UK Students to Contribute Globally Through Prestigious NextGen Service Fellowship

Empowering Future Leaders: University of Kentucky Partners with Rockefeller Foundation

The University of Kentucky reportedly received recognition for its contribution to global education and leadership development by becoming a university partner for a newly launched international service fellowship. This prestigious fellowship, introduced by the Rockefeller Foundation and managed by the Institute for International Education (IIE), is designed to offer U.S. college students, from ten partner universities, hands-on experience in international development to address the needs of vulnerable communities worldwide.

Reports indicated that the NextGen Service Fellowship program would fund 50 students to work with disadvantaged communities globally. It aims to inspire the next generation of American public service leaders through immersive experiences in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria, including U.S. citizenship, an interest in humanitarian or development careers, a minimum age of 21, and demonstrated qualities like academic merit, leadership, responsibility, and adaptability. Selected fellows will participate in a four-week summer 2025 project hosted by NGOs, with options for pre-existing programs or placements through the IIE in Ethiopia, Mexico, or Southeast Asia.

Sue Roberts, the associate provost for internationalisation at the university, reportedly described the fellowship as a valuable initiative by the Rockefeller Foundation. She emphasised the program's importance in providing students with rare, hands-on international service-learning opportunities, often difficult to access and fund. She also highlighted its role in opening new pathways for students to expand their horizons.

Interested applicants were encouraged to contact Pat Whitlow, director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards, at pat.whitlow@uky.edu for assistance with the application process. This support is available for both undergraduate and graduate students. As Kentucky’s flagship land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky reportedly remains committed to advancing the Commonwealth by focusing on students, transforming lives through education, research, service, and health care, and fostering innovation. Representatives described this as being made possible through its people, including visionaries, disruptors, and pioneers contributing to its 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research enterprise, and a world-class medical centre, all located on one campus.

Editor’s Note:

The University of Kentucky’s role in the NextGen Service Fellowship marks an important step in promoting global education and leadership. As one of the chosen university partners for this program, the university is giving its students the chance to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable communities around the world. Supported by the Rockefeller Foundation and the Institute for International Education (IIE), the program offers hands-on learning experiences in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. The fellowship tackles global challenges and highlights the University of Kentucky’s focus on innovation, education, and service. 

Skoobuzz underlines that by providing students with practical skills and international experience, the program helps prepare them to become future leaders who will create positive change both locally and globally.