ASU makes major commitment to public service
Arizona State University will announce the launch of a new leadership training program and an agreement to hire alumni of national service programs such as Teach for America.
Beginning this fall, the Arizona State University Public Service Academy will teach leadership skills to undergraduate students who make a commitment to tackle some of society’s biggest challenges. Academy students will come from all majors and the university-based Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), making it the first in the nation to integrate cross-sector and civilian-military experiences.
The concept was inspired by former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw who profiled those who endured the Great Depression and served in World War II in his book “The Greatest Generation.” Brokaw has called for an emerging generation of Americans to rise up to meet the new challenges of an unpredictable world..
“ASU already has forged a new model for higher education; now it is blazing a new path for public service. In an era of global uncertainty, this is exactly the kind of educational initiative our country needs,” says Brokaw. “I hope many more universities start encouraging the desire to serve locally and globally, and to be engaged as citizens.”
The Public Service Academy includes a set of leadership courses and summer internships with nonprofit, government and private organizations. It will also offer students and ROTC cadets the opportunity to share experiences.
“We think the best way to go about this program is to give students the opportunity to take what they’ve learned at the Academy back to their other courses and into the community to make an impact,” says Jonathan Koppel, dean of the College of Public Service and Community Solutions. “We see the civil-military relationship as one that should be embraced. This is a critical aspect of the program, and that’s exactly the kind of hands-on and applicable learning our students will get.”
Arizona State University will also announce it has become a charter Employer of National Service by pledging to hire those who have a demonstrated commitment to public service as alumni of AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps.
“I am proud to welcome Arizona State University as an Employer of National Service,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency which administers the AmeriCorps program. “I applaud President Michael Crow for his leadership in making ASU an Employer of National Service. By taking this step, ASU is making a smart move to attract talented, dedicated, and experienced leaders that will help shape the next generation of service leaders.”
National service alumni offer employers skills like leadership, innovation, flexibility and goal-oriented problem solving. ASU was the first university to sign up as a charter member.
# # #
Who: Wendy Spencer, CEO, Corporation for National and Community Service; Jonathan Koppell, dean, College of Public Service and Community Solutions; Analisa Xavier, ASU graduate and Public Allies alumna; undergraduate students will be on hand for interviews
WHEN: Monday, March 30, 2015 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: San Carlos room, ASU Student Union @ downtown Post Office, 522 N. Central Ave
RSVP Info: Please RSVP at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/press-conference-with-wendy-spencer-registration-16282125275