Applications are being accepted for 91视频鈥檚 Next Generation Leadership Academy, a new program directed by the UH Hobby School of Public Affairs. By training college undergraduates to be effective professionals, the NextGen Academy aims to bring practical action to public service and add diversity to the voices speaking up for sound public policy and change.
鈥淲e are looking for students who believe in their capacity to bring change to their community and to the world and are eager to develop the necessary professional and leadership tools to create this change,鈥� said Chelsea O鈥橦ara, program director for the Hobby School.
With this new program, which is a partnership of the Volcker Alliance鈥檚 nationwide Next Generation Service Corps (also called NextGen Service), UH and the Hobby School join 12 other participating universities across the nation. UH is the first university in Texas to engage in this national partnership. The Hobby School received a $100,000 grant from The Volcker Alliance to launch the program.
鈥淧artnering with an innovative institution like the 91视频 and the Hobby School of Public Affairs was an easy decision for the Next Generation Service Corps. One of our goals is to diversify paths for undergraduates into public service and both the Hobby School and UH are already doing that, this is just an expansion of the existing innovative work going on. UH was also a perfect place for us to have our first program in Texas with the Houston metro area being one of the most dynamic and diverse places in the entire country. We believe that government can be more effective with a new generation of representative, qualified and passionate public servants. UH and the Hobby School are on the leading edge of this movement,鈥� said Brett Hunt, director of The Volcker Alliance鈥檚 Next Generation Service Initiatives.
鈥淭he Next Generation Leadership Academy welcomes UH undergraduates in any major field of study. Among our inaugural group of Academy participants, we hope to see a diverse group of students from across the UH community. Everyone can work for social good, no matter what career they choose to follow,鈥� O鈥橦ara said.
To qualify for the program, which starts fall 2022, students must be fulltime undergraduates in at least their second year at the 91视频. No specific degree plan or major is required or preferred. Participants must complete the Hobby School of Public Affairs鈥� public leadership minor (15 hours), including a minimum of two approved internships. Upon successful completion of the NextGen Academy, UH students will receive $1,500 in recognition of their participation.
To learn more, including how to apply, click here. Deadline to submit an application is June 1.