Igniting Change and Cultivating Impact: Celebrating the Up To Us Leadership Bootcamp Leaders
The Up to Us Leadership Bootcamp equips college students with the critical skills and knowledge necessary to gain a deeper understanding of fiscal issues and engage in impactful civic organizing. By engaging in the Leadership Bootcamp, participants are leaning in and stepping up to bring their peers into the conversation of navigating the complex issues within our current economic landscape. Net Impact is incredibly honored to highlight the students of this year’s program and the amazing work they are doing on campus. This year, over 50 student leaders representing more than 40 college campuses across the nation activated community impact events at the intersection of fiscal policy and community organizing, engaging over 3,000 of their peers and community members. In this highlight blog, we'll spotlight some of the standout projects from this year's program.
In the Spotlight: The Up To Us Leadership Bootcamp and Community Engagement
Remica Funderburk, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Remica Funderburk hosted an engaging and interactive pop-up event, utilizing beaded bracelets to introduce key concepts of fiscal policy and the US national debt. She led a brief presentation offering valuable context on fiscal matters and highlighting its relevance to students, particularly in areas like educational funding and healthcare. A hands-on bracelet-making experience and discussion followed this. Participants could choose to engage with three themed bracelet options: bipartisan-themed phrases, a DIY kit that explored various fiscal topics, and a custom station designed to encourage personal reflections on fiscal alignment.
By combining a tactile activity with thoughtful dialogue, the event provided a unique platform for everyone to explore complex fiscal issues in a way that felt both accessible and engaging, sparking insightful conversations about fiscal policy and its real-world implications.
Mahogony Jules, Bethune Cookman University
Mahogany Jules from Bethune Cookman University, who organized several creative initiatives that directly engaged her campus in ongoing efforts to raise awareness about fiscal policy and the national debt. These initiatives aimed to make complex economic topics more accessible, all while fostering deeper conversations.
A key initiative involved a member of the Up to Us Fall 2024 Campus Competition team, who will be using creative storytelling to incorporate fiscal education in a mini-podcast episode and comedy skit video. Additionally, Mahogany performed her original fiscal awareness track, "Pivot", during an awards show, combining artistic expression with education on fiscal topics. At FLorida Capitol Hill Day, she advocated for fiscal responsibility, raising awareness about the national debt at a state level. Through these initiatives, she increased student engagement with fiscal policy and the long-term impacts of the national debt, and induced collaboration across student-led brands, campus organizations, and civic-minded individuals.
Titichhya Bhandari, Gustavus Adolphus College
Titichhya Bhandari hosted an interactive budget simulation aimed to deepen understanding of fiscal policy, federal budgeting, and the national debt. Each participant took on the role of the U.S. Budget Director, and was given a $30 billion discretionary budget to allocate across key areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
As the simulation progressed, “event cards” introduced unexpected national challenges, such as climate disasters or rising debt interest, requiring students to adjust their budgets. After each scenario, participants shared how their values and experiences influenced their decisions. Trivia questions throughout reinforced key facts about government spending and the national debt. By the end, students reflected on how fiscal policy decisions affect different communities in unique ways and gained a greater appreciation for the complexities of budgeting and the importance of creating inclusive, equitable policies.
Christine Emano, City University of Seattle
Christine Emano, in collaboration with Net Impact City University, recently brewed up an engaging hybrid event titled "From Coffee Bean to Barista: The Impact of Fiscal Policies on Small Coffee Businesses in Seattle." This unique event brought together experts like Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth, Dr. Jim O’Farrell, and Daniel Zamudio to discuss the real-world implications of fiscal policy and national debt. By focusing on Seattle's deeply rooted coffee industry, the discussion made complex topics like tariffs, taxation, and subsidies tangible and accessible, showcasing how government decisions directly shape the success and sustainability of small businesses.
To broaden the conversation, international students from City University presented on coffee's economic impact and fiscal policies in their home countries. This student-led segment allowed attendees to explore the global implications of national debt through personal and cultural lenses. Overall, the event educated, empowered, and inspired students to think critically about economic policy and civic participation, both locally and globally.
Final Remarks
The Up To Us Leadership Bootcamp once again showcased our incredible student leaders and their drive to positively impact their communities. The projects highlighted here are just a few examples of the innovative and impactful work participants have been engaging in. These events not only showcase the students' leadership skills but also their commitment to addressing critical issues through informed and collaborative approaches.
Feeling inspired and ready to make a difference in your community? Eager to dive deep into U.S. fiscal policy? Then you'll definitely want to stay tuned for the upcoming Up to Us Campus Competition! It's a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills, connect with like-minded peers, and make a real, tangible impact. Let's work together to build a brighter, more equitable future!