Student Leaders Engage with Policy Makers on DC Prize Trip

What does it look like when student leaders who spent months educating their peers about fiscal policy get to engage with the people shaping those policies? Last month, 13 students from colleges and universities across the country found out. The top-performing teams from the 14th year of the Up to Us Campus Competition gathered in Washington, DC, for the annual Prize Trip, a three-day celebration of their campaigns, advocacy, and impact. 

Representatives from the fall and spring cohorts visited places such as the Aspen Institute and the International Monetary Fund, where they met with public policy leaders who work on the issues the students worked so hard to champion. They also explored the nation's capital and were welcomed to the National Museum of African American History & Culture.

One attendee was Lucky Ameh, a recent graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, who led his team to third place in the spring cohort. Lucky’s favorite part of the program was engaging with other students. He recalled being asked why he cared so much about the national debt, despite being an international student. He shared that, “everyone should care because the decisions made today affect all of us tomorrow. No matter where we come from, we all benefit from strong economies, opportunities, and a sustainable future. That moment reminded me that leadership isn’t about where you’re from, it’s about being willing to make a difference.”

Beyond the policy conversations, these student leaders built connections with each other. As Ameh said, “My favorite part of the trip was meeting student leaders from universities across the country. I built friendships and connections that I believe will last for years to come. It was inspiring to meet people with different backgrounds, experiences, and ideas, while also sharing our cultures and learning from one another. And also being an economist for a day at the IMF! I won’t keep quiet about this experience!”

This sentiment was shared across the group. Students who had spent months navigating the challenges of campus organizing arrived in D.C., and their work was seen by policy leaders and by each other. As alumni of the Campus Competition, they now join a network of thousands of changemakers.

Net Impact congratulates all top teams and participating students. If you are interested in participating in the Fall 2026 Campus Competition, fill out the interest form, and we’ll let you know as soon as the application launches. You can learn more about Net Impact’s programs here: netimpact.org/programs, and you can learn more about opportunities through the Up to Us Leadership Network here: itsuptous.org/network.