You don't have to know everything, but understanding a few core issues makes you a smarter voter, advocate, and citizen.

• Human-caused carbon emissions are heating the planet

• Solutions: renewable energy, environmental justice, carbon taxes.

• Gen Z is leading the fight; groups like Sunrise Movement were founded by students.

• The U.S. has the highest number of mass shootings in the world.

• Policies: background checks, red flag laws, assault weapons bans.

• Youth-led movements like March for Our Lives are pushing lawmakers to act

• Key topics: DACA, refugee rights, paths to citizenship, border policy.

• Look up real stories behind the policies. Immigration affects students everywhere.

• Issues include abortion access, contraception, and bodily autonomy.

• States now have widely different laws; know your local polices.

• Trans youth healthcare, anti-discrimination laws, and school protections.

• Be an ally, speak up in class, and support inclusive policy changes.

• The U.S. has over $1.7 trillion in student loan debt, affecting more than 43 million borrowers. 

• Policies: loan forgiveness, tuition-free college, expanded Pell Grants. 

• Youth-led movements like the Debt Collective and Young Invincibles are pushing for education reform.