Christina Cassano hopes to take her interest in political science to a new level in June when she takes part in a program aimed at encouraging Wisconsin women to take broader roles in policymaking and leadership.

Cassano, a Broad Field Social Studies major at UW-Superior, is among 25 college students in Wisconsin to be accepted to the 7th annual National Education for Women's Leadership Wisconsin program at Mount Mary College in Milwaukee. The program's goal isto educate, empower and encourage young women to take on public policy leadership roles and help develop the next generation of leaders.

"I have always been interested in political science in that I am interested in what is happening around me," said Cassano, who is from Superior. "However, until recently I have never been really active regarding any of my beliefs. I am hoping that the NEW Leadership Wisconsin program is not only going to help me learn how to become more active in a productive way, but also help me form deeper connections."

"As a future Social Studies teacher I think it is imperative that I have a better understanding of how our system works and to show by example that people, women especially, can make a difference," she added.

NEW Leadership Wisconsin is part of a national network of programs created by the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. The purpose of the program is to create an understanding of the role public policy plays in peoples' lives and careers, and to take the mystery out of running for office or other leadership positions.  

Participants are given an opportunity to meet outstanding leaders in public policy and politics and learn public leadership skills through an innovative curriculum.  The program also presents information about current issues and supports women as they practice issue analysis, leadership skills, public speaking and advocacy skills that can be applied in a variety of settings and for multiple purposes.

 Cassano was nominated for the program by Dr. Alisa Von Hagel, assistant professor of political science at UW-Superior

"I felt Christina would very much benefit from the program," Von Hagel said. "She's a very engaged student in and out of the classroom, so I think she'll have lot to not only share but also to learn from other people in the program."

Von Hagel said she hopes to recommend more students for the program in the future.