Established in 1905, the YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley is a 501c3 nonprofit and one of the oldest nonprofit organizations in Pasadena. We are dedicated to empowering women and girls in this community and have continued to be a pioneering voice in the fight for gender, economic and racial equality.
We are currently seeking scholarships for girls ages 10 - 14 to attend this year’s Girls Rise Leadership Camp, which runs from July 16th to August 10th. It is an exciting program that is both fun and educational, within a structured, supportive and nurturing environment. Summer camp is of greatest benefit for many middle school girls in the Pasadena area who do not have access to other structured summer activities due to high cost. They come from low-income income households that lack the financial resources to take advantage of the numerous cultural resources in the Los Angeles region.
We currently have 15 girls in need of a scholarship to attend this unique, life-changing summer camp. Girls like Gina, after several years of homelessness and living in transitional shelters, her mother recently found permanent, stable housing for them. Girls like Talia, whose family also cares for her older sister with developmental disabilities. Talia’s father was recently injured on the job and is unable to work until he recovers - their income is now significantly reduced and the income that would have helped to cover camp fees is now needed for more immediate needs such as rent and food for their family.
Girls Rise Summer Camp has 4 Major Areas of Focus : Girls Empowerment, Life Skills, Culture, and Future
Girls Empowerment ·
· Workshops and team-building exercises to help build a community among the girls ·
· Science and tech projects to dispel the stigma that girls can’t be scientists
· Art projects so that the girls can learn that their stories and experiences matter
Life skills
· Healthy Relationships
· Nutrition and Mindfulness
· Self-defense and Conflict Resolution workshops
· Physical fitness and Self-care
Culture
· Field trips to the Huntington Library & Gardens, Olvera Street, The Watts Towers, the African American Museum, and other cultural centers.
· Workshops on diversity, Pasadena History, women’s history and more
Future
· Diverse female guest speakers who talk about their careers
· Tours of Universities such as Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Tech, Community Colleges such as PCC, Specialty Schools such as The Art Institute College of Design, and Trade Schools
· Learning about civic engagement at City Hall
· Public Speaking and Leadership Skills
When we support the growth and empowerment of girls and women, we improve the quality of life for all. It is with the continued support of concerned donors such as yourself that we are able to provide a consistent, positive presence in the lives of the most vulnerable girls and young women in the Pasadena-Foothill Valley. We greatly appreciate your support.
