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.
Applications for Summer 2026 are now open!
Completed applications are due on December 15, 2025. Students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply!
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 made several exciting changes. In summer 2025, the NextGen Summer Policy Academy began with a week in Washington D.C. Students attended professional development workshops, networked with government leaders and inspirational change-makers, and visited federal departments and agencies. Afterward, they headed 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.
To be eligible, applicants must be:
- A current undergraduate junior who will be a senior in the 2026-27 academic year
- In good academic standing (i.e. “on track to graduate between Fall 2026 and Spring 2027)
- U.S. Citizen and/or lawful permanent resident
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. This program is open to all eligible students, with the goal of increased participation of 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 500-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 now required and must be submitted directly by the recommender through a designated link provided in the application.
The program will run from June 15 to July 4, 2026. Ahead of the program, participants will be required to attend virtual orientations in preparation for the experience. Please review the schedule to ensure your availability:
March 4: Virtual Orientation
June 14: Travel and arrive in DC
June 15-20: Programming in DC
June 21: Travel and arrive at the University of Washington
June 22-July 3: Host School programming
July 4: Travel home
To learn more about the program please visit the Volcker Alliance website. Please contact nextgen@volckeralliance.org with any questions about the program or to report any technical difficulties you encounter while completing the application.