Two-year selective, interdisciplinary program that prepares Rutgers undergraduate women to be informed, innovative, and socially responsible leaders

"As I enter the work force, I realize more than ever the huge impact the Leadership Scholars Certificate Program has had on the way I view myself, the way I carry myself and how I project my vision to those around me.  The IWL has been a space spach where I am surrounded by fellow women leaders and mentors growing together.  I am extremely proud to be a part of this program."   -Sivan Yosef, Rutgers College '03

Program description
IWL Leadership Scholars explore women's leadership and contributions to social change in contexts that range from the New Jersey Legislature to domestic violence shelters; from medical research labs to human rights organizations; from corporate boardrooms to the urban classroom; and from family dining tables to legal clinics. The program engages diverse models of leadership in classroom and experiential settings. IWL Leadership Scholars examine how different institutions inform our understanding and practice of leadership and how they encourage — or inhibit — civic innovation.

Now in its 8th year, the Leadership Scholars Certificate Program has a thriving network of alumnae, with over 100 members.  Our almunae often serve as internship supervisors for current Scholars and as project managers for other IWL programs. 

Program goals

	Give students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of leadership and women's contributions to social change.
	Enhance students' leadership abilities through a concentrated academic sequence and extracurricular offerings.
	Provide opportunities for students to learn issues and problems specific to their disciplinary fields and to develop and implement social action projects.
	Build bridges between the university and the community by connecting students with community activists and women leaders.
	Provide career-building internships in corporations and nonprofits that benefit both the student and the host organization.

"Before the Leadership Scholars Certificate Program, I thought a leader controlled everything, but now I see myself as a leader and that's not the kind of person I am.  The women in the program are all so different; you see that leadership comes in many different forms." -Jackie Mareno, Douglass College '04

 View bios of current Scholars

Requirements
Students in any undergraduate unit of Rutgers University are eligible to apply.

Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Students must take or plan to take one of the following prerequisite courses:
         988 101 Women, Culture and Society
         988 201 Feminist Practices
         988 202 Gender, Culture and Representation
         988 235 Dynamics of Class, Race, and Sex

Curriculum
Rutgers students affiliate with IWL during four terms and are required to take 19 credits of course work. Certificates are awarded with the awarding of a baccalaureate degree.

View curriculum structure and schedule

Scholarships
All IWL Leadership Scholars are eligible to apply for scholarships and awards open only to IWL Leadership Scholars.

Applications Process

Applications to the Leadership Scholars Certificate Program are sent out to campus mailboxes in mid-March.  Applications are due April 1st and applicants are notified May 1st.  The program accepts 18 applicants, comprised of mainly juniors and a few outstanding sophomores.

Applications Must Include:

	completed application form
	two-page typed essay describing a policy issue in your chosen field
	your resume
	your current transcript
	two letters of recommendation (at least one must be from a professor)

Click here to download a copy of the Leadership Scholars Program Application Form.

 Frequently asked questions about the Leadership Scholars Program

Still have questions? 

Call or e-mail program director Dr. Mary Trigg:
732/932-1463 ext. 647
trigg@rci.rutgers.edu