Tag: 3BL

City Developments Limited (CDL) has launched two pioneering initiatives on 10 March 2025, the CDL EcoTrain and CDL Microforest, at City Square Mall, Singapore’s first eco retail complex.

The CDL EcoTrain is Singapore’s first decommissioned commuter train cabin from the Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) network, repurposed and transformed into an operationally zero-energy climate education hub. Powered by solar energy, this zero-energy train cabin features interactive displays, hands-on exhibits and workshops co-created with Just Keep Thinking (JKT), Singapore’s largest science and sustainability social media platform. Designed to spark environmental awareness among children and youths, the CDL EcoTrain is a creative approach to community engagement and climate education.

The CDL EcoTrain, part of the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) upcycling initiative which repurposes decommissioned SMRT cabins, is the first public-facing repurposed train located at a retail mall.

Adjacent to the CDL EcoTrain, the CDL MicroForest represents a bold step in leveraging nature-based solutions to combat climate challenges in dense urban environments. The CDL MicroForest is a 2,800 square feet (sq ft) regenerative tropical microforest, developed in collaboration with experts in ecology and biological sciences from the National University of Singapore (NUS), and with inputs from the National Parks Board (NParks). This pioneering nature-based solution for cooling through greening aims to combat urban heat and biodiversity loss in high-density urban landscapes, serving as a living laboratory to study how microforests can lower temperatures, boost biodiversity and enhance ecological resilience.

The creation of the MicroForest is an extension of CDL’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and integrating nature in the built environment. Since 2010, CDL has also been voluntarily conducting biodiversity impact assessments (BIAs) on greenfield sites located within or adjacent to natural habitats before construction. Environmental mitigation measures are also undertaken where necessary.

The launch was graced by Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who participated in a tree-planting ceremony alongside representatives from CDL, NParks, NUS, as well as young eco-champions. This symbolic event underscores the strength of the 3P (Public, Private and People) partnership model in advancing urban sustainability and biodiversity conservation.

Mr Sherman Kwek, CDL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, said, “Climate action thrives on the power of 3P collaboration and innovation. We created the CDL EcoTrain and MicroForest as sustainable showcases to complement our ongoing revamp of City Square Mall. Since its opening in 2009, City Square Mall has established itself as Singapore’s first eco-mall, home to innovative community spaces for sustainability events and education, such as the Singapore Sustainability Academy. The timely launch of the EcoTrain and MicroForest enhances the Mall’s unique position as a family-friendly eco-hub with exciting programmes to nurture future eco-champions and promote sustainable living.”

Scaling Impact: A Blueprint for Sustainable Cities

As cities worldwide grapple with the effects of climate change, CDL’s EcoTrain and MicroForest present scalable, high-impact solutions that can be adapted across urban landscapes. By demonstrating how decommissioned infrastructure can be repurposed for sustainability education and how regenerative tropical microforests can contribute to climate resilience, these projects set a new benchmark for integrating ESG principles into real estate development.

With urban populations expected to continue rising, the need for innovative, nature-based interventions has never been greater. Through these initiatives, CDL showcases how the built environment can harmonise with nature, creating sustainable, livable cities that benefit both people and the planet.

Projects like the CDL EcoTrain and MicroForest highlight the power of cross-sector collaboration in driving urban transformation. By investing in climate education and biodiversity restoration, CDL continues to pave the way for a more resilient and environmentally conscious future.

Media Contact:
Priscilla Tan, Sustainability Manager

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Cover VA, a division of the Virginia Department of Medicaid Assistance Services (DMAS), connects eligible Virginians to high-quality, affordable health insurance. The digital outreach and education support provided by Maximus shares important program information in a clear and engaging way. Together, we help people access their Medicaid benefits quickly and easily.

When Cover VA wanted to alert members of important changes to the program, Maximus created the “Review. Respond. Renew.” social media campaign. We designed the campaign to highlight key actions members need to take to ensure they maintain their coverage and receive additional updates. We developed clear, accessible messaging in plain language to accommodate varied literacy levels and paired it with engaging visuals.

The campaign educated and empowered Virginians to play an active role in their health coverage. It also demonstrated how digital solutions and strategic outreach can make vital public services more accessible to those who need them.

