About Us
The Women's Leadership Program promotes excellence in academic achievement, fosters strong community building and provides the framework upon which students can develop their own leadership identity.
The Elizabeth J. Somers Women's Leadership Program (WLP) is a selective year-long living and learning program for freshmen women at the George Washington University. Offered exclusively at the Mount Vernon Campus, WLP commemorates and preserves the vision of the founder of Mount Vernon College and Seminary, Elizabeth J. Somers. WLP students have the benefit of small classes, close contact with faculty and women in leadership roles and strong community ties within the program.
The dynamic curriculum emphasizes exploration and development of women's leadership through academic courses and a weekly interactive event, the WLP symposium. The WLP symposia offer special lectures, workshops and experiences that draw on the unique resources of Washington, D.C., and brings students together with women of achievement and leadership from many professional fields.
Students live together in Somers Hall with a graduate teaching assistant who serves as a mentor and academic resource.
Student Highlight
SJ Matthews Elected Student Association President for 2019-2020
SJ Matthews, who majors in classical studies in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, is a former WLP student. She won the runoff election with 66.6 percent of the vote. “I’m really excited to be an advocate for the students next semester as the next Student Association president,” Ms. Matthews said. “I really think we’re going to get a lot done.”
