NextGen Public Service Leadership Academy

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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.

    • 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

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Fall Semester 2025 Information Sessions start Friday, August 29. 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.

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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.

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Learn more about the Institute’s Presidential Federal Internship Program (PFIP) and the D.C. experience at an upcoming in person or virtual PFIP Information Session

  • Pro-tip: On Friday, August 29 the Institute will host back to back NextGen and D.C. Internship Information Sessions in person 11:00-1:00, King Center, 4th Floor, PSC Conference Room 493. Come meet the Institute Director and learn about these flagship programs of the Institute.

Student Benefits

MSU Denver student Monica Ball. Photo by Alyson McClaran.
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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]

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