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The Next Generation of Leaders, a youth volunteer group posing in front of a fire truck

What is NextGenServe?

NextGenServe is a City volunteer service club for youth ages 13-18 that focuses on growing leadership skills and service in the Fort Collins community. Volunteers learn about a variety of career paths and work alongside trained staff in various settings, including Parks, Natural Areas, the Garden on Spring Creek, and local non-profits.

Check out the 2022 program in this short video

How to Get Involved:

Applications for 2024 are closed. Please keep us in mind for next year!

Applications will open on February 1st, 2025.

About the Program#

NextGenServe is a youth volunteer program designed for teens ages 13-18 who are passionate about exploring municipal careers through volunteer service.

By the end of the summer, teens will:

  • Volunteer alongside trained staff
  • Volunteer at over 15 different project areas
  • Earn up to 60 hours of service
  • Grow in job and leadership skills
  • Create lasting connections with peers who are passionate about serving the community

Scheduling Requirements#

Our program runs from June through August and is a commitment. However, we understand that summer is a time for vacations. In order to create a strong Crew, we ask that teens commit to at least 80% of the project days.

We will meet outside of City Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday of the summer. 

Note: On a few special occasions, the day will be extended outside of the normal project hours.

Program Benefits#

Program Benefits

Some of the benefits of this program include:

  • Resume building experiences
  • Develop job skills like communication, accountability, and teamwork
  • Earn up to 60 hours of volunteer service
  • Explore municipal careers
  • Behind the scene tours of departments
  • Connect with skilled staff
  • NextGenServe swag
  • Lasting friendships
  • Great memories

Key Dates#

Please consider the following dates:

Kick-off & parent info night 1: January 21st

Application open: February 1st

Parent info night 2: February 11th

Application Due: February 28th

Interview window: March 17th through 28th

Selection date: April 10th

Orrientation: June 7th

Projects: June 10th through August 7th

Fee & Scholarships#

To make NextGenServe sustainable, a $200 fee per child for the entirety of the summer will be needed to help cover transportation, food, supplies, and personal protective equipment. Scholarships are available to ensure accessibility. Please check back in for more about scholarships in the future. 

NextGen 2024 Highlights#

NextGenServe Logo

Teens trying on Fire Fighting suits

NextGenServe teens trying on fire fighting suits!

Teens feeding chickens

Teens smiling while feeding chickens.

Friends enjoying the view at Soapstone

Friends enjoying the view at Soapstone!

NextGenServe visits the Streets department.

NextGenServe visits the Streets department.

Teens and Utilities staff testing water quality in the Poudre River.

Teens and Utilities staff testing water quality in the Poudre River.

Teen holding a lifeguard tube

Teens practicing how to be lifeguards at City Park Pool!

A teen and a bucket of water

A teen looking at the macroinvertebrates at the Poudre River.

Teens on the bus to The Gardens on Spring Creek.

Teens on the bus to The Gardens on Spring Creek.

Teens with their hands in the air

Teens with their hands in the air while playing a game!