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NextGen Service Corps News

UCA students participate in NextGen Service Corps Summer Policy Academy

Two students pursuing BPA degrees in Public Administration at UCA – Kylie McGraw and Abigail Wells – participated in the Next Generation Service Corps Summer Policy Academy in June 2026. The Summer Policy Academy is a fully funded professional development program designed to empower undergraduate students to explore careers in public service, network with public service professionals, and learn more about specific policy issues. The Summer Policy Academy is funded by the Volcker Alliance. The students spent one week in Washington DC, including meetings with public service professionals and visits to federal government agencies.  Subsequently, Kylie spent two weeks at the University of California-Berkeley in the Democracy & Law Policy Program, and Abigail spent two weeks at the University of Washington-Seattle in the Social Policy Program.  Both students received a $1,000 stipend upon program completion and had access to career readiness resources and career mentorship. UCA is launching its NextGen Service Corps program in 2026-2027.

 

Posted in: NextGen Service Corps on August 27, 2026

GPI Department awarded grant for NextGen Service program

Next Generation Services Corps logo

The University of Central Arkansas has partnered with the Volcker Alliance to join the Next Generation Service Corps (NextGen Service), a nationwide network of higher education institutions committed to preparing undergraduate students for public service. UCA is the first institution of higher education in Arkansas to join this network to inspire and prepare students to serve their communities.

The Volcker Alliance awarded a $41,485 grant to the Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies (GPI) in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences to design and launch the NextGen Service program on the UCA campus. Dr. Kim Hoffman will lead the development of the program along with Dr. Joe Howard and Dr. Kisha Hardwick. The first cohort of students will begin the program in January 2027.

“The Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies is committed to preparing students for careers in public service and inspiring them to become active participants in their community,” Hoffman said. “We envision UCA as the place where young people come to learn about public service and gain practical skills to become the next generation of leaders, policymakers and public administrators.”

The NextGen Service program will be open to all students, regardless of major, who express an interest in public service, civic engagement and solving public policy problems. Students in the program will engage in experiential activities including internships and community service activities, enjoy access to exclusive events and activities, network with public service professionals, and engage with other students from across the country who are dedicated to public service.  Read more about our department’s plans to join Next Generation Service Corps on UCA’s news pager here.

Posted in: NextGen Service Corps on October 14, 2025