Bring Fiscal Challenge to Your High School
Big Ideas. Real Solutions. A Stronger North Carolina.
Your ideas could help shape North Carolina’s financial future.
The Fiscal Challenge, in partnership with the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer, is proud to introduce the N.C. Fiscal Policy Challenge, a statewide competition that empowers high school students to explore real-world fiscal policy issues, develop innovative solutions, and put their financial knowledge into action.
Through research, collaboration, and critical thinking, student teams will tackle an important policy issue facing North Carolina. Participants will develop evidence-based proposals, evaluate potential solutions, and present their recommendations as they compete for a place in the statewide finals.
This is more than a financial literacy competition. It's an opportunity for the next generation of leaders to engage with the economic decisions that shape their communities and their state.
How the Competition Works
The N.C. Fiscal Policy Challenge invites high school students to move beyond the classroom and apply their knowledge to real fiscal challenges.
1. Join a Cash Club
To participate, students must be members of a Cash Club, the financial literacy clubs established by the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer. These clubs provide opportunities for students to explore financial concepts, collaborate with peers, and prepare for the competition.
2. Form Your Team
Work with fellow students to research an important state fiscal policy issue. Teams will explore the challenges, examine available data, and consider the economic and financial implications of potential solutions.
3. Develop Your Policy Proposal
Put your research into action by developing a thoughtful, evidence-based policy proposal. Teams will be challenged to think critically, balance competing priorities, and communicate practical recommendations.
4. Compete for a Spot in the State Finals
Teams will present their proposals through regional competition rounds, with qualifying teams advancing to the statewide finals to showcase their ideas.
Why Participate?
The N.C. Fiscal Policy Challenge provides students with a unique opportunity to:
- Build financial literacy: Understand how government budgets, public finance, and fiscal decisions affect everyday life.
- Develop real-world skills: Strengthen research, data analysis, critical thinking, teamwork, and public speaking abilities.
- Explore future careers: Gain exposure to economics, finance, public policy, and government.
- Make your voice heard: Share innovative ideas and contribute to meaningful conversations about North Carolina's financial future.
- Connect classroom learning to real-world challenges: Apply economic and financial concepts to issues that affect communities across the state.
Who Can Participate?
The competition is open to high school-aged students in North Carolina who participate in a Cash Club affiliated with the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer.
Not part of a Cash Club yet?
There is still time to get involved! Schools and community groups interested in establishing a Cash Club can learn more through the Department of State Treasurer's financial literacy initiatives.
Ready to Take on the Challenge?
Whether you're a student interested in economics, a teacher looking for an engaging educational opportunity, or a club advisor eager to inspire future leaders, the N.C. Fiscal Policy Challenge offers an exciting way to get involved.
Research the issues. Develop your solutions. Help shape North Carolina's future.
Competition details, including this year's policy topic, participation requirements, and updates, are available through the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer.