Classroom visits are available for request during the school year. New York Fed Economic Education will offer accessible and informative presentations in your classroom on topics such as the role and history of the Federal Reserve System, monetary policy, economics as a career, and college financing. Visits are designed to reach students in schools that may benefit from resources to teach economic literacy, including Title I high schools and community colleges. The program aims to advance understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Federal Reserve and help increase diversity in the fields of economics and finance. Presentations are free and can be scheduled Tuesday through Friday during the school year. Schools in the Federal Reserve's Second District receive priority for scheduling. Visits can be conducted either virtually or in-person, subject to availability. Interested professors and teachers should request a visit.
Please note that requests are reviewed and scheduled on an ongoing basis throughout the year. Scheduling a visit is subject to availability.
Classroom visits give students an opportunity to learn directly from New York Fed staff. These visits encourage active dialogue between students, educators, and New York Fed employees, and help develop students' analytical and critical thinking. The program also serves to complement a school's social studies, civics, history, economics and/or business curriculum.
During each visit, New York Fed staff present one of the following lessons:
Introduction to the Federal Reserve System
This 45-minute presentation details the structure of the Federal Reserve as a decentralized central bank and its policy responsibilities. Topics covered include:
- What is the Federal Reserve System?
- What is the structure of the Federal Reserve System?
- What is the Federal Reserve's role in the economy?
Introduction to Monetary Policy
This 45-60-minute presentation explains how the economy's health is measured and the Fed's role in supporting its health, using analogies to explain everyday ideas and concepts. Topics covered include:
- Key indicators used to study the economy, such as GDP, inflation and unemployment
- How the Fed uses the federal funds rate to influence interest rates in the economy
- Expansionary v. contractionary monetary policy
Think Like an Economist
What do you think of when you hear the word, "economics"? This 45-minute presentation explores how economics includes not just money and banking, but also human behavior and the choices people make. Students will learn about the economist toolkit, be introduced to current economists and their work, and explore careers in economics. This presentation can also be offered for career day events. Topics covered include:
- Who are economists and how do they think?
- How can I apply the economist toolkit?
- What are some career opportunities in economics?
College Financing
This 45-minute presentation teaches a framework to help students effectively finance college by breaking down college costs, student loan repayment plans, and how to budget income and student loan debt payments. Topics covered include:
- College data, such as enrollment, tuition and other expenses
- Student loan repayment plans
- Case studies demonstrating student budgeting skills
