Each summer the program brings together college students from across the political spectrum and from a wide range of racial, ethnic, educational, political and economic backgrounds to discuss the roles of women in leadership and politics. NEW Leadership® Mississippi (NEW MS) is designed to empower women's participation in politics through programs that educate, empower, and encourage college students to become politically active and to take on leadership roles in public service. During the summer institute, students will meet women leaders, learn about women in American politics, and develop and practice leadership skills through panel discussions, workshops, and hands-on projects.
Apply online by midnight of April 1st. Selection is competitive and based on leadership potential, political interest, and ability to contribute to women's representation.
The 2025 NEW Leadership® Mississippi Summer Institute will take place May 18-23 at the Columbus campus of Mississippi University for Women.
NEW Leadership® is a national program designed by Rutgers University's Center for American Women in Politics to address the underrepresentation of women in politics by educating college students about politics and encouraging women's effective leadership in the political arena. In 2013, Mississippi University for Women brought NEW Leadership® to Mississippi as part of its historic mission to expand women's opportunities and cultivate their leadership.
Now in its 13th year, the program remains the only of its kind in Mississippi and one of only four New Leadership® partner programs in the South. An intensive residential program that emphasizes mentorship, networking, and experiential learning, our mission is to provide the education, support, and encouragement necessary to spur women's political leadership.
Join peers and professional women in politics from across the state who share the goal of increasing women's representation in politics. Receive mentorship, expand your professional network, and gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to advance women's representation and seize leadership roles in politics and public service.
The NEW MS Summer Institute is a unique opportunity to increase your understanding of policymaking and electoral processes, identify a range of careers in politics and public service, engage with a diverse group of professional women in those careers, and nurture your own ambition for a life of leadership.
All participants earn two college credits in women's studies or political science that may be transferred to the institution they attend.
There is no cost to students. We cover all tuition and fees, housing, meals, and transportation to and from Jackson during the program. Students are only responsible for their transportation to and from Columbus, MS.
NEW Leadership® Mississippi is open to undergraduate students enrolled in any Mississippi college or university and Mississippi residents enrolled in out-of-state schools. We are committed to diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, political ideology, and sexual orientation. We strongly encourage applications from any student who is committed to women's political participation and leadership.
