UNC Pembroke was a finalist during the second biennial Community Change Collegiate Challenge (4C). 

The event convened student teams from six colleges and universities to compete in a virtual, daylong, immersive experience in public problem solving on the topic of political polarization.

North Carolina Campus Compact hosted the event on November 13.

Students were encouraged to engage in inquiry and investigation for two weeks before the event to explore the issue. On the morning of the event, Dr. Jason Husser, associate professor of political science and policy studies and director of the Elon Poll, provided an overview of the issue. He researches American political behavior, political polarization and survey methodology. Next, using the Living Room Conversations “Polarization Guide,” participants engaged in a dialogue on the topic to further understand through discussions with their peers.

Each team presented its proposal for addressing the issue of political polarization before a distinguished panel of judges in a preliminary round. The judges selected two teams to compete in a final round of presentations. 

The UNCP team members were: Mykayla Brady, Joseph Brinkley, Shawn Ham, Kamren Lewis and Cal Burnette. Their proposed idea, “Americans United: Combating Polarization,” seeks to build bridges between the local community and the campus by facilitating dialogues facilitated by trained student leaders. The team won $300 as seed money to implement the idea. The team was advised by Sam Hauser, assistant director for student engagement, and Phylencia Latney, assistant director for community engagement, both in the Office for Community and Civic Engagement.

Queens University of Charlotte and Elon University won the top prizes. UNCP and Elizabeth City State University were runners-up.