The NextGen Program is a highly selective leadership initiative for graduate and PhD students who are passionate about driving global impact on the Dual Challenge: more energy, less emissions, fast. This is the fourth year of the program, which recruits about 30 outstanding leaders for each annual cohort.
Information Sessions are hosted on Zoom by NextGen Program Director Kristin Barbato. All three sessions cover the same material, so pick the one that fits your schedule. Each runs about 60 minutes.
After you register, Zoom emails you a personal link to join.
Mentorship from professionals across sectors, tailored to your interests
A fully sponsored boot camp with immersive learning and collaboration
Hands-on sponsored projects with top companies focused on the Dual Challenge
Workshops and networking with global leaders and peers in the energy sector
Leadership teams for marketing, job recruitment, the speaker series and networking events
A community of global leaders for lifelong NextGen engagement
Launch year NextGen leaders attend the 3.5 day Boot Camp in Ann Arbor, Michigan, June 2 to 6, 2027, and commit 2 to 5 hours a week from July through December 2027.
The NextGen Summit, March 11 to 12, 2027 at CERAWeek in Houston, is an optional chance to meet NextGeners from every class and network with OpenMinds and CERAWeek executives.
Students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees (for example MBA, MA, MS, PhD, JD or MPP) who are leaders in their fields and passionate about making an impact in energy and climate. NextGen leaders should still be enrolled as students for the length of the program, March 2027 to March 2028.
Applications open November 17, 2026 and are due January 11, 2027. They ask for basic information, short essay responses, and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or an industry supervisor or mentor.
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