NextGen Leaders for Public Service program is a Schaefer Center for Public Policy initiative designed to inspire and prepare University of Baltimore students from all majors to explore careers in public service. The program includes paid internship experiences, co-curricular activities, and academic programs to support and prepare students interested in careers in government and nonprofit sectors. The UBalt NextGen Leaders for Public Service program is a member of the Volcker Alliance NextGen Service Corps initiative.
UBalt students interested in a paid internship experience should review the NextGen Leaders for Public Service listing of host sites. NextGen Leaders internship host sites include a range of opportunities to work in Maryland State, Local, and Municipal Government, Maryland Nonprofits, and Baltimore Community Development organizations. As part of the application process, students will designate their top choices for interviewing with the host site.
Spring Applications OPEN!
Spring Internships will begin January 28th (15 weeks)
If you are a freshman or sophomore interested in the NextGen program, you can join the NextGen Leaders of Public Service Club and stay updated with events and information!
Leeman Harrington is a NextGen Leader for Public Service at Maryland Public Television, learn more about his service and hear from Chloe Johnson, HR Project Specialist for MPT about the benefits of being a host site.
More information about Maryland Public Television can be found at www.mpt.org
"I would encourage a potential funder or host site that by investing your time or money into this program is an investment in the next generation of leaders in Maryland. Governor Moore says that this is going to be Maryland’s decade, and the NextGen program at the University of Baltimore is one of the engines of this goal." "Young people need to see that critical investment into their future. For host sites, you get an intern – free of cost, what more can you ask for? For investors, you are giving opportunities for young people to get an opportunity to work in the public sector, which is in need of young leaders." - Conor Curran, NextGen Leader, Maryland Department of Transportation
How it works
Launched in Fall 2022, the NextGen Leaders program provides a range of opportunities including academic programs, paid professional experiences, co-curricular experiences, and cohort experiences. The program is designed to allow students to participate in as many or as few experiences as they wish.
Students who complete a pre-determined set of experiences earn a NextGen Leadership credential certifying that they have completed the NextGen Program.
Academic Programs
The academic component of the NextGen Leaders program includes an option for students from any major to pursue a minor in public service (undergraduate) or a non-credit certificate (undergraduate or graduate) in Public Service Leadership. Graduate programs in the College of Public Affairs also meet the academic requirement.
Paid Professional Work Experiences
Under the NextGen Leaders umbrella are a variety of paid professional work experience available to undergraduate and graduate students.
Schaefer Center Graduate and Doctoral Fellowships provide outstanding University of Baltimore students the opportunity to work alongside Schaefer Center researchers and faculty members on applied research, program evaluation, policy analysis, and leadership development programs for government and nonprofit organizations. Schaefer Center Fellows receive full tuition remission and a stipend while working at the Center 20 hours per week.
NextGen Leaders for Public Service Program provides graduate and undergraduate UBalt students from any major with the opportunity to explore careers in public service through paid internships. Public Service Interns can work in any state, county, or local government agency in Maryland. Internships generally last 15 weeks. Interns work 10-20 hours per week, earn $15 per hour, and have the opportunity to earn academic credit (with prior approval from their internship coordinator).
Community Development Fellowships provide dynamic, motivated students who have a strong interest in effecting positive change in urban areas the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and gain hands-on development experience. By matching students with organizations that directly support Baltimore neighborhoods, this fellowship program aims to improve the city while cultivating the next generation of community development leaders. This program is open to graduate and undergraduate students. Fellows work 10-20 hours per week, earn $15 per hour, and have the opportunity to earn academic credit (with prior approval from their internship coordinator).
Rosencrantz Local Government Fellows program places the College of Public Affairs’ best and brightest undergraduate and graduate students into paid fellowship positions in Maryland counties and municipalities. Fellows are generally placed in an office of a County Executive, County Administrator, Mayor, or Councilmember. Fellows work 10-20 hours per week, earn $15 per hour, and have the opportunity to earn academic credit (with prior approval from their internship coordinator).
Co-Curricular Experiences
Students participating in the NextGen Leaders initiative have access to a wide variety of co-curricular experiences including events and conferences focused on government and public service; professional development workshops; site visits with government agencies; and public service events. In addition, participants are expected to work with the Career Center to polish their resume and interviewing skills.
The NextGen Leaders program will also provide mentoring to students interested in becoming a Presidential Management Fellow, Fulbright Scholar, Whitehouse Fellow, or Intern in the Maryland Governor’s Intern Leadership Program.
Cohort Experiences
Participants in the NextGen Leaders program will have the opportunity to participate in a fall kick-off retreat and a spring closing retreat. Students will have fun getting to know their peers, participating in workshops and seminars, and learning about themselves. The NextGen leadership team will work with a group of NextGen students to plan the retreats.
Digital Badges
Students who complete a prescribed set of NextGen Leaders activities will be able to earn digital badges recognizing them as NextGen Leaders. The badges can be included in LinkedIn profiles, in an email signature, or on a resume. Clicking on a digital badge will take the reader to description of the credential and its requirements.
For more information, contact Pat Mikos, Manager, NextGen Leaders for Public Service Program at 410.837.6234 or by email at pmikos@ubalt.edu.
The Volcker Alliance
The Volcker Alliance is a nonprofit founded by former Federal Reserve Board Chairman Paul A. Volcker, dedicated to advancing his vision of an empowered public sector workforce.