Frequently Asked Questions

Bentley University offers a unique undergraduate program focused on preparing and empowering young women to lead. During the four-year co-curricular Women’s Leadership Program (WLP), students gain insights and strategies for self-advocacy that address bias, maximize opportunity, and advance leadership potential. WLP Leaders also develop key communications competencies and become collaborative relationship builders who can communicate with influence. Prospective first-year students apply as part of the admission process.

To apply, students must complete two supplemental questions for Bentley University on the Common Application. The application is reviewed by the Undergraduate Admission Committee during the application decision process. If you submitted your Common Application, but did not answer the additional questions and would still like to apply for the program, you can submit the application here. 

Selection is based on leadership experience and potential as demonstrated by the student's Bentley application, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and/or job positions.  Decisions are announced as part of the regular decision process.

The selection process for the program occurs as part of the regular decision process. Students who are admitted early decision are notified about Women's Leadership Program decisions in late March.

Absolutely! This program is designed to build confidence and competence for women in the workplace. We understand that gender identity doesn’t always match the sex we were assigned at birth. If you have further questions please reach out!

No! Once you are in the Women’s Leadership Program, you cannot lose your scholarship or ability to participate in the program based on your gender identity. We understand that gender is fluid and a journey. We want to support all of our students on that journey and encourage them to be their authentic selves.

As a four-year program, the Women's Leadership Program application is open to prospective first-year students only. Bentley offers students many other opportunities related to leadership and advancing gender equality.

Several Bentley student groups focus on programs and events related to gender and gender equity:

• Students Advocating for Gender Equality (SAGE)
• Bentley Men of Alliance
• Bentley Women's Network
• P.R.I.D.E.

Bentley also has many opportunities for students to gain leadership skills:

• Panhellenic Council
• Orientation Leaders
• Student Government
• Campus Activities Board (CAB)
• First-Year Seminar Facilitator
• Service Learning Program Manager
• ...and there are many more!

The Women's Leadership Program partners with a variety of campus partners to develop and hold sessions focusing on a variety of key topics. These partners include the Center for Women and Business (CWB), Pulsifer Career Development Center, and various faculty members. The WLP also invites external partners to present on key topics.

You can view a detailed breakdown of the program structure by year.

The Women's Leadership Award includes participation in the Women's Leadership Program. In order to ensure WLP Leaders gain the skills, confidence, and strategies that will prepare them as leaders, they are required to participate in a diverse set of programs over the course of four years. View a detailed breakdown of the program requirements by year.  

In order to remain in the program and maintain the financial award, WLP Leaders should be enrolled as full-time students and demonstrate satisfactory academic progress.

The program is not included as a transcript annotation. WLP Leaders should highlight the program on their resumes.

Students in the Women’s Leadership Program have the same residential options as all other incoming students, including the option to live in the HerStory: Women Leaders of Today (HerStory).  Located in the Trees Complex, HerStory is a first-year residential community that provides a space for women to interact with and live amongst others who share passion for gender issues.

Yes! Many of our WLP Leaders study abroad and it does not affect your standing in the program. Bentley will apply your award while you study abroad as long as you are a full-time student and you are abroad during the fall or spring semester. WLP Leaders who study abroad will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a different culture and experience the country's social norms and attitudes – this includes attitudes and actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. To encourage you to reflect on what you are experiencing, we ask that you observe and document your experiences relative to gender norms, stereotypes, and diversity by making entries in your leadership journal. To ensure that you are staying on track with your WLP requirements, in addition to responding to completing your study abroad-specific leadership journal, you will also complete two asynchronous workshops.