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, experiential learning opportunities, fellowships and Signature Events, our goal is to empower and equip the next generation of public service leaders. 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 highlight public service: from engaging with leaders in the field, skill building workshops, community service and networking events.
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 choose to major in Public Policy or minor in Public Policy or Leadership. You’ll receive
- NextGen Civic Leader Corps Badge
- Graduation stole
- Transcripted minor in Public Policy or Leadership, or major in Public Policy
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 upon completion of requirements to earn the NextGen Civic Leader Corps Badge.
Questions? Book an advising meeting with NextGen staff.
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. We actively encourage participation from students that have lived experience in communities underrepresented at the UW.
Ready to join NextGen? Sign up to join the network and begin receiving the NextGen Newsletter 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.