A $10,000 grant for women’s education helped bring 11 speakers and research opportunities to Central College students this summer.

The grant, awarded by Monticello College Foundation, covered housing for female student researchers and a women in leadership speaker series. Pat Kitzman, director of career and professional development, said the lunchtime sessions helped connect students with women leaders in central Iowa.

She says the speakers shared about their roles in civic leadership, leading volunteers, male-dominated professions and executive leadership positions.

“We were so fortunate to have such articulate and compelling women,” Kitzman said. “Whenever you invite people to tell their stories, it’s so cool — that’s how we learn.”

Central’s 12 female research students have immersed themselves in chemistry, biology, psychology, history, theater and sustainability projects throughout the summer.