Turkish Women's Initiative

The Turkish Women's Initiative (TWI) promotes leadership, educational opportunities, economic independence and the civic engagement of girls and women. In doing so, we are helping to advance society's growth and prosperity through the full contributions of its women. Our innovative Sparks program in Turkey serves university women of low and moderate means who are often the first in their families to continue their education post high school. Many have overcome daunting cultural challenges to attend. Since its launch in 2009, 400 Sparks have shown their strength and their potential to become active, responsible and productive members of their societies. Sparks continues to change t... read more The Turkish Women's Initiative (TWI) promotes leadership, educational opportunities, economic independence and the civic engagement of girls and women. In doing so, we are helping to advance society's growth and prosperity through the full contributions of its women. Our innovative Sparks program in Turkey serves university women of low and moderate means who are often the first in their families to continue their education post high school. Many have overcome daunting cultural challenges to attend. Since its launch in 2009, 400 Sparks have shown their strength and their potential to become active, responsible and productive members of their societies. Sparks continues to change the lives not only of the Turkish university women it serves, but by extension thousands of other men, women, and children. While many Turkish scholarship programs help young women fund university, financial assistance is only part of what's needed for them to graduate and succeed. Sparks' unique 8-month experiential program supports students and builds the skills needed for them to complete their education and go on to post-graduate work and employment in their chosen fields.