Improving self-esteem helps teen girls prepare for bright futures

Statistically speaking

Although some progress has been made, many young teenage girls still struggle with self-esteem, leading to significant issues in academics, athletics and their social lives. The Alverno College 2018-19 “Status of Girls in Wisconsin” report reveals troubling patterns in some girls, including sexual violence and human trafficking, stress, depression and suicide, and bullying. In addition, online and social media engagement, and substance use present obstacles that some girls have difficulty overcoming. The report concluded girls in Wisconsin still lag behind boys in mathematics and science at the advanced level.

Improving the odds

This year the Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County (WGF) awarded a $10,000 grant to Innovators in Learning and Achievement Inc. to help young women prepare for bright futures. Their Highly Effective Teen Girls = Highly Effective Futures Academy brings 30-40 Waukesha County teen girls together for four days of intense personal growth. Activities include mentor coaching from female leaders, introduction to post-secondary institutions and opportunities, personal development planning, career exploration and goal setting. The goal of the academy is to redirect the trend of middle school girls away from lowered self-esteem, which can lead to masking their intelligence, and denial of passions, talents and skills, ultimately compromising their futures. Working in partnership with CESA #1 (Cooperative Educational Service Agency), the academy uses Steven Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” to encourage teenage girls to realize their full potential.

In 2019, thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Women and Girls Fund awarded grants totaling $112,500 to area agencies delivering innovative programs that achieve results and empower Waukesha County women and girls. Since its inception 15 years ago, the WGF has given more than $1 million in grants. Positive change is happening.

Help us continue the momentum and make a gift to the Women and Girls Fund. Today more than ever, your generous contribution can help us improve the odds, one grant at a time .

DONATE TODAY

Your gift to the Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County, combined with the generosity of many other donors, helps improve the odds in Waukesha County.

Why We Give

We became involved with the Women and Girls Fund after reading an article about how women in developing countries are not given the opportunity to perform to their full potential. They are therefore not participating fully in their economic, social or family growth. We quickly realized that women are an undervalued resource in Waukesha County as well.

~ Cathy & Steve Johnson

View our video to see how we are making a difference one grant at a time.

The Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County, established in 2004, seeks to aid and enrich the lives of women and girls so they become thriving residents of their communities. Since 2005, the Women and Girls Fund has awarded more than $1,000,000 to nearly 60 non-profit organizations that promote the health, well-being, education and empowerment of women and girls of all ages.

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