The GIVEN Institute Leadership Program
The GIVEN Leadership Program is a 16-month journey for Catholic women ages 21–35 with a heart for mission and a desire to grow as leaders — to explore your God-given gifts and discern how you are called to share them in service of the Gospel.
Alongside young women from across the United States and around the world, you will deepen your faith, grow in leadership, and put your gifts into practice through a personal Action Plan — an initiative you discern, develop, and bring to life in service to others.
Your “yes” begins a journey of online and in-person formation, including the four-day GIVEN Leadership Forum in Washington, DC, and nine months of one-on-one mentorship, supported by a growing network of faithful Catholic lay, religious, and consecrated women.
The 2027 Program Journey
Your journey begins with the application itself — an invitation to reflect on your story, your faith, and your hopes for using your gifts to serve others. Once accepted, you’ll join a cohort of young Catholic women who share your desire to grow in faith and leadership.
The full cost to participate in the 16-month GIVEN Leadership Program is $3,500, and thanks to the generosity of our benefactors, it is largely subsidized.
Upon acceptance, participants contribute an $800 program fee, which helps support the full GIVEN experience — including leadership and faith formation, Action Plan development and support, the GIVEN Leadership Forum (including accommodations and meals), nine months of one-on-one mentorship, and ongoing program resources. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the Forum.
Full program payment is due February 11. If space is available, late registrations will be accepted with a $200 late fee. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available.
The GIVEN Leadership Forum
The Catholic University of America · Washington, DC
At the heart of the Leadership Program is the Forum — four days of formation, prayer, and friendship that bring your cohort together in person. Alongside mentors, religious sisters, and other Catholic women leaders, you’ll find space to listen to God’s call and grow in confidence to offer your own gifts.
At the Forum, you’ll experience
You’ll return home with renewed purpose, practical tools, and a community to encourage you as you bring your Action Plan to life.
Put your gifts into action
An Action Plan is a personal initiative that puts your God-given gifts at the service of the Church and the world.
What need moves your heart? How might your gifts help you respond? Throughout the Leadership Program, you’ll discern, develop, and carry out an initiative that brings your plan to life.
With guidance from Action Plan Strategists, Mentors, GIVEN staff, and the wider GIVEN Network, you’ll shape your ideas into practical steps and grow as a leader as you work to launch your Action Plan.
Your Action Plan launches your gifts into the world in service to others, with courage, generosity, and trust in God.
Is the Leadership Program for you?
GIVEN welcomes Catholic women ages 21–35 who have demonstrated leadership and a desire to grow as a leader, are engaged in their faith, are committed to the teachings of the Magisterium, and desire to cultivate their gifts to enrich the culture, the Church, and others in their spheres of influence.
Your commitment over 16 months:
For Mentors
Accompany the next generation of Catholic women leaders
For women ready to invest their experience and wisdom in the next generation, GIVEN offers this invitation: accompany a young woman as she recognizes her gifts and finds the courage to offer them to the world.
Through the Art of Accompaniment Mentoring, you’ll walk alongside an emerging leader as she discerns her call, develops her Action Plan, and grows in faith and leadership — supported by formation, training, and a community of faithful Catholic women.
Why mentor with GIVEN?
Is mentoring for you?
Religious sisters (including those nearing full profession), and lay and consecrated women are invited to apply if you:
Your commitment as a mentor
Virtual formation and mentor training leading up to the Forum.
New mentors attend all four days, June 17–20, 2027, in Washington, DC.
Once matched, meet with up to two mentees each month for at least 30 minutes, August 2027–April 2028.
Regular check-ins, quarterly virtual gatherings, and mid-year and final evaluations.
In gratitude for your service, GIVEN covers mentor training and the full Forum experience, including meals and lodging. Religious sisters receive a full scholarship, including a travel allowance; lay mentors cover their own travel. Lay mentors who are able are invited to pay it forward with a gift that helps a sister or young woman participate in the full Leadership Program.
Your willingness to accompany a young woman can help her respond to God’s call with greater confidence.
Apply to become a GIVEN MentorIf you’ve mentored with GIVEN before, use the returning mentor form to join the 2027 cohort.
Returning mentor formFrequently asked questions
What are the main elements of the GIVEN Leadership Program?+
The 16-month program brings together online leadership and formation sessions, a CliftonStrengths assessment, the four-day GIVEN Leadership Forum in Washington, DC, and nine months of one-on-one mentorship. Throughout the journey, you’ll develop and launch a personal Action Plan, supported by your mentor, GIVEN staff, your cohort, and the wider GIVEN Network.
What is the time commitment?+
You commit to participating fully from February 2027 through May 2028. This includes:
The time needed for your Action Plan will depend on the initiative you develop.
What is an Action Plan, and how will I be supported?+
An Action Plan is a personal initiative that puts your God-given gifts at the service of the Church and the world.
You’ll discern, develop, and carry out your initiative with guidance from Action Plan Strategists, your mentor, and GIVEN staff. Formation, resources, structured check-ins, and connections within the GIVEN Network will help you turn your ideas into action.
