The NEXT Program

Taking young changemakers from potential to purpose driven leadership.

Applications for 2026 cohort are open until midnight of March 1, 2026.

Leadership growth is about more than titles or promotions. It goes hand in hand with social impact.

Together, they build the awareness, values and confidence needed to understand community issues and take meaningful action.

WHAT is The NEXT Program?

The NEXT is an accelerated leadership and community development program offered by GenNEXT and United Way of Calgary and Area for young changemakers in their 20s and 30s who are ready to become purpose-driven leaders and shape the future of their communities and organizations.

HOW do we do it?

The program develops leaders with a drive for meaningful change, a strong understanding of community issues and the motivation to take action by integrating:

Social Impact Education & Engagement on community challenges
Leadership Development through targeted workshops and coaching
Networking & Mentorship with senior leaders, peer professionals and coaches

WHY apply?

In addition to the benefits listed above, participants graduate with a final project and formal certification that enhance their professional and community-member value and may lead to leadership opportunities within UWCA cabinets, workplaces or the broader community.

WHEN is it?

The program consists of eight workshops held on the last Thursday of each month from 5 to 8 p.m., running from April to December, with a break in August. All sessions are delivered in person only to foster a strong sense of community.

CRITERIA for participants:

Be in their 20s or 30s and demonstrate leadership potential
Show a strong and genuine interest in driving social impact
Demonstrate commitment to active involvement and participation

BENEFITS to employers:

Social impact education
Leadership development and active leadership opportunities
Mentorship and networking with senior leaders and peers
Accreditation and recognition

It was an honour to be nominated on behalf of Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) to participate in The NEXT. I was able to develop a deeper understanding of how United Way of Calgary and Area ultimately makes Calgary a better place and apply insights gained to help coordinate CNRL’s 2025 United Way campaign. I believe that The NEXT was integral to my development and plan to nominate others to participate in The NEXT.
Cody Spence, Well Servicing Engineering Team Lead, Canadian Natural Resources Limited
The United Way NEXT program was an incredible opportunity to learn more about our community and United Way’s impact. I particularly appreciated the chance to speak to the community and industry leaders who are inspiring the next generation. The program connected me with like-minded young future leaders, and the connections I made will be long lasting. The NEXT program was a phenomenal way for me to increase my love for Calgary while setting a strong foundation for my future philanthropy goals.
Justin Gregoire, Senior Emissions Reduction Engineer, ARC Resources Ltd.

2025 Cohort