Fiscal Leadership Lab

Program Type: Student leadership development program

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

Application Process

Application Components:

1. Basic Information
   • Demographic and academic information
2. Leadership Experience Documentation
   • Essay: Describe your most impactful leadership experience so far
   • Explain the impact you made and what made the leadership experience meaningful for your own leadership development
3. Cohort Engagement Essay
   • 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?
4. Fiscal Policy Essays
   • 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
5. Commitment Confirmation
   • Confirmation of program participation commitment

Application Deadline: November 7, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET

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