NEW YORK STATE PTA AND GIRLS WITH IMPACT KICK OFF NEW INITIATIVE TODAY TO EQUIP 100,000 GIRLS AS TOMORROW’S BUSINESS LEADERS, INNOVATORS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2021
Yonkers, NY – In an unprecedented effort to ensure that the next generation of women have the opportunity to excel, achieve and provide for future generations, the NYS PTA and Girls With Impact have launched a partnership to equip up to 100,000 girls over the next 5-7 years with critical skills in business, entrepreneurship and leadership.
“NYS PTA is thrilled to partner with Girls with Impact, and join leaders today in Yonkers to support NYS girls across the state,” offered Dana Platin, NYS PTA President. “We will continue to find unique ways and partnerships to expand programs and services for ALL NYS children and students.”
Under the partnership, the non-profit Girls With Impact – the nation’s only live, online mini-MBA for young women 12-21 designed with Harvard leaders – will bring its 5 or 10-week signature academy to New York’s families. Registration is now open for the academy’s summer sessions.
The program, led by MBA instructors and mentors, teaches the fundamentals of launching a business and leads to substantial outcomes in confidence, college and career readiness, public speaking and more.
A full 15,000 students a year will have access to the program under a full or substantial scholarship, and NYS girls who qualify for free- or reduced-price lunch can attend with no costs.
“This couldn't come at a better time for our families, especially those still facing insecurity, under- or unemployment, or wondering how to help their children get an equal opportunity,” said Kyle Belokopitsky, Executive Director for NYS PTA which serves the parents, families and educators of our 2.6 million public school children.
“This next generation wants to change the world – today, not tomorrow,” said Girls With Impact CEO & Founder, Jennifer Openshaw, noting that over 60% of GenZ men and women want to “create something innovative” and over 70% of program graduates create ventures with a social purpose.
“Girls With Impact gives them the platform to drive that change and, in the process, build critical work readiness skills, a way to differentiate themselves for college or career, and a path to actually become a CEO,” she added. “For our corporate leaders, this is the single best approach to building that diverse and capable talent pipeline New York and America desperately need.”
Amira Archibald, 13 from New York, is an example of one teen who, through Girls With Impact, created Melanin Magic – drawing on her coding and sewing skills to create a clothing line with a portion of net income to be donated to Black Lives Matters.
“I did way more than I ever thought I could in Girls With Impact,” said Amira. “It encouraged me in ways I’d never felt before. I can now see myself as a CEO.”
“NYS PTA is truly committed to supporting ALL students, and as a female professional, this announcement is exciting,” offered Dr. Amany Dgheim, MD, NYS PTA Vice President. “As our designated officer for Leadership Development, I truly appreciate the value of this program – as its all our jobs to create the future leaders of our state.”
“We all agree that there are so many changes needed to happen when it comes to equal pay or equal opportunity in any organization. The only way to get female voices heard is to have female leaders at the negotiating table. I’m glad that my daughter is one step closer to the seat with the help of Girls With Impact,” offered Wendy Zhang, GWI parent.
Driving diversity and a more capable talent pipeline
Born from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Girls With Impact aims to recruit and train girls earlier to address the roadblocks that hold them back -- from lack of confidence to the mere 2% of the $150 billion in venture capital awarded to female founders.
The program delivers a host of outcomes, among them:
· Confidence: 85% feel increased leadership confidence
· Speaking: 91% improve public speaking
· College readiness: 93% feel more ready
· College admissions: 98% report program contributed to success
· Pitching investors: 65% feel more capable
· Managing cash: 75% feel more equipped
· College scholarships reported: As high as full rides to college ($200,000+)
About Girls With Impact:
Recently featured in the New York Times, Girls With Impact is the nations’ only live, online business and leadership program for young women 12-21. The program has served young women in all 50 states and 11 countries. To partner, go here or contact development@girlswithimpact.org
About the New York State PTA:
NYS PTA is one of the oldest and largest child advocacy associations in New York State, established in 1897 to make every child’s potential a reality. With nearly 300,000 members in New York State, PTA is a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for the education and well-being of every child. To learn more about NYS PTA, please visit www.nyspta.org.
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Contact: Sara Segall