NEW Leadership® Texas

In partnership with Rutgers Eagleton Institute of Politics’ Center for American Women in Politics (CAWP) the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership’s Center for Women in Government (CWG) offers the NEW Leadership® program at TWU. NEW Leadership® Texas is thoughtfully designed to introduce undergraduates to politics through programs that educate, empower, and encourage college students to become politically active and to take on leadership roles in public service. This year, the NEW Leadership® program at TWU will be held June 7–12, 2026.

Overview

Live-in residence program
Inspire a new generation of leaders
Promote responsible leadership
Experience leadership through action

About NEW Leadership®

The NEW Leadership® Program is an award-winning initiative established in 1991 by the Center for American Women in Politics (CAWP). By 1999, the program expanded to include a national network of institutions, helping reach undergraduates across the country who are interested in politics and policy-making. The multi-day residential program teaches college students the value of civic engagement and helps them develop the leadership skills to become more involved in their campuses and communities.

Application

Applications for the 2026 program are now open and are due by March 16, 2026.

Qualifications: Open to undergraduate students enrolled for the 2025–2026 academic year in any Texas college or university and at least 18 years old at the time of the program. The Center for Women in Government is committed to including students from across the state in each NEW Leadership® program.
Cost: There is no cost to apply or participate in the NEW Leadership Texas program. Participants are, however, responsible for arranging and funding their own travel to and from Denton, Texas. Reasonable travel costs to and from Denton, Texas are reimbursable at the conclusion of the program.

Apply now!

Questions?

Have a question not addressed below? Email us at cwg@twu.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should apply?
Applications are open to undergraduate students enrolled in a Texas college or university for the 2025–2026 academic year. Any student who meets the criteria is encouraged to apply. The program is not restricted to students studying a particular major.

Where does the program take place?
The program will take place at the Texas Woman’s University campus in Denton, Texas. Students will also be taken on an excursion to the State Capitol which will be arranged and funded by the CWG.

How much does it cost to attend?
TThe CWG covers the entire cost of the program for selected students. Participants are responsible for arranging and funding travel to and from Denton, Texas. Following the program, reasonable transportation costs to and from Denton, Texas will be reimbursed to the student.

What is the commitment level expected for students who participate in the program?
NEW Leadership® Texas participants are expected to attend all summer institute sessions and live in-residence in Denton, Texas during the entire program from June 7–12, 2026. If you are accepted, you will be required to acknowledge and agree to meet these requirements.

Page last updated 10:12 AM, January 28, 2026