Next Generation Service Corps

About this opportunity

The Next Generation Service Corps (NGSC) is a scholarship program offered through the Public Service Academy within Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Through a competitive admissions process, the program accepts approximately 100 first-time freshman and 20 third year transfer students, both in-state and out-of-state, each year. All students are eligible for 8 or 4 consecutive semesters of gap funding to cover base tuition, and benefit from engaging in various leadership development training and opportunities. As an interdisciplinary program, students in the NGSC represent nearly every major offered at ASU and complete program requirements in addition to their chosen major(s), minor(s), and/or certificate(s).

Thesis

Barrett NGSC honors students may complete their thesis requirement through their PAF 421 Capstone course. Honors students will complete a project-based thesis under the guidance of Dr. Paul Bentley, who will serve as the Thesis Director, and professor for the PAF 421 course, which will be a mix of Honors and non-Honors NGSC students.

• Students will concurrently register for PAF 421 Leadership Capstone (3 credit hours) and PAF 493 Honors Thesis (3 credit hours).
• Students will complete an Honors Contract in Canvas for PAF 421 to count for honors credits.
• This is a one semester thesis experience and can be completed in a fall or spring semester.
• The thesis will be a culminating project pitched to current NGSC mission teams.
• The required Thesis portfolio will include:
  • Prospectus (e.g., inclusive of a statement of purpose, project overview, and timeline)
  • (2) Outside Agency Feedback Reports:
    • Prior to completing the course’s final project and Pitch Night, students will present their project to two (2) outside agencies to gather feedback and refine their final pitch.
• Feedback gained from these presentations will be documented and submitted as part of the final Thesis portfolio.
• Additional supporting documentation and research required.

Outside Agency Feedback Report Example:

A student focused on healthcare policy might pitch their project to the Maricopa County Board of Health and State Farm Insurance, gathering insights and producing a 3-5 page report detailing key takeaways and revisions.

Academic Preparation

Students wishing to pursue this option must email Bryan Custer at [email protected], to request the override into PAF 493 and he will enroll you in the course.

This option is exclusively available to students who are part of both Barrett and NGSC.

Recommended Timeline

Barrett Students are encouraged to solidify plans the spring of their third year/junior year and plan to enroll for Fall semester PAF 421 and PAF 493.

Dr. Paul Bentley is available to you should you have any curriculum questions. He can be reached via email [email protected], or during his office hours located at the Stadium, Room 53C1C. Wednesdays 2pm to 3pm.

Other Honors Opportunities

The following courses count for automatic honors credit. No honors enrichment contracts necessary! 

• PAF 215: NGSC Community Impact Lab
• PAF 394: NGSC Leadership Instruction
• PAF 415: Social Entrepreneurship
• PAF 484: Internship