Next Generation Service Corps

The Next Generation Service Corps inspires and prepares college students to serve their communities and nation.

Empower

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 build 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.

Inspired by ASU, 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. Many continue to add new elements as their programs mature.

NextGen Summer Summit waterfall group shot

Our Support

The Volcker Alliance offers schools a range of support to propel design and implementation of NextGen Service programs, including seed funding, coaching, and structured opportunities to share progress and lessons learned. The Volcker Alliance facilitates the sharing of resources and best practices among participating NexGen Service schools to inform program design and expansion.

Key to the initiative is the cultivation of a vital national network of service-minded students and alumni. The Volcker Alliance provides cross-school programming to foster this network, coordinating creative activities through which students can work together and forge durable professional bonds. Learn more about our student network at the link below.

Group shot of NextGen Summer Summit students

Join the Movement

If your university is interested in joining our NextGen Service network, we invite you to email nextgen@volckeralliance.org to schedule a consultation with our team. Consultations will provide an opportunity to exchange information about goals and expectations so that both parties may assess fit. Following these initial consultations, universities may be invited to complete an application form.