Copyright Laws in Music
- Melissa High School, Melissa, TX; All I Want for Chri$tmas Is Revenue: The Economics of Xmas Music
- Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, NH; Polyopoly: The DOJ’s Antitrust Lawsuit Against Live Nation
- Pine View School, Osprey, FL; Touring Economics Through Time
- Princeton High School, Princeton, NJ; Spinning Back: The Resurgence of Vinyls
- Skyline High School, Sammamish, WA; The Economics of Music Catalogs: Why Yesterday’s Hits Have a Discount Rate
- University School, Hunting Valley, OH; Dead Air: The Fight to Own Your Sound
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.
- Think Like an Economist, Act Like an Economist: Apply economics concepts to research and write about a topic related to the competition’s theme. Students will unearth data, unpack trends, and develop thoughtful conclusions that reflect their interest in an economic topic.
- Build Essential Skills: Students will develop data literacy, analytical writing, communications, creativity, and project management skills. These tools are essential for success in college or a future career.
- Gain Recognition at the National Level: Students’ work could be chosen for publication in the Journal of Future Economists. This Journal shares student insights and celebrates academic excellence. Select entries are published and all participating schools are recognized.
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.
Everything you need to know about the program and rules for participation: 2025 – 2026 High School Fed Challenge rule book.
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.
Registration is now closed.
Who can participate in High School Fed Challenge?
The High School Fed Challenge is a national competition. Please refer to the 2025 – 2026 High School Fed Challenge rule book for details on eligibility.