Since the campaign’s launch, interactions between the public and the Cover VA social media accounts have increased by 92 percent. In addition, the campaign earned a platinum Marcom Award and a gold Ava Digital Award from the Association of Marketing & Communications Professionals for elevating the consumer experience through digital solutions and omnichannel engagement.

At Maximus, we celebrate our team’s creativity and strategy for keeping thousands of Virginians informed about important updates to their health coverage.

CNH brand, CASE Construction Equipment, is filling the gap between its compact and medium-size wheel loaders, with the launch of the 421G. 

With an operating weight of 8,970kg, the machine has been designed to work with a 1.5m³ standard bucket, or a 1.7m³ light material bucket. 

Power and Efficiency 
Powered by a 3.6-litre FPT turbocharged diesel engine, the 421G boasts output power of 72kW (97hp) and a peak power of 84kW (112hp) at 2,000rpm. The engine uses FPT’s proven SCR-T after- treatment system to minimise emissions and the machine is equipped as standard with an ECO operating mode and with cruise control, to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. 

Exceptional Productivity in a Compact Package 
Though working within compact overall dimensions, the 421G has a straight tipping load with a standard bucket of 6,500kg, with a full turn tipping load of 5,500kg. When equipped with pallet forks, that full turn tipping load is 4,200kg. 

Click here to read more. 

Originally published by Sustainability Magazine 
By Charlie King

As an influx of new ESG reporting standards come into play, companies shouldn’t lose sight of what reporting standards are trying to achieve.

That is the key message of Sophia Mendelsohn, Chief Sustainability and Commercial Officer at SAP, who explores the reporting landscape and provides practical insights on how organisations can balance rigorous sustainability reporting with operational efficiency.

As new IAASB and IESBA standards emerge, she discusses how companies can transform compliance challenges into meaningful business opportunities.

In this interview, Sophia offers her expert perspective on the evolving landscape of sustainability reporting in the technology sector.

Continue reading here.

SAN FRANCISCO, March 18, 2025 /3BL/ – The $1 million donation from Wells Fargo to United Ways of California will support financial empowerment and community resiliency programming at 12 United Ways covering more than 30 California counties. Wells Fargo’s grant focuses on financial health and housing to help low-income Californians build wealth through projects tailored to local community needs.

A total of $250,000 is directed to United Way Bay Area (UWBA) to support financial empowerment and community resilience across the organization’s SparkPoint™ centers located throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

SparkPoint is a cornerstone in UWBA’s poverty-fighting efforts. Clients create pathways to long-term financial prosperity by working with expert financial coaches to set goals, create financial plans, and learn new strategies for long-term financial success—all at no cost. SparkPoint centers also provide a variety of free resources such as one-on-one career coaching, tax preparation, and credit counseling.

In addition to financial coaching and resources, students and families can also receive resources to meet basic needs like food, housing, and utilities. SparkPoint services are provided at no cost.

“Building pathways to financial prosperity is what we do at United Way Bay Area’s SparkPoint centers,” said Keisha Browder, CEO of United Way Bay Area. “Thank you to Wells Fargo for investing in this important community programming, which helps create healthier financial habits and lays the foundation for people to achieve economic security.”

“We are excited to support California United Ways to advance the important work they do to strengthen communities,” said Gregg Sherkin, SVP of Philanthropy & Community Impact, Wells Fargo. “In the Bay Area, SparkPoint centers help families build better financial futures that can be life-changing for generations to come.”

“We are grateful to Wells Fargo for their ongoing commitment to supporting low-income Californians through meaningful investments in financial empowerment programs across our state, including here in the Bay Area,” said Pete Manzo, president and CEO of United Ways of California. “Financial security is a key impact area of United Way, particularly in California where a high cost of living results in 1 in 3 California households struggling to make ends meet. This is an exciting opportunity to align the many United Way financial security efforts across the state while ensuring each region can implement what is most needed and impactful to help families in their community move up.”

According to quantitative research released by United Way Bay Area, the SparkPoint program measurably improves student persistence and advancement compared to students not receiving support through the program. Students who participated in SparkPoint were 127% more likely to remain enrolled in college.

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About United Way Bay Area

United Way Bay Area (UWBA) mobilizes the Bay Area to assist people living in poverty and to dismantle the root causes of poverty. One of the most respected and highly effective philanthropic organizations fighting poverty, UWBA supports workers and students seeking employment and better careers, helps families struggling to meet basic needs, supports our neighbors toward achieving their financial stability goals, and advocates for housing justice for all Bay Area residents. Learn more at www.uwba.org.

