Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership (VWIL)
The Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership (VWIL) at ÏãÃÛÓ°ÊÓ is a four-year leader development program which integrates theoretical instruction with practical application. Using a holistic approach emphasizing moral and ethical development, VWIL combines military leadership development training (through ROTC as well as the VWIL Corps of Cadets) with civilian approaches.
The core element of the VWIL leader development program is membership in the VWIL Corps of Cadets, which is the only all-female corps of cadets in the nation. VWIL students are highly encouraged to take ROTC and earn a minor in leadership in addition to the regular ÏãÃÛÓ°ÊÓ curriculum. VWIL staff coordinates the extensive co-curricular components of VWIL. These include an elaborate student leadership structure, workshops and activities, and community service projects. Freshmen VWIL students participate in a wilderness-type leadership orientation. This three-day orientation takes place prior to the regular college orientation. Freshmen VWIL students room together and participate in freshmen courses to assist in the development of group identity while supporting good relationships with other freshmen.
ÏãÃÛÓ°ÊÓ partners with Virginia Military Institute (VMI) to provide ROTC classes for men and women undergraduate residential students seeking a military commission. ÏãÃÛÓ°ÊÓ’s ROTC units at VMI are among the largest and best in the country, offering more scholarships and more commissions than traditional college and university ROTC units. ÏãÃÛÓ°ÊÓ commissions officers in the Army, Navy, Air Force (Space Force), and Marines. Students register for ROTC classes at ÏãÃÛÓ°ÊÓ using normal registration procedures. Classes are conducted by military personnel on the VMI campus and transportation is provided by ÏãÃÛÓ°ÊÓ. Physical Training is hosted at ÏãÃÛÓ°ÊÓ and at VMI for ROTC cadets.
Benefits of joining VWIL
Benefits of joining VWIL
Academic Success
The cadet corps is a community of supportive and ambitious women who see each other through academic challenges. In VWIL, you find a structured environment meant to encourage you and see you succeed.
Physical training
Participating in our structured physical training and teamwork-based environment will set you up with healthy habits that support mental clarity, good sleep, and more energy.
Bonding with fellow cadets
Our cadets are a diverse group of bright and engaged students. Your experience with them will create deep friendships and connections.
Leadership
Leadership development through VWIL prepares you to motivate and support others, lead through service, and deliver results. You’ll gain a wealth of leadership knowledge and skills for a global world. In fact, about 70% of cadets choose to complete the Leadership Studies minor — a credential highly valued by employers.
Help Fund Your Education with the VWIL Award
Undergraduate residential and commuter students who are admitted to the Virginia Women’s Institute Leadership (VWIL) program will receive a renewable $2,500 award. Please note that this scholarship requires completion of an additional VWIL admission application. Learn more about ÏãÃÛÓ°ÊÓ scholarships and more ways to pay for college here.
VWIL by the numbers
VWIL by the numbers
- 95% of alumni thought their VWIL education gave them an edge over those who did not have a military college background.
- 82% of VWIL cadets continue in the corps through graduation.
- 58% of VWIL cadets choose to join the U.S. Military.
- 67% of VWIL cadets are students of color.
- 65% of VWIL cadets come from outside Virginia, with 25 states represented in the corps, including Arizona, Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah.
Supporting you in your chosen career
Supporting you in your chosen career
Our job is to help each cadet achieve their hopes and dreams.
For those interested in serving in the military (58% of VWIL graduates), we have a very successful commissioning record and high commissioning rates compared to other ROTC units. Our first graduates have reached the rank of O-6 (Navy CAPT, Air Force Col., Army LTC, and Marine Corps LtCol).
Civilian leaders who graduate from VWIL (42%) often find a path in government service, with criminal justice, education, and health sciences the next most chosen careers.
Do you have questions about VWIL? Contact us!
540-887-7042 | vwil@marybaldwin.edu
or visit our office at the former ADP House on Prospect St.