WASHINGTON – The Women’s Campaign School at Yale University Monday presented U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine with its first “Woman Who Makes a Difference” award.

Collins, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee, and a member of the Senate Armed Services committee, delivered the commencement address during Monday’s graduation ceremony for The Women’s Campaign School summer session.

The Women’s Campaign School is a nonpartisan, non-advocacy political campaign training program. Its mission is to provide training for women who want to run for office or who want to move up to higher elective office.

“The obstacles women face in seeking elective office are many, and they are substantial,” Collins said in accepting the award. “I am honored to receive this award on behalf of a program dedicated to giving more women the knowledge and confidence to truly make a difference.”