LEAD GW

LEAD GW is a dynamic, co-curricular program for incoming, first-year undergraduate students. This program empowers students to learn more about themselves, socially responsible leadership, and their new home. LEAD GW is one of three exciting co-curricular programs for new students offered by the Office of Student Life. These programs help students connect with classmates, discover campus resources, and ease the transition to college life.

Photo of 80 LEAD participants in front of Gelman Library.

"I really enjoyed how we were divided into small groups and hence were able to build a bond with not only members of the groups but our guides as well. In addition, I enjoyed the small chat and talk session as I really got to know a lot more about others as well as more about myself. Lastly, this program was really thought-provoking as I believe I now have a clearer idea of what I really wanted to do in the future and how I should be as a person or even a leader."

LEAD GW Participant, 2019

Program Overview

LEAD GW stands for "Leadership Exploration and Development" and helps first-year students start their leadership journey at GW through a variety of activities and self-reflection. Participants attend presentations and workshops, engage in small group activities, and explore D.C. with their new classmates. Incoming students are paired with upper-class guides who mentor, share resources, and provide personal insights into life at GW and living in D.C.

LEAD GW will take place Sunday, August 22 - Tuesday, August 24, 2021. Students that sign up to participate in LEAD GW are expected to engage during all program dates and times. Basic schedule details are below and more information will be shared throughout the summer.

Kamiah Brown

Class of 2023

“LEAD was really fun and I highly recommend participating in the pre-orientation. I got the chance to explore DC, learn more about leadership, and I created friendships that I wouldn’t have if I didn’t apply for LEAD! LEAD gave me tips I often use on the daily whether that be learning the community outside of GW or how to work well on a team.”

Program Benefits

As a result of attending LEAD GW, participants will:

Learn about leadership styles, skills, and practices
Connect with peers, staff, and the GW community
Learn how to engage in leadership opportunities at GW

of participants agreed that they gained skills and knowledge that will make them more successful in college after participating in LEAD GW

of students agreed that they know their strengths as a leader after participating in LEAD GW

Photo of LEAD guides and incoming students in front of a neon map of the US at a museum.

Cost

The program cost is $80 and will be charged to your student account in August.

The fee will cover program supplies, a t-shirt, a Metro card with $10 fare, and 1-2 boxed meals (when activities are not on-campus near GWorld vendors). Please note that as GW meal plans will be active during Orientation Week, students will use their GWorld to pay for meals that take place on or around campus. We will provide food for activities that are off-campus, away from GWorld vendors.

We do not want program fees to be a barrier to participation. Fee waivers are available for those who express financial need. If you have questions about fee waivers, please reach out to Andrea Davis at [email protected].

Registration

Registration will open Monday, May 17, and close Monday, July 26. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. A waitlist will be created if the program fills before the deadline.

Please note that you can only participate in one co-curricular program. SEAS students, Women’s Leadership Program (WLP), Civic House Scholars, and others with required programming on these program dates are not eligible to participate in LEAD GW.

Program Dates and Schedule

Following the new student move-in, LEAD GW will take place from Sunday, August 22 to Tuesday, August 24 during Orientation Week. We’ll begin Sunday evening with small groups and a virtual keynote speaker. On Monday and Tuesday, you can expect to be engaged in programming from approximately 10am - 8 pm, with optional nighttime social activities.

We are still in the process of finalizing program details but check out our 2019 LEAD GW schedule to gain some insight into what to expect.

Participants should select a move-in day and time before 4 pm on Sunday, August 22.

Advertised times are subject to change.

Julia Kerrigan

Class of 2023

"LEAD GW gave me the opportunity to reassess and embrace my leadership style before putting it into action during the school year. Its focus on both leadership and student life helped get me on my feet and feeling confident, and it was great to know that my peer guides would be supportive figures throughout the school year."

Additional Information

If you have any additional questions, please contact Andrea Davis, Program Coordinator for Leadership.