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Emily’s Way Enrichment and Mentoring Program is an attempt to address some of the challenges facing girls and young women in our society, and specifically girls in the Oxon Hill community of Prince George’s County. Addressing the needs of adolescent girls should be a collaborative effort between the home, school, church and community organizations. Together they can provide a continuum of care and support that will help to ensure that our young women have a strong foundation, in terms of health, education and life-skills, for the pivotal roles that they will be assuming in their families and communities as adults. Enrichment and life-skills programs, like Emily’s Way, that reach girls, will yield rich rewards for them and their communities. President Obama’s recent appointment of a focal point person for issues facing women and girls is recognition of this need in our society.
We know of many wonderful programs in Prince George’s County that target boys and young men. However, we know of few, if any, that specifically target girls and young women, and our program is designed to arm them with the knowledge and understanding to change the way they see their lives and open their eyes to the limitless opportunities that can present themselves through education, dedication, and sound choices.
The overarching goal of Emily’s Way Enrichment and Mentoring Program is to encourage and help female program participants to reach their maximum potential academically, socially, personally and professionally. Specifically, the goals are to (1) help girls improve self-esteem and become sufficiently confident to function effectively in a variety of settings; (2) develop a mind-set for achievement and success; (3) learn strategies and receive tutoring in subjects that improve academic achievement; (4) become more aware of health, social and financial responsibilities; and (5) begin to learn about college preparation and admissions procedures.
The target population will be 9th grade girls entering their freshman year of High School; girls whose academic performance is marginal to average and who may be economically disadvantaged. Selections will be made from individual applicants and referrals from the School counselors.
On October 17, 2009 we witnessed the fulfillment of our vision for the Emily’s Way Enrichment & Mentoring Program when we conducted our first session with seventeen 9th grade girls enrolled. The event was a further success as the Honorable Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards, Councilman Tony Knotts, Councilwoman Ingrid Turner, and Dr. James Dula provided words of encouragement to the girls.
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