Program Overview
Upon admission to the NextGen Cohort, students embark on a carefully structured journey that bridges rigorous coursework with real-world application. The program begins with a year-long foundational course that introduces students to the complex systems shaping the lives of young people in New York City. Through the lens of community-engaged social work and education, students will be immersed in experiential learning. The course combines fieldwork, storytelling, activism, and interdisciplinary learning. Students will explore what it means to collaborate with children, families, communities, and institutions to advocate for uplifting young people’s and families' voices in one of the most diverse cities in the world. The course will culminate with an advocacy hands-on project developed in collaboration with community partners.
As they advance through the program, students will join partnerships with community-based organizations, schools, and public agencies in order to deepen their understanding of the strengths of our city’s youth. Before they graduate, students will take on research and experiential learning projects with those organizations.
