Fiscal Leadership Lab

Fiscal Leadership Lab

Organization: Campus Compact and the Up to Us Leadership Network

Program Type: Student leadership development program

Overview: The Fiscal Leadership Lab 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 are equipped with vital knowledge and skills to advocate for policy change.

Program Focus:

Fiscal knowledge and policy skills

Student advocacy and leadership development

Preparation for decision-making tables (town halls, campus board rooms, Congress)

Public service, policy, and community leadership careers

Target Participants

Who They're Looking For:

Student leaders with variety of backgrounds, majors, and political perspectives

Demonstrated civic engagement and leadership potential

Capacity to participate fully in program requirements

Interest in careers in public service, policy, or community leadership

Geographic Scope

For 2025-2026, applications are open to current undergraduate students in the greater metro area of 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

Metro Area Definition: No set definition of "greater metro area" but students must be able to reach the city center within 45 minutes of travel to fully participate. Will expand in the future to include students nationwide.

Eligibility Requirements

• Current undergraduate student in good academic standing
• At least one year remaining in undergraduate program
• Demonstrated leadership experience (student government, campus organizations, community involvement, etc.)
• Genuine interest in fiscal policy and civic engagement in the United States
• Must be available for Tuesday meetings from 8-9:15 PM EST throughout the spring semester
• At least 18 years old

Program Structure

• Six months duration
• National virtual trainings
• Regional in-person learning opportunities
• Cohorts of 14-15 students each
• Tuesday evening meetings (8-9:15 PM EST) during spring semester

Selection Process

• Applications reviewed by Campus Cohort Leads and Campus Compact staff
• Focus on leadership potential, fiscal policy interest, and program fit
• Cohorts designed to include diverse perspectives and backgrounds
• Selection notifications sent by mid-to-late November 2025