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. 

Public Policy and Leadership Coursework

NGCLC participants are required to take a minimum of one course in the Public Policy or Leadership minor. This coursework provides an academic anchor for your public service career exploration, builds your understanding of theoretical frameworks, and can prepare you to talk about your community-engagement and leadership experiences in job interviews and/or graduate school applications.  

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!  
  • Electives that count for either minor may also count toward this requirement. This includes many courses outside the PUBPOL or LEAD course headings.  

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

Career Building Experiences

In addition to the context and connections that NGCLC participants will get through courses and peer connections, they also engage in one non-profit or government career building opportunity. These career building experiences will connect participants with professionals in a field of interest, build personal and professional networks, and in many cases allow students to gain practical experience working in a nonprofit or government organization.  

Choose how to complete the requirement:   

A paid or unpaid public service internship  

Career mentorship program  

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 and offer direct connections with notable community leaders, public policy practitioners, and/or elected officials.    

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. 

  • Saturday, February 5, 2022: NGCLC Retreat
    • In-Person workshop with UW Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards
    • Virtual participation in On Leadership Event w/Arizona State University NextGen Service cohort
    • NextGen Connect launch, the network’s interactive professional online platform

Lunch will be provided, stay tuned for more.

Scholarship Details

Details to come

How to Join & office hours

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

Students that join NGCLC and complete all three program requirements will be eligible for a modest ($500) scholarship during Spring Quarter 2022. 

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 will stay in touch about program opportunities.   

Interested students can email our program advisers–Amen and Kathryn–at nextgenleader@uw.edu with questions or to learn more about any part of the NextGen Civic Leader Corps program! 

Winter Quarter office hours@ Mary Gates Hall #171

Please note office hours for January are being held via zoom.

  • Thursday, January 13, 2022 (9:30am-11:00am virtually @ https://washington.zoom.us/s/92353596063
  • Thursday, January 20, 2022 (9:30am-11:00am virtually@ https://washington.zoom.us/s/92353596063
  • Thursday, January 27, 2022 (9:30am-11:00am virtually@ https://washington.zoom.us/s/92353596063
  • Thursday, February 3, 2022 (9:30am-11:00am)
  • Thursday, February 10, 2022 (9:30am-11:00am)
  • Thursday, February 17, 2022 (9:30am-11:00am)
  • Thursday, February 24, 2022 (9:30am-11:00am)
  • Thursday, March 3, 2022 (9:30am-11:00am)
  • Thursday, March 10, 2022 (9:30am-11:00am)
  • Thursday, March 17, 2022 (9:30am-11:00am)
  • Thursday, March 24, 2022 (9:30am-11:00am)
  • Thursday, March 31, 2022 (9:30am-11:00am)