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.

Eight NextGen students from four member universities participated in the annual NextGen Service Corps (NGSC) Leadership Conference at Arizona State University (ASU). Caleb is the third person from the right. — Eight NextGen students from four member universities participated in the annual NextGen Service Corps (NGSC) Leadership Conference at Arizona State University (ASU). Caleb Rasmussen, a NextGen Civic Leader Corps Ambassador from the University of Washington Bothell, is the third person from the right.

Fall 2024 Opportunities

This election year, amid conflict and strife across the world, the NextGen Civic Leaders program offers students opportunities across the three campuses to learn about issues they care about and apply this knowledge to make a difference in their communities. Below are some unique opportunities to participate in.

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.

Offerings this Fall

NextGen Legislative Networking Reception, Thursday, Oct 17, 7-8:30pm
Walker Ames Room (Kane Hall) on the Seattle campus.
Join us for an evening of conversation and connection with Husky lawmakers from Olympia to local government and committed public service practitioners. The event is a collaborative effort with UW Impact. Connected Learning is encouraging students to attend in person for these events, and we have funding to support UCAR rentals for a day.

How to Register

Please sign-up on the Events entry to show your interest as a Bothell student going, and if you’re interested in carpooling (we’ll contact you a few days in advance).
Then register for the event (with Seattle)

Join or Die movie screening, Monday, October 21, 3:30-5:30pm
Discovery Hall Theater (DISC-061)
Join or Die is a documentary that delves into the importance of civic engagement in sustaining a thriving democracy. This event aims to inspire students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners to reflect on how we can all contribute to building stronger connections and a more engaged society. A community networking event with iUrbanTeen, Washington Bus, League of Women Voters, City of Bothell, 21 Acres and more! Learn more about Join or Die.

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.

Democracy in Focus: Navigating the 2024 Election – Lectures

The are many lectures through UW this quarter focusing on democracy and civic leadership. Democracy in Focus: Navigating the 2024 Election is one lecture series on Tuesdays, at Town Hall Seattle, with hybrid options or live streaming available for some sessions on the Bothell campus.

Polarization, Persuasion, and Talking Across Difference at HUB South Ballroom, October 1, 4 pm, with Mark Smith
I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times, October 2, 6:30 pm, with Mónica Guzmán
We Keep Us Safe: Public Safety, Crime, and Elections, October 8, with speakers from ACLU
Protecting Information Integrity: Election Rumor Research at the UW Center for an Informed Public at Guggenheim 220, October 8, 4 pm, with Emma S. Spiro, Kate Starbird, Mert Can Bayar, Zarine Kharazian, Rachel Moran-Prestridge and Joseph Schafer
Zooming Out: 2024 Elections in Historical, Social, and Cultural Contexts at Denny Room in Oak hall, October 15, 4 pm, with Margaret O’Mara, Jessica Beyer, and Daniel Bessner
Presidential Power at Denny Room in Oak hall, October 22, 4 pm, with Lisa Marshall Manheim, Liz Porter, Jeremiah Chin, and Danieli Evans
American Democracy and the 2024 Election, October 24, with Dr. Jake Grumbach
Who Votes and Why Voting Matters at Denny Room in Oak hall, October 29, 4 pm, with James Long and UW voices from across the three campuses
Trust on the Ballot: Voting in Washington, Thursday, November 7, 6:30-8:30pm
This event is happening in Town Hall Seattle. Broadcast by TVW.
Watch party in the Truly House (Bothell) – from 6:30 to 7:30 with Pints and the Professor to start us off. Afterward viewing begins at 7:30pm.
Does your vote count? Can we trust that our elections are fair? Join three Washington Secretaries of State as they discuss the history and evolution of voting in Washington, from the various systems in place to the complex and polarized climate we now operate in. Current Secretary of State Steve Hobbs joins former Secretaries of State Kim Wyman and Sam Reed for a panel discussion convened by the University of Washington’s College of Arts & Sciences and the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance. This timely forum is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 pm at Town Hall Seattle, shortly after the Nov. 5, 2024, General Election. Free and open to the public.

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).

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.