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Kentucky State University President M. Christopher Brown II recently offered 11 students the opportunity to visit the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and attend part of an ongoing lecture series that focuses on challenges facing black men and boys. 

“Kentucky State University has previously had students to be selected for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis summer internship program,” Dr. Walter Malone III, executive director of University College, said. “This particular opportunity is part of a special ongoing lecture series titled Dialogue with the Fed.”

Malone said students were selected based on demonstrated leadership, engagement and high academic achievement.

Mikal Muhammad, a senior history and business major from Chicago, said he was most excited about the opportunity to gain insight on the Federal Reserve Bank and making new connections.

“I’m really interested in being able to talk with different people and learn and listen to what they have to say about black males in today’s society,” Cameron Galloway, a junior social work major from Paducah, said.

Ricky Dees, a sophomore business major from Cincinnati, said he looks forward to talking to men and women of business and to hopefully get some tips about how to succeed in the workplace.

“It is our hope that these young men gain insight on the financial crisis that black and Hispanic college graduates face and grow in their understanding of the heightened difficulty black families have in passing on middle-class status to their children, especially their sons,” Malone said.

The trip also includes a bank tour, lunch with senior management, a visit to the Inside the Economy Museum and a tour of Harris-Stowe State University.

The group left Sunday, Feb. 10 and returns Tuesday, Feb. 12.