Why we’re kvelling over Ryan Silver

Published August 31, 2021

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Student Board of Directors with its largest and most diverse board yet. For the 2021-2022 school year, 29 high school seniors from across the greater St. Louis area have been selected to serve on the student board through a competitive application process, which includes an essay and letters of recommendation. Students meet monthly and gain a thorough understanding of the Federal Reserve’s role in the U.S. economy and learn about its unique partnerships with banks, businesses and the community. Among the 2020-2021 St. Louis Fed student board members is Ryan Silver, a senior at Ladue Horton Watkins High School. Ryan is the son of Michael and Laura Silver; the family belongs Congregation Shaare Emeth. He also received a perfect score of 36 on his ACT college entrance exam.

“We’re delighted to welcome this outstanding group of teenagers as we commemorate the founding of the St. Louis Fed’s Student Board 10 years ago. We’ve seen our alumni go on to accomplish much, including two who have become St. Louis Fed employees,” said Mary Suiter, assistant vice president and economic education officer at the St. Louis Fed

Over the last decade, 82% of former student board members have launched careers in banking, finance or related industries. Two-thirds of board alumnae are women and/or minorities who have pursued banking, finance or related careers, a St. Louis Fed survey finds.

“One of the goals of attracting students to serve on our board is to encourage them to enter careers in economics and banking or finance,” Suiter said. “We want to boost the number of women and minorities in these professions, particularly economics, so that they can bring their diverse views and interests to influence their industries.”

For more information, see the St. Louis Fed’s student board of directors webpage.