Next Generation Service Corps AY2025-2026
Annual Report for Academic Year 2025-2026
The Next Generation Service Corps, the anchor program of the Public Service Academy, in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
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Table of Contents Background..................................................................................................................................... 3 Highlights from the 2025-2026 Academic Year............................................................. 4 Next Generation Service Corps Program at a Glance in AY25-26........................ 6 10th Anniversary Celebration.................................................................................................... 8 Curriculum Updates.................................................................................................................... 10 Mission Teams............................................................................................................................... 12 Student Leadership..................................................................................................................... 15 Civilian Military Programming.................................................................................................. 16 Community Impact...................................................................................................................... 18 Internships....................................................................................................................................... 19 Community Partners................................................................................................................... 20 Graduates....................................................................................................................................... 21 Research and Evaluations........................................................................................................ 22 National Expansion Efforts........................................................................................................ 23 Fully Funded Out of State Conference and Exchange Experiences...................... 24 Recruitment and Outreach....................................................................................................... 25 What’s Next?.................................................................................................................................. 27 NGSC in the News..................................................................................................................... 29 Thank You......................................................................................................................................... 30
Background The Public Service Academy (PSA) debuted in 2015 with the intention to educate the next generation of public servants. At the time, it was the only program of its kind in the country. The goal was to lead a charge that other universities would follow. Today, the anchor program of the PSA is the Next Generation Service Corps (NGSC), which is positioned within the Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions. The Next Generation Service Corps is a four-year, undergraduate leadership development program with a two-year transfer-student track and three-year federal career track. Students study their chosen major while earning a Certificate in Cross-Sector Leadership. Students engage in practical elements of leadership, learn cross-sector collaboration, and complete internships working on real issues in the public, private, nonprofit and sometimes military sectors all while pursuing their own chosen social mission.
ASU's Next Generation Service Corps has started a movement with now 28 universities that are following Arizona State University's flagship model of design and success. In Fall 2025, we proudly celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the launch of the Public Service Academy, a decade marked by inspiring alumni success, meaningful programmatic accomplishments and a growing community committed to public service. As we build on this milestone, we look ahead with excitement and purpose to the work still to be done, as the Next Generation Service Corps continues to thrive and strengthen our national movement to develop public service leaders prepared to address the nation’s most pressing and complex social challenges.
Read the Public Service Academy Case Statement here:
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Highlights from the 2025-2026 Academic Year 488 ASU students across 151 majors were active members of NGSC. A total of 23% represented “very high” or “high” financial need status. Celebrated the NGSC’s 10th anniversary with seven events engaging more than 585 students, alumni, parents, friends, community partners, staff and faculty, including recognition during ASU’s Salute to Service and Homecoming football game, and the proclamation of November 14 as Next Generation Service Corps Day in Arizona. Partnered with ASU Media Relations & Strategic Communications to produce an anthem video showcasing the mission, vision and impact of the Public Service Academy and Next Generation Service Corps while featuring current students, alumni and key stakeholders. NGSC students completed over 400 internships across the private, public and nonprofit sectors. For a fourth consecutive year, a cohort of NGSC students, faculty and staff attended the United States Air Force Academy’s National Character & Leadership Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado and represented a civilian-service student corps.
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Hosted the largest NGSC Leadership Conference to date, including 488 students and 80 community leaders and alumni representing 56 organizations from the private, public, nonprofit and military sectors. Gift funding by Chuck and Linda Redman allowed for 11 student-led Mission Teams to implement community events, service days and educational programs alongside 12 community organizations. More than 100 alumni engaged throughout the year, participating in events including the NGSC Leadership Conference and 10th Anniversary celebrations while strengthening connections across cohorts and generations. Enhanced academic rigor across the Cross-Sector Leadership Certificate through the design and launch of a new foundational course, PAF 115: Fundamentals of Character and Leadership - Introduction to the NGSC. NGSC staff consulted with our NextGen National Network of Schools as subject matter experts on program development, curriculum design, faculty engagement, student recruitment/retention and leadership events during the ASU site visit and NextGen Member Support Retreat. Continued a longitudinal study, in partnership with three School of Public Affairs associate professors, to understand NGSC students’ work and service aspirations, public service motivations, civic engagement and growth. Launched a third pathway into the NGSC called the Accelerated Federal Career Track (AFCT) in partnership with the School of Public Affairs. Eleven students joined the AFCT and are preparing for leadership roles in the federal government. AFCT offers a seven-semester tuition scholarship for students pursuing an accelerated MPA and Cross-Sector Leadership Certificate, including a year-long Washington, D.C. experience. Over three years, students complete their undergraduate degree, earn both credentials and graduate from the Public Service Academy prepared for careers in federal service. The first cohort completed their first year and in summer 2026 the second cohort of 10 students were admitted. Read more about the launch of the NGSC Accelerated Federal Careers Track in this ASU News article.
