If You're a Student and Want to Attend

The AAUW Leadership Programs and NASPA's Center for Scholarship, Research, and Professional Development for Women are excited to present the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders Leadership for Today and Tomorrow, a conference focused on important and contemporary leadership issues. With sessions designed to address the needs of both current and aspiring leaders, NCCWSL is a perfect offering to enhance the leadership opportunities already available to you on your campus.

At the conference, you will:

• Meet Women of Distinction at the Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony and reception.
• You will be inspired by keynote speakers
• You will gain information and develop skills by attending workshops in the areas of advocacy, leadership, health and wellness, and the real world.
• You will make friends and contacts from across the country by networking with other attendees. You'll return to your community secure in the knowledge that you have a network of colleagues to support your leadership endeavors and your career growth.

You want to go, but you can't afford it?

Though very reasonably priced, the conference still costs money. There is the registration fee, as well as transportation costs and money for incidentals and some meals that are not included in the registration.

• Ask! If you don't ask, you'll never know.
• Be prepared with a clear request. Write your detailed funding needs down before you make your request of your dean, director, or student organization or your family.
• The conference is an educational experience, so some of the expenses should be yours. When you ask for money from an organization, be sure to indicate how much of your own money you are willing and able to spend.
• Start early. Many institutions and groups are on a fiscal year that ends in June, so get to them before the money is gone.
• Make an appointment with your campus' president, dean, or director to make a funding request. Your request may lay the groundwork for funding for women students in the future.
• Approach your student government, student leadership office, multicultural affairs department, or women's center to explore funding. They may be willing to sponsor you.
• Contact your local AAUW state or branch or other local organizations. They may be willing to contribute financially or find sources you can tap. Some also offer scholarships for local women.
• If one group or department can't give you the entire amount you need, check with another. You may get some funding from one organization and additional funding from another.
• Be sure to send thank you notes to your supporters after the conference or even better, send a postcard from Washington, D.C.

Scholarship Opportunities

AAUW will award need-based scholarships through our NCCWSL Scholarship Fund. If you need funding to attend NCCWSL, you can apply for this scholarship. NCCWSL scholarships cover the conference registration fee, including housing.

Scholarships from the NCCWSL Scholarship Fund are only available to students who are not receiving sponsorship from individuals, an AAUW branch or state, or an institution.

To apply, first complete the regular online NCCWSL registration. In the payment section, check the NCCWSL Scholarship option. Once you complete registration, you will receive a confirmation e-mail that contains a NCCWSL scholarship application as an attachment. The application must be completed in full and e-mailed to nccwsl@aauw.org by 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 16, 2010, to be considered.

All NCCWSL scholarship applicants will be notified of their status by May 1, 2010. If you are awarded a scholarship and at any time no longer need it, please e-mail nccwsl@aauw.org or call 800/326-2289. Applicants who do not receive a NCCWSL scholarship will still be offered the early-bird registration rate for payment, and they will not be charged a fee if they need to cancel their registration.

NCCWSL scholarships are available strictly for individual registrants and will cover the complete registration fee for full conference attendance only.