Chris Myers Asch will discuss his proposal to create a U.S. Public Service Academy during a lecture at the Clinton School of Public Service on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

The academy would be an undergraduate institution devoted to developing civilian leaders for the public sector. Modeled on the military academies, it would offer four years of tuition-free education in exchange for five years of civilian service following graduation.

Asch and friend Shawn Raymond began promoting the idea in 2006, taking it to the halls of Congress and winning a 2007 Echoing Green Fellowship to support the initiative. Both alumni of Teach for America in rural Mississippi, Asch and Raymond co-founded the Sunflower County Freedom Project, an intensive academic enrichment and leadership development program for middle and high school students.

Asch will lecture from noon to 1 p.m. in Sturgis Hall. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lunch. Water and soft drinks will be provided. Reserve your seats by e-mailing or calling (501) 683-5239.