1) A finance professor at the University of Maryland challenged his class to propose solutions to reduce the US $15 trillion national deficit, rather than just studying typical finance topics. 2) Over two months, the 60 students in the class met inside and outside of class, and with former military officials, to develop an 11-page paper with various proposals to reduce the deficit. 3) Their proposals included offering temporary work permits to illegal immigrants who have lived in the US for three years, allowing non-violent criminals to enlist in the military instead of being imprisoned, and implementing tax credits for businesses that switch to more fuel efficient vehicles.