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, signature events and networking experiences, our goal is to connect like-minded peers and deepen an understanding and commitment to public service. NextGen is part of a growing network of similar programs across the country powered by the Volcker Alliance Next Generation Service Corps.
This network is open to all UW undergraduate students, year-round.
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.
Legislative Networking Reception
Tuesday, October 21 | 6:30-8:00 PM
UW Club
When: Tuesday, October 21 (6:30-8:00 PM)
Where: UW Club, Seattle Campus
This event is open to all UW undergraduate students (please tell your friends/colleagues!)
Dress attire is business casual. Seeking attire? Check out the Career Closet at the Career and Internship Center, stocked with free, gently-used, workplace attire. More information can be found here: https://careers.uw.edu/husky-career-closet/
Please note that spots are limited. If something comes up and you no longer can attend, please let us know by emailing nextgenleader@uw.edu
What to expect:
A unique opportunity to personally connect with and learn from UW alumni who have made an impact on their community through public service. Officials can provide insight both about their career path and the formative and inspiring opportunities they had at UW! The event will include table talk discussions and mixing time.
Appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages are provided at this free event.
Previous attendees:
- Senator Mark Mullett–5th District
- Senator Bob Hasegawa–11th District
- Senator Jesse Salomon–32nd District
- Senator Javier Valdez–46th District
- Rep. My-Linh Thai–41st District
- Rep. Nicole Macri–43rd District
- Councilmember Janice Zahan, City of Bellevue
- Councilmember Nathan Loutsis, City of Kenmore
- Mayor Chris Roberts, City of Shoreline
The UW NextGen Civic Leader Corps aims to spark, hone and recognize a deeper commitment to public and community service for undergraduate students. For more information on the NextGen Civic Leader Corps, please visit our website at https://evans.uw.edu/academic-programs/undergraduate-programs/next-gen/.
If you are not part of our weekly newsletter list, please sign up here to join the community and hear about all NextGen opportunities : https://tinyurl.com/nextgenuw
Feel free to reach out to nextgenleader@uw.edu for any questions.
Please RSVP here by October 14, 2025.
Multiple Dates | 6:30 PM | Town Hall Seattle, Livestream (Hybrid)
Welcome the 2025-2026 speaker line-up!
At the UW, we believe higher education goes beyond the walls of a classroom; and that it should be accessible to everyone. Our public lecture programming allows the university to bring leading thinkers, artists, and changemakers from around the world into conversation with a broader community. Public lecture programming gives us the opportunity to demystify academia and research. And we invite the public to remain curious; engage in bold ideas and groundbreaking research to experience how research and big ideas apply to our every day lives.
Creating these sorts of opportunities for our community is core to our mission as a public university — the University for Washington.
NextGen has identified several lectures that align with our program goals, and would be a significant value add to our community. We invite you to join us!
October 9, 2025 Unpacking Legacy: from the Personal to the Systemic with Dr. Uché Blackstock
October 24, 2025 The Art of Refuge, Resistance and Regeneration with Peter Sellars
January 14, 2026 Philosophical Nonviolence and the Democratic Ideal with John Wood Jr.
February 25, 2026 America’s Character and the Rule of Law with George Conway III
March 4, 2026 Primary: Alma Thomas, Sisterhood and the Revolutionary Quality of Light with Alexis Pauline Gumbs
March 6, 2026 Palestine to Iraq with Adam Hanieh
April 30, 2026 A Larger Freedom: Multiracial Democracy and the Radical Reconstruction of the United States with Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor
May 21, 2026 What Does Law Mean in Crisis? How Crip Feminist Technoscience Will Save Us with Ly Xīnzhèn M. Zhǎngsūn Brown
May 27, 2026 Is A River Alive? Exploring the lives, deaths and rights of rivers with Robert Macfarlane
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.
- 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 Network Members: Sign up for our weekly newsletter and attend a NextGen Signature Cohort Event. You’ll have opportunities to expand your network and develop new skills through an array of experiences.
NextGen Community Members: Members who attend at least one signature event per quarter, engage in a leadership experience, and take at least one connected course. You’ll receive:
- NextGen Civic Leader Corps Badge
- 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 Civic Leader Corps Badge
- Graduation stole
- Transcripted minor
NextGen Civic Leader Corps Badge is a digital badge awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to public service and civic leadership by engaging in academic coursework, Signature Cohort Events and Leadership Opportunities. The digital badge can be linked to LinkedIn profiles to showcase your activities with NextGen.
Students are required to complete the NextGen Badge Checklist each quarter to inform us of your progress and plans for earning your NextGen Badge.
Questions? Book an advising meeting with NextGen Staff here.
How do I join NextGen?
Joining NextGen is easy, there is no formal application process. The network 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?
Once you sign up for the newsletter, you will start to receive updates direct to your inbox every Tuesday with the latest updates about upcoming events and opportunities for connection!
Questions?
Please email nextgenleader@uw.edu with questions or set up a time to chat with Dahn Bi Lee-Hong (they/them), Student Engagement Coordinator, via Zoom or in person.