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Central Texas College Net Impact Chapter Wins National Recognition

KILLEEN, TX – The Central Texas College Net Impact Chapter has claimed first place in the nation at the 13th Annual Up to Us Competition, standing out among over 50 undergraduate and graduate chapters from across the country. The winning campaign featured classroom presentations, social media initiatives, and engaging events such as the Debt Defenders Superhero Summit, which offered students the opportunity to tackle mock national budget scenarios as superheroes. Additionally, the chapter hosted a Financial Festival, where attendees learned about taxes, budgeting, and credit to enhance their financial literacy.

Chancellor Dr. Michele Carter expressed pride in the students’ achievement, stating, “At Central Texas College, we are thrilled that our CTC Net Impact Chapter won first place at nationals. However, more importantly, we are proud of our students’ commitment to civic engagement.”

The chapter focused on maximizing student outreach by collaborating with on-campus organizations such as the Math and Engineering Club, the Writers Guild, and the Dance Team. They also emphasized the next generation’s concerns regarding the national debt, highlighted during a trip to the Texas State Capitol for Community College Day. Their outreach efforts were strategically timed to coincide with legislative discussions.

Team leader and Net Impact President Christina Strohfus emphasized the importance of their initiative, saying, “Our team brought together students from across campus with unique and passionate perspectives, but one thing we all have in common is that the national debt affects our future. By blending education with collaborative action, our initiative created a platform for diverse voices to explore and promote solutions to the nation’s debt challenges among current lawmakers and future leaders.”

Up to Us, a nonpartisan initiative launched in 2012 by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation in partnership with Net Impact and the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU), equips civic-minded students with resources and training to advocate for a more inclusive and prosperous economic future. Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, commended the Central Texas College team, stating, “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.”

In addition to winning the competition, the Central Texas College Net Impact Chapter was honored as the 2024 U.S. Undergraduate Chapter of the Year. This recognition celebrates chapters that have demonstrated significant leadership, community service, and alignment with Net Impact’s values. The chapter showcased its impact through initiatives such as teaching entrepreneurship skills to children with lemonade stand workshops and raising 1,300 pounds of donated food for the CTC Eagles Nest Food Pantry.

As part of their prize, the winning team will receive a $10,000 award and invitations to Clinton Global Initiative University events.