LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 13, 2025) — The University of Kentucky is one of nine institutions across the United States to have students selected to receive the NextGen Service Fellowship from the Institute of International Education (IIE). Eight UK students have been selected to receive funding from the program to complete service projects around the globe.

IIE, with support from The Rockefeller Foundation and Outrider Foundation, announced the launch of the new fellowship to equip the next generation of public service leaders with professional experience in international development careers. The NextGen Service will offer 52 American undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to support communities overseas, where they will work with organizations focused on fields including education, public health, agriculture, the environment and economic development.

The following UK students have been selected to receive funding:

• Sarah Barth, doctoral student in physical therapy, College of Health Sciences
• Isabella Butler, political science junior, College of Arts and Sciences
• Joshua Cain, doctoral student in physical therapy, College of Health Sciences
• Danielle Ferriell, psychology senior, College of Arts and Sciences, Gaines Fellow
• Rachel Hwang, May 2025 psychology graduate, College of Arts and Sciences
• Angelita Lazaro, masters student, College of Social Work
• Mohamed Ratbi, masters student, Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce
• Kauner Shacklette, architecture senior, College of Design and Lewis Honors College, Gaines Fellow

“We are incredibly proud to be one of nine institutions participating in this program and the UK students who have been selected from the many applicants,” said Pat Whitlow, former director of UK’s Office of Nationally Competitive Awards. “It is a testament not only to our students’ academic success but also their servant-leader mindset.”

The NextGen Service Fellowship — for which IIE will manage and select participants — fully funds students’ travel, living expenses and placement costs at nonprofit and community-based organizations throughout Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean this summer. The selection of fellows and oversight of their participation is fully managed by IIE. Upon returning from their international placements, each fellow will share a reflective report outlining how the experience shaped their professional development and contributed to the communities they served. IIE will host virtual career exploration opportunities to further support their professional aspirations, connecting fellows with organizations focused on global development and public service.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for students to lead and serve around the globe,” said Associate Provost for Internationalization Sue Roberts. “These students will be equipped with a global mindset that will serve them well in their studies and future careers.”