Evans School of Public Policy & Governance

Welcome to the UW Seattle NextGen Civic Leader Corps!

We are a growing community of University of Washington undergraduate students who are passionate about public service, community engagement and civic leadership.

Through a combination of coursework, events and networking experiences, our goal is to connect like-minded peers and deepen an understanding and commitment to public service. This program is part of a growing network of similar programs across the country powered by the Volcker Alliance Next Generation Service Corps.

This program is open to all UW undergraduate students, year-round.

Join our community

What is NextGen?

Our Community and Events

Throughout the academic year, the NextGen community engages in an array of activities that center on public service: from engaging with leaders in the field, skill building workshops, community service and networking events

Upcoming NextGen Events

Tuesday, November 7th, 6:15 – 8:30, Walker Ames room in Kane Hall
  • NextGen Attends: UW Pandemic Project Radical Listening Session
  • Event Description: Hosted by UW’s Center for Communication, Difference, and Equity, we invite you to join us to attend the UW Pandemic Project Radical Listening Session. The Pandemics – COVID-19 and the worldwide racial reckoning – forever changed how we work, live, go to school, and interact as a community. Come listen to recorded dialogues about the pandemics and engage in dialogue with your UW community. Together we will remember and honor our lived pandemics experiences. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to hear stories of the pandemics from our University of Washington community.
  • The NextGen program will host a “meet and go” at 6:15 in Mary Gates Hall 171
  • Please RSVP here

 

Thursday November 16th, 5:00pm-6:30pm, Mary Gates Hall 171

  • NextGen Leadership Styles Workshop
  • Event Description: Understanding one’s leadership style is foundational to building effective teams.  Through this interactive reflection tool, participants will gain a deeper insight into their own strengths and styles as a leader and develop their capacity to work effectively with their teams.
  • Please RSVP Here

 

NextGen Teams

NextGen Teams provide an opportunity to meet other Huskies, build meaningful connections and explore opportunities together.

  • NextGen Teams are comprised of 4 to 5 UW students who are passionate about public service and leadership. We aim to create teams that share interests but vary based on major. 
  • NextGen Teams complete 5 types of activities together:
    • A team orientation session
    • A fun “get to know you”
    • A NextGen Signature event
    • A public service-related event, learning experience or volunteering engagement that they choose
    • An end of the quarter reflection with a member of the NextGen staff
  • Those who complete the NextGen Team requirements will receive themed swag
  • NextGen Teams Sign Up Coming Soon!

The Curriculum

All NextGen Civic Leader Corps members are highly encouraged 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.

Course List

  • LEAD 100: Learning Leadership (Autumn or Winter)  
  • PUBPOL 201: Introduction to Public Policy & Governance (Autumn or Winter)  
  • PUBPOL 302: Public Service Leadership (Spring and Summer)
  • LEAD 490 (Leadership Certificate)
  • 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.

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

Grow Your Leadership Experience

In addition to participating in NextGen community events and connected coursework, we also provide support with searching for or reflecting on leadership opportunities. Leadership experience could be an internship, ongoing volunteering commitment, role in a public service organization or participation in a mentorship program. There are also opportunities to serve in a NextGen student leader position!

What do NextGen Members Gain?

There are many ways to get involved in the NextGen community.

NextGen Members: sign up and attend an event. You’ll have opportunities to expand your network and develop new skills through an array of experiences.

NextGen Leaders: members who attend at least two events, engage in a leadership experience, and take at least one connected courses. You’ll receive:

  • NextGen Leader Certificate
  • Graduation stole
  • Receive priority consideration for two funded opportunities: the UW Alumni Reunion and Class Gifts Scholarship and Jackson Munro Public Service Fellowship

NextGen Scholars: members who complete the above and minor in either Public Policy or Leadership. You’ll receive

  • NextGen Scholar Certificate
  • Graduation stole
  • A scholarship
  • Transcripted minor

How do I join NextGen?

Joining NextGen is easy, there is no formal application process. The program is open to all University of Washington undergraduates. Those with a demonstrated history of work with underserved and underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to consider participation.  

Ready to join NextGen? Sign up today.

What happens after I join?

You will receive an email welcome from our team followed by our weekly newsletter highlighting upcoming events and opportunities. We hope you’ll join us!

Questions?

Please email nextgenleader@uw.edu with questions or set up a time to chat with Andy Pace, the NextGen Civic Leader Corps Coordinator, via Zoom. Our office is located in Mary Gates Hall (MGH)#171.