Students at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith will partner with First National Bank of Fort Smith this week to work a seemingly unsolvable problem for the second year – How to fix the national debt.

During the interactive workshop, which will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, students of the UAFS College of Business will learn from experts how the federal budget and national debt work. The event will also introduce students to an interactive online tool known as The Debt Fixer, which will allow them to quickly see how adjustments to budget priorities in health care, defense, Social Security, taxes, and domestic spending may impact the national debt.

The workshop will be facilitated by a team member from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, an independent, bipartisan public policy organization based in Washington, D.C., that addresses federal budget and fiscal issues. Students will gain greater awareness of current economic issues as well as an appreciation of the trade-offs facing policymakers.

“The College of Business strives to bring real-world, learning-by-doing opportunities to our students,” said UAFS College of Business dean Ashok Subramanian. “Students attending last year’s event gave us rave reviews. They enjoyed the high-level of interactivity and debate very much. We value our partnerships with the business community and are proud to once again partner with First National Bank of Fort Smith.”

In addition to helping students through the workshops and providing insight into financial moves, First National Bank of Fort Smith will also be sponsoring lunch for attendees, as well as giving out t-shirts and prizes.