Euro Challenge is a national competition about the currency and policies that shape the European Union (EU). It is for 9th- and 10th-grade students across the United States (9-12th grade in Title I schools) and is completely free to compete. After regional contests, 25 teams are invited to the semi-final round in New York City on April 19, 2027.
How does Euro Challenge Work?
Teams comprising 3-5 students work on a presentation about the economics of the euro area and tackle a specific challenge facing a euro area member state. They become policymakers, crafting solutions to a topical issue, and give a 15-minute presentation before expert judges.
Why participate?
Participants learn about the EU, the Euro, and other important concepts central to economics and economic analysis. Student teams present to and interact with distinguished panels of economists, financial professionals, and academics. This project-based learning initiative is a great opportunity to develop research, teamwork, and presentation skills.
Semifinalist teams receive a travel stipend and hotel stay in New York City to present in the semi-final and final rounds. The 5 finalist teams win cash prizes sponsored by Santander Bank.
The top two teams win a trip to Washington, DC, where they will present to the embassy of the EU member state they analyzed and visit the Delegation of the EU to the United States, the International Monetary Fund, and the US Treasury.
The European Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh is proud to host the Western Pennsylvania regional Euro Challenge competition. You can participate in person or remotely. The top team(s) from the regional competition will advance to the national competition.
Registration for the 2027 Euro Challenge competition is now open! 2027 School Registration
Questions: James Draney, Program Manager, W!SE @ jdraney@wise-ny.org or europeanstudies@pitt.edu
Are you interested in starting a Euro Challenge team at your own school, but not sure where to start? Check out this interview with long-time Euro Challenge advisor, Bill Hildenbrand, about starting a team, preparing for competitions, and running a Euro Challenge program. Bill also shares the benefits of participating in the Euro Challenge for students.
Euro Challenge Spotlight
Interviewee: Bill Hildenbrand, North Allegheny School District. Filmed: December 16, 2019.