NextGen Civic Leader Corps
The NextGen Civic Leader Corps, a tri-campus initiative at the University of Washington, encourages undergraduate students to consider careers in government, nonprofit, and social ventures.
Through hands-on learning, coursework, and networking, students strengthen their commitment to public service and community engagement. They gain essential skills for non-profit and government careers, build connections with UW Bothell and the broader community, and work toward a more just and equitable society. Open to students from all majors, the program invites participants to tackle today’s complex societal challenges.
Program Overview
Public Policy and Leadership Coursework
NextGen Civic Leader Corps participants are required to take a minimum of one course in the Public Policy AND one Leadership course. 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.
Recommended course offering – Dialogue, Disagreement and Democracy
2024: Dialogue, Disagreement and Democracy, a 1-credit, asynchronous, tri-campus also know as The Course. This class connects students with over a dozen leading scholars to learn what they are doing to meet the moment through their research, teaching, and service – inquiry with insight, action with impact. The Seattle course is 1-credit and asynchronous (which Bothell students can enroll in), and the Bothell course is hybrid. Learn more about The Course.
Signature Cohort Events
We ask student participants to attend at least two signature cohort events each academic year.
Signature cohort events allow NextGen Civic Leader Corps participants to build their networks, engage with new ideas, and consider how others approach pressing social issues and cultural conversations. Events span varied categories, including direct service, network building, and social/cultural events. Many signature events offer direct connections with notable community leaders, public policy practitioners, and/or elected officials.
UW resources for navigating the 2024 election – this page managed by the Office of the Provost shares voting resources, tools, and other useful aids. View if If you’re looking for accurate information on democracy and elections.
Public Policy Camp
9 AM – 4 PM on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Seattle Central College
The camp introduces policy-making, impactful careers in public policy, and networking with policymakers for undergraduates interested in public policy. Presented by the Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management (APPAM), the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, and Seattle Central College. Please contact uwpolicycamp@uw.edu if you have any question about the event.
Career Building Experiences
NextGen students are encouraged to participate in one non-profit or government career building opportunity. These career building experiences will connect participants with professionals in a field of interest, build personal and professional networks, and in many cases allow students to gain practical experience working in a nonprofit or government organization.
For More Info
For questions, message Connected Learning at uwbocl@uw.edu or visit the UW NextGen page.
Recent NextGen Corps News
NextGen Student Ambassador Builds Network around Public Service
NextGen Civic Leader Corps Ambassador showcases the inspirational trip to the annual NextGen Service Corps (NGSC) Leadership Conference at Arizona State University (ASU).
Learn more about NextGen Ambassadors engagement
My Story: Voting as a call to action for social change
NextGen Civic Leader Corps member writes about why voting matters and the importance of engaging young people in the process.
Learn more about NextGen members calling to action