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Engaging Young Americans

Nextgen - young people talking

The next generation has the most to gain, and the most at stake, in how we build our nation’s future.

We educate and empower young Americans to become advocates for our country’s economic and fiscal outlook.

45%

Gen Z adults who don’t expect to get any Social Security benefits

Young Americans are set to inherit a budget and economy that leaves them worse off than their parents and less economically secure.

76%

Young Americans who believe that they have the power to change the country

Young people believe strongly in their — and their generation's — political power, but some don't feel qualified to participate.

Grace Armann

Stony Brook, NY

The alarming growth of the national debt is an urgent issue, and it is absolutely vital that college students understand how it affects them.

Makaya Tome

Los Angeles, CA

What we do now makes a huge difference because we do have an opportunity to leave the next generation in a better position than they would be if we don't do anything. We have a big opportunity to do so if we all work together.

Jackson Baker

Colorado Springs, CO

If I believe something different than you and you believe something different than me, that doesn't mean you're not a good person. We can still work together to fix all these issues plaguing our country and in our world right now.

Clayton Elbel

San Antonio, TX

It's hard to pass legislation to tackle these really big issues if we have this mounting debt in front of us. I think it serves as a hindrance to not only the long-term economic stability of this country, but ultimately to some of the goals that my generation wants to pursue.

Johnny Arrowood

Hazard, KY

What we do now matters. We need to start those conversations. If we start listening to each other, we can bring about the change we want for the future.

Fiscal Leaders on Campus

Up to Us

Up to Us is the only nationwide, campus-based program focused on building a sustainable economic and fiscal future for America. Representing various views and backgrounds, the nonpartisan Up to Us program is fueled by the next generation of leaders who recognize how the nation's fiscal condition shapes their future opportunities.

Through creative campaigns at colleges and universities across the country, emerging leaders power the Up to Us movement by educating and engaging their peers on the risks presented by America's high and rising debt.

A partnership of the Peterson Foundation, Net Impact, and the Clinton Global Initiative University, Up to Us has reached more than 350,000 students on over 600 campuses in all 50 states since its launch in 2012.

Join the Up To Us Movement

Program Highlights

Students participating in the Fiscal Challenge

The Fiscal Challenge

College students develop budget plans that stabilize federal debt in this national competition.

Fiscal-Interns-Federal-Reserve-Bank-of-New-York (2)

Fiscal Internship Program

The Peterson Foundation partners with think tanks in Washington, D.C., to provide interns with real world experience working on national fiscal policy.

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - JUNE 29: People walk on the campus of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill on June 29, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that race-conscious admission policies used by Harvard and the University of North Carolina violate the Constitution, bringing an end to affirmative action in higher education. (Photo by Eros Hoagland/Getty Images)

Student Debt Smarter

A free online resource that empowers college-bound students with personalized insights about the financial impacts of their higher education choices.

High School Teacher Teaching

Understanding Fiscal Responsibility

First developed by Teachers College, Columbia University, this curriculum helps high school students to think critically about public policy issues.

fiscal ship

Fiscal Ship

This game makes the federal budget more accessible by challenging players to put the budget on a sustainable course, while reflecting their policy priorities.

Further Reading

More Resources