Fiscal Challenge Finals
Live in Washington, D.C.
Where the Nation’s Brightest Minds Tackle America’s Fiscal Future
Each spring, the Fiscal Challenge Finals bring together the country’s most talented undergraduate economic minds to Washington, D.C., to compete in a high-stakes test of economic analysis, quantitative reasoning, and fiscal forecasting. In an era of record-breaking deficits and shifting economic landscapes, these students aren’t just presenting ideas—they are modeling the future.
What does America’s fiscal path look like over the next 30 years?
What are the economic consequences of different fiscal scenarios?
How should policymakers weigh debt sustainability against economic growth?
These are the questions the top six teams will tackle as they present their data-driven findings before a panel of top economic and fiscal experts.
For members of the press, policy analysts, and anyone interested in the future of America’s fiscal health, this is the event to watch.
What to Expect at the Fiscal Challenge Finals
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- Future economists in action. These students are applying advanced economic models and real-world data to explore pressing fiscal questions.
- Engaging discussions with top-tier economic analysts. Our judges are influential figures from leading policy and research institutions.
- A dynamic learning experience for all attendees. Whether you’re a student, professor, or journalist, you’ll gain valuable insights into fiscal sustainability and economic analysis.
- Exclusive networking opportunities. Connect with professionals from leading economic organizations and explore internship and career possibilities.
Finalist Teams & Competition Details
Since 2012, we’ve gathered top students in D.C. to present their economic analyses to expert judges. This year, the six finalist teams will deliver rigorous economic modeling and fiscal forecasting to assess the long-term impact of national debt, taxation, and spending trends. Rather than focusing on policy proposals, they will analyze trade-offs, evaluate fiscal trends, and project future debt sustainability.
First-round proposals are due in March of the competition year, and finalists will be announced the following week. Stay tuned!
Finals Weekend Schedule
Wednesday
April 8, 2026
Teams Travel to D.C. & Hotel Check In
Students and faculty advisors will arrive in Washington, D.C. throughout the day and check into the hotel.
– Event check-in information will be available at the front desk
– Students will receive event details and communication instructions via GroupMe
– Evening is free for travel recovery and informal team time.
– Students will receive event details and communication instructions via GroupMe
– Evening is free for travel recovery and informal team time.
Thursday
April 9, 2026
Policy Immersion & Preparation
9:00 AM – Breakfast and Event Check-in – Burnham Ballroom Foyer
10:00 AM – Depart hotel by bus
10:30 AM – Arrive at Congressional Budget Office
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:30 PM – Depart CBO
2:00 PM – Arrive at United States Capitol for guided tours
4:00 PM – Depart Capitol
4:30 PM – Return to hotel
4:30–5:00 PM – Competition briefing (Burnham Ballroom)
– Overview of Friday schedule
– Rules and expectations
Evening
– Dinner on your own
– Team practice and preparation time
⚠️ 10:00 PM (ET) – Final presentations due to Allie Roed
– Team practice and preparation time
Friday
April 10, 2026
8 am – Welcome Breakfast
Hosted by Fiscal Challenge President Mike Aguilar in Burnham Foyer
8:45 am – Team Presentations & Q&A
Hosted by Concord Coalition's Phil Smith in Burnham Ballroom AB
8:45 AM – Team 631
9:20 AM – Team 644
9:55 AM – Team 634
10:25–10:45 AM – Break
10:45 AM – Team 651
11:20 AM – Team 624
11:55 AM – Team 639
12 pm – Lunch and Judges’ Deliberation
Hosted by Fiscal Challenge Program Director Allie Roed in Burnham Foyer
1:15 pm – Keynote Speaker
Hear from Chris Towner in Burnham Ballroom AB. Chris Towner is the Policy Director for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
2 pm – Fiscal Policy Speed Networking
Students will rotate through small-group conversations with professionals every 15 minutes, gaining insight into careers, internships, and graduate opportunities in economics and public policy.
4 pm – Award Ceremony – Presented by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation
4:45 pm – Reception & Book Signing Featuring Kurt Couchman
Close out the day with light refreshments, connect with peers and professionals, and meet our guest author during a special book signing for students.
Saturday
April 11, 2026 Depart Washington D.C.
Attendees