About United Ways of California

United Ways of California mobilizes the caring power of communities to improve health, education, and financial outcomes for low-income children and families. In partnership with local United Ways, United Ways of California implements community impact programs and advocates for policies that expand opportunities for Californians, working toward an equitable state where every individual has the resources needed to thrive. Learn more at unitedwaysca.org.

As previously seen on the CSRHub blog.

By Bahar Gidwani

The EU has announced that it will ask most companies that do business in Europe to comply with its Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The exact timing of when this law will be put in force and who will be covered has been changing. The list of indicators that must be reported is also changing. But, the general direction is clear—the EU wants companies who operate within its borders to capture and report sustainability information so that they can be evaluated based on their social performance.

The EU recently released an Omnibus revision to CSRD. This is only a proposed set of changes—but they are extensive. This article from Silver Regulatory Associates gives a nice summary of what may change for both CSRD and for several other EU regulatory schemes.

CSRHub’s Contribution: The CSRD Readiness Calculator

CSRHub’s contribution to this process has been to build a CSRD Readiness Calculator that ties CSRHub’s outside-in measures of social performance to CSRD’s 35 top-level topics. This Calculator will launch soon with both a free trial and professional version.

CSRHub produces comparable measures of social performance for virtually every large company and organization in the world. CSRHub ratings are based on a broad range of sources, so it can provide a stable, fair base for scores for each CSRD topic.

Bahar Gidwani is CTO and Co-founder of CSRHub. He has built and run large technology-based businesses for many years. Bahar holds a CFA, worked on Wall Street with Kidder, Peabody, and with McKinsey & Co. Bahar has consulted to a number of major companies and currently serves on the board of several software and Web companies. He has an MBA from Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree in physics and astronomy. He plays bridge, races sailboats, and is based in New York City.

About CSRHub

CSRHub offers the most comprehensive global set of Consensus ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) ratings, information, and tools. CSRHub’s business intelligence system measures the ESG business impact that drives corporate and investor sustainability decisions. Founded in 2007, CSRHub covers 57,528 public and private companies, and provides ESG performance scores on over 38,833 companies from 134 industries in 156 countries. Our Big Data platform uses algorithms to aggregate, normalize and weight ESG metrics from 967 sources to produce a strong consensus signal on corporate sustainability performance. Interested in learning more about CSRHub? Click here.

Diversity in leadership is a fundamental driver of innovation, resilience, and long-term success in any industry. A workforce that embraces varied perspectives—across gender, culture, and backgrounds—ensures more inclusive decision-making, stronger collaboration, and solutions that are globally effective. In the field of Environmental, Health, Safety, and Sustainability (EHS&S), diversity is not just beneficial; it is essential for creating policies that protect both people and the planet.

Women leaders in EHS and Sustainability are driving meaningful change across industries, breaking barriers, and shaping policies that enhance workplace safety and sustainability. Their leadership fosters innovation, strengthens decision-making, and cultivates a culture of inclusion and resilience. As organizations strive to enhance their sustainability strategies, the presence of women in leadership roles is no longer just about equity—it is a strategic necessity.

Banu Gajendran, Global EHS Director at Broadcom, emphasizes the essential role of female mentorship in leadership. “Empowering women in leadership roles transcends the pursuit of equality; it is a strategic imperative for thriving organizations. Female leaders in EHS bring a perspective of thought and reflection as leadership becomes more about being inclusive, collaborative, and responsive to the changing needs of a dynamic EHS landscape. I am a firm believer in the power of female mentorship, and it is essential for women to uplift and empower each other in all walks of life. When women support women, they create a network of strength, resilience, and inspiration. Through mentorship, we can foster a culture of inclusivity, equality, and professional growth.”

For Yulia Sokolova, Sr. Director of Localization and Global Readiness at Avetta, leadership is about taking action and embracing passion. “Taking action is essential, and finding your passion is key. Doubt is natural, but a single step toward what sparks your interest and motivates you can change everything. Women in EHS&S bring invaluable perspectives, and leadership in this field is a powerful way to drive meaningful change and inspire future generations.”

