INSPIRE Program for Girls Needs Nominees & Mentors

Studies show that middle school years are when students can really lose interest in school. It is particularly a critical time of growth and development for young girls. What if you could help a 5th-grade girl you know transition from elementary school to middle school with a positive, empowered mindset? A mindset that helps them build confidence to overcome the social and academic struggles associated with starting this new chapter called middle school?

This spring, United Women of Color will offer INSPIRE, an all-new interactive mentoring program designed to help rising sixth-grade girls weather the transition to middle school through goal setting, conflict resolution, community service, teamwork, and character-building activities. These life-long skills will not only help them learn unique ways to be civically engaged but also give them tools to overcome obstacles of poverty. Inspire aspires to sow seeds for future leaders.

INSPIRE Through Influential Women

The INSPIRE program guides girls through 12-months of activities. Each month kicks off with an hour-long Zoom call to introduce the girls to an influential woman of color and a discussion about what character traits and principles she embodies. Girls will “meet” women like Corretta Scott King, Aurora Castillo, and Malala Yousafzai.

INSPIRE Through Themed Activities

During the next meeting, girls will come together for an in-person activity (on Saturdays for 2-4 hours) with community leaders to learn about character principles as they relate to the woman they learned about in the Zoom call.

Overcoming barriers, inclusivity, how to speak up, and embracing your unique traits are just some of the principles they’ll learn. The month’s theme wraps up with another workshop, a field trip (the whole family can attend), or a group project or community project led by a community leader/mentor to foster teamwork.

At the end of the year, the whole family and the community is invited to a luncheon to celebrate and recognize the girl’s successful completion of the program.

The Ideal Candidate for INSPIRE

Any student who identifies as female and who has natural leadership skills, an interest in the community, and a desire to make a difference is an ideal candidate for this program. Girls that live in households that make less than $50k/year are great candidates for this program.

Nominate a Candidate & Become a Mentor!

• The deadline to nominate a girl is January 31, 2022. Only 8 slots are available.Nominate a Current 5th Grade Girl Here. Girls will be matched with a mentor based on a personality assessment.
• Mentors must undergo a mandatory background check. Apply to be a Mentor here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Angela has mentored youth as a mother of four, youth ministry volunteer, and former foster care worker for the majority of her adult life. In addition to currently serving as volunteer executive director of United Women of Color, she is a technical writer for an aerospace company. Angela likes to travel and ride her motorcycle when she is not volunteering in our community and has lived in Huntsville for over 31 years.

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