My childhood dream was to have mentors and role models who would understand and respect my learning style. Although there were obstacles to overcome and stumbling blocks along the way, I always managed to find people who cared. Even when climbing the rough side of the mountains, a helping hand would always reach down for me. In my small hometown of Milton, North Carolina, there was 4-H. Belonging to a 4-H club made a world of difference in my life. Therefore, when I was old enough to make a difference
in others lives, I dreamed of a leadership program that would address the needs of young women and connect them to programs and resources beneficial to their total well-being. Thirteen years ago, my dream became a reality, thanks to the Women’s Bureau, US Department of Labor, who provided a small grant to pilot the program; and a group of committed adult volunteers, many of whom are still with us today.
Empowering young women through self-esteem building, creative leadership training and exposure to supportive career, peer and social role models provides us with a large pool of graduates who are now in college. They voluntarily manage the program with adult supervision; and they support incoming participants by developing peer e-mentoring projects that have been very successful. 88% of graduates go on to institutions of higher learning.
As adults, if we truly listen to our young, we can help them channel their energy in a direction that will be positively rewarding for communities, states, the nation and the world. Funding is not always there, but volunteers are.
Thank you for your time, and please feel free to e-mail us your questions, suggestions or comments.
Sincerely,
Katherine L. Harrelson, Founder & Advisor
in others lives, I dreamed of a leadership program that would address the needs of young women and connect them to programs and resources beneficial to their total well-being. Thirteen years ago, my dream became a reality, thanks to the Women’s Bureau, US Department of Labor, who provided a small grant to pilot the program; and a group of committed adult volunteers, many of whom are still with us today.
Empowering young women through self-esteem building, creative leadership training and exposure to supportive career, peer and social role models provides us with a large pool of graduates who are now in college. They voluntarily manage the program with adult supervision; and they support incoming participants by developing peer e-mentoring projects that have been very successful. 88% of graduates go on to institutions of higher learning.
As adults, if we truly listen to our young, we can help them channel their energy in a direction that will be positively rewarding for communities, states, the nation and the world. Funding is not always there, but volunteers are.
Thank you for your time, and please feel free to e-mail us your questions, suggestions or comments.
Sincerely,
Katherine L. Harrelson, Founder & Advisor
