Next Generation Service Corps
Next Generation Service Corps
The Next Generation Service Corps inspires and prepares college students to serve their communities and nation.
The Next Generation Service Corps (NextGen Service) is a network of programs at universities across the country that inspire and prepare students to serve their communities and nation. Led by schools of public service, NextGen Service programs introduce undergraduates from all majors to public service values and support them in building practical, collaborative leadership skills. NextGen Service opens the door to careers in public service for college students.
Approach
NextGen Service was inspired by the pioneering Public Service Academy at Arizona State University (ASU), Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. ASU’s NextGen Service program:
- Engages students in a four-year curriculum;
- Recruits students from high school who go on to study all disciplines and majors in college;
- Prioritizes recruitment of student populations traditionally underrepresented in government;
- Emphasizes public service values and community engagement;
- Integrates experiential learning through required internships in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors;
- Organizes students into cohorts to participate in mission-focused projects and other activities to strengthen bonds;
- Offers regular structured opportunities to collaborate with fellow students outside the classroom;
- Provides financial incentives to participate in the program, according to need; and
- Awards a credit-bearing certificate upon completion.
Each participating NextGen Service school has adopted elements of the Public Service Academy model while customizing the program to leverage the unique assets of its community. Some schools have designed entirely new programs; others have enhanced existing courses, credentials, or resources.
Joint Support
NextGen Service Corps programs are supported jointly by ASU's Watts College and the Volcker Alliance, each contributing distinct expertise to strengthen campus programs and connect students to public service careers.
ASU Watts College houses the Next Generation Service Corps Center, which supports partner universities in establishing and enhancing NextGen Service programs. The center provides assistance from initial program design through sustainability planning, including training workshops and networking opportunities.
The Volcker Alliance facilitates a national network connecting NextGen Service Corps students to meaningful government careers. The Alliance leverages its robust network of public sector partners to expose students to the power and potential of working in government, help them navigate the fragmented government jobs market, and build professional networks that can serve as the foundation for future success.
Our Network
NextGen Service is growing and currently includes 27 member universities:
- Albany State University
- Arizona State University
- Baruch College
- Central Michigan University
- Clark Atlanta University
- Fisk University
- Florida International University
- Georgia State University
- Indiana University Bloomington
- James Madison University
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
- Montclair State University
- North Carolina Central University
- Pennsylvania State University
- Rutgers University - Newark
- South Dakota State University
- Syracuse University
- Texas Southern University
- The City College of New York
- University of Baltimore
- University of Central Arkansas
- University of Houston
- University of Nebraska Omaha
- University of New Mexico
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Washington
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