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Next Generation Service Corps Program At a Glance in AY2025-2026 Total Number of Active Students: 488 as of Fall 2025 census on 21st day Residency
Total
% of Total
In State Students
341
70%
Out of State Students
147
30%
Number of States Represented
37
74%
Total
% of Total
Transfer Students (from AZ Community Colleges)
32
6%
Mesa Community College
8
25%
Phoenix College
4
12%
Estrella Mountain Community College
4
12%
Rio Salado College
2
6%
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
2
6%
Pima Community College
2
6%
Glendale Community College
2
6%
Scottsdale Community College
2
6%
Cochise College
1
3%
South Mountain Community College
1
3%
Maricopa Community Colleges
1
3%
Yavapai College
1
3%
Central Arizona College
1
3%
Paradise Valley Community College
1
3%
Total
% of Total
105
21%
Total
% of Total
Very High & High Need
115
23%
Moderate, Low and Not Available
373
76%
Community College Transfers
First Generation
Financial Need Level
6
NGSC Students by College (151 Majors)
Total
% of Total
Barrett, The Honors College
206
41%
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
131
27%
W. P. Carey School of Business
113
23%
Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering
101
21%
Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
25
5%
Health Solutions
23
5%
Edson College of Nursing & Health Innovation
20
4%
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
19
4%
College of Integrative Sciences and Arts
16
3%
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
14
3%
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
12
2%
College of Global Futures
7
1%
Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College
5
1%
Thunderbird School of Global Management
2
<1%
Total
% of Total
Tempe Campus
370
76%
Downtown Phoenix Campus
69
14%
West Valley Campus
25
5%
Polytechnic Campus
24
5%
Amount
% of Total
413
84%
Amount
% of Total
341/354
96%
Campus
Public Service Academy (PSA) Scholarship NGSC students were awarded $2.13M in PSA merit-based scholarships Retention Rate Fall 2024 to Fall 2025 (excludes students who graduated/summer anticipated)
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10th Anniversary Celebration In Fall 2025, the Next Generation Service Corps (NGSC) proudly celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of growth, impact and a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of public service leaders. What began in 2015 with a cohort of 86 students has grown into a thriving program with more than 450 current students and nearly 700 graduates. Over the 10th Anniversary Weekend, more than 585 students, alumni, parents, friends, community partners, staff and faculty came together across seven anniversary events to celebrate the people and partnerships that have shaped the program. The celebration also included special recognition on the field with ASU President Michael Crow and Ret. Lieutenant General Benjamin C. Freakley during ASU’s Salute to Service and Homecoming football game.
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The anniversary provided an inspiring opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the past decade while looking ahead to the work still to be done. From cross-sector leadership courses and internships to hands-on service and leadership experiences, the NGSC has continued to grow and inspire students to serve the public good. As we build on this milestone, we are energized by the strength of our growing community and the program’s continued momentum. With the launch of the Next Generation Service Corps Center, the NGSC is entering its next chapter with an expanded national reach, supporting universities across the country as they develop and sustain public service pathways for their students.
The 10th anniversary celebration was also recognized at the state level, with November 14 officially proclaimed Next Generation Service Corps Day in the State of Arizona. The proclamation, introduced by Representative Lorena Austin, invited members of the Arizona House of Representatives and all Arizonans to recognize and celebrate the profound impact of the Public Service Academy’s Next Generation Service Corps and its leaders on communities across the state. This recognition affirmed the important role NGSC students and alumni play in strengthening communities and advancing a culture of public service.
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Curriculum Updates The Cross-Sector Leadership Certificate (CSLC) continues to thrive within the School of Public Affairs. For the 2025-2026 academic year, NGSC engaged with 27 community organizations, representing 29 unique challenges in the classroom and in the field, for students to develop real-world solutions to complex social challenges. These challenges ranged from developing comprehensive social entrepreneurial business plans for nonprofit and public organizations to presenting fully vetted solutions to complex organizational challenges across all three sectors.
Examples of solutions include: A comprehensive social media rebranding plan. A data-driven framework to support ongoing system improvements and more efficient client navigation. A hybrid printed and digital report card system with QR code integration to improve parent/guardian engagement. Prototyped recommendations to increase access, reduce food waste and improve outreach to working families. A scalable, internship-based liaison role to improve communication between fundraising partners and the organization.
2025-2026 Curriculum Highlights New Opportunity: The NGSC, in partnership with Barrett, The Honors College, implemented an honors thesis alternative for students who are both NGSC and Barrett students, under the Barrett Thesis Pathways program. Beginning in the Fall 2025, students had a new opportunity to complete their NGSC Leadership Capstone and their honors thesis concurrently. This advancement streamlines our students’ ability to meet multiple requirements efficiently while maintaining academic rigor. At the completion of this academic year, nine students completed their honors thesis in conjunction with their Leadership Capstone. Examples of Thesis Projects Include: Designing a Unified Food Donation Framework for Tempe: A Systems Approach to Reducing Waste and Strengthening Community Access Bridging the Gap: How Behavioral Health Services Influence Student Engagement and Retention in Higher Education Mobilizing Community Voice to Protect Immigrant Healthcare Access in Arizona
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Pilot Project: To enhance real-world integration in the classroom, faculty created a “pilot” PAF 415: Social Entrepreneurship experience. For the first time, start-up organizations across all three sectors were recruited to work alongside our students. Together, student-led teams completed environmental scans, and stakeholder and empathy maps toward the development of individualized business models inclusive of funding source(s), collaboration opportunities, marketing campaigns and evaluation metrics. All products were shared with our community partners.
