The 2018-2019 Omaha Student Board of Directors concluded with a pinning ceremony to recognize the participating students on May 23.

The Student Board of Directors program prepares high school students to become knowledgeable citizens by increasing their understanding of economic, financial and occupational topics through collaboration with peers and business leaders. This year, the board was comprised of ten students from two different Omaha public high schools.

During the school year, the Omaha Branch Student Board met monthly to learn about topics such as the Federal Reserve, personal finance, college and career readiness, the regional economy, and professional and personal development. During these meetings, students also had the opportunity to serve as liaisons between the Kansas City Fed and their school districts, work with Fed staff, talk to academic experts and meet with business and community leaders.

J’Niya Frazier, a 2018-2019 Student Board Member from Northwest High School valued many of the elements of the program. “Going to different places throughout the year, learning about different ways to be successful, and have those connections and opportunities was my favorite part,” she said.

In addition to the monthly meetings, the students were able to tour Mutual of Omaha, which was a highlight of the program Isabella O’Hara, a student from Bryan High School “There’s more to an insurance company. It’s not exactly what you’d expect,” she said.

Isabella also enjoyed learning about the Fed and its role around the United States. Another one of her favorite parts was getting a chance to experience the professional environment of the Bank by getting involved and meeting at the Omaha Branch throughout the year.

To be eligible for the Board, students must submit and essay and be a junior in the top 30 percent of their class within the Omaha Public School District. The Omaha Branch is partnering with Omaha Public Schools Career Education and the high school career academies for the 2019-2020 school year. Teachers from each high school career academy will submit students to hold a Student Board spot representing their academy and school.

Applications for the 2019-2020 school year are now open.

Branch Executive Nathan Kauffman shared insights with the Student Board at their pinning Ceremony, May 23.

The Omaha Branch Student Board of Directors received their completion of program pins and certificates on May 23 at the Omaha Branch.

Omaha Student Board member Veronica Alonso received her pin and certificate at the recognition ceremony on May 23.

The Omaha Student Board members took a tour of local business Mutual of Omaha to learn more about the regional economy.