IIGE students shine in International Education Week, Summer Policy Academy

UW Tacoma Students Make Their Mark at NextGen Summer Policy Academy

Four outstanding students--Eamon Challinor, Amandeep Kaur, Chrystal Gonzales, and Natalie Smith--from the Institute for Innovation and Global Engagement's NextGen Civic Leader Corps Program, participated in the prestigious NextGen Service Summer Policy Academy this past summer. Hosted by the Volcker Alliance, this immersive program brings together civic-minded undergraduates from across the country to explore careers in public service and tackle real-world policy challenges. Participants receive a $1,000 stipend, and all expenses—including travel, lodging, and meals—are fully covered by the program.

The academy began with a dynamic week in Washington, D.C., where students engaged with policymakers, visited federal institutions, and attended professional development sessions. Participants then traveled to one of three host universities for two weeks of specialized policy training:

Eamon Challinor and Natalie Smith attended the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, which focused on Global Policy, examining international relations, diplomacy, and global governance. Chrystal Gonzales studied at the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Washington Seattle campus, where the emphasis was on Social Policy, addressing issues such as poverty, education, and criminal justice reform. Amandeep Kaur also joined the University of Washington cohort, contributing to discussions and projects on social policy challenges.

Through hands-on projects, networking opportunities, and exposure to leaders in government and nonprofit sectors, these students gained invaluable insights into the complexities of policymaking and the importance of public service. Their participation underscores UW Tacoma’s commitment to preparing the next generation of civic leaders.

NextGen student Chrystal Gonzales reflected how the NextGen Summer Policy Academy has changed her career trajectory. “The NextGen Summer Policy Academy was so inspiring! There are real people out there defending the constitution every day. It built my civic confidence. It gave me the confidence to have my ideas heard and push things.”

Gonzales also shared a particularly important message. “You are welcome and wanted by your government and will be desperately needed in the coming years.”

One of the greatest benefits of the NextGen program at UW Tacoma is that it welcomes students from any major, because public service needs diverse perspectives and skill sets from accounting and engineering to social sciences and the arts. Policy challenges are complex, and solving them requires expertise across disciplines. As Amandeep Kaur, a participant in the NextGen Summer Policy Academy, shared:

“Even though I’m naturally introverted, the environment pushed me to step outside my comfort zone. The conversations I did have—with faculty, policy experts, and my cohort—were incredibly meaningful. I left feeling more confident, more curious, and more committed to public service than when I arrived. Overall, this experience made me feel reassured that my accounting background isn’t separate from public policy—it can actually be a foundation for the kind of impact I hope to make in government work. I’m extremely grateful I had the chance to learn from such passionate people and be part of a cohort so dedicated to public service.”

Students Shine in International Education Week Study Abroad Presentations

During International Education Week (Nov 17-21, 2025), students funded by the Institute for Innovation and Global Engagement's Study Abroad Awards presented their global learning experiences in the GID Lab, MLG 203. Presentations included:

• “Unpacking Tourism: The Impacts of Coffee Culture Tourism in Columbia”, Eduardo Ortiz Eufracio. Major: Education. Sophomore. Expected Graduation: Spring 2028.
• “Summer in South Korea: A UW Seattle Study Abroad Experience”, Maryam Doaa. Major: Information Technology. Senior. Expected Graduation: Fall 2025.
• “Global Business in Vietnam”, Shelsea Ruiz. Major: Accounting. Senior. Expected Graduation: Fall 2025.

• “Program on the Environment: Morocco”, Eamon Challinor. Major: Computer Science. Global Honors Program. Senior. Expected Graduation: Spring 2026.

  

Global Honors Students Visit Port of Tacoma

Global Honors students (pictured below), visited the Port of Tacoma on October 21, 2025, as part of TGH 203: Theme in Global Honors, meeting with Jordan Hash, Business Development Manager at the Northwest Seaport Alliance. The class explored the impacts of containerization on the global economy, connecting global systems to local realities in Tacoma.