Principled Innovation Grant Award: The NGSC was successful in receiving a Principled Innovation Teaching Grant to support the reimaging of PAF 311: Leadership and Change. The Principled Innovation Framework guides our abilities to imagine new concepts, catalyze ideas and form new solutions, guided by principles that create positive change for humanity. With this grant, this renewed PAF311 course will be translated from online to an inperson format. It will reflect Principled Innovation character-driven framework in its updated curriculum, course materials, course assignments and student experience. The updated course is scheduled to go live during the Spring 2027 semester.
New Course: The NGSC received University support to develop PAF 115: Foundations of Cross-Sector Leadership. As a requirement for all incoming NGSC students, PAF 115 will provide a baseline for ethical decision-making, which is the cornerstone of effective character-driven leadership. This is accomplished through the examination and application of various leadership theories and models, and guided self-reflections, all through the lens of the public, private and nonprofit sectors. This new course went live with 140 students enrolled across four sections in Fall 2026.
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Mission Teams NGSC students form self-selected Mission Teams based on their interests in exploring and addressing complex social issues. Informed by ASU’s 9th design aspiration, Practice Principled Innovation, teams engage in student-led exploration, research and collaboration with community organizations, university affiliates and mentors throughout the academic year. Through Learning, Networking and Service activities, students deepen their understanding of their social mission while developing skills in crosssector collaboration, sustainability, cultural competence and inclusive practices. Drawing on these experiences, each team identifies an opportunity for action and collaboratively plans and executes an Action project that responds to an identified community need. At the end of the academic year, teams document their learning, partnerships and action in an Impact Report and present their work at the annual ASU Change the World event. Documented team activities are reflected in the table below. Mission Team Engagement Activites
#Completed
Learning
412
Networking
277
Service
241
Action
99
Total Activities
713*
*Of these, 249 activities were completed with community organizations.
Mission Teams included: Access to Healthcare Animal Rights Civic Engagement Co-Generational Community Development Criminal Justice and Security Cultural and Global Equality Disabilities Empowerment Education and Policy Energy and Climate Sustainability Environmental Sustainability Gender Equality Health, Wellness & Chronic Disease Prevention Homelessness Anti-Human Trafficking Hunger and Nutrition Immigration, Refugees and Migrants LGBTQIA+ Equality Mental Health Poverty and Economic Inequality Public Health Racial Equality Science, Tech and Innovation Sexual and Domestic Violence Prevention Veterans Healthcare and Services Water Access and Sustainability Wildlife Conservation Youth Development
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Projects included: Wildlife Conservation Mission Team: The Wildlife Conservation Mission team strengthened its commitment to environmental stewardship through education, community engagement and support for local conservation organizations. The team invested $186 to participate in a guided educational experience at the Phoenix Zoo, where members expanded their understanding of wildlife conservation, animal care and species preservation while learning directly from conservation professionals. This investment provided an opportunity to build knowledge, strengthen collaboration among team members and inspire future conservation efforts. The team also toured the managed wetlands at the Tres Rios facility, gaining first-hand insight into habitat restoration, water management and the vital role healthy ecosystems play in protecting Arizona's wildlife. Building on these educational experiences, the team extended its impact by organizing a fundraiser benefiting Liberty Wildlife, helping support the important work of a local nonprofit dedicated to wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation. Together, these initiatives increased environmental awareness, fostered meaningful community partnerships and equipped team members to become stronger advocates for wildlife conservation and the protection of natural resources.
Education Mission Team: The NGSC Education Mission Team invested $812 to deliver the NGSC College and Career Night at Paragon Science Academy, creating a high-impact college and career readiness experience for approximately 45 high school students. Over the course of a one-hour program, the event generated more than 45 student engagement hours through interactive career exploration activities, presentations and peer discussions. In partnership with ASU Career Services, students explored 5–10 college majors and career pathways using career planning tools such as O*NET, while gaining valuable information about scholarships, academic advising and postsecondary support services. The session also featured an ASU Career Services presenter and NGSC student panelists who provided authentic perspectives on navigating college and preparing for future careers. This initiative advanced the team's goal of expanding educational access and opportunity by equipping students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, with practical knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures. Through hands-on career assessments, direct engagement with higher education professionals and meaningful conversations with current college students, participants strengthened their understanding of available pathways and the steps needed to achieve their educational and career goals. The program demonstrates how a modest investment can produce measurable educational impact by increasing college awareness, career preparedness and student confidence in pursuing postsecondary success.
