Girls Write Now

Program Description

Founded in 1998, Girls Write Now is the first organization in the country with a writing and mentoring model exclusively for girls. From young women exploring writing to seasoned professionals practicing their craft every day, Girls Write Now is a community of women writers and digital media makers dedicated to providing the guidance, support, and opportunities for underserved high school girls to develop their creative, independent voices, and write their way to a better future.

Girls Write Now has built a record of achievement and innovation as one of the nation's top afterschool programs, distinguished twice by the White House and the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

Girls Write Now serves a culturally and educationally diverse community of girls and gender non-conforming youth (mentees) -- 90% of color, 90% high need, 75% immigrant or first generation, and 25% LGBTQ+/gender non-conforming. These underserved teens, who have long been negatively impacted by the lack of resources and opportunities in public schools, face significant challenges to educational and professional success. They often lack the guidance and support from a consistent, caring adult, and most come to Girls Write Now with low confidence in their talents and accomplishments. Unfortunately, in our city and our country, girls of color are rarely given the guidance, care, and systemic support they need to graduate from high school and access viable college or career opportunities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and disempowerment.

Success Stories

Demographics

Race & Ethnicity

• White: 8%
• Asian or Pacific Islander: 24%
• Hispanic/Latino: 27%
• Other: 9%
• African American: 32%

Education Level and
Number of Students

• High School: 5000
• Middle School: 0
• Elementary School: 0
• Post-secondary: 0
• Non-traditional: 0

First-Generation

• More than 75%

Matriculation & Completion

• 4-yr College Matriculation: 100%