SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A talented team of six students from BridgeValley Community & Technical College has advanced to the final round of the Fiscal Challenge, a prestigious national competition that empowers undergraduates to analyze and propose solutions to the United States’ long-term budgetary challenges.

“Our students continue to impress with their ability to address complex national challenges,” said Dr. Casey K. Sacks, President of BridgeValley Community & Technical College. “Their success in the Fiscal Challenge is a testament to both their academic excellence and their commitment to solving real-world problems. We are proud to provide opportunities that encourage critical thinking and civic engagement.”

Under the guidance of Associate Professor Gabriella Dahalia, the BridgeValley team spent several weeks developing a comprehensive fiscal policy plan. Their proposal addressed major areas of federal spending—such as healthcare, government operations, labor, and education—and offered thoughtful recommendations to help reduce the federal debt over the next decade. Their efforts earned them a place among the top collegiate teams in the nation.

“The findings were incredible,” said Professor Dahalia. “We learned so much about how the federal budget operates and how to identify areas for fiscal improvement. I’m incredibly proud of our students for their analytical depth, teamwork, and professionalism.”

The Fiscal Challenge is designed to promote fiscal literacy, critical thinking, and civic engagement. Participants do not need to be professional economists—just curious, informed, and willing to tackle real-world policy issues. For many, the experience is equivalent to completing a high-level economics course, offering a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of federal budgeting and long-term fiscal planning.

BridgeValley’s success in this national competition reflects the college’s commitment to academic excellence, applied learning, and preparing students to engage thoughtfully with complex real-world issues. The team’s advancement to the final round not only showcases their hard work and skill but also highlights the caliber of BridgeValley’s faculty and programs in economics, public policy, and related fields.

To learn more about the Fiscal Challenge, visit: https://fiscalchallenge.org