June 1 - 3, 2026 |Shawnee Inn in the Poconos |100 Shawnee Inn Drive, Shawnee on Delaware, Pennsylvania 18356
Ready to grow as a leader and connect with inspiring peers from across the state? The Undergraduate Women’s Leadership Institute brings together PASSHE undergraduate students for a three-day experience dedicated to leadership development, empowerment, and community building.
Open to all PASSHE undergraduates, the Institute especially welcomes students who identify as women or non-binary, as well as those with interests in Gender Studies, social justice, and advancing equity in their communities. By engaging students with diverse perspectives and shared commitments, the Institute fosters an inclusive space for learning, reflection, and collaboration.
Each year, approximately 50 students representing the 14 State System campuses participate alongside faculty and staff mentors in a dynamic program of interactive workshops, facilitated discussions, and networking opportunities with accomplished women leaders. Through this immersive experience, participants strengthen their leadership capacity, build meaningful cross-campus connections, and leave inspired to advance positive change within their institutions and beyond.
As part of the PASSHE Women’s Consortium community, participants join a growing network of emerging leaders dedicated to advancing equity and shaping more inclusive campuses across the State System.
The Undergraduate Women’s Leadership Institute is a three-day immersive experience where PASSHE students come together to learn, connect, and grow as leaders. Designed to be interactive and engaging, the Institute creates a space where students from across the State System can step away from their daily routines and focus on developing their voice, confidence, and vision for leadership.
Campuses are encouraged to send small cohorts of 2–3 students, allowing participants to share the experience with peers from their own university while also building connections with students across the PASSHE system. This cohort model helps create a supportive environment where ideas can be explored openly, friendships can form quickly, and students can return to campus ready to support one another in putting their learning into action.
Throughout the Institute, participants engage in collaborative workshops, mentorship opportunities, and community-building activities that challenge them to think creatively, reflect on their leadership potential, and explore how they can make a meaningful impact on their campuses and in their communities.
Through workshops, mentorship, and community-building activities, students will:
Strengthen leadership skills, creativity, collaboration, and respect for diverse perspectives
Build connections with peers from across the PASSHE system
Form mentoring relationships with faculty, staff, and professional women leaders
Engage with topics related to women’s leadership, social justice, and equity
Participate in informal learning opportunities with faculty, staff, and administrators
Design a campus-based leadership or advocacy project to implement after the Institute with guidance from a mentor
The Institute is designed to be highly interactive and engaging. Participants take part in workshops that move from self-discovery and reflection to practical skill-building sessions, including topics such as:
Leadership styles and personal strengths
Networking and professional relationship-building
Balancing career, personal life, and leadership commitments
Women’s health and well-being
Utilizing resources and support systems
Sessions are facilitated by accomplished women leaders who serve as both educators and potential mentors. Activities include small-group discussions, role plays, simulations, and case study analysis, allowing students to learn from both facilitators and one another.
Guest speakers, outdoor recreation, and team-building experiences provide additional opportunities for connection and informal learning.
All PASSHE undergraduate students are welcome to apply. The Institute especially encourages students who identify as women or non-binary individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with interests in Gender Studies, Social Justice, and leadership development.
Universities are encouraged to select students who demonstrate potential for leadership and growth, not only those who already hold formal leadership roles. The goal is to cultivate emerging leaders who are motivated to make a difference on their campuses and in their communities.
Each campus is encouraged to select 2–3 primary participants, along with alternate students should space allow or if selected participants are unable to attend.
Students selected to participate are expected to:
The cost per student is $900, which includes:
Participants are responsible for transportation to and from the Institute and any personal expenses during the program.
Because the PASSHE Women’s Consortium contracts with the Institute venue based on campus commitments, campuses canceling participation after June 1 will be responsible for the full institute fee of $900 per student.