NEW Leadership® FAQ's
Who is eligible to apply?
NEW Leadership® New Jersey is open to undergraduate students enrolled in any New Jersey college or university and New Jersey residents enrolled in out-of-state schools. Rising juniors, seniors, and graduates at 4-year institutions and students at 2-year institutions in any class year are eligible to apply. We strongly encourage students of color, LGBTQ women and nonbinary students, and nontraditional college students to apply. Each NEW Leadership® class includes students from diverse socioeconomic, ethnic, racial, and educational backgrounds.
What qualifications do you look for in successful applicants?
Demonstrated leadership experience in your campus or community and a commitment to expanding knowledge about politics and civic engagement are primary considerations. We look for participants with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to the knowledge of the group by offering different perspectives and are open to learning from others.
Does it matter what my major is?
No, past participants have represented a wide range of majors including; music, biology, business, social work, education, criminal justice, women and gender studies, and political science. There is no specific academic profile for the successful NEW Leadership® participant. Students of all academic backgrounds should learn to be advocates and public leaders.
Where does the program take place?
The 2024 program will be hosted at the Eagleton Institute of Politics on the New Brunswick campus of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Participants will stay at the Rutgers University Inn & Conference Center and all events will be near the residence.
Can I leave the program for work or class during NEW Leadership®?
NEW Leadership® New Jersey is a full-time program, and participants are required to participate in all sessions from June 7-9th, 2024. Breaks will be scheduled throughout the course of each day.
How much does it cost?
There is no direct cost to students. Each participating college and university is asked to pay a $250 program fee per student in order to defray expenses. Meals, transportation, and residence fees are included. Applicants are required to provide contact information for a faculty or staff member at their school who will agree to assist them in obtaining funding for the $250 NEW Leadership® NJ program fee or ask Thu Nguyen at tun3@rutgers.edu for assistance in finding someone on campus to help. A limited number of scholarships are available for students who are unable to obtain funding from their schools.
Who should I contact at my school?
For a list of individuals at each institution who have agreed to assist with funding, please reach out to Thu Nguyen at tun3@rutgers.edu.