Fall is National Scholarship Competition Time at Girls Inc.

The Girls Inc. National organization sponsors a competition that awards college scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 with the goal of encouraging young women to aim high. Last year, four girls from Girls Inc. of Alameda County were honored with scholarships! 

In September, 26 Girls Inc. high schoolers started with an orientation where they were introduced to the scholarship process by Girls Inc. staff and mentors. By October, girls were matched with volunteer essay mentors drawn from the community. During these three essay mentoring sessions, girls dedicated their time to brainstorming, editing, and talking through their stories, writing about their growth and development over time. Our volunteer community worked with the girls to provide multiple stages of feedback in their essay writing, becoming a resource for our girls as they work toward their college and career goals. 

In November, candidates submitted their final essays to Girls Inc. of Alameda County to be judged by a group of over 100 volunteers, who read and scored each essay. The top 13 moved on to the next stage where more than 30 volunteer judges recommended the top five finalists to proceed to the national competition. The panel was drawn from a dedicated group of investors, board members, alumnae, and community volunteers. 

These five essays move on to a national selection committee composed of a broad range of professionals specializing in youth development and education, who will consider the essays at the national level. 

Congratulations to the finalists Amira J., Carolina C., Dallas P., Izba H., and Joanne O.! Girls Inc. National will release the winners in February 2021 and at our Strong, Smart & Bold Luncheon in April of 2021 we look forward to inviting some of our finalists to speak and share their stories and accomplishments.