Lovie Chadha, India Environment Health & Safety Manager at Oracle, highlights the critical contributions women make to EHS&S, drawing from their roles in safety and sustainability. “To women considering careers in Environmental, Health, Safety, and Sustainability (EHS&S): your perspective is essential. Many women already play key roles in managing safety at home, promoting sustainability, and creating healthier environments. These everyday actions provide a unique voice in the EHS&S field, helping drive innovation and inclusive solutions. Having women in leadership roles is crucial for shaping policies that protect both people and the planet.”

Diversity in leadership is not just a moral obligation but a strategic advantage, as Marcela Cano, Sustainability Manager at Garnier & Garnier Desarrollos Inmobiliarios, asserts. “Guaranteeing greater female representation in historically male-dominated sectors is not just a matter of equity but a strategic vision. Diversity within teams drives innovation, strengthens decision-making, and creates more competitive and sustainable businesses. As women, we have both the challenge and the responsibility to pave the way for future generations, proving that talent knows no gender and that the sustainability of the future is built through inclusive leadership.”

Stephanie Farley, Director of Safety at SJI Utilities, underscores the responsibility of women leaders to mentor and advocate for future generations. “As we celebrate Women’s History Month, women leaders must recognize the responsibility we have to be champions for the next generation just as the previous generations have done to pave our way. A diverse workforce fosters open communication, encourages collaboration, and cultivates a supportive environment.”

Mentorship and encouragement are key to breaking barriers, as Apple Chapman, Assistant General Counsel at W.R. Grace & Co., shares. “Becoming a leader in Environmental, Health, Safety, and Sustainability (EHSS) takes more than hard work and dedication. For me, it took mentors and champions to push me to reach outside my comfort zone. Today I strive to fulfill this role for the next generation of women leaders in and outside of EHSS.”

Stephanie Parchment, MPH, Global Health and Safety Manager at Okta, reinforces the necessity of having women in leadership positions. “EH&S is about prevention and mitigation; not just response. To be sure of the strategies implemented to save lives, corporate funds, and protect a company’s brand and legacy, it’s imperative to gather as much pertinent information as possible in advance. There is no way to do that without having women in leadership positions in EH&S and beyond.”

The role of mentorship and strategic leadership in sustainability is exemplified by Mónica Chao Janeiro, Founder and President of Women Action Sustainability (WAS). Through her work, she mentors and accelerates female leadership while guiding companies in sustainability transformation. “International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women like this senior executive expert, who formulates visionary strategies rooted in sustainability, ESG, and social impact.”

Lynne Wilkinson, Group Compliance Project Manager at Avetta, reflects on the transformation she witnessed in leadership. “For an organization to be truly successful, it is essential that women take on leadership roles and serve as role models, to inspire and empower other women, particularly in traditionally male-dominated fields such as Environment, Health & Safety. When I left for a new challenge, 50% of the Management Team were women. This not only brings diverse perspectives and viewpoints but also drives innovation and can enhance an organization’s financial performance.”

Finally, Monique Berrevoets, Strategic Consultant at Antea Group Netherlands, highlights the crucial role of female leaders in the energy transition. “In the energy transition, female leaders in EHS bring a crucial perspective—balancing innovation with safety, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that hydrogen and ammonia can be transported and stored responsibly. Diversity in leadership strengthens our ability to navigate complex challenges and build trust in this evolving landscape.”

Women in EHS&S are leading the charge in transforming industries, championing sustainability, and creating safer workplaces. However, the importance of diversity extends beyond gender—it is about creating a truly inclusive environment where different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences drive progress. In a global setting, this means embracing cultural diversity, acknowledging regional challenges, and fostering collaboration across borders. Organizations that prioritize diversity in leadership are better equipped to adapt to changing market dynamics, enhance workplace safety, and drive meaningful sustainability efforts.

By continuing to mentor, advocate, and take on leadership roles, women and diverse professionals will shape the future of EHS and Sustainability for generations to come, ensuring a more innovative, equitable, and sustainable world.

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Yum! Brands

Growing up, Kayla Johnson loved baking with her mom, but in 2020, her hobby transformed into a full-fledged business. Like others during the pandemic, the KFC Digital & Technology (D&T) People & Culture business partner found comfort in watching baking shows. One day, she saw a contestant and winner from her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

“I thought, if she could do it, I can dream big, too,” Johnson said. “But at that time, I had no idea what I could do with baking. I was like, ‘OK, let me just order this cake decorating kit.’ I ordered it in August 2020, but it sat in that box until November.”

