A group of University of Virginia students is launching a series of flash seminars to spark conversation about the nation's fiscal debate.
Students leading the "Up to Us" initiative hosted their first seminar Tuesday afternoon. The "Up to Us" initiative at UVA is among 10 college groups of its sort started across the country. They are all part of a six-week competition vying for a large grand prize.
Flash seminars are 90-minute, one-time discussions held by professors to talk about any topic. Tuesday, the 'Up to Us' initiative sponsored a UVA Darden School of Business professor to speak on how to reduce national debt through tax revenue.
Student coordinators of the campaign say it is important because it the national debt affects everyone.
"As a student, we're kind of cushioned in various ways by the university. Whether you have student loans or not, you're kind of in this bubble, you don't really realize. But as a fourth-year that's graduating, I'm starting to realize that this is something we're going to be carrying for the rest of our lives," said Amara Warren, an "Up to Us" coordinator.
The students plan to hold three other flash seminars in the coming weeks. The discussion topics will range from history to healthcare in relation to national debt.
At the end of the competition, one school will be recognized by former President Bill Clinton. The winning school also receives a $10,000 dollar prize.
