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.
Program overview
Civic Leaders NextGen Patch
The application for the Civic Leaders NextGen patch is now available! The application includes 5 required sections: 1) Your Info; 2) Classes; 3) Signature Events; 4) Service and; 5) Connecting the Dots. Individuals with a UW NetID can (pdf).
Applications can be submitted any time, but if you are graduating early and need a patch sooner, please email uwbocl@uw.edu and let them know when your deadline is. Otherwise, applications are reviewed in early May 2026, and patches will be available to pick-up in late May in the Truly House.
Public Policy and Leadership
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.
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.
 – Tuesday, October 21 from 6:30-8:30pm (UW Club, Seattle Campus)
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.
Scholarships and Awards
-  – due October 21
-  – due November 17
-  – this national award recognizes students who demonstrate inspiring leadership qualities through civic and community engagement. Students who receive the award are leading change on their campuses and in their communities and inspiring their peers to do the same. Faculty, staff, students and community partners are eligible to submit nominations. Nominations due October 13th and applications due October 31.
- UW Bothell Student Civic Leadership Award – two outstanding student leaders are recognized with this award each year. The awards recognize students who are addressing critical issues on their campuses and in their communities through civic engagement and social entrepreneurship. Faculty, staff, students and community partners are eligible to submit nominations. Self-nominations are welcome. Nominations and applications due December 3.
- Newman Civic Fellowship – a year-long program that recognizes and supports student public problem solvers. Throughout the fellowship year, Campus Compact provides students with opportunities to nurture their assets and help them develop strategies for social change—creating a network of connected and engaged student leaders who can support one another in making positive change. Students who are nominated (or who self-nominate) for the Student Civic Leadership Award above will automatically be considered for the Newman Civic Fellowship if they meet the eligibility requirements. UW Bothell selects one Newman Civic Fellow each year. Applications due December 3.
Civic Health Initiatives
The University of Washington establishes the Civic Health Initiatives to revitalize the nation’s civic health through fostering trust, collaboration, and engagement in local communities. It invests in cultivating future civic-minded leaders, renovating/strengthening public institutions, and clearing a path of civic participation in the hope of enhancing civic engagement and confidence in public institutions. UW further develops a concept, the Democracy Test Kitchen, to review core definitions and methodologies from UW centers/labs/initiatives related to community problem-solving and invite staff and faculty to participate in a design session on planning the project layout.
: this page managed by the Office of the Provost shares voting resources, tools, and other useful aids. Reference this page for accurate information on democracy and elections.
Questions?
For questions, message Connected Learning at uwbocl@uw.edu or visit the .
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