Application
NEW Leadership® (NEWL) is a statewide college leadership training program at Saint Mary's College of California. This residential summer institute educates undergraduate students about the important role that politics plays in the lives of women, introduces them to successful women leaders, and provides them with tools to become more involved in politics writ large, regardless of their academic interests or career paths.
The Institute will take place from Sunday morning, June 21 through Thursday, June 25, 2026. Upon graduation, participants become part of NEW Leadership's national network of distinguished alumnae. Applications are due no later than March 25, 2026.
Cost
There is no direct cost to students. The Institute is supported by generous donations from friends and individuals. However, each college or university is asked to sponsor their student with a $500 registration fee. Applicants are required to provide contact information for a faculty or staff member at their school who will agree to assist them in obtaining institutional funding for registration.
No student will be turned away if their college or university does not fund them.
Eligibility
NEW Leadership® Saint Mary's is open to undergraduate students enrolled in any California college or university and California residents enrolled in out-of-state schools. Rising juniors, seniors, and spring semester graduates at 4-year institutions and students at 2-year institutions in sophomore year are eligible to apply. NEW Leadership® is committed to including students from diverse socioeconomic, sexual orientations, gender identities, and ethnic and racial backgrounds. Women of color, non-traditional college women, students who may be gender non-conforming, nonbinary, or transgender, and students majoring in fields outside political science are strongly encouraged to apply.
Commitment
NEW Leadership students are expected to attend all summer institute sessions and live on campus at Saint Mary's College during the entire program. Admitted students will be required to acknowledge and agree to meet these requirements.
Accepted students are required to confirm their intention to attend, at which point their school will be billed for the $500 registration fee. Saint Mary's College cannot provide a refund if a student does not attend the program. Students are NOT expected to cover the registration fee.
Please fill out the application google form, found here.