Baltimore Womens’s Giving Circle

With support from a BWGC grant, GEM teaches at-risk high school girls that, while they can’t help where they come from, they can acquire skills that can influence where they are going.

“GEM has taught me to dream big. There is nothing that I can’t do.”

Girl Power Sparkles at Chesapeake High School

All nine of the girls in the first graduating class of the Girls Empowerment Program (GEM) at Chesapeake High School in Eastern Baltimore County are headed to college! And they received $10,000 in aggregate scholarships. The Program is rigorous by any standards. Many teenagers, even those from stable backgrounds, would have trouble qualifying and staying in it, but it’s especially challenging for the underserved, disadvantaged girls GEM is designed to help.

The program’s goal is to break the cycle of poverty by keeping the girls motivated and on track with their education to ensure high school graduation and matriculation at college or tech school. The girls develop decision making and leadership skills, acquire financial literacy and, ultimately, self-sufficiency, independence and self-confidence.

In spite of its strict demands and tough requirements, it’s a sought-after honor to be a GEM member. Participants must maintain 100% school attendance and follow the GEM rules of personal conduct which mandate no smoking, alcohol, drugs or violence.

Girls are nominated by their teachers to apply to the program and follow up with a written application and interview. Their parents or guardian sign on to the program to signify their cooperation. Each year of the three-year program has a focus: (1) self discovery, (2) career exploration, and (3) leadership and entrepreneurship. GEM meets twice monthly for five hour sessions and offers seven overnight week-end programs/field trips each year.

One-on-one mentoring is key to the program. Trained by the Maryland Mentoring Partnership, mentors keep in touch with their mentees by phone at least once a week and meet at least twice monthly to help with academic, social and cultural development.

The GEM program, begun during the 2004/2005 school year, now has 24 participants and is succeeding. GEM members have improved school attendance, have fewer suspensions, a lower pregnancy rate and, so far, a 100% graduation rate. Evaluation testing has shown increased self-esteem and decision-making skills in participants. This is a powerful program for young women who have few, if any, positive role models and very limited access to opportunities or education beyond what the school offers.

“The GEM program has had a huge impact on my life.” (Denasia)

“GEM has made me see what I am capable of doing.” (Anteanisia)

“The GEM program has made me eager to learn and discover all the possibilities life has to offer.” (Astrid)

“This program gave me that extra push that I needed to succeed in life. GEM introduced me to so many lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.” (Monique)