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Anti-Human Trafficking Mission Team: The Anti-Human Trafficking team focused on raising awareness of human trafficking while supporting vulnerable individuals and families through community partnerships. The team developed and launched an anti-human trafficking awareness initiative by designing bright blue stickers featuring the National Human Trafficking Hotline, creating a discreet and accessible resource for individuals in need. An investment of $126 funded the design and production of these awareness materials, turning targeted funding into a long-lasting community resource that increases visibility of critical support services and helps connect vulnerable individuals with life-saving assistance. The team also partnered with Hope Women’s Center to host a holiday toy drive, organized a food and hygiene donation drive benefiting Phoenix Starfish Place and supported a Chipotle fundraiser for Hope Women’s Center. The team's work demonstrated the power of combining education, outreach and direct service to create meaningful community impact. In addition, $130 was raised through the Chipotle fundraiser, providing direct financial support to Hope Women’s Center and helping expand resources for women and families in need. Together, these financial investments and community-driven efforts strengthened local partnerships, met immediate needs through donated goods and advanced long-term prevention by increasing public awareness and access to critical anti-human trafficking resources. Mission Team Mini-Grants NGSC Mission Teams are allocated funds to achieve their team goals and support them in creating a positive impact in the community. Each team is guaranteed $100 to initiate action projects and has the ability to request additional funding if needed to support the team's mission. During the 2025-2026 academic year, NGSC mission teams utilized a total of $1,743.25 to support community projects with various community organizations and ASU partners.
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Student Leadership The NGSC is a leadership development program designed to guide students in their journey to becoming character-driven leaders. As such, each student is required to serve in a titled leadership role. In the 2025-2026 academic year, students served in over 150 titled leadership roles across the ASU community. Many NGSC students fulfill this requirement by serving in one of 50+ titled student leadership roles within the program, such as Chief of Staff, Section Leader, or Mission Team Leader. The NGSC believes leaders can be taught and mentored to reach their greatest potential. Therefore, students must attend training and professional development opportunities to enhance their experience. This includes completing a leadership course over the summer, and participating in workshops, retreats, working sessions and coaching meetings throughout the year. NGSC Student Leaders are responsible for executing NGSC signature events, including the NGSC Mission Team Kick-Off, NGSC Leadership Conference and the NGSC Showcase at ASU Change the World. Each of these events hosts between 380 and 400 attendees annually, including students and community partners..
Students receive training in event planning, project planning, goal setting, problem-solving, decisionmaking, team building, time management, effective communication, conflict resolution and organization. As a limited number of NGSC Leadership positions are offered each year, students are encouraged to apply for leadership roles outside of the NGSC. Students have the option to serve in numerous leadership roles within the community, at work or in a student organization on campus. Most Common Leadership Roles Outside of the NGSC Leadership Team: On-Campus Community Assistant Fraternity or Sorority Officer Greek Leadership Village Assistant Sports Team Captain Student Club or Organization Officer Student Government Officer
Off- Campus Coach Community Organizer Manager Program Director Supervisor Youth Leader
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H.R. McMaster with NGSC students, staff and Lt. Col. Ryan Whipple, U.S. Army.
Civilian-Military Programming The Public Service Academy and Next Generation Service Corps were founded with the vision to develop military and civilian national service leaders, side-by-side, armed with the skills, networks and experiences to take on our most complex challenges. The goal for AY26 was to create shared experiences and connect the strengths of both civilian (NGSC) and military (ROTC) students to learn and understand common professional goals, whether related to national security, humanitarian aid, peacekeeping efforts or leadership development.
Chief of Public Service Cindy Parnell honored with U.S. Army Golden Knights skydiving jump for commitment to civilianmilitary collaborations.
NGSC students and staff with Arizona Military Leaders and LDNS team.
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NGSC students and staff with ASU’s Flag Officers Advisory Council.
Highlights include: ASU student delegation attended the U.S. Air Force Academy’s National Character and Leadership Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Recognition of military partners and leaders from U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine Corps and Coast Guard at the Public Service Academy’s 10th Anniversary Celebration. Hosted two military leaders who presented to NGSC students during the annual NGSC Leadership Conference and included Ret. General Christopher Miller, U.S. Air Force and NGSC Alumni and Training Officer Grant Navakuku, Arizona Army National Guard. Hosted an “invitation only” lunch between ASU’s Flag Officer Advisory Council and selected NGSC students to discuss leadership in complex times and to seek team leadership advice. Facilitated small group discussions between 15 Arizona military leaders and 20+ NGSC student leaders on topics such as ethics and values in decision making, failing and learning, and leadership. Chief of Public Service Cindy Parnell presented NGSC successes and impact at the Flag Officer Advisory Council meeting and recognized the commitment of General Benjamin Freakley and the full support of the FOAC to the NGSC. Engaged one Flag Officer Advisory Council leader to facilitate practice interviews at the Annual Leadership Conference. Cindy Parnell honored with U.S. Army Golden Knights skydiving jump for commitment to civilian-military collaborations. University of Virginia’s National Security Policy Center (UVA) welcomed two dozen students from UVA, Texas A&M University and ASU NGSC to a simulation of a gray zone conflict between the United States and China. Further development of the NGSC student-led Civilian-Military Committee. Confirmed the Committee Chair, Bradley Honer, Air Force veteran and NGSC student leader. NGSC Civil-Military Committee co-sponsored a lecture by H.R. McMaster titled, “George Washington and the Role of the Military in Our Democracy,” alongside the Army ROTC student club and hosted by ASU’s Lincoln Center for Applied Ethics.
