The Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (CWGS) at The University of Texas at Austin has received a three-year, $100,200 grant from the Embrey Family Foundation to bring the NEW Leadership summer institute to campus.
The NEW Leadership summer institute is a six-day residential program designed to educate undergraduate college women about politics and policymaking, and to inspire them to get involved in the political process. Students will meet with women leaders, learn about women’s political participation and explore ideas about leadership and politics.
Students, staff and faculty live together in dormitory rooms during the program. The residential component encourages camaraderie among the participants, establishes mentoring relationships and extends the learning experience beyond the formal program sessions.
This award is an addendum to the Embrey Family Foundation grant CWGS received a year ago to establish the Embrey Women’s Human Rights Initiative. The Dallas-based foundation champions the well-being and rights of people by supporting programs that advance human rights, healthy communities, education and artistic creativity.
The NEW Leadership initiative began at the Rutgers University Center for American Women in Politics to educate and empower the next generation of women leaders. There are 21 colleges and universities serving women in 25 states, and more than 3,500 college women have participated in regional NEW Leadership programs.
CWGS will recruit at universities, colleges and community colleges around the state beginning in fall 2011 for its first summer institute in 2012.