The first edition of the program was initiated in July 2022 by Women In International Security Poland, with the generous support of Northrop Grumman Corporation. This partnership is continued for 2025 with the third edition of the Mentoring Program introduced below.
The WIIS POLAND – NGC Young Female Leaders Mentoring Program 2024-2025 marks the third edition of this initiative aimed at empowering female students and recent graduates from Polish and Ukrainian universities who are interested in pursuing careers in international security, defense, and peace studies. The program will connect 15 talented participants with 15 experienced mentors for a 10-month transformative experience that includes individual mentoring, skills-training sessions, study visits, and participation in the 2025 Warsaw Security Forum.
The goal of the program is to provide participants with the necessary tools, knowledge, and network to navigate the international security and defense sectors, addressing the challenges faced by women in these industries. The program will be conducted entirely in English and will feature four skills and competencies training sessions (three in-person and one online), as well as inauguration and graduation ceremonies. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend key defense and security sector events, such as Defence24 Days and the MSPO/International Defence Industry Exhibition, to further deepen their networking and industry insights. This year, the program is honored to include five mentors from its Strategic Partner – Northrop Grumman.
Young Female Leaders in Security Mentoring Program 2024-2025 is a full scholarship program, which covers programming and full board for all participants.
*The program does not cover travel costs of participants to live sessions and accommodation in Warsaw.
”Our mission is profoundly important: Advancing the role of women in the field of international peace and security will be one of the keys to advancing peace and security in our world in the 21st century.
Submit your application
Present your carrer goals
Meet your mentor
Attend training sessions
Become a female leader in Security
The application process is highly competitive and is addressed to applicants meeting the following requirements:
Profile:
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female students (undergraduate and graduate students, Ph.D. candidates & young graduates) pursuing different fields related to defense, security, peace studies, military and/or STEM OR young female professionals in the mentioned fields (0-3 years of experience).
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Nationality: Polish or Ukrainian;
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Age: between 20-30 years old;
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Language: English proficiency, at least B2 level (certificate not required).
- Commitment: Full participation in all stages of the program is required.
Application Process:
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Fill in the application form with personal and opinion-based questions
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attach your CV and other supporting documents (Letter of Motivation, Letter to Mentor)
Candidates will be selected based on the information provided in their online application form. Please note that the information provided in the “short bio” section in the application form will be used in project materials and added to the website, unless otherwise requested.
Documents needed in the application:
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Resume (in English)
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Letter of Motivation (in English) (Please explain what is your motivation to participate in a mentoring program)
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Letter to Mentor (in English) (Please explain what would be your expectations from engaging with a mentor; what goals would you like to set for yourself in the next 5 years.)
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Optional: Letter of Recommendation for Program (in English or Polish)
Program timetable:
Call for Applications, recruitment & promotion ongoing
List of Mentees and Mentors Announced
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Official in-person commencement event of the Mentoring Program
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Study visit to Northrop Grumman
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Group Mentoring Kick-Off
Online/offline sessions with a dedicated mentor.
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Goals settings
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Calendar of in-pair meetings
Skills and Competencies Training session (in person, Warsaw); theme: Women, Peace & Security
Skills and Competencies Training session (in person, Warsaw); theme: Communication Skills
Skills and Competencies Training session (online, ZOOM); theme: Cybersecurity & New security threats
Skills and Competencies Training session (in person, Warsaw); theme: Building personal brand
Defence & security sector events – depending on the participants’ interest and invitations (examples: Defence24 Days, CYBERSEC, International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO)
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Participation in the 2025 Warsaw Security Forum and WIIS Annual Working Breakfast
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Graduation Ceremony of the Young Female Leaders Mentoring Program 2024/2025 hosted by the Women in International Security Poland & Northrop Grumman
The project is organized thanks to the support of
Northrop Grumman
