Introducing the Up to Us Leadership Network civic leaders cohort

Campus Compact is pleased to announce the launch of the Up to Us Leadership Network civic leaders cohort—a new student leadership program created in partnership with Up to Us and made possible through generous funding by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation.

The Up to Us Leadership Network civic leaders cohort brings together undergraduate students from across the country to build the fiscal knowledge and policy skills they need to allow them a seat at today’s decision-making tables, from town halls to campus board rooms to the halls of Congress.

Participation in the inaugural cohort is offered free of charge to students across seven target geographic regions. Students will join their regional cohorts for regular, in-person gatherings and take part in virtual nationwide training opportunities. The capstone of the program is the Washington D.C. convening, which will bring together students from all cohorts to explore Capitol Hill, take part in workshops, and come together as a national network of student leaders.

Now seeking inaugural cohort members

Applications are now open for students in the Atlanta, GA, Washington, D.C., Boston, MA, Chicago, IL, Salt Lake City, UT, Dallas, TX, and Silicon Valley/Bay Area, CA metro areas.

Join this cohort program free of charge to build your policy skills and fiscal knowledge. From December 2025-late May 2026, members of the inaugural cohorts will participate in regional and national programming, ultimately gaining:

• 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

• New professional relationships and connection to the Up to Us alumni network that will serve them throughout their careers

To apply, students must be current undergraduates in good academic standing with at least one year remaining in their program. They must demonstrate leadership experience and a genuine interest in US fiscal policy and civic engagement. Students must be at least 18 years old to participate and live in one of our target metro areas. 

Note: there is no set definition of "greater metro area" but students will need to be able to travel to the city center within 45 minutes to fully participate in regional programming.

Applications are due by November 7th, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET.

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.