In an effort to get more young people involved in "charting the future of our democracy," Stanford University will become one of six universities nationally to try to inspire students to choose public-service careers.

“The notion of public service is deeply embedded in the history of Stanford University,” President John Hennessy said in announcing the "Call to Service Campaign," sponsored by the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service group.

The other five schools are Clark Atlanta University, George Washington University, Louisiana State University, Ohio State University and the University of New Mexico.

Stanford's selection does not provide any funding, and its costs are being funded by the president's office.

The Partnership for Public Service will provide resources so the universities don’t have to create the program from scratch, according to Megan Swezey Fogarty of the Haas Center for Public Service at Stanford. The Haas Center has long connected Stanford students with nonprofits in the surrounding communities.

Events in recent years, including 9/11, global health and environmental crises and Hurricane Katrina, have underscored the need for what Hennessy termed an educated, committed citizenry,.

“The intelligence and passion of our young people is a precious asset as we seek solutions to these monumental challenges,” Hennessy said. “It is in this spirit -- one that speaks to our highest national ideals -- that I call on our students to seek a role in charting the future of our democracy.”

— Don Kazak