At the YWCA of the Hartford Region, we believe the young women of our community hold limitless potential. But for many girls in urban communities, normal teenage difficulties are often paired with serious burdens, like teen pregnancy and substance abuse, which put them at risk for low achievement, poor school attendance and high school drop out. That's why we provide the Young Women's Leadership Corps (YWLC), an after-school program that gives girls the power to persevere -- both personally and academically.
Young women in grades 6 through 12 meet each week after school 90-minute sessions to discover -- and connect with -- a world outside their own. Through community service projects, guest speakers and educational workshops, young women in YWLC learn about wellness, personal safety, money management and sexual decision-making, gain communication and job readiness skills, explore college/career possibilities and more.
A Summer Institut is offered for four weeks during the summer. The young women have the opportunity to take rowing lessons on the Connecticut Riverfront, take a course and become certified in babysitting, take part in a photojournalism project, and attend educational workshops.
YWLC expands into the community, including trips to local landmarks; college exploration tours; required community involvement projects to build leadership and activism; and racial justice activities that help fulfill our mission of eliminating racism.
The program's results are undeniable. Of our most recent YWLC graduates:
- 100 percent report improving their school grades
- 94 percent show increased decision-making skills and knowledge of wellness, personal safety, money management and other basic life skills
- 92 percent were linked with community service activities
- 89 percent demonstrate increased knowledge of job and career readiness skills
- 82 percent improved their communication skills as part of a group
- 76 percent develop a better self-image and greater self-worth
In the past five years, YWLC has led 300 young women on this journey to self-discovery. To become a YWLC mentor, or to learn more about how YWLC can change your life -- or the life of someone close to you -- please contact:
Susan Dawson
Youth Development Director
|
