If you’ve ever wanted to get involved in the world of leadership through politics, you might have a chance at it very soon.

The Women for Public Life Program at Southeast Missouri State University is seeking four female applicants to attend the 21st Century Leadership Academy at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. This event is sponsored by the Sue Shear Institute for Public Life and will take place May 21 through 26, 2017. The event will encompass a wide variety of recreational and professional activities.

Among the activities will be a trip to Jefferson City to participate in a debate on the Senate floor, have dinner with a professional mentor, learn about etiquette and conduct during a formal business dinner and the representation of women in politics, get help with financial planning and acquire strategies to best present oneself professionally on social media, to name a few.

The application process must be completed by March 10. It requires a cover letter outlining the applicant’s career goals and reason for applying to the academy, a current résumé, a biography of no more than 150 words (written in the third person) and the completed application. The application itself is comprised of standard questions, such as the applicant’s name, address, year in school and field of study; there is also a short answer portion asking about community involvement, employment history and volunteer work.

All major costs are covered by the university, including meals and room and board, which will be on UMSL’s campus. Students need only to pay for transportation during the event and miscellaneous “incidentals.”

Dr. Debra Holzhauer, associate professor of political science and member of the Women in Public Life Program, said she feels this is a wonderful opportunity for the advancement of women in professional and political positions.

“[The program] really emphasizes that you don’t have to necessarily go into politics to get involved,” Holzhauer said. “It helps women get more involved and have more of an impact on policy.”

The academy’s sponsor, the Sue Shear Institute for Public Life, was founded to honor Missouri Representative Sue Shear, who served in the House of Representatives for 26 years and holds the legislative service record for Missouri’s elected female officials. According to Holzhauer, the organization is “meant to encourage women not just to become leaders but get involved in public policy.”

Anyone who attends the academy will be added to the organization’s mailing list, which posts job offers and other career-advancing opportunities.

Applications can be picked up in Carnahan Hall room 211J, or students may contact Holzhauer by email at dholzhauer@semo.edu