The Next GEN to Service program, a dynamic collaboration between United Way of San Joaquin County, the City of Stockton, and the San Joaquin County Office of Education, is dedicated to fostering the next generation of nonprofit leaders. This initiative provides an immersive experience into the nonprofit sector of San Joaquin County for high school juniors and seniors. Through student-focused learning and active engagement with local nonprofit boards, Next GEN to Service is shaping the future of community service. The program operates through two primary components designed to offer a comprehensive understanding of “Gen Service” in action.
COMPONENT 1: Student-Centered Learning for Future Service Leaders
This core component is structured to deliver a rich educational foundation for participating high school students. It’s designed to be holistic and directly relevant to the development of future service leaders. Key aspects include:
- Tailored Education: Spanning seven months, the program utilizes a person-centered curriculum. This curriculum is uniquely co-created with students, ensuring that the educational content directly addresses their interests and learning needs, making it highly relevant to their future roles in “gen service”.
- Integrated Training Approach: Students benefit from a blend of classroom-based learning and practical, hands-on training. This dual-method approach ensures they not only grasp theoretical concepts but also gain tangible skills through active participation, preparing them for real-world “gen service” scenarios.
- Direct Nonprofit Experience: A crucial element is the placement of each student within a nonprofit agency. These placements offer invaluable firsthand exposure to the day-to-day operations of diverse nonprofit organizations, providing a deep understanding of how “gen service” functions at the organizational level.
COMPONENT 2: Mentorship and Real-World Board Engagement in Nonprofits
The second critical component enhances the practical learning through direct mentorship and board engagement. This offers students a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to local nonprofits and understand “gen service” from a leadership perspective. Key features are:
- Nonprofit Board Membership: Selected students are offered the unique opportunity to serve as members on local nonprofit boards of directors. This direct involvement provides insights into the governance, strategic planning, and high-level decision-making processes that drive nonprofit organizations and shape “gen service” strategies.
- Active, Real-Time Contribution: Students are not passive observers; they actively participate in board discussions and contribute to real decisions. This real-time engagement connects their classroom learning directly to the current challenges and opportunities faced by nonprofit leaders, fostering a deep understanding of practical “gen service” leadership.
- Comprehensive Nonprofit Management Insight: By being active board members, students gain a thorough understanding of nonprofit management principles. This includes financial oversight, effective community engagement strategies, and the critical elements of strategic leadership within the context of “gen service” organizations.
