University of Central Arkansas becomes the first in the state to join Next Generation Service Corps

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Officials with the University of Central Arkansas announced the school has joined the Next Generation Service Corps, a national network created by the Volcker Alliance to prepare undergraduate students for public service careers.

The partnership marks UCA as the first higher education institution in Arkansas to join the network, officials said.

According to a spokesperson, the Volcker Alliance awarded a $41,485 grant to the Department of Government, Public Service and International Studies in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences to launch the program. 

Kim Hoffman will lead the effort with Joe Howard and Kisha Hardwick, and the first cohort of students is expected to begin in January 2027, officials said.

“The Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies is committed to preparing students for careers in public service and inspiring them to become active participants in their community,” Hoffman said.

According to the Volcker Alliance, the Next Generation Service Corps operates at universities nationwide to equip students from all majors with collaborative leadership skills and public service experience.

The NextGen Service program will be open to all UCA students interested in civic engagement and public policy. Participants will take part in internships, community service, and professional networking with peers and leaders across the country, officials said.