Empower Girls for Self-Sufficiency

Summary

The EDGE Program helps girls to develop competency through technological, media and leadership projects and mentoring programs to build future economic self-sufficiency to break the cycle of poverty.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

We focus on girls, ages 7-18, particularly those who have some leadership traits but are not currently participating in leadership roles in their school or community. We also focus on at-risk teen mothers and low-income Latinas. Last year, the YWCA’s EDGE program served more than 240 girls and helped participants by bridging the digital divide, assisting in a successful transition from middle to high school and promoting resiliency and confidence to prepare girls for a successful future.

How will this project solve this problem?

Helping students to transition into high school; supporting teen mothers for future success; enabling girls to work with mentors to have articles published in local newspaper; Digital Storytelling – a technology project incorporating social issues

Potential Long Term Impact

By helping youth and teens further hone technological skills, as well as develop confidence, resiliency and other life skills, these young people will be better prepared to break the cycle of poverty and achieve future success.

Project Message

“I enjoy working with my mentor and through the program I received a donated computer which helps me to complete my homework assignments.”
- Mariela M., EDGE Program Participant

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources