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.
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.
For more information about PLEN seminars contact [email protected].
October 9-11, 2023
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. Learn more.
Review a previous seminar itinerary.
Unfortunately, Laspa Center sponsorship is not available for this PLEN seminar but some support may still be possible. As a partner school, Scripps receives reduced registration and housing rates, and PLEN has scholarships available as well. Currently enrolled Scripps students may also apply for up to $500 of support through the Laspa Center’s Leadership Development Award.
Timeline
- PLEN Scholarship deadline: September 7, 2023 (apply directly to PLEN)
- Seminar registration deadline: September 15, 2023 (Contact the Laspa Center for member school registration link.)
January 8-12, 2024
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.
Laspa sponsorship includes registration, lodging, and some additional funding for airfare and meals.
Review a previous seminar 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 open October 31, 2023. Check this page for application link.
- Applications are due November 26, 2023 at 11:59p.m. (Each applicant will receive an email confirmation upon submission.)
- All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by December 1, 2023.
- PLEN Scholarship deadline for those not receiving Laspa Center sponsorship: December 7, 2023. (Apply directly to PLEN.)
- Seminar registration deadline: December 19, 2023.
Apply Here
March 9-11, 2024
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. Learn more.
Review a previous seminar itinerary.
Unfortunately, Laspa Center sponsorship is not available for this PLEN seminar but some support may still be possible. As a partner school, Scripps receives reduced registration and housing rates, and PLEN offers scholarships too. Currently enrolled Scripps students may also apply for up to $500 of support through the Laspa Center’s Leadership Development Award.
Timeline
- PLEN Scholarship deadline: February 20, 2024 (apply directly to PLEN)
- Seminar registration deadline: February 28, 2024 (Contact the Laspa Center for member school registration link.)
May 13-17, 2024
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 sponsorship includes registration, lodging, and some additional funding for airfare and meals.
Review a previous seminar 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 open March 1, 2023. Check this page for application link.
- Applications are due by April 7, 2024 at 11:59p.m. (Each applicant will receive an automatic confirmation upon submission.)
- PLEN Scholarship deadline for those not receiving Laspa Center sponsorship: April 19, 2024. (Apply directly to PLEN)
- All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by April 12, 2024.
- Seminar registration deadline: May 8, 2024.
