The Catt Center fosters civic engagement by Iowa State students, faculty, and staff as well as local and state community members through its student voter engagement work, sponsorship of visits by prominent political leaders and scholars, and Legacy of Heroines Scholarship Program.

The center also works closely with Iowa State University’s Center for Cyclone Civics to provide opportunities for education and research on civic education and free speech.

Lectures and learning

  • Mary Louise Smith

    Mary Louise Smith Chair in Women and Politics

    This prestigious lecture brings nationally renowned political leaders, scholars, and activists to Iowa State University to enrich the experiences of students and educate citizens about women in politics and their leadership roles in society.

  • Charles T. and Kathleen Manatt with then-Senator Joe Biden, the speaker for the 2006 Manatt-Phelps Lecture in Political Science

    Manatt-Phelps Lecture in Political Science

    This prestigious lecture, sponsored by the Department of Political Science, brings to campus a prominent practitioner or scholar to address the Iowa State community on issues of significance to the United States and to Iowa.

Scholarship opportunities

  • Group photo of Catt Center-affiliated students and center staff at a welcome back event at Brookside Park in Ames.

    Legacy of Heroines Scholarship Program

    The Legacy of Heroines program provides scholarships to students of various majors who are interested in gender and politics, the political process, public service, and leadership.