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, 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.

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.

NextGen Signature Cohort Events

Jan 28 | Legislative Advocacy Training with UW Impact

Join NextGen as we skill up in preparation for meeting with legislators and join the Tri-Campus UW Community with Huskies on the Hill in February. Learn  how you can amplify your voice as a student through this fun and engaging training led by UW Impact!

Date: Tuesday, January 28
Time: 2-3:30 PM
Location: Mary Gates Hall Multipurpose Room
Light snacks and refreshments will be served!

RSVP here

February 3 | Huskies on the Hill with ASUW

Let your voice be heard! 🐾

Join us on February 3rd, 2025, for Huskies on the Hill in Olympia, WA. Advocate for student issues, meet legislators, and rally at the Capitol!

Don’t miss out—food and transportation provided!

RSVP by January 20th via the link here, and be sure to write in “NextGen” for Question 11!

NextGen Attends: UW Public Lecture Series

UW Public Lectures

Multiple Dates | 6:30 PM | Town Hall Seattle, Livestream (Hybrid)

 

Welcome the 2024–2025 speaker line-up!  This year, the Office of Public Lectures will host speakers who will encourage us to explore the state of American democracy, race and social justice, climate change and artificial intelligence, and more. We look forward to seeing you!

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!

January 15: Autopsy of an Election

January 22: An Evening with Martha Gonzalez

February 6: The Role of Art and Journalism

March 4: Transnational Feminist Movement

May 1: The Afro Future Now

May 6: An evening with Christine Sun Kim

May 21: Judge Joel Ngugi

 

Click here to find event details and RSVP!

NextGen Service Summer Policy Academy

NextGen Service Summer Policy Academy 

Now Accepting Applications!

The NextGen Service Summer Policy Academy is a fully funded three-week program and professional development experience for NextGen Service students interested in exploring impactful public service careers. This is an exclusive, all-expenses-paid 2025 summer opportunity for NextGen Service students entering their senior year in Fall 2025 (aka rising seniors).

From June 15 – 22, students will travel to Washington, DC to participate in professional development workshops, networking, self-reflection, engagement with government leaders and inspirational change-makers, and visit some of our nation’s famous institutions and historical sites. Afterwards, they will travel to one of three participating “Host Schools” to complete a two-week residential study program from June 23-July 3. Students will engage in dynamic curriculum inside and outside the classroom, explore the local area, and connect with NextGen Service peers from across the country. Each Host School (the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Washington) will offer programming organized around a unique policy topic. Students will be required to rank each school based on their preference in the application.

Check out the NextGen Service Summer Policy Academy website here to apply or learn more about the Summer Policy Academy, and an application FAQ! Completed applications are due February 7, 2025 at 11:59 PM PT. 

NextGen Teams

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

  • NextGen Teams are comprised of 3 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 activities together:
    • Host a team orientation session +fun “get to know you”
    • Identify and Research a Team mission
      • Previous Teams have included: Business + Finance, Communities and Built Environments, Environmental Justice and Sustainability, Local Government and Civic Engagement, Student Advocacy and On-Campus Engagement, and Technology and Innovation
    • Attend at least one public service-related event, learning experience or volunteering engagement connected to your Team’s mission
    • Plan and execute a project tied to the Team’s mission
    • Present at Spring CELEbration
      • Read about the 2024 Spring CELEbration here

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 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

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?

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 Dahn Bi Lee-Hong (they/them), Student Engagement Coordinator, via Zoom or in person.