Eventually, Johnson opened the kit and, after a few YouTube tutorials, made a strawberry crunch cake for her family’s Thanksgiving dinner. Their encouragement motivated her to launch Kay Marie Bakes a month later. When she capitalized on the hot cocoa bomb trend that winter, she sold more than 2,500 in just three weeks — an experience that would later become a talking point when she interviewed for a human resources position at KFC in 2021.

“I could tell she was apprehensive about telling me that she had a personal business,” said Director of Yum! Human Resources Julie Lloyd. “But we have so many employees who pursue their passions outside of work; in fact, we encourage it.”

Now in her role for nearly four years, Johnson has learned how to balance her HR career and her business.

“During the weekdays, I focus on my HR responsibilities and make sure to give them my full attention, especially during work hours,” she said. “In the evenings and weekends, I dedicate time to baking, whether it’s preparing orders, trying out new recipes or managing the business side of things. I’m passionate about baking, so it doesn’t feel like a chore — it’s a creative outlet for me.”

But as with any business, running Kay Marie Bakes has come with its challenges.

“In the beginning, one of my biggest hurdles was how to manage my time effectively,” Johnson said, remembering how she often took on more baking orders than she could handle, leading to late nights and stressful moments. This forced her to adjust expectations or even turn down business. Despite having a few unsatisfied clients, her people-first mindset helped her turn those situations around by providing the best solutions. “Every setback has just made me more resilient and helped me refine my approach to running the business,” Johnson added.

Today, Johnson’s teammates know her as the “dessert person,” a nickname she first earned in school when she was constantly baking for friends. They order cakes and other confections for personal and corporate events, and she is a featured vendor at the company’s December Holiday Market and the Valentine’s Day Pop-up Shop.

Johnson’s desserts were even featured in the Kentucky Bride Magazine. The groom, who grew up in Kentucky, and the bride, who was raised in the Philippines, wanted to showcase their two unique cultures in their desserts, so Johnson created a spread that included southern classics like banana pudding, peach cobbler and bourbon balls, as well as Filipino-inspired desserts like Ube brownies and Calamansi citrus bars.

“I am so grateful that I work for a company that supports my entrepreneurial ideas,” she said. “I want to open my own storefront one day, and my leaders are still committed to investing in me, teaching me transferrable skills to go out on my own. I can’t think of many businesses that would do that.”

In fact, TIME magazine has ranked KFC’s parent company, Yum! Brands, as one of its Best Companies for Future Leaders for two years running, reinforcing its reputation as a training ground for future business executives and entrepreneurs like Johnson.

“Right now, I feel I can thrive in both areas,” Johnson said. “KFC teaches me how to be a leader, while Kay Marie Bakes lets me put those lessons into practice. And who knows? Maybe I’ll be supplying KFC with desserts 10 years from now.”

Now that would be a sweet success story.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, March 18, 2025 /3BL/ – Anchorage Community Land Trust (ACLT) has received a $300,000 grant from KeyBank to launch the programming and operations of a new shared commercial kitchen facility in the Mountain View neighborhood of Anchorage. The facility, currently in development and slated to open in 2026, will provide shared kitchen and production space and cold and dry storage space to early-stage food businesses and producers, with an emphasis on underserved communities.

The incubator will help address a long-term lack of access to affordable kitchen space for early-stage food businesses, particularly those in underserved communities. Programming will include free training, technical assistance, orientation and access to the kitchen space and storage for participating food businesses. In addition, it will improve food security by providing access to more locally grown and packaged goods.

ACLT is a neighborhood-based non-profit in Anchorage that works with residents and business owners in targeted low-income geographies to improve quality of life in their communities. This kitchen space provides a logical next stop for ACLT’s flagship Set Up Shop program, which provides a pipeline of training, technical assistance, lending, and real estate support to business owners in targeted low-income neighborhoods of Anchorage, which KeyBank has supported with previous grants.

“We have long been impressed with ACLT’s efforts to support entrepreneurs as they build a thriving business, and we are excited to help provide a launch point for the next generation of small businesses,” said Alaska KeyBank President Lori McCaffrey. “Our mission is to help our neighbors thrive, and nowhere is that more important than in underserved communities that often lack access to traditional business resources and funding.”

