Choosing the right college or what education program to pursue after high school can be a very tall order with many factors to consider. It can be even more challenging when financial burdens prevent campus visits or even test prep and college application fees for high school students.

Our Project: Girls On The Rise (PGOTR) year-long program was designed to help mitigate some of these challenges for high school women across the country.

Since 2016, PGOTR has been providing funds for those critical college visits and college-bound costs, so that young women with bright minds and bright futures can find their perfect school and thrive.

Our goal is to ensure that each “Girl On the Rise” has a clear path from high school all the way through enrollment at an institution of higher education. 

“It’s so rewarding to see these talented young women step into their potential and benefit from this program,” says Christie Garton, founder and CEO of 1,000 Dreams Fund.

Each summer, we invite high-school women to apply and also partner with local nonprofits like Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) and Boys & Girls Clubs to identify students who can benefit most from the program. 

Participants are selected and announced in the fall with each student receiving a $1,000 microgrant along with year-long program support from 1DF, including workshops and college-aged mentors from our Student Advisory Board members. 

We’re so excited to announce our PGOTR Class of 2022-2023!

Alexis A. – Victorville, CA

Audrey B. – San Francisco, CA; BBBS San Francisco

Benita B. – Columbia, MD

Dolapo A. – Queens, NY

Eleanor O. – Kingston, NY

Jaden A. – Harvey, LA

Kalaysia R. – Mobile, AL; BBBS South Alabama

Kendra J. – Mobile, AL; BBBS South Alabama

Kiani T. – San Francisco, CA; BBBS San Francisco 

Madison R. – Mobile, AL; BBBS South Alabama

Micah H. – Laurel, MS

Michelle H. – San Jose, CA

Monica Y. – Biloxi, MS

Samantha D. – Vallejo, CA; BBBS Bay Area

Shantia L. – Mobile, AL; BBBS South Alabama

Tamaria H. – Champaign, IL; BBBS Central Illinois 

Thailyah M. – San Francisco, CA; BBBS San Francisco 

Congratulations to these young women!  We are excited to help support their inspiring college-bound journeys this year.

Stay tuned for further “Girls On the Rise” updates to see how 1,000 Dreams Fund is fueling their educational dreams!