In Montgomery County, Md., low-income and immigrant girls are growing up without the resources and support they need to stay in school. Our project will provide 150 girls grades 4-12 from various developing countries with the support they need to achieve their personal and academic aspirations. We will accomplish this through weekly out-of-school programs that provide them a safe space to find their voice and gain the confidence and skills they need to thrive.
Girls from low income and immigrant backgrounds face social pressures to engage in unhealthy behavior, resulting in teen pregnancy and teen dating violence, bullying and/or gang affiliation, lower academic achievement, dropping out of school, and lower levels of civic participation.
We have been effective in responding to girls' needs resulting in increased academic performance and increased connections between parents and their daughters. We give girls the opportunity to develop their voices and leadership skills while exposing them to new resources and projects that help girls give back.
Our project will result in 150 girls who: Have plans and goals for their lives; Possess the skills and confidence needed to successfully meet those goals; Have families that support them;. Gain confidence to change their home, school, and communities.
