Bay Path University and Women’s Fund of Western Mass. partner to offer groundbreaking leadership course for women
On Wednesday, March 8, the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (Women’s Fund) will join Bay Path University at their On the Move Forum, to announce a groundbreaking partnership that will create the first program in the region to offer academic credit along with specialized leadership training for women.
Through this partnership, the Women’s Fund Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact (LIPPI) program participants who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate as well as three academic credits. Graduates will be able to use these credits toward an undergraduate or a graduate degree at any higher education institution. Bay Path University will consider Women’s Fund LIPPI participants non-matriculated students as part of the partnership, giving them access to online classroom tools including access to virtual sessions with instructors and their cohort.
Graduates of the program will join over 250 Women’s Fund LIPPI alumnae, many whom have gone on to run for –and win – public office. In addition to running for office, graduates have led, or are leading, some of the most exciting gender equity campaigns in the state including pay equity, expanding workplace accommodations for pregnant employees, and paid family leave.
“Women’s Fund LIPPI graduates have affected almost 4 million women and their families in the Commonwealth, “said Elizabeth Barajas-Román, CEO, Women’s Fund. “The Women’s Fund is thrilled to participate in this collaborative effort with Bay Path University. We think this is a natural partnership for our organizations, as we both invest in creating strong communities through leadership development. Together, LIPPI will generate leaders who will invest in creating strong communities. Our participants become the civic and business leaders of tomorrow who will help the region thrive.”
In recognition of International Women’s Day, and the 40th anniversary of the 1977 National Women’s Conference, both Bay Path University and the Women’s Fund seek to elevate local women leaders who ultimately strengthen the region as a whole.
“As a flagship higher education institution in Western Massachusetts, Bay Path University has a long-standing history of supporting student leadership,” said Dr. Carol Leary, president of Bay Path University. “By providing access and pathways to secure better, educational, social and economic development opportunities for the women of our community, this partnership will support the leadership and career development of adult women.”
The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts fuels progress toward gender equity by funding the most promising solutions, collaborating with results-oriented partners, and by elevating the collective power of local women to take charge, and to lead with purpose. Their signature, non-partisan program, the Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact (LIPPI) is designed to provide women with the tools, mentors, and confidence they need to become powerful and effective civic leaders and elected officials.
A Bay Path University education empowers undergraduate women and graduate women and men to become leaders in their careers and communities with an innovative approach to learning that prepares students to flourish in a constantly changing world.
