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WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Our mission is to champion women who, like our namesake B.A., seek to make a difference in the world. We have six “BA Values”, and invite those who  embody and advance these values to apply. Anyone who is female and/or identifies as a woman can apply. We invite women from all academic institutions to apply to EmpowHER, including community colleges, online universities, state schools, and private colleges or universities. Women of color, immigrants or recent immigrants regardless of citizenship status, first-generation Americans and first-generation college students, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE YOUR PARTICIPANTS?

We select participants who we believe best embody the mission and values of BA Women. We also champion women for whom a small amount of support will make a significant difference. We are committed to supporting women from all backgrounds, and providing scholarships for our programs. 

WHAT CAREER FIELDS DO YOU SUPPORT?

We know you want to change the world—and that can happen in many ways. We define public service as careers that are working to make the world a better place. This can include and is not limited to: government, nonprofit endeavors, and/or women’s rights, and can include the social sciences, the humanities, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), and the arts. There is no requirement regarding the applicant’s major or focus of study, as long as the summer position focuses on public service. Positions can be of any type (internship, fellowship, research assistantship, etc.) and take place in a variety of environments (i.e., a nonprofit organization, on Capitol Hill, research lab or project, the private sector, at a hospital/clinic, etc.)

DO YOU SUPPORT FELLOWSHIPS & RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIPS?
CAN WOMEN IN STEM APPLY?

Yes.  As long as your summer role in Washington is at least 30 hours a week, at least 6-weeks, and working to make the world a better place, we hope you apply!  In recent years, we supported women interning at organizations including Save the Children, Women Thrive Alliance, Bread for the World, Church World Services, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and George Washington University Law School Immigration Clinic. We also supported women in ecology and psychology research labs, at medical clinics and offices, and even at anthropological exhibits.

Please note that due to our 501(c)3 nonprofit status, we cannot support internships for specific political campaigns, political action committees, the Democratic National Committee, or Republican National Committee.

WHAT MATERIALS DO I NEED
TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO EMPOWHER?

To apply for EmpowHER, you’ll be asked to provide information in an online form about your academic background, field(s) of interest, and financial situation (additional details are here).

In addition to the online form, applicants will also be asked to submit the following:

  • Resume (2-page maximum, PDF only)
  • Your most recent transcript(s) (official or unofficial accepted, PDF only)
  • A "BA Woman" essay or narrative addressing how you embody the six BA Women values. (additional details on what this should include may be in the online application portal)
  • A paragraph on the type of internship you’d like to have (including the issue area you’d like to work on), and how this internship supports your longer-term career aspirations.  Feel free to share details on the type of role you’d like to have (e.g. communications, research, event planning, policy briefings, general admin support), any skills or experience you have in those areas, and the skills you’d like to learn from your internship.
  • The name and email address of one reference, who will  will receive directions from EmpowHER to submit their recommendation on your behalf

WHEN ARE THE APPLICATION DEADLINE & ACCEPTANCE DECISIONS? 

Applications for EmpowHER's 2020 cohort will close at 11:59pm EST Saturday, February 1st, 2020. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance and scholarship status and invited to enroll in March of 2020. The first 50% of your program tuition is due at enrollment, and from then on you'll be provided with BA Women exclusive support to begin your internship application process and welcome you into a lifetime of EmpowHER sisterhood.

HOW DO I PAY FOR THE COST OF THE PROGRAM?

If invited to join the 2020 EmpowHER cohort, you will receive your acceptance letter and if applicable, scholarship information, in March 2020. From there, 50% of your EmpowHER program tuition will be due at the time of enrollment in March. The remaining 50% is due in late May/early June, at least 24 hours prior to your move to D.C. All payments are due via PayPal (which includes bank transfer and credit card payment options).

 

CAN UNDOCUMENTED AND / OR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS? 

Yes, international students can apply; though it is important to note that we do not provide visa sponsorships. We also provide scholarships to immigrants or recent immigrants, including dreamers and / or DACA recipients.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE SPOT DESIGNATED FOR AN ARKANSAN?

An Arkansan is someone who was born and/or raised in Arkansas. They do not need to be currently enrolled in college / university in Arkansas. 

WHY DO YOU HAVE AN EMPOWHER SCHOLARSHIP DESIGNATED FOR SOMEONE FROM ARKANSAS?

B.A. Rudolph’s Arkansas roots continue to deeply influence the BA Women’s Alliance. A native of Arkansas, B.A. attended the Fayetteville, Arkansas public school system. In 1978, she earned a bachelor's degree in political science and journalism from the University of Arkansas.  In 1983, B.A. relocated to Washington, D.C. to continue her career in public service.

To honor her Arkansas roots, the BA Women’s Alliance will award at least one spot in EmpowHER to a qualified woman from Arkansas, including program costs, summer living stipend, and D.C.-based housing (a ~$9,750 value).

Other questions?

Have a question you don't see answered here? Feel free to get in touch with us. Someone from our staff will be happy to answer your questions!

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