Ruth G. Shaw Leadership Program

From September to March, a select cohort, or group, of 12 students and 12 mentors come together for dynamic leadership conversations on topics such as self-awareness, conquering fear, building self-trust, and leaving a lasting impression.

Benefits of the Ruth G.  Shaw Leadership Program 

This program:

• aims to inspire students to take on leadership roles and celebrate their achievements.
• nurtures student leaders by promoting critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and problem-solving skills. 
• fosters a deeper awareness of the significant roles and contributions of women in society.
• offers recognition of achievement: In April, showcase your journey by presenting a capstone project that highlights your experience. 
• includes eligibility for a Ruth G. Shaw Scholarship up to $1,000 to aid with tuition, fees, and books.
• provides a supportive network of students and community mentors. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Ruth G. Shaw Leadership Program, you must have: 

• completed two semesters of coursework (24 credit hours) at Central Piedmont Community College before the fall semester.
• a minimum 2.5 GPA. 
• demonstrated support for females in the pursuit of a higher education degree, regardless of your sex.

Recipient Requirements 

The program is limited to 12 students. As a recipient, you:

• will participate in two monthly sessions held on Fridays — one with Ruth G. Shaw scholar mentors and a separate scholars-only session.
• should be prepared to arrange your fall and spring classes around Friday program meetings.
• must be enrolled in for-college-credit classes for the entirety of the academic year. 
• must attend all Ruth G. Shaw scholar meetings.

Community Mentors

Becoming a mentor offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in students' lives, share your expertise, and develop your own leadership skills.

Mentors are expected to commit approximately 18-20 hours between August and April. This includes orientation, six meetings, a social gathering, and a culminating capstone class. Additional time may be required for preparing mentor-facilitated meetings or field trips.  

Mentors selected for the Ruth G. Shaw Leadership Program will: 

• be among Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s most competent community volunteers and philanthropists, business executives and professionals, chosen for the specific expertise and enthusiasm you can bring to Ruth G. Shaw scholars. 
• show a genuine interest in the scholars and be sensitive to cultural differences. 
• demonstrate a willingness to share your definitions, experiences, perspectives, counsel, networks and personal support to initiate conversation with scholars about understanding their own definitions of success. 
• discuss with scholars the importance of career planning and offer examples of the strategies you've employed to achieve your goals 
• use you strengths and accomplishments as an impetus to propel scholars toward a greater level of personal accomplishment and achievement. 

Interested in becoming a mentor? 

Email Vanesa Stolen. 

Apply for the Scholarship

The scholarship portal opens on March 17, 2025 for the 2025–26 academic year. To be considered, submit the general scholarship application and then select the Ruth G. Shaw Scholarship application. Qualified applicants will be invited to interview with a scholarship selection committee.