RU-N NextGen Leadership Academy Students Participate in Regional Public Service Event in New York
On March 6, a group of students from Rutgers-Newark's NextGen Leadership Academy, a program developed and operated by the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA), participated in a NextGen program regional event organized by the Volcker Alliance’s Next Generation Service Corps. Hosted by the Moynihan Center at the City College of New York in Harlem, students from four NextGen programs across New York and New Jersey, including Rutgers-Newark, Montclair State University, and Baruch College, met for a day dedicated to connection, collaboration, and professional growth.
The event included policy simulations where students worked together to identify solutions to public issues such as universal childcare, immigration, public safety, and civic engagement, as well as a networking session for students to learn and practice techniques for landing their next internship.
The group then welcomed four distinguished panelists at different stages in their careers who shared their journeys in public service, including:
- Ahsia Badi, Executive Director, NYC Children’s Cabinet, NYC Commission on Gender Equity
- Aissata M.B. Camara, Commissioner, NYC Mayor’s Office of International Affairs
- Jashawn Frederick, Director of Strategic Planning Operations, NYC Campaign Finance Board
- Daniel J. Ricci, Manager of Data and Compliance, NYC Economic Development Corporation
To close, the Volcker Alliance shared upcoming opportunities for NextGen students, including a new database of government internships and internship stipends, exclusive national networking and training opportunities, and the application for its Summer Policy Academy.
With the success of this first regional meeting, RU-N’s NextGen Leadership Academy is slated to serve as the host institution for the next event in early Fall 2026, with students from additional NextGen schools – including Pennsylvania State University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Baltimore – planning to attend.
Launched in Fall 2025, the NextGen Leadership Academy at Rutgers-Newark is an innovative program offered by the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) that aims to inspire RU-N undergraduate students from all majors to explore public service careers and equip the next generation of civic leaders with the skills they need to make an impact in their communities and beyond. To learn more, reach out to Dr. Briana Huett at briana.huett@rutgers.edu.
About the Next Generation Service Corps
The Next Generation Service Corps is a national network of undergraduate students who are committed to serving their communities and shaping the future of our democracy. Comprised of 28 universities across the country, NextGen programs introduce college students from all majors to public service values and build practical, collaborative leadership skills required for impactful public service careers. Through the program, students are introduced to the power and potential of public-facing careers, whether in government, nonprofits, or the private sector, and receive targeted support to navigate the job market and build lasting professional networks.
