Evans School of Public Policy & Governance

Build connections for your career in public service

The NextGen Civic Leader Corps (NGCLC) is part of a network of similar programs at Universities across the country designed to inspire and support the exploration of careers in public service. 

We offer advising, programming and financial support to diverse undergraduate students who are socially engaged, community-rooted leaders. The program offers a semi-structured pathway that combines academic coursework, peer networking, and career exploration in government, non-profit, and social venture organizations. 

NGCLC participants complete three program elements and earn a modest scholarship. 

NGCLC is a collaborative effort between the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance and the Community Engagement and Leadership Education (CELE) Center. 

Pubic Policy and Leadership Coursework

NGCLC participants are required to take two core courses—one in the Public Policy minor and the other in the Leadership minor. These courses provide academic anchors for your public service career exploration, build your understanding of theoretical frameworks, and prepare you to talk about your community-engagement and leadership experiences in job interviews and/or graduate school applications.  

Requirement: Take a minimum of one course in the public policy or leadership minor.

Choose how to complete this requirement:

  • LEAD 100: Learning Leadership (Autumn or Winter)  
  • PUBPOL 201: Introduction to Public Policy & Governance (Autumn or Winter)  
  • PUB POL 299: Cross-sector Leadership (Spring and Summer)  
  • Many courses outside the PUBPOL or LEAD course headings will also count!  
  • You can petition to count any course with a community-engaged learning component, a significant group project, a public speaking or peer facilitation component. 

  NGCLC participants are strongly encouraged to consider a minor in Leadership or Public Policy.  

Career Building Experiences

Requirement: Engage in one non-profit or government career building opportunity.  

Choose how to complete the requirement:   

Signature Cohort Events

Signature cohort events allow NGCLC participants to build their networks, engage with new ideas, and consider how others approach pressing social issues and cultural conversations. Events span varied categories, including direct service, network building, and social/cultural events; many signature events are facilitated specifically for NGCLC members, though students may also attend events on their own and count those toward program requirements. 

We ask program participants to attend at least two signature cohort events each academic year; these events are a great way to get started with the program and meet the advisors! 

Some events are ticketed and/or have limited capacity. Please see RSVP instructions below for these details. 

Tuesday, October 26, 6-8PM; Mary Gates Hall, Suite 171
We’ll meet in MGH at 6PM for quick connections with one another, then walk together to Meany Performance Arts Center for the UW Graduate School Lecture with comedian, disability advocate, and author Maysoon Zayid. This one-hour talk is titled “Survival of the Unfittest” and will tackle everything from diversity to cats named Beyonce. 

Email nextgenleader@uw.edu to RSVP and reserve your ticket. (You’re welcome to show up in MGH on the night of the event, but seats are limited!)  

Thursday, October 28, 1-3:30PM and Friday, October 29 12-1PM; virtual and in Mary Gates Hall, Suite 171 

First, attend the Nonprofit and Government Job & Internship Fair virtually (RSVP required!) on Thursday to meet employers and learn about potential career or internship pathways. Then join us in MGH 171 over lunch on Friday to debrief the experience, get advice on following-up with your contacts, and ask your burning questions about non-profit and government careers!   

Tuesday, November 9, 7-9PM; Mary Gates Hall, Suite 171 

Join us in Mary Gates Hall at 7PM to meet other students interested in the NGCLC program, then walk with the group to Kane Hall for the UW Graduate School Lecture with Amanda Cox. In this talk, Cox will share The New York Times’ latest work in communicating data and models to mass audiences. That work includes words, charts, and believing that uncertainty is a strength.

Email nextgenleader@uw.edu to RSVP and reserve your ticket. (You’re welcome to show up in MGH on the night of the event, but seats are limited!) 

Monday, November 15, 5-7PM; University District Food Bank

Scholarship Details

Details to come

How to Join

The program is open to all undergraduates. Students with a demonstrated history of work with underserved and underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to consider participation.  

Attend any of the Signature Cohort Events listed above to meet our advisors and get started in the program! You can also fill out this interest form and we’ll reach out to you as additional events and opportunities arise. And you can always email Amen and Kathryn at nextgenleader@uw.edu with questions or to learn more!