Page Navigation
About WE LEAD »
Application Requirements »
Why Become a Leadership Scholar? »
Program Overview »
About WE LEAD
The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing Leadership Academy, WE LEAD, aims to develop, foster, and champion the leadership competencies of emerging and established nurse leaders, preparing them to build a culture of health around the world.
We Lead uses experiential learning to add depth to the student experience, covering topics like entrepreneurship, negotiation, and innovation. The themes and curriculum were developed around the ANA’s Leadership Institutes pillars of ‘leading yourself, leading others and leading the organization.’
- Professionalism and Social responsibility
- Communication and Relationship Management
- Personal / Professional Leadership Development
- Systems-Based Practice in the Health Care Environment
- Business Skills and Principals
“The leadership academy has brought me closer to the college as a whole and has given me an even greater appreciation for the nursing profession.”
–WE LEAD Graduate
Application Requirements
Currently, the program is designed to target upper-division undergraduate students in their third year, regardless of campus location. To apply, you must:
- Be in good academic standing with the University
- Provide a statement of goals for participation in the WE LEAD program
Why Become a Leadership Scholar?
Leadership Scholars gain completely free access to unique workshops, team building activities, networking opportunities, exciting field trips, banquets, book clubs, and more — all designed to foster leadership skills.
With Penn State Nursing students distributed across various campuses, WE LEAD provides a distinct opportunity for them to unite and learn from one another. This program fosters connections across the commonwealth, instills a sense of unity and camaraderie, and enhances their leadership skills. Nursing students across every campus participate are encouraged to apply.
Persons completing the majority of program activities will be recognized at the end-of-year banquet. Participating in the WE LEAD program and graduating as a Leadership Scholar from the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing will distinguish you from your colleagues, guide you on the path to effective leadership by harnessing your strengths and abilities, and provide you with a competitive edge as you seek employment and educational opportunities beyond the BSN degree.
“The networking opportunities provided are amazing; I have learned so much from Penn State alumni who have achieved so much in their careers. I now feel ready to start my career and lead just as much as they have.”
–WE LEAD Graduate
Program Overview
Participation in WE LEAD is completely free and open to all upper-division undergraduate Penn State Nursing students, regardless of campus.
The program includes one in-person meeting per semester and one independent activity per month. Students participating in the on-campus activities will receive free WE LEAD swag and meals during programming and an official WE LEAD College of Nursing pin at the end-of-year banquet. Travel, food, and lodging will be provided for students arriving from the Commonwealth Campuses. On-campus activities will include team building (escape rooms), experiential workshop activities, and self-assessments.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Susan Leight, WE LEAD: Nursing Leadership Academy Director.