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Community Impact NGSC students completed 524 Engagement Circle Activities in AY25-26. These activities are entirely optional and demonstrate students’ commitment to personal growth and community impact. NGSC leaders are socially and civically engaged lifelong learners. The NGSC Engagement Circle is intended to deepen members’ commitment to serving the greater good while encouraging personal and professional growth. Students are encouraged to use the Engagement Circle to capture the multitude of ways they engage and the full leadership development journey they are on while at ASU.
Engagement Activities Volunteer or Serve
Service is a way to say volunteerism and includes community service that helps a community outside of ASU, and is defined as unpaid service that helps the community.
Donate or Use Your Purchasing Power
Support causes and businesses that align with your values, help drive positive social, environmental or community impact through how you spend or give money.
Practice Inclusion
Recognize and value our differences—such as race, background and lived experience—to better understand communities and drive meaningful change.
Learn & Grow
Growth is being able to change and evolve over time as you move forward through new experiences and gain new understanding.
Cultivate NGSC Community Advocate for A Cause
Emphasize, manifest and embody the NGSC Values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity and Selflessness. Engage with communities and policymakers, raise awareness and use your voice and vote to drive impact.
Take Part in Civilian-Military Experiences
The Public Service Academy and NGSC were founded with the vision to develop military and civilian national service leaders, side-by-side, armed with the skills, networks and experiences to take on our most complex challenges.
Incorporate Sustainable Practices
Make thoughtful and intentional decisions on buying or consuming products. The ambition toward reducing global waste.
Build Your Network Participate in the Democratic Process
Build your connections with individuals across disciplines and learn from professionals of different backgrounds. Use your voice — through voting, advocacy and civic engagement — to shape decisions that affect your community and country.
Total Activities Logged in AY2025-2026 = 524 18
Internships In order to link the academic curriculum with real-world experience, NGSC members complete one internship in each of the public, private and nonprofit sectors. These internships provide students with hands-on opportunities to deepen classroom learning, explore potential career paths, expand their professional networks and develop skills that enhance future employment and continuing education opportunities. Students are encouraged to pursue experiences that align with and enrich their academic and career goals while gaining an insider’s understanding of organizational values, dayto-day operations and decision-making processes across sectors. Through these experiences, students develop a deeper appreciation for the distinct strengths, challenges and contributions of each sector and strengthen their capacity for cross-sector leadership. Internship Sector
# Completed
Nonprofit
114
Private/Corporate
145
Public/Government
149
Total Internships
408
Program Specialist Intern with the Town of Guadalupe Community Action Program.
Youth Conservation Corps Crew Member Internship with Saguaro National Park.
408 Internships completed by NGSC students in AY2025-2026.
Civil Administration & Judicial Assistant Intern with the Maricopa County Superior Court.
Arizona Attorney General's Office of Victim Services Intern.
Gameday Operations Intern with the MLB Athletics.
Cultural Content Curator with ASU SolarSpell.
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Community Partners Over 175 unique community organizations engaged in many ways with the NGSC, such as mentors, keynote speakers, classroom case studies, panel discussions, workshop presentations, Mission Team participation, internship hosts, event collaborations, curriculum development and service days. Nonprofit Sector: Aliento, Aliento Votes Campaign, Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Alta Bates Campus Birth Center, American Red Cross, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ARIS Foundation, Arizona Dance Education Organization, Arizona Financial Credit Union, Arizona Town Hall, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, Boys and Girls Club, Carbon Nation TV, Care About Climate, CoGenerate and Encore.org, Corazon Arizona, Dsquared Homes for the Homeless, Duet, Escalante Community Center, Feed My Starving Children, Gervonni Cares Inc, Goats with Horns Animal Sanctuary, Grace Community Church, GreenLight Solutions Foundation, Hope Women's Center, Hustle PHX, International Rescue Committee, Keep Tempe Beautiful, Love For Our Elders, Mayo Clinic, Million Dollar Teacher Project, NAMI Nonprofit, Phoenix Allies for Community Health (PACH), Phoenix Dream Center, Phoenix Zoo, Project CURE, Qmunity, Rise AZ Tutors, Ronald McDonald House, Sandy Hook Promise, Southwest Network, Special Olympics Arizona, St. Marys Food Bank, Teach For America, Tec de Monterrey, Tempe Community Action Agency, The Brandon Caserta Foundation, The Open Table, United Food Bank, Unity Salsa, Valley of the Sun United Way, Welcome to America Project, Wild at Heart Raptors, Women4Women, Zocalo Public Square and Zuri's Circle. Public/Government Sector: Arizona Army National Guard, Arizona Game and Fish, Arizona House of Representatives, Arizona Legislature, Center for Disease Control, City of Phoenix, City of Tempe, Department of Defense, Detroit Police Department, Luke Air Force Base, Maricopa Animal Care & Control, Maricopa County, Peace Corps, Phoenix College, South Dakota State University, Superior Court in Yavapai County, Tempe Municipal Court, Tempe Police Department, Tempe Union High School District, Town of Fountain Hills Parks and Recreation Division, Tucson City Court, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Government Accountability Office, Untied States Air Force, Untied States Air Force Academy, United States Army, Untied States Coast Guard, Untied States Marine Corps, Untied States Navy and University of Illinois at Chicago. Private/Corporate Sector: Arizona Public Service, Arizona Relationship Institute, Cigna, In-N-Out Burger, JP Morgan Chase, Kern Family Foundation, Mirabella, N-Drip, Raising Canes Chicken Fingers, Reddy Neuman Brown PC-U.S., Business Immigration Attorneys, Shamrock Foods Company, State Farm Insurance, The Spaghetti Shack and THEMA Health Services. Arizona State University: Barrett Residential Council and Barrett, The Honors College, Career Services, ChangeMaker Central, College of Health Solutions, Cultural Coalition, Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS), Enterprise Technology, Indian Students’ Association, Leadership Diplomacy and National Security Lab, Pastor Center for Politics and Public Service, Pat Tillman Veterans Center, SolarSPELL, Thunderbird School of Global Management, Unit for Data Science and Analytics, University Sustainability Practices, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
