Journey Into Womanhood

Girls are often vulnerable and susceptible to low self-esteem, violence, trauma, addiction and poor decision making. These young women are often unsure of their place in society and feel as if there is no hope for a bright future. Journey Into Womanhood (JIW), a 25-week rites of passage program seeks to address those issues by providing resources for girls ages 9-17 to help them make the healthy transition from girls to young women.

The JIW program is facilitated by experienced volunteer leaders who help students cultivate self-awareness, develop leadership skills, and nurture talents that positively impact their communities. Students participate in journal writing, community service projects, and enrichment trips to help them better understand themselves and others. Students are also assigned mentors – accomplished female leaders – who provide social, emotional, and academic support. At the end of the school year students celebrate their success at the Journey Into Womanhood Celebration, which honors their academic achievements and celebrates their power as young women. Graduating seniors are provided scholarships to assist with their college expenses.