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NextGen Public Service Leadership Academy Information Sessions
The Institute for Public Service, NextGen Public Service Academy is a new public service leadership development program designed for students seeking careers focused on civic and community engagement including government, nonprofit, philanthropy, public policy and other fields of social impact. The program provides experiential learning opportunities and specialized academic courses to equip candidates for outstanding careers in all forms of public service. Join us for an information session to learn more about the newest program of the Institute, including program benefits, program pathways, and the application process.
NextGen Spring 2026 Information Session 1
NextGen Public Service Leadership Academy Spring 2026 Info Session
Tuesday, January 20
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting
Learn about the program requirements, student benefits, and the application process.
NextGen Spring 2026 Information Session 2
NextGen Public Service Leadership Academy Spring 2026 Info Session
Thursday, January 22
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Join Teams Meeting
Learn about the program requirements, student benefits, and the application process.
Presidential Federal Internship Program Information Sessions
UPDATE: We have now concluded all information sessions for the Summer 2026 Program. Check back in Summer 2026 for the next round of info sessions!
On behalf of MSU Denver President, Dr. Janine Davidson and the Institute for Public Service, we are pleased to offer MSU Denver students an opportunity to apply for selective spots in our Presidential Federal Internship Program. The Program offers a unique opportunity for MSU Denver students to live and work for the summer in our nation’s capital, exploring a career in public service. Students will serve with a D.C.-based government official, federal agency, or NGO, with access to countless meaningful professional development engagements. Join us for an information session to learn more about the program benefits and application process.
Upcoming Events
Join us to explore these important ideas in Public Service from luminaries from MSU Denver and beyond.
The events below are NextGen Public Service Leadership Academy approved
.
A Conversation with Dr. Trudi Morrison, PhD, JD
Date: Monday, Feb 16
Time: 11am to 1215pm
Location: Tivoli 440 (Adirondacks Room)
Join us for a conversation with Dr. Trudi Morrison, PhD, JD. Dr. Morrison will explore her historic achievements, from studying gender-based discrimination in the Reagan Administration to developing fair employment practices in the Federal Judiciary. She will discuss excerpts from her recently published memoir, Winning the Battle Against Myself: A Black Women’s Journey Through American’s Corridors of Power.
2026 MSU Denver Black World Conference
Date: Tuesday, Feb 17
Place: CAVEA in JSSB
Time: 9am to 5pm
Black World Conference 2026: Migration, Memories, and Futures—Black Belonging in Colorado at 150 commemorates Colorado’s 150th anniversary by centering Black histories, movements, and imagined futures. Held at Metropolitan State University of Denver on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, this one-day conference brings together scholars, artists, jurists, and community leaders to explore how Black migration and memory have shaped life in Colorado—and how Black communities continue to create belonging against and beyond the state’s official narratives. Featured speakers include Trudi Morrison, Judge Gary Jackson, Cleo Parker Robinson, Dr. George Junne, Terri Gentry, and Adam Morgan Dempsey. The conference opens with a public reception and temporary exhibit at the Auraria Library on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Read the full day’s schedule and register at this link: https://www.msudenver.edu/africana-studies/black-world-conference/
University of Colorado Denver, School of Public Affairs First Fridays
Education Finance
Friday, February 6
8:30-10:00 a.m.
This First Friday event will examine education funding in Colorado, a relatively wealthy state that nonetheless invests comparatively little in its education system. Recent national data show that Colorado’s K–12 teachers are the lowest paid in the country when compared to similarly educated professionals, a challenge shaped in part by the constraints of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR).
The panel will explore Colorado’s education spending levels across the continuum, including early childhood education, K–12, and higher education, with particular attention to recent K–12 school finance legislation that changes how funds are allocated across districts (HB24-1448 and HB25-1320). Panelists will also discuss allocation of funds within districts.
This conversation comes at a pivotal moment. Colorado is experiencing a decline of more than 1% in student enrollment, with even sharper drops in many metro-area districts. These trends are reshaping the fiscal landscape and the future of education statewide.
More Information and Registration
In person:
Terrace Room (2nd floor), Lawrence Street Center
1380 Lawrence St, Denver, CO 80204
Virtually:
Zoom
Programming:
8:30 – 8:45 a.m. Check-in and breakfast buffet for in-person attendees
8:45 – 10:00 a.m. Programming for in-person and virtual attendees
This is a NextGen Public Service Leadership Academy approved event
Presented by the University of Colorado, Denver School of Public Affairs
Unleash the Cheetah: Why Entrepreneurship Beats Foreign Aid
Unleash the Cheetah: Why Entrepreneurship Beats Foreign Aid
Magatte Wade
“Unleash the Cheetah: Why Entrepreneurship Beats Foreign Aid” offers a provocative perspective on development economics and entrepreneurship. Her book The Heart of a Cheetah challenges conventional narratives about African poverty and makes a compelling case for institutional reform over aid dependency.
This is part of the Department of Economics’, Exploring Economic Freedom Lecture Series and sponsored by Young America’s Foundation. It’s a great opportunity for our students to hear from a successful entrepreneur and thought leader working at the intersection of business, policy, and development.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Tivoli Turnhalle
This is a NextGen Public Service Leadership Academy approved event
Presented by the MSU Denver Department of Economics
MSU Denver: President's Fireside Chat
Fireside Chat with Phil Washington
Join us for an inspiring Fireside Chat featuring MSU Denver President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., and guest Phil Washington, CEO of Denver International Airport, one of the most influential leaders in transportation today.
This dynamic discussion will explore:
- Phil Washington’s remarkable career journey and leadership philosophy
- His vision for the future of the Denver International Airport and its role in shaping the city’s growth
- Key insights into business strategy, innovation and transportation trends
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and engage in a conversation that connects leadership, innovation and the future of Denver.
Monday, March 9, 2026
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
CAVEA Theater (JSSB, Room 420)
This is a NextGen Public Service Leadership Academy approved event
Presented by the MSU Denver University Events.
Careers with Impact: A Public Service Career Fair
Careers with Impact: A Public Service Career Fair
Please join us for the Auraria Campus Spring 2026 Careers With Impact: A Public Service Career Fair, a collaborative event co-hosted by the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver), Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver), and the Community College of Denver (CCD)! This tri-institutional fair is designed specifically for students to connect with employers in industries that create significant social impact.
Wednesday, April 8
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Tivoli, Turnhalle
More information on C2Hub Events
This is a NextGen Public Service Leadership Academy approved event
Presented by the MSU Denver, Classroom to Career Hub (C2HUb)
C2Hub Events to Learn More and Register:
Check out upcoming signature career fair programming. Save the date and be sure to click on the links to RSVP/register to attend.
More InformationInstitute for Public Service
Contact Us
For questions or more information
Contact:
Shaun LaBarre, Director, Institute for Public Service
Phone:
303-605-7131
Email:
[email protected]
Campus Location:
King Center 484
Mailing Address:
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Campus Box 37
P.O. Box 173362
Denver, CO 80217-3362