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Graduates In May 2026, the Public Service Academy graduated its 8th cohort of NGSC students, bringing the number of students who have completed the program to 700+ alumni. From degrees in accounting to gender studies, NGSC students have graduated with over 150 unique majors. Many students go on to work in the public, nonprofit or private workforce, while others continue to advance their education through graduate degrees. Since the first graduating class of NGSC students in 2019, top industries overall include government - local, national and international; healthcare; education; nonprofit; research; and internet and software. NGSC Alumni Chapter The NGSC Alumni Chapter continues to grow as an important part of the Next Generation Service Corps community. As the 22nd special interest chapter of the ASU Alumni Association, the chapter provides a lasting connection for over 700 NGSC graduates while creating meaningful opportunities for alumni to support current students, strengthen relationships across cohorts and remain engaged with the program long after graduation. More than 100 alumni engaged in NGSC events and activities throughout the year, including the NGSC Leadership Conference and 10th Anniversary celebrations. Alumni also participated in regional gatherings, mentorship opportunities, workshops, application support, service projects and connections with NextGen Service programs across the country. Recent gatherings in Washington, D.C., for example, brought alumni together with current students interning in the area, creating opportunities for mentorship and connection across generations. These connections demonstrate that the NGSC is more than a college experience. It is a lifelong network rooted in leadership, service and a shared commitment to making a difference in communities around the world.
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Research and Evaluations Research Dr. Ulrich Jensen, Dr. Susan Miller and Dr. Justin Stritch, faculty from the School of Public Affairs, are collaborating on a project to implement a longitudinal survey of NGSC students to track their experiences and attitudes throughout the program. The project, which began in 2023, aims to explore how service-learning influences students’ values, perceptions and career paths after graduation, while also informing program design improvements. Additionally, PhD candidate, Victoria Pham, worked on a project focusing on Public Service Career Exploration for NGSC students. Through interviews and focus groups, data was collected and is now being analyzed about students’ attraction to the NGSC program, their most valuable experiences and public service career choices. Evaluations PAF 215 Community Partner Experience Report by Dr. Paul Bentley This report captures the feedback and insights of community organizations that presented challenge statements and hosted students in the semester-long course, assessing the effectiveness of student engagement, curriculum rigor and community impact. Internship Hosts Survey Report by Blair Taylor This survey-based report summarizes the experiences of internship hosts, focusing on student performance, professionalism and the value interns brought to their organizations. Student Leadership Data Analysis Report by Morrison Institute This data-driven analysis evaluates NGSC student leadership growth as individuals and in teams, drawing from multiple academic years to identify trends and areas for program enhancement. NGSC Internship Supervisor Evaluation This evaluation captures feedback from individuals who directly supervise NGSC students during their internship experiences, providing insights into student performance, professional development, leadership skills and the ways students contribute to their host organizations. The feedback helps NGSC assess student growth and the quality of internship experiences while identifying opportunities to strengthen professional preparation and support for future students. 22
National Expansion Efforts Through a partnership with the Volcker Alliance, and coinciding with the 10th anniversary, ASU launched the Next Generation Service Corps (NGSC) Center, a national hub for universities implementing the Next Generation Service Corps program model. The center, which was publicly announced in November, is housed within Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions and provides partner institutions with tailored program development assistance, member retreats, training workshops and ongoing assistance to strengthen public service pathways for students across the country. Twenty-eight universities are now following Arizona State University's flagship model of design and success. NGSC staff supports the expansion efforts through consulting with member schools, hosting visiting delegations, leading and contributing to cross-network training for schools in the design and launch phases, coordinating student visits and experiences, and participating in various events, gatherings and conversation throughout the year.
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NGSC Exchange with South Dakota State University.
Fully Funded Out of State Conferences and Exchange Experience Each year the NGSC provides select students with fully funded opportunities to participate in transformative national conferences and to engage with the national network through exchange experiences that expand their perspectives and strengthen their leadership. In AY25-26, four students represented the NGSC at the National Character and Leadership Symposium at the United States Air Force Academy. Selected as ASU’s four civilian representatives, they engaged with national leaders on ethics, leadership and service. Four additional students attended the IMPACT National Conference at the University of Cincinnati, joining a national community of student leaders, educators and nonprofit professionals committed to service, advocacy and socially responsible work. Through the NGSC Exchange Program, four students also traveled to South Dakota State University to connect with and learn alongside students and leaders in another NGSC program within the national network. Each group traveled with an NGSC staff member, providing students with meaningful opportunities to build relationships with peers and professionals, exchange ideas across campuses and communities, and bring new insights and experiences back to the NGSC community.
