Iesha Caisey

“Girls Global Academy (GGA) is the only all girls public high school in DC and is the premier training ground for high school girls in the areas of global citizenship, entrepreneurship, and STEM. Our school ignites female empowerment and develops their confidence to lead and succeed. GGA is designed with the particular needs of girls of color in mind; as a result, it will positively impact all girls. GGA respectfully requests a grant of $8,000 for the Sister 2 Sister Mentorship program created by our 10th grade students to help 9th grade students navigate and adjust to high school. Sister 2 Sister holds monthly events, designed by the students, to build healthy relationships, better attitudes about school, and enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence. Ultimately, the Sister 2 Sister Mentorship program creates a safe space for our students to overcome obstacles, face challenges, and celebrate one another. The majority of GGA's students identify as girls of color (97%), 67% are eligible for free and reduced lunch, 30% have learning differences, and 6% are English language learners. Our girls have struggled during the past two years, and the impacts of isolation, social distancing, and racial injustice manifest in issues such as chronic absenteeism, physical and verbal altercations, and low academic performance. Through this year-long mentorship program, GGA will address these issues while also helping our girls develop social emotional skills that will have a powerful positive effect on them in a variety of academic and personal situations.”