News

NOSW graduates gathered for their annual graduate reunion on December 3 on Zoom. In honor of the 35th anniversary of the program’s launch, graduates shared their memories of meeting founder Jane Stephenson. They also reminisced about their ... [Continue reading]

This year NOSW is pleased to partner with the Berea Food Bank, which provides food and other supplies for our two-week residential sessions. “The partnership with the New Opportunity School is something that’s vital to our interest in this ... [Continue reading]

Seven NOSW graduates and four staff traveled to the Red River Gorge for a graduate leadership retreat September 9-12. The purpose of the annual retreat is to give graduates who are engaged in leadership in their communities a chance to pause, ... [Continue reading]

After arriving in Berea on June 18 for NOSW's first residential session since early 2020, six women spent 14 very full days together doing intense self-development work. They explored self-esteem, professional skills, Appalachian literature and ... [Continue reading]

NOSW is thrilled to once again host a group of women in person. Six women from four Kentucky counties arrived in Berea on Saturday, June 18, for a two-week residential session, the first since early 2020. Just getting here is a challenge, as ... [Continue reading]

In honor of NOSW’s 35th anniversary, founder Jane Stephenson gathered with four graduates on May 9 on Zoom to reflect on the history and impacts of the program. “Thank you, Jane, for your incredible vision and your dedication to building a program ... [Continue reading]

We're excited to share with you that our founder, Jane Stephenson, will receive the Berea College Service Award on March 24 in a special convocation. Jane and Appalachian scholar and activist Michael Maloney will be honored for creating ... [Continue reading]

Whew! We’ve had a busy week, with four different online programs. Our graduates gathered on Zoom Monday, February 21, for a discussion of the book Dimestore by Lee Smith with our friends from Altrusa. A three-day program February 21-23 ... [Continue reading]

NOSW’s executive director, Sister Robbie Pentecost, shared her passion for this work in a recent interview with Global Sisters Report, a project of National Catholic Reporter. “I have always been drawn to work with those on the margins, whether ... [Continue reading]

Women from several classes across three decades caught up with their sisters, reflected on their NOSW experience, played games and received awards at the NOSW graduate reunion. Gathering on Zoom on December 4, graduates shared their reasons for ... [Continue reading]