NGSC students at the National Character and Leadership Symposium.
NGSC students at the IMPACT Conference.
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Recruitment and Outreach In AY26, recruitment efforts primarily focused on building engagement and strengthening relationships with local high schools and community colleges throughout the Valley Metro area. NGSC staff also expanded collaboration with ASU's Educational Outreach team, leveraging access ASU’s established relationships within the schools they serve to increase awareness of the Next Generation Service Corps, its application process, scholarship opportunity and key recruitment timelines. This partnership began in August with presentations to the full Educational Outreach team, introducing many staff members to NGSC for the first time and equipping them with the knowledge and resources needed to promote the program effectively. Throughout the recruitment cycle, regular check-ins and ongoing collaboration ensured that outreach staff remained informed of application milestones, enrollment updates and recruitment priorities. To support these efforts, NGSC and Educational Outreach co-developed marketing materials tailored to the preferred communication methods of individual schools and outreach sites, allowing for more targeted and effective engagement. These intentional partnership and outreach efforts resulted in an 83% increase in applications from schools served through the Educational Outreach partnership. Overall recruitment activities were further enhanced through classroom visits, virtual and in-person information sessions, collaborations with counselors and faculty, participation in college fairs, targeted digital communications and peer-to-peer engagement led by NGSC Student Outreach Ambassadors.
Recruitment and Outreach for Cohort 12/ Transfer Student Cohort 10 (starting Fall 2026) 381 Total Applications Received for Fall 2026
Fall 2025 NGSC application eligible students’ referral source breakdown by percentage. Mailing List (4%, gray), College Fairs (2.3%, orange), and Social Media (1%, light pink) are not visually represented on the chart due to scale.
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How did you hear about us?
Percentage
Number Reported
ASU Scholarship Universe
44.85%
170
Friends/Family
33.77%
128
Teacher/Counselor
17.41%
66
Current NGSC Student or NGSC Alumni
16.36%
62
Search Engine (Google)
7.39%
28
ASU Campus Tour
5.54%
21
ASU Staff
5.01%
19
Other
3.43%
13
School Presentation
2.37%
9
College/Career Fair
1.85%
7
NGSC Staff
0.53%
2
All Eligible Applicants Breakdown by Residency (Cohort 12/ Transfer 10)
Total (381)
% of Total
In State
221
58%
Out of State (36 states represented)
123
32%
Transfer Students (from AZ Community Colleges)
37
9%
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What’s Next? Our Focus: Civil Discourse As the NGSC looks to the year ahead, we are intentionally focusing on civil discourse, recognizing the importance of developing the skills and character needed to work across differences, engage in meaningful dialogue and collaborate toward progress in our communities. This focus will be woven throughout the NGSC experience, including events, courses, retreats and other opportunities for students to learn and grow together. Through this work, the NGSC will continue to serve as a training ground for the good, hard work of public service. Students will be encouraged to listen with openness and curiosity, challenge their own assumptions, engage perspectives different from their own, and develop the ability to build relationships, navigate differences, communicate across divides and remain committed to a shared purpose. These skills are essential to the next generation of leaders who will work to create positive change in their communities and throughout their careers.
Updating CSLC Courses to Address Gaps and Opportunities The CSLC curriculum is being updated to address gaps and opportunities, advance new structures and content, and ensure it remains relevant, rigorous, informative and engaging. This ongoing renewal formalizes accountability for faculty and instructors to consistently monitor and respond to societal changes through regular updates. With university support, PAF 115: Foundations of Cross Sector Leadership has been added for incoming NGSC students to build core skills and enhance the learning experience. This course is being implemented in Fall 2026. Further, the NGSC received a Principled Innovation Teaching Grant award to reimagine PAF 311 Leadership and Change by incorporating the Principled Innovation Framework and update the online modality to inperson for NGSC students. This course is expected to be implemented in the Spring 2027 semester.
NGSC Day of Service and Celebration Building on the momentum of the NGSC’s 10th anniversary, the program will establish a new annual tradition with the NGSC Day of Service and Celebration on November 14. Following the official proclamation of November 14 as Next Generation Service Corps Day in the State of Arizona, NGSC students, alumni and community members will gather each year to honor the program’s commitment to service through meaningful community engagement and celebration. Details for this year’s inaugural event will be announced as we prepare to come together on November 14.
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Advancing Civil-Military Integration and Leadership Development In the year ahead, we will deepen our commitment to civil-military collaboration by designing and implementing a dedicated ROTC and civil-military track within the annual NGSC Leadership Conference, led by the Civ-Mil Committee and ROTC student leadership. We will expand opportunities for ROTC cadets to engage in meaningful community service by coordinating their participation in NGSC Mission Team service days. We will continue to organize and prepare a joint NGSC/ROTC delegation to attend the National Character and Leadership Symposium at the U.S. Air Force Academy, further cultivating a pipeline of leaders equipped to serve alongside one another across military and civilian contexts.
