Public service usually sounds like a snooze fest. Mention it to a college sophomore and they’ll probably picture a dusty government office or a local DMV where the printer has been broken since 2012. But the ASU Next Generation Service Corps—or NextGen as the students call it—basically flipped the script on what it means to be a "leader."
It’s not just about politics. Actually, it’s hardly about politics at all.
Started back in 2014 through the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, this program was a gamble. Arizona State University President Michael Crow and the Volcker Alliance wanted to see if they could train students to solve massive social problems by working across different sectors. Think about it: why does a non-profit struggle to talk to a Fortune 500 company? Why does the government feel like it’s speaking a different language than a tech startup? NextGen tries to bridge that gap.
It’s a four-year commitment. That’s a long time.
What the ASU Next Generation Service Corps actually looks like on the ground
If you walk into a NextGen meeting, you won't just see political science majors. You'll find engineers, poets, future nurses, and business students. They’re all grouped into "Service Tracks." This is the meat of the program. These tracks focus on things like sustainability, education, or public health.
You aren't just sitting in a lecture hall. The program forces you to do three internships. One has to be in the public sector (government), one in the private sector (business), and one in the nonprofit world. It’s kinda grueling. Imagine trying to balance a chemistry degree while interning at the State Capitol and then moving to a local food bank the next semester.
But honestly, that’s the point.
The ASU Next Generation Service Corps operates on the idea of "character-driven leadership." It’s a bit of a buzzword, sure, but in practice, it means the program looks for people who actually care about the community rather than just padding a resume. There’s a military connection too, which a lot of people miss. The program was inspired by the service models found in the military, but it's designed for civilians. You get a uniform—a polo shirt, usually—and you stand for something.
The Financial Reality
Let's talk money because college is expensive and nobody wants to go into debt for a "vibe."
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Members of the corps get a base scholarship. It’s not a full ride for everyone, but it covers a significant chunk of tuition for Arizona residents. For out-of-state students, it helps take the edge off. But you have to earn it. If your GPA slips below a 3.0, or if you miss the mandatory "Public Service Academy" sessions, you're out. It’s high stakes.
Why cross-sector leadership is harder than it sounds
Most people think they can just "collaborate." It’s a lie.
True collaboration is messy. A business major wants efficiency and ROI. A social work major wants empathy and long-term support. When you put them in a room together to solve homelessness in Phoenix, they’re going to argue. The ASU Next Generation Service Corps uses these friction points as teaching moments.
Take the "Mission Solutions" course. It’s a signature part of the curriculum. Students are handed a real-world problem—like how to improve digital literacy in rural Arizona—and they have to pitch a solution that works for everyone. You can't just suggest a government grant because grants run out. You can't just suggest a private app because people might not be able to afford it. You have to find the middle ground.
It’s exhausting work.
One of the coolest things is the "Civilian-Military" component. ASU brings in retired generals and high-ranking officials to talk about crisis management. You might be a freshman music major, and suddenly you’re listening to a 3-star general explain how to coordinate logistics during a hurricane. It gives you a perspective on "service" that most civilians never get.
The Network Effect
You’ve probably heard the phrase "it's not what you know, it's who you know." NextGen takes that seriously. Because the program is part of the Volcker Alliance’s "Government for a New Generation" initiative, the networking is insane.
- You get access to mentors who are actually running cities.
- The alumni network is growing into a massive web of young professionals in D.C., Phoenix, and abroad.
- There are "career treks" where students go to places like Washington D.C. to meet with the State Department or the FBI.
Common Misconceptions about NextGen
A lot of people think this is just a fancy volunteer club. It's not.
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If you just want to do community service on the weekends, join a fraternity or a campus club. The ASU Next Generation Service Corps is a formal academic program. It appears on your transcript. It requires specific coursework like PAF 311: Leadership and Change and PAF 410: Public Service Practice. It’s an academic commitment that happens to have a heavy social component.
Another mistake? Thinking it’s only for "Type A" personalities.
While there are plenty of overachievers, the program actually needs "Type B" folks—the thinkers, the behind-the-scenes organizers, and the tech geeks. If everyone is trying to be the "leader" in the front of the room, nothing gets done. The corps teaches you how to follow and how to support, which is arguably more important than being the person with the microphone.
The National Impact and the "NextGen" Expansion
ASU wasn't content just keeping this in Tempe.
Because the model worked so well, it started a bit of a movement. Now, other universities are looking at the "Public Service Academy" model. It’s part of a broader national network. They’re trying to prove that you don’t need to be in the military to have a "service-year" experience during college.
Is it perfect? No.
Sometimes the bureaucracy of a massive school like ASU can make the program feel a bit rigid. Students often complain about the sheer number of required meetings. And let's be real, balancing the corps with a heavy STEM major is a nightmare for some. But the retention rates are surprisingly high. People stay because they find a "tribe."
In a world where everyone is siloed in their own echo chambers, being forced to work with people who think differently is a superpower.
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How to actually get in (and stay in)
Don’t just write a generic essay about how you "want to help people." Everyone says that.
If you’re applying for the ASU Next Generation Service Corps, talk about a specific problem you’re obsessed with. Maybe it’s the fact that your hometown doesn't have a recycling program. Maybe it’s the way veteran healthcare is handled. The admissions team wants to see a "spark" of civic curiosity.
Once you’re in, the real work starts.
- Map your four years early. Don't wait until junior year to think about your three sector internships.
- Lean into the discomfort. If you're a business student, do your nonprofit internship at a place that challenges your worldview.
- Use the "Success Coaches." The program provides staff whose entire job is to make sure you don't burn out. Use them.
The program isn't just about getting a job after graduation. It’s about becoming the kind of person who doesn’t wait for someone else to fix a problem. Whether you end up as a CEO, a school teacher, or a city council member, the "NextGen" stamp means you know how to talk to the person across the aisle. And honestly, we need a lot more of that right now.
Actionable Steps for Prospective Students
If you are considering joining the corps, start by attending one of the virtual information sessions hosted by the Watts College. Don't just look at the website; talk to a current member. They will give you the real story—the late nights, the internship struggles, and the "aha" moments. Check your eligibility for the Public Service Academy scholarship immediately, as the priority deadlines usually hit in early spring.
For those already at ASU, look into the "Certificate in Cross-Sector Leadership." Even if you aren't in the full corps, you can often take the classes. It’s a way to test the waters without the full four-year commitment. Ultimately, the program is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires a fundamental shift in how you view your career—not as a ladder to climb, but as a platform to serve.
Next Steps for Your Search:
- Check the current Watts College scholarship portal for the NextGen application deadline.
- Download the Service Track list to see which social issue aligns with your major.
- Research the Volcker Alliance to understand the national framework behind this specific ASU model.