Powerful Young Women Pay It Forward

Hopkins Education Foundation’s Awesome Fund is proud to support Girls United MN, run by girls for girls, on a mission to empower and inspire the next generation of women leaders. These 80 young women at Hopkins High School are promoting STEM career paths and positive body image, introducing professional women as inspiration, and discussing multiple social issues with their peers. The Awesome Fund is helping to expand their scope. In this pilot program, 9-12 graders will mentor girls in grades 7 and 8 to develop leadership and planning skills. As these junior high Leaders in Training organize and facilitate events for girls in grades 4-6, they will pay forward their experiences and expand the reach of Girls United MN.

Planned events include STEM Sunday on February 11 from 1-4pm at Hopkins West Junior High School to introduce elementary school girls to Hopkins Junior Highs’ female math and science teachers, and to the exciting STEM education that awaits them there. An I AM Body Image Day is planned for the spring with discussion topics to include perfectionism, female rivalry, popularity and gossip, and leadership.  Other activities include Canvas Painting at each elementary school, in which positive affirmations will be painted and hung in the girls’ bathrooms; and the production of tie-blankets to donate to a women’s shelter.

Girls United founder Jessica Melnik is currently featured in the new Hopkins Public Schools video series, Citizens Scholars Leaders, highlighting Hopkins High School students who shine both in and outside of the classroom. Her profile can be found here: https://vimeo.com/250152847 and here: https://www.hopkinsschools.org/