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The Fiscal Leadership Lab, led by Campus Compact and the Up to Us Leadership Network, 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.

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.

Eligibility and Requirements

• For 2025-2026, applications are open to current undergraduate students within the greater metro area of these seven metropolitan regions:
  • Southeast: Atlanta, GA
  • Mid-Atlantic: Washington, D.C.
  • Northeast: Boston, MA
  • Midwest: Chicago, IL
  • Mountain West: Salt Lake City, UT
  • Southwest: Dallas, TX
  • Northwest: Silicon Valley/Bay Area, CA
  • No set definition of "greater metro area" but students will need to be able to reach the city center within 45 minutes of travel to fully participate
  • Will expand in the future to include students nationwide
• Current undergraduate student in good academic standing
• At least one year remaining in your program
• Demonstrated leadership experience (student government, campus organizations, community involvement, etc.)
• Genuine interest in fiscal policy and civic engagement in the United States
• Students must be available for Tuesday meetings from 8-9:15PM EST throughout the spring semester
• At least 18 years old
• For a full breakdown of the program structure, click here

Application Process

Application Components

• Basic demographic and academic information
• Leadership experience documentation
  • Please describe your most impactful leadership experience so far. Describe the impact you made and what made the leadership experience meaningful for your own leadership development
  • Tell us what you would bring to a leadership cohort experience. How would you engage and support your fellow students in both your campus cohort and your national cohort?
• Essays on fiscal policy, interest and career goals
  • Why are you interested in growing your own fiscal policy skills through this opportunity?
  • How would this opportunity prepare you for your future career?
  • Please explain why you are most interested in this opportunity
• Commitment confirmation for program participation

Selection Process

• Applications reviewed by Campus Cohort Leads and Campus Compact staff
• Focus on leadership potential, fiscal policy interest, and program fit
• Cohorts will include 14-15 students each, representing diverse perspectives and backgrounds

Application Deadline:

November 7, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET

Selection notifications will be sent by mid-to-late November 2025.