Making a decision about WHICH college, university or educational program after high school is a huge decision!

There are many factors to consider — from academics, to campus life, extracurriculars, location, financial considerations, and more!

But choosing the RIGHT school or program is even more challenging when financial burdens prevent campus visits or even test prep and college application fees for high-school students.

This is exactly why we created our Project: Girls On The Rise (PGOTR) year-long program. It is 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 best-fit 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 the 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. 

With that, we are thrilled to announce our PGOTR Class of 2023-2024!

Adele B.

Agustina A. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & Inland Empire

Analaura L. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Gulf Coast

Angel A.

Annissa D. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & Inland Empire

Aspen M. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia

Camila S. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & Inland Empire

Ebony C. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia

Inaiyah S. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County

Kelcie T. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia

Lianna M. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & Inland Empire

Morgan H.

Mosammad K.

Natalie S. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & Inland Empire

Sa’Niyyah S. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois

Shaniya S. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia

Stella T.

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!