Public Leadership Education Network

The Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) is a series of seminars in Washington D.C. that provide college students with the valuable opportunity to explore their career interests through meetings with industry leaders, interactive workshops, and site visits in the nation’s capital. Full-time undergraduate students can apply to Newcomb Institute to cover the costs of travel, lodging, and the registration fee.

Students who have attended PLEN have gained knowledge and insight into future career paths while making connections with powerful women doing incredible work. The conference offers a great mix of guest speakers, interactive activities, site visits, and career preparation sessions. For more information about the conference, visit PLEN's website or read about past Newcomb student experiences.

Grant Details and Requirements

Newcomb Institute will cover flight reimbursement, lodging and the PLEN registration fee. You will be reimbursed for your flight usually within two weeks of submitting your paperwork after your trip. In order to be reimbursed, you must book your flight with Newcomb Institute and provide Newcomb with a copy of your flight itinerary, pictures of all boarding passes, your name badge, your student ID, and required reimbursement paperwork. You are responsible for additional fees if you book your flight for the incorrect day and/or location.


If you are awarded funding and accept, you are responsible for the following:

  • Attend all of the PLEN events for your workshop
  • Uphold Tulane’s student conduct code while you travel to and attend the workshop.
  • Provide receipts for your flight reimbursement, pictures of your boarding pass and name badge, and a picture of you at the conference.  
  • After the workshop, we will ask you to complete a blog/website feature.

Please note that if you do not attend the entire conference or if you violate the Tulane Code of Conduct and PLEN's rules during the conference you will not be reimbursed for your flight and will be responsible for the PLEN fees.

PLEN: Health Policy Seminar

The Health Policy Seminar will take place October 14-18, 2024 in Washington, D.C. At this seminar, undergraduates 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.

Considering a career in health policy? Join PLEN for this three-day seminar, Women’s Leadership in Health Policy Matters. Participants will learn directly from policymakers and advocates shaping health policy in Washington, DC and around the world. You’ll hear about their day-to-day work as well as gain insight on the sweeping changes occurring in health policy and how to effectively advocate for change. Participants will also take part in: 

  • A special diplomatic simulation about a global health policy issue at the United States Department of State. 
  • A career development session, including how to begin your job search and optimize your LinkedIn profile. 
  • A networking session to connect with PLEN alum and other change-makers in DC.

Dates: October 14-18, 2024

Application Opens: September 3, 2024

App link: https://tulane.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/649721

Application Due: Sept. 17, 2024

PLEN: Women of Color Influencing Washington

The Women of Color Influencing Washington seminar is TBA. College students considering careers in policy will learn about the legislative process in Washington, D.C., and explore hot-button issues on the Hill. This seminar exposes students to a range of professional opportunities in and related to Congress, from lobbying to working on a Senate or House Committee.

Application Opens: TBA
App Link: Not Open Yet 
Application Due: TBA
Newcomb Orientation Dates: TBA

PLEN: Public Policy Seminar

PLEN 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. The grant will cover your registration fee, hotel, and airfare. 2025 PLEN Public Policy will be from January 6-10. The application will be open October 21 at 8am until November 1 at 11:59PM.

Application Opens: October 21 at 8am

App link: https://tulane.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/600373

Application Due: November 1 at 11:59PM

PLEN: STEM Policy Seminar 

This seminar offers undergraduates a valuable opportunity to hear firsthand from women in science, health, and technology who are shaping our nation's STEM agenda. 

PLEN: Global Policy Seminar

The Global Policy seminar will take place in May. Students will participate in sessions where they will learn issue-specific information about an array of international policy issues from women professionals working in the field, learn how to break into an international policy career and get advice to help them achieve their career goals.

 

For more information contact:  Leila Escoto, Senior Program Coordinator Student Engagement, at lescoto@tulane.edu