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Two ����Ӱ�� students from the Mike Huether Public Service Academy have earned prestigious national recognition, demonstrating how SDSU’s newest academic program is already making waves beyond South Dakota.

Masume Krol, a political science major and member of the academy’s inaugural cohort, participated in the NextGen Service Summer Policy Academy last summer — the first Jackrabbit ever selected for the competitive, fully-funded program. The three-week program begins with an immersion experience in the nation’s capital, followed by a two-week residential study program at one of three prestigious schools of public policy or public affairs.

Grace Sargent, also from the inaugural cohort, was recently awarded the Paul A. Volcker Government Internship Award, a $3,000 grant supporting her spring 2026 legislative internship in Pierre.

Both opportunities came through SDSU’s membership in the Next Generation Service Corps, a prestigious network of 27 universities coordinated by Arizona State University’s NextGen Service Corps Center and the Volcker Alliance.

A summer that changed everything

Last summer isn’t one Masume Krol will soon forget.

Krol took part in two high-profile policy academies, the Henry Clay Student Congress and the NextGen Service Summer Policy Academy, both of which included weeklong stays in Washington, D.C. Her participation showcases the national opportunities now accessible to SDSU students through the Huether Public Service Academy.

During her NextGen Service experience, Krol visited the Mexican Embassy, toured the U.S. Capitol, and explored the historic U Street Corridor, once known as “Black Broadway” and the heart of Black culture in America.

“It was interesting to understand the issues ambassadors must grapple with,” Krol said of the embassy visit. “They gave us a lot of insights as to what an ambassador’s role is during a politically contentious time.”

The program concluded with two weeks at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs, where students participated in an International Strategic Crisis Negotiation Exercise from the U.S. Army War College under the guidance of former and current diplomats. Krol served as head of delegation for the Kingdom of Denmark in an Arctic Circle crisis simulation, negotiating with delegations from the United States, Canada, Russia, China and Norway on issues ranging from exclusive economic zones to Indigenous rights.

“It was a fantastic experience I would have never gotten through classes at SDSU,” said Krol, whose delegation was mentored by a retired foreign service officer specializing in security diplomacy.

A standout student leader, Krol serves as president of the Political Science Club and vice president of the Pre-Law Society at SDSU. After graduation in May 2026, she intends to pursue a law degree with the goal of becoming an immigration attorney and policymaker who can help create immigration reforms.

“The Huether Academy gave me a crucial steppingstone to explore options I didn’t know were even available,” Krol said.

From Pierre to policy

Grace Sargent, an agricultural communication major originally from Pierre, brings a deep commitment to civic engagement to her work.

The Paul A. Volcker Government Internship Award provides $3,000 to NextGen Service students completing government internships at the local, state or federal level. Sargent is using the award to support her spring 2026 internship with the South Dakota State Legislature, where she works directly for House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach and assists with responsibilities related to the House State Affairs Committee.

“Since high school,” Sargent said, “I have actively engaged with policy issues affecting faith, family, freedom and agriculture — testifying before legislative committees, lobbying congressional offices in Washington, D.C., and writing articles on issues affecting South Dakota.”

Through her legislative internship, Sargent has gained firsthand experience in how state government functions and how policy decisions affect communities across South Dakota.

Impact beyond the classroom

Christine Garst-Santos, director of SDSU’s School of American and Global Studies, said opportunities like these demonstrate where the Huether Public Service Academy is making its biggest impact.

“The academy catalyzes civic engagement and leadership development, bringing our students and SDSU into a national network for access, ideas and opportunities,” she said. “Masume and Grace represent what’s possible when we invest in students who are committed to public service — they’re not just preparing for careers, they’re already making contributions to their communities and earning recognition on the national stage.”

The Mike Huether Public Service Academy, endowed by former Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Huether and T. Denny Sanford, launched in fall 2024 within the School of American and Global Studies. The competitive, two-year program develops exceptional leaders committed to improving the lives of individuals, communities and societies through curriculum in public administration, ethics, intercultural competence and hands-on leadership development.

SDSU joined the Next Generation Service Corps network in spring 2025, giving students access to competitive opportunities including the Summer Policy Academy, the Paul A. Volcker Government Internship Award and connections with public service students and professionals across 27 universities nationwide.

About the Mike Huether Public Service Academy

The Mike Huether Public Service Academy at ����Ӱ�� prepares the next generation of character-driven leaders to serve their communities and the country. Through coursework, internships and experiential learning, students develop the skills and networks to serve their communities effectively. The academy is housed within the School of American and Global Studies and is open to students from all majors. For more information or to apply for the 2026-2027 academic year, check out the academy’s webpage.