How will I be matched with a mentor?+
Following the Forum, GIVEN prayerfully matches you with a mentor, considering professional expertise, personal interests, and the experience and skills that can best support your growth and Action Plan.
How many women will participate in the program?+
The 2027 cohort will include approximately 150 young women and up to 75 mentors, bringing together a community rich in experience, gifts, and perspectives.
What does the program cost?+
Upon acceptance, participants contribute an $800 program fee, which helps support the full GIVEN experience — including leadership and faith formation, Action Plan development and support, the GIVEN Leadership Forum (including accommodations and meals), nine months of one-on-one mentorship, and ongoing program resources. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the Forum.
Full program payment is due February 11. If space is available, late registrations will be accepted with a $200 late fee.
The full cost to participate in the 16-month GIVEN Leadership Program is $3,500, and thanks to the generosity of our benefactors, it is largely subsidized.
Are scholarships available?+
Yes. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available for those requiring additional financial assistance. Once accepted to the program, more information can be provided.
How can I raise funds for the program?+
You might seek support from your parish, diocese, employer, family, or friends. Share why you hope to participate, your ideas for an Action Plan, and how you hope to serve others through what you receive.
Many past participants have combined these approaches to cover program costs while building a community of encouragement around them.
Can I apply if I live outside the United States or am not a U.S. citizen?+
Yes! GIVEN welcomes applications from Catholic women around the world who meet the program requirements.
You are responsible for arranging travel to the Forum and obtaining any necessary travel documentation. GIVEN can help arrange accommodations at the Forum for you to arrive a day early and stay a day late, to make your travel more comfortable. Extra nights and meals would be at your own expense.
What happens after I complete the program?+
You’ll be invited to stay connected through the GIVEN Network. As an alumna, you can continue growing in faith and leadership, connect and collaborate with other women, participate in gatherings, and support future cohorts.
What are the requirements for becoming a GIVEN Mentor?+
You must be a Catholic woman age 36 or older, faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, with at least eight years of experience in your profession or vocation.
GIVEN seeks women with life, ministry, or professional experience and a desire to encourage the next generation, drawing on their lived wisdom and personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church. A formal leadership title isn’t required. What matters most is the experience you bring and your heart for accompanying others.
Can religious sisters serve as mentors?+
Yes! Religious sisters are a valued part of GIVEN’s mentoring community. Sisters in temporary vows or who are fully professed are welcome to apply.
What is the time commitment?+
You’ll participate in virtual formation and training before the Forum. All new mentors are asked to attend the four-day Forum, June 17–20, 2027, in Washington, DC.
Following the Forum, you may be matched with up to two participants for nine months of accompaniment, August 2027–May 2028. You’ll meet individually with each mentee at least once a month for a minimum of 30 minutes, complete regular check-ins, participate in quarterly virtual gatherings, and submit mid-year and final evaluations.
Is there a cost to serve as a mentor?+
GIVEN covers meals and lodging for all mentors during the Forum. Lay mentors cover their own travel costs. GIVEN seeks sponsors to help cover travel expenses for invited religious sisters.
Can I serve as a mentor without attending the Forum?+
All new mentors are asked to attend the Forum as part of their preparation. If you are a returning mentor, please contact GIVEN staff about attendance expectations.
Select mentoring opportunities outside the Leadership Program may also be available once you have established a relationship with GIVEN staff.
Will I receive training?+
Yes. Before the Forum, you’ll participate in virtual formation and training that introduces GIVEN’s formation themes and prepares you to accompany your mentee, support her discernment, and guide her as she develops and carries out her Action Plan.
What is an Action Plan, and how will I support it?+
An Action Plan is a personal initiative your mentee develops to put her gifts at the service of the Church and the world.
You’ll offer encouragement, accountability, wisdom, and practical advice while helping her take ownership of her decisions and next steps.
What support will I receive?+
GIVEN staff provide resources, guidance, and regular check-ins throughout your mentoring experience. Quarterly virtual gatherings also offer opportunities to connect with fellow mentors and learn from one another.
How will I be matched with a participant?+
Following the Forum, GIVEN prayerfully matches mentors and participants, considering professional expertise, personal interests, and the experience and skills that can best support each young woman’s growth and Action Plan.
What if I don’t feel “qualified enough” to mentor?+
If you meet the eligibility requirements, we encourage you to consider the wisdom you already have to offer. Your faith, experience, willingness to listen, and desire to encourage a young woman are valuable gifts. GIVEN’s training and ongoing support will help you grow in confidence as a mentor.
Do I need to live in a particular location?+
No. Mentoring is primarily virtual, so you can serve from across the United States or abroad. When possible, GIVEN may pair women who live near one another to allow for in-person connection.
Can I stay involved after my first year?+
Yes! Many mentors return to accompany future cohorts. You may also have opportunities to support alumnae, serve as an Action Plan Strategist, share your professional skills, and participate in the wider GIVEN Network.