Girls Group began because one woman chose not to sit idly by and watch young women’s futures be decided for them. She believed that with the right support, even the most disadvantaged young women could graduate high school, get to and through college, and become economically and emotionally self-sufficient. She believed that if she cared, others would care too. She was right.
Timeline
The Beginning!
Creating a College & Career Mindset
Girls Group Incorporates
The First High School Graduation
In-School Programming
The Girls Group Office
Women of Purpose
Middle School Expansion
Girls Group Goes Virtual
The New Normal
Celebrating 20 Years!
The Need and Our Impact
Girls Group understands that there are life changing consequences for young women who are unable to graduate from high school and lack emotional and economical self-sufficiency. A woman without a high school diploma is far more likely to live in poverty and raise children living in poverty. Economically and socially disadvantaged young women often feel disenfranchised by the education system, experience a lack of support, and do not know how to navigate systems. Statistically 30-40% of low-income students and students of color will not graduate from high school. The Washtenaw County community still faces serious economic, educational, and health disparities. Girls Group is committed to serving the young women in our community to find their purpose and build a better future.
Girls Group participants have the desire and motivation to graduate high school and attend college. Yet as economically disadvantaged young women of color, they face individual, educational, financial, and structural barriers that tell them from an early age that they cannot succeed. Shifting this mindset at an early age is critical to ensuring all young women have equal opportunity to get to and through college, and ultimately reach emotional and economic self-sufficiency. Girls Group provides life affirming mentoring services that develop character, leadership skills, and self-confidence. Each year 100% Girls Group high school seniors defy the statistics, graduate from high school, and start their college and career journeys. We know that when a young woman is empowered to write her greatest story and reach her full potential, she doesn’t just change her life, she changes generations.