University of Montana’s New Leadership Institute for Women College Students

The University of Montana has announced a new summer institute to provide leadership training for women college students. The six-day summer program is designed to educate, empower, and encourage college women to become politically active and assume greater leadership roles.

The program is open to 20 women who will be a sophomore, junior, or senior during the fall semester 2017. During the institute, students will meet statewide political, business, and nongovernmental leaders; learn about women in American politics; and develop and practice leadership skills through panel discussions, workshops, and hands-on projects. The program is offered at no cost to participants.

Sara Rinfret,  an assistant professor of political science at the University of Montana and director of the summer program, stated, “students will come away from the program with practical new leadership skills as well as expanded networks and friendships from across the state.”

Dr. Rinfret joined the faculty at the university in 2014. She is a graduate of Otterbein College in Ohio and holds a master’s degree from Ohio State University and a Ph.D. in political science from Northern Arizona University.