“This historic gift signifies KeyBank’s commitment not just to this facility, but to the entrepreneurs it serves who stand ready to rise,” says Kirk Rose, CEO of ACLT. “A commercial kitchen incubator is a vital piece of small business infrastructure for Southcentral Alaska. It will ensure the path to food business ownership is attainable to anyone with a dream. This investment will allow early-stage entrepreneurs across the region to launch and grow their food businesses, creating and retaining wealth within their communities and becoming role models, leaders, and changemakers for our state.”

About ACLT 
Anchorage Community Land Trust (ACLT) is a neighborhood-based nonprofit that disrupts concentrated poverty by bringing concentrated opportunity and investment to neighborhood commercial corridors in Anchorage. Through a toolkit of real estate, advocacy, improvements to infrastructure, and targeted programming, we create community wealth, local jobs, resident leadership and economic opportunity for families. For more information on ACLT, visit www.anchoragelandtrust.org.

About KeyCorp 
In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at December 31, 2024. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

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CONTACT: 
ACLT | Emily Cohn | 907.952.6980 | ecohn@anchoragelandtrust.org 
KeyBank | Laura Suter | 206-343-6953 | laura_suter@keybank.com

NEW YORK, March 18, 2025 /3BL/ – As the President and Congress face critical fiscal policy decisions, college students across America are raising their voices to find solutions to the $36 trillion and rising national debt. Students on campuses across the country participated in the 13th annual Up to Us competition, in which students build campaigns to raise awareness and drive engagement to build a brighter economic future.

Student leaders from Central Texas College took home the top prize for their creative campaign, which included 14 days of action across campus, bringing together nearly 1,000 of their peers. The winning campaign featured classroom presentations, social media efforts and events including the “Debt Defenders Superhero Summit” — where students had the opportunity to manage mock national budget scenarios as superheroes – as well as a “Financial Festival” — where attendees learned about topics like taxes, budgeting, and credit to improve their financial literacy.

The team maximized student reach through on-campus strategic partnerships with a diverse array of organizations, such as the Math and Engineering Club, the Writers Guild and the Dance Team. Participants also conducted outreach to Congress across multiple channels to emphasize the next generation’s growing concern over the national debt. Outreach efforts were coordinated with timely legislative discussions, including budget negotiations, to maximize impact.

“Our team brought together students from across campus with unique and passionate perspectives – but one thing that we all have in common is that the national debt affects our future,” said Christina Strohfus, Central Texas College team leader. “By blending education with collaborative action, our initiative created a platform where diverse voices could explore and promote solutions to the nation’s debt challenges among current lawmakers and future leaders. In the end, our coalition has made it clear that we can’t afford more debt and elected officials need to stabilize the budget outlook.”

Up to Us, a nonpartisan initiative established in 2012 by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, in partnership with Net Impact and the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU), offers the next generation of civic leaders with resources and training to unify their fellow students under the banner of advocating for a more prosperous and inclusive economic future. Up to Us leaders have engaged and empowered over 500,000 students on hundreds of campuses across the country to address U.S. fiscal challenges. Participants have gone on to work in policy, public service, and journalism.

“Central Texas College’s winning team and all of this year’s participants did an excellent job coming together to engage their peers and help move our nation toward a more sustainable future,” said Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the nonpartisan Peter G. Peterson Foundation. “These young leaders have an irreplaceable voice in today’s policy debate, and we need their energy and ideas to successfully build a stronger fiscal and economic future for the next generation.”

The winning Central Texas College team will receive a $10,000 prize and invitations to Clinton Global Initiative University events.

The top 10 finalists from this year’s campus competition are:

Central Texas College

Stony Brook University

Bethune Cookman University-Jules*

University of Notre Dame

St. Francis College

Miami Dade College-Marcos Pedro*

Spring Hill College*

Southeastern Louisiana University

Bethune Cookman University-Dameron*

University of Texas, Austin

*Campuses with multiple teams

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About Up to Us 
Up to Us is a nonpartisan nationwide college initiative that empowers young Americans leaders to let policymakers know they are concerned about and committed to addressing the nation’s fiscal challenges. Since 2012, Up to Us has created a groundswell of student leaders who have engaged and empowered more than 500,000 of their peers toward a more prosperous fiscal future. Established by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, in partnership with Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) and Net Impact, Up to Us provides the opportunity for students to build a movement to raise awareness and engagement on America’s fiscal challenges.