NextGen Summer Policy Academy

Preparing undergraduates for advanced study and careers in public policy

The UW Evans School’s NextGen Service Summer Policy Academy (SPA) provides undergraduate students across disciplines with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in public policy, a great understanding of career opportunities in public service fields, and enhanced knowledge and skills to support their future pursuit of careers in public policy.

Application Deadline

Applications have closed for summer 2026. Please fill out the interest form if you would like to be contacted when the summer 2027 application cycle opens.

Complete Interest Form

About the Evans School Summer Policy Academy

The Evans School launched its first summer program, the Junior Summer Institute, for undergraduates in 2022 to help students from diverse backgrounds prepare for public policy careers. Over seven weeks on the University of Washington campus in Seattle, rising seniors deepened their understanding of public policy, policy analysis, and leadership through classes, panel discussions, field trips, workshops, and mentorship. Participants developed new skills, expanded their professional networks, and explored different career paths in public policy and public service. The Evans School has worked to grow the number of students from across Washington state through partnerships with Gonzaga University, Central Washington University, Heritage College, Northwest Tribal College, and Washington State University.

Thanks to a new partnership with the Volcker Alliance, the program made several exciting changes. In summer 2025, the NextGen Summer Policy Academy began with a week in Washington D.C. Students attended professional development workshops, networked with government leaders and inspirational change-makers, and visited federal departments and agencies. Afterward, they headed to Seattle for two weeks at the Evans School to gain exposure to nonprofits and government agencies working on creating and implementing social policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be a U.S. Citizen and/or lawful permanent resident
Have completed junior year of college by the start of the program and have at least one full semester or two quarters of coursework remaining before graduation.
Be in good academic standing (i.e. “on track to graduate between Fall 2026 and Spring 2027)
Have a demonstrated interest in policy issues most affecting historically underserved communities and have a commitment to working on these issues, as shown by past and/or current service.
Demonstrate an interest in pursuing a professional career associated with public service such as government, nonprofits, humanitarian and international organizations and other related programs.

Selection Criteria

Strong applicants will convey an authentic interest in learning more about public service career opportunities and developing change-making skills through their resume and responses to essay prompts. This program is open to students of all majors who meet eligibility criteria, with the goal of increased participation of applicants from historically marginalized backgrounds, Pell Grant recipients, and first-generation college students. The selection process will also consider applicant’s undergraduate university affiliation to ensure representation from schools in the Pacific North West.

Application Materials

Required Application Criteria

Student Information (legal name, birth date, contact details, etc.)
Resume (in PDF)
Current Undergraduate Transcript (unofficial ones are acceptable; in PDF)
Two 500-word essay responses:
- Why are you interested in participating in the NextGen Service Summer Policy Academy? What are you hoping to learn or gain by participating?
- Life experiences shape who we are, and the way we perceive the world around us. Please share with us how your personal journey has influenced your career aspirations.

A letter of recommendation from an academic or professional reference is now required and must be submitted directly by the recommender through a designated link provided in the application.