"BOLD has given me a feeling of support and guidance for what’s to come after college. This program has given me a sense of confidence within myself as a woman entering the workforce and for fulfilling leadership roles. BOLD has provided me new connections on and off campus that I am so thankful to have."
BOLD Scholar Caitlynn McAllister
Addiction Studies Major
Class of 2026
BOLD Women’s Leadership Network
In 2018, Colby-Sawyer was selected to join the BOLD Women’s Leadership Network, a highly selective national program for scholars with a passion for women's leadership, and was awarded a three-year, $1.1 million grant for scholarships and transformational campus projects. Since this time, our program has grown and developed.
Colby-Sawyer’s initial cohort of BOLD scholars was comprised of seven junior scholars, and were first-generation students from rural locations in New England who were in good standing at the college. Since that time, the program has grown and our scholars are more excited than ever to develop their leadership skills.
Benefits of the Program
The pioneering program cultivates leadership in young scholars by facilitating opportunities for women’s leadership programming, career development and networking through:
- Career development-based programming
- Financial support for community-based projects
- Internship grant funding
- Fellowship grant funding eligible at graduation
- In addition to the amazing career-related benefits, BOLD Scholars receive a BOLD scholarship as a benefit of being selected as a BOLD Scholar. In almost all cases, the BOLD scholarship replaces a recipient’s previous college grants and scholarships, resulting in a larger total award.
Colby-Sawyer College is one of just a few colleges to host the BOLD Women’s Leadership Network, accompanied by Ithaca College, Rutgers University-Newark, the University of Connecticut and newest member in 2025, Marshall University. Each institution is either led by a female president, or a leadership team with larger percentage of female leaders, who have shown a longtime commitment to improving the outcomes of its scholars.
About BOLD
Funded and supported by The Helen Gurley Brown Foundation, the BOLD Women's Leadership Network was established in the spirit and legacy of Helen Gurley Brown, legendary editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine. A trailblazer, Helen was unapologetically herself and believed that every girl and woman should have the space to do the same while pursuing an education, building a career and achieving her life's ambitions. BOLD candidates need to have a passion for women's leadership as did Helen Gurley Brown.
For more information, visit BOLD Women's Leadership Network.