Jermaine Francis, Staff Reporter
SEVEN GIRLS in high schools across the island could get an opportunity of a lifetime this summer to spend two weeks in a specialised leadership programme on the Princeton University campus in New Jersey.
The At the Well Young Women's Leadership Academy, which focuses on using education to empower young girls, has now opened its doors to Jamaican students.
With space to accommodate 70 girls, one of the organisers of the conference, Rosalee Gordon, said six of the seven girls from Jamaica would be given full scholarships to cover tuition, mentorship, room and board, visa fees, and field trips.
"We want to reach for girls with leadership potential, young ladies who have that potential, and not just people who have means. We want deserving young women to be included," Gordon told The Gleaner.
Gordon, herself a Jamaican, said the programme would give local girls in grades 10, 11 and 12 the opportunity to interact with successful individuals who have overcome various trials on the path to their personal goals.
She said it was important for young women to be supported and encouraged to follow their dreams, and the At the Well Leadership Academy would give them a chance to do just that.
Better communities
"The data show when girls are educated, the benefits are manifold, for themselves and the community. When we educate women and girls, the community benefits, and this is what we are working at," she added.
The academy's prospectus states, "Building strong female leaders is the cornerstone of the Academy. When considering the role of women in executive leadership position in businesses, the numbers are still discouraging ... . Our Leadership Academy is a much needed vehicle to help level the playing field."
In addition to lessons in leadership and deportment, girls are also exposed to mathematics and financial literacy lessons.
The application period for the academy, which will run from July 27 to August 8, is now open and will close on May 2.
Gordon noted that for girls to access the scholarships, which are sponsored by Nationwide 90 FM and the United States Embassy, they would have to complete essays on two topics, provide a recommendation, and complete an interview.
In addition, for girls to qualify, they must have at least a B average and meet the normal requirements to qualify for a visa.
Young ladies who are interested may contact www.atthewellconferences.org or info@atthewellconferences.org for more information.
jermaine.francis@gleanerjm.com
SEVEN GIRLS in high schools across the island could get an opportunity of a lifetime this summer to spend two weeks in a specialised leadership programme on the Princeton University campus in New Jersey.
The At the Well Young Women's Leadership Academy, which focuses on using education to empower young girls, has now opened its doors to Jamaican students.
With space to accommodate 70 girls, one of the organisers of the conference, Rosalee Gordon, said six of the seven girls from Jamaica would be given full scholarships to cover tuition, mentorship, room and board, visa fees, and field trips.
"We want to reach for girls with leadership potential, young ladies who have that potential, and not just people who have means. We want deserving young women to be included," Gordon told The Gleaner.
Gordon, herself a Jamaican, said the programme would give local girls in grades 10, 11 and 12 the opportunity to interact with successful individuals who have overcome various trials on the path to their personal goals.
She said it was important for young women to be supported and encouraged to follow their dreams, and the At the Well Leadership Academy would give them a chance to do just that.
Better communities
"The data show when girls are educated, the benefits are manifold, for themselves and the community. When we educate women and girls, the community benefits, and this is what we are working at," she added.
The academy's prospectus states, "Building strong female leaders is the cornerstone of the Academy. When considering the role of women in executive leadership position in businesses, the numbers are still discouraging ... . Our Leadership Academy is a much needed vehicle to help level the playing field."
In addition to lessons in leadership and deportment, girls are also exposed to mathematics and financial literacy lessons.
The application period for the academy, which will run from July 27 to August 8, is now open and will close on May 2.
Gordon noted that for girls to access the scholarships, which are sponsored by Nationwide 90 FM and the United States Embassy, they would have to complete essays on two topics, provide a recommendation, and complete an interview.
In addition, for girls to qualify, they must have at least a B average and meet the normal requirements to qualify for a visa.
Young ladies who are interested may contact www.atthewellconferences.org or info@atthewellconferences.org for more information.
jermaine.francis@gleanerjm.com