National Security Mission Team This year, the NGSC will launch its inaugural National Security Mission Team, creating a new opportunity for students to explore the complex challenges facing our nation and the world. Founding members will help shape the team’s direction, learning experiences and connections while exploring topics including public service, emergency management, cybersecurity, intelligence, defense and homeland security. Through this experience, students will deepen their understanding of how leaders across government, nonprofit and private sectors work together to address complex national and global challenges.
Welcoming New Leadership to Watts College The NGSC welcomed Carissa Slotterback as the new dean of the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions in October. Inspired by the mission of the NGSC and deeply appreciative of the work of its students and emerging leaders, Dean Slotterback brings a strong commitment to public service and community impact. Her leadership will provide an exciting opportunity to strengthen the NGSC’s connection to the broader Watts College community and advance our shared commitment to preparing the next generation of public service leaders.
Growing the NGSC Team The NGSC is also excited to welcome Trisha Schulz as our new Program Coordinator for Recruitment and Outreach. Trisha brings a passion for creating meaningful change through community impact and a commitment to expanding opportunities for the next generation of leaders. In her role, she will help strengthen the NGSC’s recruitment and outreach efforts and build connections that introduce more students to the opportunities and community that define the NGSC experience. 28
NGSC In the News Articles ASU students hope film project leads to action to help fight hunger 2 young ASU alums win prestigious Congressional fellowships Alumna’s Deep Dive into Sustainability CDH Charitable Foundation donation will support scholarships for 3 separate units ASU Launches Next Generation Service Corps Center Next Generation Service Corps celebrates a decade of building leaders for a complex world ASU student government advocates for higher education at Arizona State Capitol Desert school, ocean science: How an ASU student found her calling beneath the waves 3 ASU leaders honored with skydiving jump for commitment to civilian-military collaborations Students and Experts from Across the Nation Join NSPC Military Crisis Simulation Videos Arizona State University Next Generation Service Corps, Anthem Video ASU Charter: Learning is for everyone Cantelme Scholars The NGSC Cantelme Scholars program, made possible through the generous support of the CDH Charitable Foundation, provides critical financial support and expanded opportunities for Arizona students committed to public service. The program supports high-financial-need Arizona high school graduates who are active members of the NGSC, providing $5,000 scholarships annually for up to four years. The scholarship helps reduce financial barriers while enabling students to fully engage in the distinctive academic, leadership, service and professional development opportunities offered through the NGSC. The program reflects the CDH Charitable Foundation’s longstanding commitment to supporting ASU students and aligns closely with the foundation’s legacy of service. Principled Innovation In 2026, the NGSC added a grant-funded, dedicated Principled Innovation Fellow to infuse Principled Innovation into the NGSC structure, operations and curriculum. Practice Principled Innovation — ASU’s 9th Design Aspiration — is a framework created by ASU which guides our ability to imagine new concepts, catalyze ideas and form new solutions, guided by principles that create positive change for humanity. The PI fellow spent the spring semester working closely with faculty, staff and students to lay the foundations of catalyzing Principled Innovation into the NGSC, while undergoing extensive data analysis of the NGSC’s student experience to provide recommendations for future growth. In the Fall 2026 semester, the PI fellow will implement changes, modifications, and improvements to the NGSC leadership development structure to align with Principled Innovation. Given that Principled Innovation focuses on character development and that the NGSC was founded on the principles of character-driven leadership, this melding of frameworks will be a frictionless way to enhance and refine the programmatic operations and outcomes of the NGSC and will instill in students and alumni lifelong values and virtues as they engage in public service.
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Thank you Special Thanks to our Professional Staff Kim Baldwin, Director Bryan Custer, Program Assistant Director, Student Retention and Success Lexi Lam, Project Manager Kellie Martin, Program Manager, Outreach and Recruitment Cindy Parnell, Chief of Public Service, Michael M. Crow and Sybil Francis Endowed Directorship at ASU's Public Service Academy Brian Robinson, Principled Innovation Fellow for the NGSC Trisha Schulz, Program Coordinator, Outreach and Recruitment Leah Thompson, Program Assistant Director, Student Leadership Special Thanks to our Course Instructors Kim Baldwin, Paul Bentley, Shana Ellis, Jessie Helmes, Brett Hunt, Breanna Lietz, Blair Taylor and Sarah Webber.
Special Thanks to our Donors Charles and Linda Redman David and Karen Morse Dixie Anderson-Capers in memory of Justin A. Capers Michael M. Crow and Sybil Francis Pat Cantelme Sr., Cathy Eden and Dale Henderson from The CDH Foundation The Volcker Alliance
Special Thanks to our Student Staff Sofia Aguilar, Jadden Campbell, Alicia Gil, Natalie Hanania, Denis Kartalija, Lennessa Mazo, Ava Smith, Nicholas Tomaiko and Angelina Vo.
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Contact Us Kim Baldwin Director Next Generation Service Corps Public Service Academy Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions Arizona State University kim.baldwin@asu.edu linkedin.com/in/kim-baldwin Cindy Parnell Chief of Public Service Michael M. Crow and Sybil Francis Endowed Directorship at ASU’s Public Service Academy Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions Arizona State University cindy.parnell@asu.edu linkedin.com/in/cindyparnell