Groundbreaking Girls Empowerment Program Set to Launch at JCC Chicago
As the mother of a teenage girl, I have a front row seat to the issues and ideals that are shaping the bright minds of our future leaders. I see their passion. I see their frustrations and their desire to better the world.
That’s why I am so proud that JCC Chicago has created a program to nurture the creativity, innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit of young women in our community. Through a generous $30,000 grant from The Hadassah Foundation, JCC Chicago will launch the Seed613 Teen Girls Cohort this school year. This groundbreaking fellowship program will enable 15 Jewish teenage girls to learn tangible business and leadership skills and develop social impact initiatives, while empowering them as thoughtful leaders who will work to end gender bias for the next generation.
Through innovative curriculum, supportive staff and community collaboration, Seed613 will equip fellows with the tools and confidence to develop socially responsible projects that will impact the community. In doing so, they will build their own leadership, communication and entrepreneurial skills to become young women of influence who are passionate about social change. Together, and with the support of experienced mentors and coaches, these teens will identify challenges in the community and create solutions to yield change. Fellows will meet monthly to practice innovative problem solving, critical thinking and human-centered project design. They will also discuss pressing social issues, learn fundraising and budgeting tactics, and create community among their peers.
The Hadassah Foundation is an investor in social change for girls and women in the United States and in Israel. Since 1999, it has awarded grants worth approximately $7.3 million to nearly 90 different not-for-profit organizations in Israel and in the United States. In 2016, the Foundation awarded $550,000 in grants; six organizations in the United States—including JCC Chicago—received funds to foster leadership development among Jewish girls and young women. We are truly grateful for their unwavering support and we’re proud to partner with Hadassah to bring this innovative program to the community.