Scripps College is a member of the Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN). Students benefit from real world experience, lifelong connections, and professional development as well as reduced registration fees on all PLEN seminars.
PLEN’s mission is to empower, educate, and engage women and marginalized gender groups in public policy to promote diverse, inclusive leadership in policy making. PLEN seminars enhance class work and curriculum by giving students valuable access to women leaders in Washington, D.C. from the legislative, executive, and judicial branches; agencies; nonprofit organizations; and the private sector.
The Laspa Center sponsors select students to participate in one or more of the conferences listed below. Sponsorship includes registration, and, in the case of in-person seminars, lodging and additional funding for airfare and meals.
October 8-10, 2022
At the three-day Health Policy seminar, college students from across the U.S. considering a career in health policy will learn how to make an impact in the legislative and political processes, explore hot-button issues on Capitol Hill, and expand their professional networks in Washington, DC and beyond.
Review the itinerary for the seminar here.
This seminar is not currently sponsored through the Laspa Center’s Leadership Immersion Treks. However, all Scripps College students have access to reduced registration fees and may apply for a Leadership Development Award. PLEN Scholarships are also available.
Timeline
- PLEN Scholarship deadline: September 7, 2022. (Apply directly to PLEN)
- PLEN registration deadline: September 19, 2022. Register via this link to receive the member registration rate.
For More Information
Send questions to [email protected].
For More Information
Send questions to [email protected].
November 9-10, 2022 (Virtual)
PLEN brings together a diverse group of students virtually from around the country for a PLENForum to discuss current issues in the field, build professional skills, and hear from leaders on the front lines of policy-making. This program will give students access to a powerful network of women of color who make and influence public policy everyday, from lobbying to working on a committee to heading government relations for a business.
Review a sample itinerary.
Eligibility
All currently enrolled students who will have completed at least one full semester and are in good academic standing at the time of the trek are eligible. This conference will require personal accountability and responsibility.
Application Requirements
The application includes a series of short-answer questions and a current resume.
Supplemental Materials
Participants may be asked to share their experiences with the community and will be asked to submit:
- A post-program survey
- Brief daily summaries
- A 300-500 word blog submission
Timeline
- Applications for sponsorship are due by Monday, October 17, 2022 at 11:59p.m. (Each applicant should receive an automatic confirmation upon submission.)
- PLEN Scholarship deadline for those not receiving Laspa Center sponsorship: October 12, 2022. (Apply directly to PLEN)
- Applicants will be notified of the status of their Laspa sponsorship application by October 19, 2022.
- Students who receive sponsorship will need to register with PLEN by October 24, 2022.
For More Information
Send questions to [email protected].
January 9-13, 2023
Participants will explore how to influence the policy issues they are passionate about and learn the range of professional opportunities and skills required to be successful. Over the course of the seminar, students will network and learn from leaders on Capitol Hill, the executive branch, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private corporations.
All participants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two doses of Pfizer or Moderna’s vaccine and a booster or one dose of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine and a booster) and be masked when indoors during the Public Policy seminar. Please note that these COVID-19 requirements are subject to change.
Laspa sponsorship includes registration, lodging, and some additional funding for airfare and meals.
Review a sample itinerary.
Eligibility
All currently enrolled students who will have completed at least one full semester and are in good academic standing at the time of the trek are eligible. This conference will require personal accountability and responsibility.
Application Requirements
The application includes a series of short-answer questions and a current resume.
Supplemental Materials
Participants may be asked to share their experiences with the community and will be asked to submit:
- A post-program survey
- One-page trek summary with photo
- One blog submission
Timeline
- Applications are due by December 5, 2022 at 11:59p.m. (Each applicant should receive an automatic confirmation upon submission.)
- PLEN Scholarship deadline for those not receiving Laspa Center sponsorship: December 7, 2022. (Apply directly to PLEN)
- All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by December 8, 2022.
- Students who receive sponsorship will need to register with PLEN by December 19, 2022.
For More Information
Stop by the Laspa Center with any questions or join the Zoom Q&A on Thursday, December 1 at 12:15pm PST. Send questions to [email protected].
March 14-16, 2023
This seminar offers students a valuable opportunity to hear firsthand from leaders in science, health, and technology who are shaping our nation’s STEM agenda. Students will connect with senior officials in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors.
All participants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two doses of Pfizer or Moderna’s vaccine and a booster or one dose of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine and a booster) and be masked when indoors during the STEM Policy seminar. Please note that these COVID-19 requirements are subject to change.
Laspa sponsorship includes registration, lodging, and additional support for airfare and meals.
Review a sample itinerary.
Eligibility
All currently enrolled students who will have completed at least one full semester and are in good academic standing at the time of the trek are eligible. This conference will require personal accountability and responsibility.
Application Requirements
The application includes a series of short-answer questions and a current resume.
Supplemental Materials
Participants may be asked to share their experiences with the community and will be asked to submit:
- A post-program survey
- A post-trek summary
- A 300-500 word blog submission with photo
Timeline
- Applications are due by February 6, 2023 at 11:59pm. (Each applicant should receive an automatic confirmation upon submission.)
- All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by February 13, 2023.
- Students who receive sponsorship will need to register with PLEN by February 21, 2023.
- General registration for member schools is TBD.
For More Information
Send questions to [email protected].
May 22-26, 2023
At the five-day Global Policy seminar, participants will learn how to launch their international policy career through participating in policy discussions, diplomacy simulations, and connecting with leaders who are shaping policy in DC and across the world. Learn more.
Laspa Center sponsorship is not available for this PLEN seminar, however currently enrolled students (including recently graduated seniors) may apply for up to $500 of support through a Leadership Development Award. Also, as a PLEN partner school, Scripps receives reduced registration and housing rates. Registration information and link coming soon.
For More Information
Send questions to [email protected].
June 14-15, 2023 (Virtual)
Over the course of the PLENForum, students will network and learn from LGBTQIA+ leaders on Capitol Hill, the executive branch, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private corporations. Participants will learn how to navigate the workplace as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, the practical skills you should bring to your first job after graduation, and post-graduate opportunities.
Review a sample itinerary.
Eligibility
All currently enrolled students who will have completed at least one full semester and are in good academic standing at the time of the trek are eligible. This conference will require personal accountability and responsibility.
Application Requirements
The application includes a series of short-answer questions and a current resume. Application opens on April 15, 2023.
Supplemental Materials
Participants may be asked to share their experiences with the community and will be asked to submit:
- A post-program survey
- Brief daily summaries
- A 300-500 word blog submission
Timeline
- Applications are due by May 16, 2023 at 11:59pm. (Each applicant should receive an automatic confirmation upon submission.)
- Applicants will be notified of the status of their application by May 23, 2023.
- Students who receive sponsorship will need to register with PLEN by May 30, 2023.
- General registration for member schools is TBD.
For More Information
Send questions to [email protected].