Women's Leadership Development Certificate for Veterans and Military Spouses in STEM

The Women’s Leadership Development Certificate for Veterans and Military Spouses is a transformative experience that builds on the participants’ knowledge and interests to harness their leadership skills and form their own unique path in a STEM field. Military-connected women face many challenges when trying to grow into a leadership role in civilian life. Whether a veteran yourself or a military spouse, entering the workforce feels like a time to develop and embrace a new identity and a new community.

The Women's Leadership Development Certificate is designed to teach leadership principles through a lens of gender equity by exploring context, building knowledge and leadership skills and designing a personal path forward.

This program, new for Summer 2026, will be tailored to the needs of veterans and military spouses working in STEM. Speakers and faculty members will be leaders in their fields, with additional resources offered by Villanova's Office of Veterans and Military Service Members. This program will also offer an opportunity to network with a wide group of individuals, with facilitated group interactions continuing virtually after the residency.  

JULY 19 - 24, 2026

Tuition and housing costs offset by a grant from The Boeing Company.

Students will only pay a $200 deposit fee and any cost to travel to Villanova.

Application Deadline: June 1

Limited seats available, apply soon!

Participants will live and study on Villanova's campus, with all meals included as part of the program.

Program Outcomes

A community of military-affiliated leaders in the STEM industry that will:

• Advance themselves and others as leaders in personal, professional and community life
• Create a Personal Leadership Plan including goals and objectives to further their career and life
• Identify ways to increase emotional intelligence and mindfulness to develop growth potential
• Improve competencies in systems management, innovation, organizational development, communication and interprofessional relationships
• Understand how gender and other identities impact leadership development in STEM organizations and society
• Leverage new communication and leadership skills to empower themselves and others to enact social change