The North Carolina Center for Women in Public Service

is now accepting applications for its 2008 Summer Institute,

an intensive summer leadership program that prepares women to seek elected or appointed office.

The Summer Institute will be held at Peace College in Raleigh over two extended weekends — June 26-29 andd July 17-20, 2008. Up to 20 women will be selected to participate in the 2008 Institute. Participants will hone their leadership skills, prepare for political campaigning and develop tools for effective and ethical public service. Featured presenters will include state and local elected officials, professors, media experts, leadership trainers, noted political strategists and successful Summer Institute graduates.

The Summer Institute is open to women of all backgrounds, interests, and political affiliations. Now in its fifth year, the Institute has graduated more than 50 women who are actively making a difference in their communities, including women who have sought and won election to public office.

The deadline for all applications for the Summer Institute is April 30, 2008. Application information is available online at www.nccwps.org. Tuition assistance and assistance with transportation or childcare costs is also available for qualified candidates.