Journal Vol. 4

Featured Journal Submission

This paper attempts to explore the relationship between government's economic policies and impact investing. In a capitalist state such as the United States, businesses often have significant influence on creating social impact, and such positive actions can be encouraged by policies created by the government. I will first provide an overview of government policies intended to incentivize businesses in promoting social goals such as subsidies, tax incentives, and regulatory frameworks. I will analyze how these policy actions affect the decision-making process within firms. This will be achieved through examining case studies of specific impact investment incentives (with data), such as social impact bonds, low-income housing tax credit, and clean energy investment incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act. Moreover, I will examine the effects these actions ultimately have on communities and compare different policy solutions to determine the best course of action. I intend to propose policy reform solutions as well as regulatory frameworks that have historically proven to be beneficial in incentivizing impact investments within our communities, such as impact investment subsidies. The goal of this paper's exploration is to elucidate ways governments can use political economics to their advantage in encouraging impact investments within our communities.

Featured Journal Submission

Adolescent offenders who are processed through the traditional juvenile system frequently face an array of negative consequences, including future criminality. In response, specialized “teen courts” have been established across the United States, offering an alternative processing solution for low-level adolescent offenders. By allowing youths to be tried and sentenced by a jury of same-aged peers, these teen courts are widely believed to bolster amenability to positive behavioral change. However, there is little empirical basis for claims of the effectiveness of teen court participation, and current literature overwhelmingly presents cursory investigations into the value of the teen court model as it relates to behavioral improvement. Specifically, existing research fails to explore why teen courts may, in the first place, be capable of improving behavior. This case study, which carefully observed five Florida teen court participants, aims to be the first to explore this insofar untouched question. Through a comprehensive thematic analysis, it was concluded that teen court may be capable of improving the behavioral outcomes of first time misdemeanor offenders by providing consequences to actions, empowerment, and a supportive environment. This conclusion serves as a catalyst for future research beyond the Florida teen court participants who were studied.

Featured Journal Submission

Low-emission nations, particularly in Africa, are heavily impacted by climate change despite their minimal contributions to global emissions. These countries are grappling with extreme weather events, diminished agricultural productivity, and worsening food insecurity, all of which critically undermine their development efforts. This paper critiques existing international policies that often benefit more industrialized nations and fail to provide long-term and equitable solutions for the Global South. It argues that these frameworks inadequately address the specific needs of the most vulnerable nations. To address these challenges, this study proposes enhancing climate finance mechanisms to better support both mitigation and adaptation efforts in Africa. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for unified action and stronger representation from the Global South to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met. In conclusion, the paper calls for a global shift toward more inclusive and effective climate finance policies that genuinely support equitable development and resilience in Africa.

Featured Journal Submission

Gerrymandering is largely used in reference to the inefficient structuring of congressional districts at the national level. It has been highly effective as a method of maintaining power even with voter deficits, and is used by both parties to maintain support in the narrowly divided house of representatives. While that is certainly an important topic of study, the literature on that matter is extensive and well established, whereas the more localized version of gerrymandering has significant impacts that largely find themselves ignored when compared to gerrymandering’s national scope. The efficacy of our democracy is a highly relevant and contentious issue, and localized gerrymandering has been actively undermining the lives of millions for decades. From issues such as racially motivated school district boundaries to the delineations of local municipalities and cities, localized gerrymandering has silently fostered inequality and added to the marginalization of underserved and underrepresented groups.

Featured Journal Submission

With the collaboration of state legislators and state Departments of Education, financial literacy has the ability to mitigate the economic struggles many young adults with neurodivergent disabilities face in our country. This research analyzes recent legislative efforts in Pennsylvania with the passing of Senate Bill (SB) 647, requiring financial literacy for all high school students, as well as aiming to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the bill about special education. The bill’s communication with the Pennsylvania Department of Education will also be addressed, assessing the steps to implement a tailored curriculum for special education, accommodations for individual education programs (IEP), and training for special education teachers. The analysis conducts a policy review and the assessment of the Pennsylvania Department of Education resources in preparation for the requirement to come into place in Fall 2025, with similar legislative action continuing across the country. This research provides insight into how other states can effectively consider and implement financial literacy for special education. There is additionally a broader exigent timeline of multi-state legislation requiring the essential content of financial literacy to be mandated for all high school students. With the current state of curriculum for special education, states should properly and fully address the diverse needs of special education and the additional resources that will come to provide inclusivity and equity to financial literacy for all students, regardless of their learning capabilities.