Scholars & Fellows Programs

Athena Leadership Scholars Program

Launched in September 2009, The Athena Center offers a range of academic courses that examine all aspects of women’s leadership from the distinctive perspective of the liberal arts. Using an innovative, interdisciplinary approach that combines rigorous academic and experiential study, the program helps Barnard women prepare to assume positions of leadership at the highest levels of achievement. Students explore how women lead and whether gender affects leadership styles and strategies alongside their selection of a major. The Center also sponsors lectures, mentoring and leadership opportunities and the Athena Leadership Lab which offers a wide range of workshops designed to teach practical elements of leadership to students, alums and others leaders in New York. Follow the growth of the Athena Center for Leadership Studies.

Centennial Scholars Program

Established in 1984, offers selected students the opportunity to pursue courses of independent study early in their college careers. Working closely with mentors of their choice over a period of several semesters, these young women undertake investigations in areas of personal interest that culminate in projects presented to faculty and peers. Stipends for travel, books, materials or technical instruction not available within the regular Barnard curriculum are provided to each Scholar. Students may apply for consideration during their first year at Barnard. Read more about the Centennial Scholars Program.

Writing Fellows Program

The Writing Fellows Program offers students with strong writing, reading, and communication skills an opportunity to become peer tutors in writing. During their first semester in the program, students take a seminar and practicum in the teaching of writing (The Writer's Process), usually in the autumn term of their sophomore or junior year. As Writing Fellows, they work in different settings (e.g., The Jong Writing Center, writing-intensive courses across the curriculum) with Barnard undergraduates at all levels and in all disciplines. Writing Fellows receive a stipend and are asked to make a commitment of three semesters to the Program.

Speaking Fellows Program

Students with exceptional public speaking skills and an interest in leading groups of their peers may apply for the Speaking Fellows Program. During their first semester in the program, students take a seminar and practicum in the theory and teaching of public speaking , usually in the autumn term of their sophomore or junior year. As Speaking Fellows, they work with small groups of Barnard and Columbia undergraduates on the fundamentals of public speaking, team presentation-giving, negotiating, and other skills required for course assignments. The program approaches public speaking as a critical leadership ability and focuses on helping students know how to use rhetorical skills to have an impact on the world around them. Speaking Fellows receive a stipend and are asked to make a commitment of three semesters to the Program.

Research Opportunities

Students are strongly encouraged to seek out opportunities for research in many of the academic departments at Barnard. Guided internships, colloquia, and seminar courses often provide the structure for such research and, in most cases, coursework fulfills major requirements.

Research internships through programs like the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, or the Third Millennium Foundation for Storytelling are only a sampling of ways Barnard students involve themselves in research on campus and off. They are employed by research centers such as the Barnard Center for Research on Women or the Athena Scholars Program. They conduct field study through academic departments (at Columbia or Barnard) or by connecting with organizations in our surrounding community (projects may focus, for example, on the arts, the environment, the urban landscape, a community’s political infrastructure, innovative educational programs, public/private partnerships, or a combination of any or all of these). They are also involved in ongoing research projects in labs through out campus (just take a look at faculty research interests or lab descriptions on academic department sites for ideas).

For most majors, a senior thesis or research project is required, but students can get involved in research much earlier. The best way for students to learn about such opportunities is to connect with faculty in an intended academic department as early as possible.