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NextGen Public Service Leadership Academy
The NextGen Public Service Leadership Academy is a partnership between the Institute for Public Service, the MSU Denver Department of Political Science, and the Volcker Alliance.
The Institute for Public Service, NextGen Public Service Leadership Academy is a leadership and career development program designed for students of purpose, interested in leveraging their expertise for the public good. The program provides experiential learning opportunities and specialized academic courses to equip candidates for outstanding careers in government, nonprofit, philanthropy, public policy and other fields of social impact.
The Volcker Alliance Next Generation Service Corps 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 is designed to open the door to careers in public service for college students through curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and industry credentials.
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- Pioneering Civic and Leadership Curriculum
- Innovative Experiential Learning Opportunities
- Public Service Credential Pathways
NextGen Public Service Credential Pathways
NextGen Certificate and Microcredential
The NextGen Public Service Leadership Academy is designed to confer nationally-recognized certifications to students of all majors, positioning them as the next generation of leaders for government, nonprofit organizations, and other fields of social impact. Students completing the program requirements receive a Next Generation Service Corps Certificate from the Volcker Alliance, in addition to the Institute for Public Service credential.
Learn about the credential pathways at an upcoming Information Session.
Political Science Minor in Public Service
NextGen Academy students may also choose to pursue the new Public Service Minor offered by the MSU Denver, Department of Political Science. This credit-based academic program provides further specialized accreditation valuable to all majors and disciplines. The Public Service Minor pathway enjoys all the same student benefits of NextGen Academy membership.
Learn about the credential pathways at an upcoming Information Session.
Join us for an Information Session
Additional Spring 2026 Information Sessions coming in April. Learn about the program requirements, student benefits, and the application process.
- Pro-Tip: The NextGen Public Service Academy is open to all MSU Denver students from all majors and disciplines interested in a career in public service.
Start your NextGen Journey: Apply Today!
Open to All MSU Denver Students: Apply Today! Launching our Inaugural NextGen cohort January 2026!
Beyond pursuing the credentials and certifications, NextGen participants receive concierge career development to launch their social impact career with priority access to participate in other Institute programs including the Presidential Federal Internship Program (D.C. Internship), the Solution Studio, and Institute Fellowships.
- Pro-Tip: NextGen participation also provides a pathway to student benefits from the Volcker Alliance including the Summer Policy Academy and the Government Internship Award.
Why Join the NextGen Public Service Leadership Academy
Through the NextGen Public Leadership Academy students have access to career development resources and programs through the Institute and the Volcker Alliance NextGen National Student Network.
Launch Your Career in Public Service
Check out GovReady from our partners at the Volcker Alliance.
Discover 250+ government internships and fellowships at the federal, state, and local level. Find the right opportunity to start your journey in public service.
Student Benefits
- Nationally-recognized Public Service Credentials
- Pathway to the new Public Service Minor (Political Science)
- Access to opportunities through the Volcker Alliance:
- Priority Program Access to other Institute Offerings:
- Experiential Learning Career Readiness Support and Funding
The NextGen Public Service Leadership Academy is brought you in partnership with the MSU Denver, Department of Political Science, with support of the Volcker Alliance.
Questions? Contact Us.
MSU DENVER INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC SERVICE
Shaun LaBarre, Director,
Institute for Public Service
Phone
303-605-7131
Email:
[email protected]
