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, signiture 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

NextGen Fall Quarter Kick-Off
Tuesday, October 1 | 5:30-7 pm| Mary Gates Hall 171E  
Join us for an evening of re-connection as we come together to celebrate our Fall Quarter Kick-Off! Meet new friends, hear from our NextGen National Network Ambassador, Ava Michler about her recent trip to Arizona State University for the NextGen Service Corps Student Ambassador Orientation, and learn about ranked choice voting in a fun, interactive workshop!
RSVP here.

Tri-Campus Peer Networking Event
Thursday, October 17 | 5:30-6:45 pm | Parrington Hall 360
Connect with students from the UW Tri-Campuses, build community and skills as we prepare for the NextGen Legislative Networking Reception immediately following this engagement!
RSVP here.

NextGen Legislative Networking Reception
Thursday, October 17 | 7-8:30 pm | Walker Ames Room, Kane Hall

Back by popular demand, the NextGen Civic Leader Corps Legislative Networking Reception is being held Thursday, October 17 from 7-8:30 pm at Walker Ames Room at the Seattle campus. Join us for an evening of conversation and connection with Husky lawmakers from Olympia to local government and committed public service practitioners. The event is a collaborative effort with UW Impact and NextGen Civic Leader Corps Network. We hope to see you there. Please RSVP here.

Fall Election Lecture Series

Polarization, Persuasion, and Talking Across Difference

Tuesday, Oct. 1, 4 p.m., HUB South Ballroom

Presenters: Mark Smith, Political Science; Ralina Joseph, Communication and the Center for Communication, Difference and Equity; and Carmen Gonzalez, Communication and the Center for Communication, Difference and Equity.

Free pizza will be served.

Organized by the College of Arts & Sciences Social Sciences Division

 

Protecting Information Integrity: Election Rumor Research at the UW Center for an Informed Public

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 4 p.m., Guggenheim 220

Presenters: Emma S. Spiro, Kate Starbird, Mert Can Bayar, Zarine Kharazian, Rachel Moran-Prestridge and Joseph Schafer from the Information School’s Center for an Informed Public.

Free snacks will be served.

Organized by the Information School

 

Zooming Out: 2024 Elections in Historical, Social, and Cultural Contexts

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 4 p.m., Denny Room, Oak Hall

Presenters: Margaret O’Mara, History; Jessica Beyer, Jackson School of International Studies; and Daniel Bessner, Jackson School of International Studies

Free pizza will be served.

Organized by the College of Arts & Sciences Social Sciences Division

 

Presidential Power

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 4 p.m., Denny Room, Oak Hall

Presenters: Lisa Marshall Manheim, Liz Porter, Jeremiah Chin, and Danieli Evans, Constitutional Law

Free pizza will be served.

Organized by the School of Law

 

Who Votes and Why Voting Matters

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 4 p.m., Denny Room, Oak Hall

Presenters: James Long, Political Science, and UW voices from across the three campuses.

Free pizza will be served.

Organized by the College of Arts & Sciences Social Sciences Division and the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance

 

Trust on the Ballot:  Voting in Washington

Thursday, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Seattle

Presenters: Current Secretary of State Steve Hobbs and former Secretaries of State Kim Wyman and Sam Reed.

Join three Washington Secretaries of State as they discuss the history and evolution of voting in our state—from the various systems in place to the complex and polarized climate we now operate in. Free and open to the public.

Registration info coming soon.

Organized by the College of Arts & Sciences and the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance

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!

 

October 2: I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times with Monica Guzman

October 8: We Keep Us Safe: Public Safety, Crime, and Elections

October 24: American Democracy and the 2024 Election

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 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 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
  • Sign up for NextGen Teams 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 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 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
  • Transcripted minor

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.