Susan N. Wilson NEW Leadership® New Jersey summer institute is a non-partisan, five-day residential program at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. During the summer institute, students will meet women leaders, learn about women’s participation in American politics, and develop and practice leadership skills through panel discussions, workshops, and projects. After the summer institute, participants become part of NEWL’s national network of distinguished alumni.
Susan N. Wilson NEW Leadership® New Jersey will be held June 5th-9th, 2026
Applications will be accepted until March 20, 2026.
For any questions or additional information, please contact Emily Dalton.
NEW Leadership® is open to students at all higher education institutions in New Jersey. Eligible applicants must be registered for the 2025-2026 academic year in either a two-year institution or be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior at a four-year institution. Recent graduates are also welcome to apply.
CAWP is committed to including students from diverse socioeconomic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds and of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities in each NEW Leadership® program. We strongly encourage students of color, non-traditional students, students who may be gender non-conforming, nonbinary, or transgender, and students majoring in fields outside political science to apply.
NEW Leadership® is supported by donations from corporate sponsors and individuals that cover some of the program costs. Each participating college and university is asked to pay a $500 program fee per student. There is no direct cost to the students. Meals for all virtual and in-person programming will be subsidized by the Center for American Women and Politics, and students will receive additional materials and resources.
Applicants are required to provide contact information for a faculty or staff member at their school who agrees to assist them in obtaining funding for the NEW Leadership® program fee. A limited number of scholarships will be available to students who are unable to obtain sponsorship from their schools.
Please contact Emily Dalton if you are unable to find funding or cannot reach a funding contact.
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 2026 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. Breaks will be scheduled throughout the course of each day.
Who should I contact at my school for funding assistance?
For a list of individuals at each institution who have agreed to assist with funding, please reach out to Emily Dalton at emily.dalton@eagleton.rutgers.edu.