Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation helps San Bernardino students thrive

The Young Women's Empowerment Foundation Empowered 2 Excel, or E2E, was established in 2005, as an innovative self-awareness character development program designed to meet the changing needs of young women ages 12-21 in the Inland Empire.

Since its inception, the Young Women's Empowerment Foundation has served more than 3,000 young women and provided scholarships for many who were first generation high school graduates and college attendees.

At the start of the coronavirus pandemic many program participants became disconnected after not being able to meet in person. In the past, before the pandemic, participants met each week in their assigned classrooms on campuses in San Bernardino, Colton, Fontana and Rialto. The groups discussed topics and learned activities, including on subjects such as the importance of positive self-image and looking “your” best, mental and emotional health, physical fitness, intellectual fitness, healthy relationships, healthy communication and staying out of harm's way. The discussions were an effort to help each girl overcome existing barriers to develop better critical thinking skills at school and at home.

Fortunately, despite the pandemic, many of the girls remained connected to their Young Women's Empowerment mentors. Now, the girls not only meet virtually for their assigned class times but they also volunteer to meet longer on holidays and weekends. They have also created a book club and because of the book chosen, the author will visit them virtually after their break. During spring break each participant was mailed supplies to prepare a budget meal, working virtually with a local culinary artist.

The young women have remained dedicated to completing the program. Many of the participants are high school seniors and have been in the program since middle school and will qualify for scholarships.

The young ladies have been extremely resilient and have sought out creative ways to enhance their skills and prepare for their future. They asked their mentors to bring personal presentations from industries they are interested in learning more about, including culinary arts, writing, medicine, and history. These connections resulted in one student finding a new hobby in painting and entering a painting contest.

Although the seniors won't have a traditional graduation celebration, each will receive a YWE senior gift box.

Young Women's Empowerment Foundation's mission continues to empower middle and high school girls to reach their highest potential by providing educational services and support.

Young Women's Empowerment Foundation aims to help participants realize their higher education and career goals and will hold its first virtual Girl Talk IX on Saturday, March

27. Contact information is on their Facebook page.

Thank you, YWE.