Collinsville High School Senior Ben Carlson is serving on The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis 2016-2017 Student Board of Directors.
The program, which is in its fifth year, offers high school seniors a dynamic way to learn about our nation’s central bank. Participants gain a thorough understanding of the Federal Reserve’s role in the U.S. economy and experience its unusual partnership with banks, businesses and the community.
Sixteen St. Louis area students were selected based on the quality of their essay and letters of recommendation. While serving on the board, the students are liaisons between St. Louis area high schools and the Federal Reserve.
Ben Carlson is ranked in the top 5% of his class and belongs to many student organizations. He is a member of National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Student Council, Model United Nations, Spanish Club, Drama Club, Math Team and treasurer of the Multicultural Club.
Outside of school, Ben is a member of the Mannie Jackson Humanities Foundation and the St. Jerome Youth Group. He is also an instructor at Myung Martial Arts.
Collinsville High School is very fortunate to have a student serve on the board and Ben is an excellent selection, said CHS teacher Vicki Fuhrhop. This is an exciting leadership opportunity for a senior. While serving on the board, Ben will have a chance to study careers in the financial industry, engage in lessons involving economics and personal finance and meet with bank leaders throughout the Fed.
In addition to Ben, Collinsville High School has been fortunate to have three other students serve on the board in the past five years. Collinsville High School alumni who have previously served on the student board include: Brian Hoyt, 2012-2013; Sam Caputo, 2014-2015; and Ben Frey, 2015-2016.
Members of the student board meet every month during the school year at the St. Louis Federal Reserve in downtown St. Louis. At the meetings, students discuss issues related to economics and personal finance, participate in discussions with bank leaders on topics ranging from professional development to career planning and progression. In addition, each student board member prepares a presentation about the Federal Reserve to be delivered to peers at his/her respective high school.
After successful completion of the year long program, Student board members have an opportunity to apply for summer internships with The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Economic Education Department provides free, award-winning, economic, personal finance, and money and banking resources to teachers, schools and districts.