Investing in America’s future starts with investing in the next generation.
Since 2016, Across the Aisle™ has given young Americans the education they need to understand the fiscal challenges facing their generation. What began with policy presentations and free burritos on college campuses has grown into a broader effort to prepare young people for careers in public service and equip them to find the bipartisan policy solutions our country needs.
Last week, our Answer the Call™ program brought the newest cohort of student Ambassadors to Washington, D.C. for our annual Fall Orientation — a weekend designed to put those goals into action.
Throughout the weekend, Ambassadors heard from policy experts, senior Capitol Hill staffers, think tank leaders, and alumni of Across the Aisle’s programs. They explored the policy issues shaping America’s future, practiced their internship elevator pitches, and even learned which fork to use at a formal business meal.
More than anything, the weekend was an opportunity to learn, ask questions, build relationships, and engage in conversations about public service and the future of our country.
Keep reading for three key takeaways from Fall Orientation 2026.
There are major challenges facing the next generation, but solutions are possible.
Over the weekend, Ambassadors received in-depth policy training on the national debt, the federal budget process, Social Security, and other fiscal policy challenges their generation will need to address.
“Learning about the national debt and the ways it will continue to impact us if unaddressed — the insight has been very meaningful,” said 2026 Answer the Call Ambassador Ezra Lee.
This cohort of Ambassadors also attended panel discussions with policy experts on both sides of the aisle and had a chance to test their knowledge in a Social Security legislative simulation.
Our current fiscal trajectory is putting America’s promise of prosperity at risk. But at Across the Aisle, we believe we can change that by educating the next generation and giving them a seat at the table where decisions are being made.
A career in public service is the best way to make a difference.
For young Americans starting their careers, it's tempting to focus on making money first and changing the world later. But as Across the Aisle President and CEO Lindsay Hayes explained, the country needs their time and talents now.
To get them started, Ambassadors heard from Chief of Staff to Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL) Robyn Russell and Chief of Staff to Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) Quinn Ritchie about working on Capitol Hill.
In another panel, several alumni of the Answer the Call Ambassador Program shared their experiences working in areas such as public policy, government relations, and research.
“I think it’s really cool to be with a bunch of young policymakers that are going to be the next generation of change and the next generation of leaders,” said 2026 Answer the Call Ambassador Dominic Polidor.
Across the Aisle gives young Americans the resources and network to make an impact.
Alongside policy education, Answer the Call provides Ambassadors with the opportunity to develop professional skills, receive advanced leadership training, and build connections.
At Fall Orientation, Ambassadors attended sessions on professionalism and how to market their experiences. They also had opportunities to hear about the day-to-day work of policy professionals and to receive a professional meal etiquette lesson from The Etiquette Institute of Washington.
Oftentimes, getting a first job out of school is about who you know and whether you can make a good first impression. Our Fall Orientation gave Ambassadors opportunities to network with policy professionals and with one another, and to put their new skills into practice.
“One thing Across the Aisle taught me is actually dinner etiquette. It could be the first time a recruiter is meeting you in person, so it’s really important you make a first impression… I didn’t initially know that until we had our dinner etiquette presentation,” said 2026 Answer the Call Ambassador Kaitlin Wang.
Taking the Next Step
Are you ready to join our Ambassadors and make a difference in Washington? Here’s how to get started:
- Learn more about our leadership program, Answer the Call.
- Apply to join the next cohort of Answer the Call Ambassadors (applications open October 2, 2026).
- Sign up for Free the Facts’ biweekly newsletter to keep up with the latest policy news.
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