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The Fiscal Leadership Lab — led by Campus Compact and the Up to Us Leadership Network, made possible through generous funding by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation — brings together undergraduate students from across the country to participate in national virtual trainings and regional in-person learning opportunities. Over the course of six months, participants will be equipped with the vital knowledge and skills they need to advocate for policy change.
Participants will emerge with:
- A comprehensive understanding of the fiscal implications of policymaking
- Tangible experience leading initiatives grounded in fiscal impact and navigating policymaking
- Essential skills in policy development, community organizing, and advocacy
- Professional relationships and connection to a network of other student civic leaders that will serve them throughout their careers
The Fiscal Leadership Lab empowers today's student leaders with the fiscal knowledge and policy skills that allow them a seat at today’s decision-making tables, from town halls to campus board rooms to the halls of Congress.
Program Structure
Students participating in the civic leaders cohort will have the benefit of regional programming close to home and access to a national network of peers. For a full breakdown of the structure, click here.
Regional Programming
Students accepted into the program will join regional cohorts made up of 13-15 students from their geographic area so that they may develop close connections with other changemakers in their city. Students will participate in bi-weekly in-person orientation and relationship-building sessions led by experienced faculty and staff cohort leaders. Students who participate will receive travel stipends to offset transportation costs.
Geographic areas include: Atlanta, GA, Washington, D.C., Boston, MA, Chicago, IL, Salt Lake City, UT, Dallas, TX, and the San Francisco Bay Area, CA
National Connections
Outside of regionally based activities, students accepted into the program will join cohorts from across the country to participate in regular virtual program and an annual in-person national convening.
Bi-Weekly Virtual Training
National training sessions will bring all cohorts together to connect across cities and issue areas to participate in interactive workshops on fiscal policy, leadership, and advocacy. Students must be available for Tuesday meetings from 8-9:15PM EST throughout the spring semester. Cohort-specific reflection and application sessions will make each week's lessons tangible and action-oriented.
Washington D.C. Convening
Each year, students who meet required milestones across all cohorts will come together in-person for a paid trip to Washington, D.C. Over two days, students will explore Capitol Hill, take part in workshops, find opportunities to network, and be introduced to the National Up to Us Leadership Network alumni connections. Students will also celebrate completion of the program by joining with their cohorts to present key takeaways and receive their Credly certification.
Helpful Links
Learn How to Apply
Learn about eligibility, requirements, and the application process. Deadline to apply is November 7th, 2025 so act fast.
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Frequently Asked Question
Learn more about the program and find contact information for key program staff.
Curriculum
Participants will be guided through a curriculum that creates a foundation of understanding and analysis then builds experiential learning on top of it.
Fiscal Literacy & Policy Understanding
- National debt and deficit fundamentals
- Policy cost analysis and budget simulation tools
- Fiscal implications of various policy decisions
Leadership Development
- Asset-based leadership approaches
- Public speaking and digital storytelling
- Building bridges across political differences
Advocacy & Organizing Skills
- Community organizing principles
- Policy development and implementation strategies
- Grassroots campaign planning
Applied Learning
- Real-world policy analysis projects
- Deliberative dialogue experiences
- Professional portfolio development
Program Details
Benefits of Participation
- No cost to participate - all program expenses covered
- Professional development and leadership training - certified by a Campus Compact Credly digital badge
- Travel stipends of $300 provided for regional meeting attendance, with additional need-based travel support available as needed
- All-expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C. for program completion
- A professional network of engaged leaders with access to the Up to Us Leadership Network alumni connections
- Professional headshots and program materials
Key Dates
- Applications Due: November 7, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET
- Selection Notifications: Mid-to-late November
- Program Orientation: December 18th, 2025 from 7:00—8:30 PM ET
- Regional Kickoffs: December-January 2026
- Spring Programming: January-May 2026 (18 weeks)
- D.C. Convening: Late May 2026
Time Commitment
- 1-2 hours weekly for virtual training sessions and regional cohort meetings (with two excused absences allowed per student)
- Students must be available for Tuesday meetings from 8-9:15PM EST throughout the spring semester
- Students are expected to spend additional time on homework and reflection between sessions (as required)
- Students are required to attend their regional orientation and the national convening in Washington, D.C.
About the Up to Us Leadership Network
The Up to Us Leadership Network is dedicated to building a sustainable fiscal and economic future for America by mobilizing, educating, and empowering the next generation of leaders to drive change. Through a series of programs, the Up to Us Leadership Network provides emerging leaders with the knowledge, skills, and community to advocate successfully for national debt reform.
About the Peter G. Peterson Foundation
Founded by Pete Peterson and led by Chairman and CEO Michael Peterson, the Foundation works with leading policy experts, elected officials, and the public to build support for solutions to put America on a sustainable fiscal path. The Foundation engages in grant-making, partnerships and research to educate and involve Americans from a variety of perspectives.
In 2012, the Peter G. Peterson Foundation established and funded the Up to Us Leadership Network to raise awareness among college students about the growing national debt problem. The Up to Us Leadership Network has since grown to include programming created in partnership with Net Impact, Campus Compact, Volcker Alliance, Fiscal Challenge Inc., and Clinton Global Initiative. Collectively, these organizations provide a series of training, support, and access to opportunities that prepare the next generation of American leaders to drive sustainable fiscal policy for decades to come.