Evans School of Public Policy & Governance

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.

Submission deadline is February 7, 2025, 11:59 PM PT.

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 is making exciting changes. In summer 2025, the NextGen Summer Policy Academy will start with a week in Washington D.C. Students will attend professional development workshops, network with government leaders and inspirational change-makers, and visit federal departments and agencies. Afterward, they’ll head 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

Students will be awarded a $1,000 stipend; all expenses, including travel, lodging, and meals, are fully covered by the program.

Applicants must:

  • Must be an undergraduate student who will be a senior in the 2025-26 academic year.
  • In good academic standing (i.e. “on track to graduate between Fall 2025 & Spring 2026.)
  • Demonstrated interest to career in public service.

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. Preference will be given to applicants from historically marginalized backgrounds, Pell Grant recipients, and first-generation college students.

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 300-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 optional and should be submitted by the recommender using this form

June 15: Travel and arrive in DC 

June 16-19: Programming in DC  

June 22: Travel and arrive at the University of Washington

July 23-July 3: Host School programming 

July 3: Travel home 

To learn more about the program please visit the Volcker Alliance website. All questions should be directed to nextgenspa@uw.edu.