Girls Inc. will be joining with the Spelman College Bonner Scholars to enrich their programming, inspire girls to go to college and learn about the importance of service to others. Bonner Scholars will participate with Girls Inc. by volunteering to assist the programming in Hamilton County on March 9 and 10. While there, Bonner Scholars will assist with Girls Inc. programming at several area schools and deliver presentations on getting into college at Brainerd High School and to members of the Chattanooga Ambassador's Program at the Youth and Family Development offices.
Girls Inc.’s partnership with Spelman College began in March 2012 when the Bonner Scholars spent their Spring Break volunteering with Girls Inc. girls and at the schools they serve. The Bonner Scholars Program provides service learning scholarships for students who have high financial need and a commitment to service. Each year, Bonner Scholars are expected to perform 280 hours of service. With such high expectations, the Bonner Scholars serve as positive, college-age role models for the girls. The Scholars gave presentations on the importance of attending college and returned again to visit the girls and volunteer with them in 2013 and 2014.
This week, the Spelman Bonner Scholars return to Chattanooga to continue the annual exchange and work with Girls Inc. and their girls.
On Monday, they will be at the East Lake Academy of Fine Arts, East Ridge Middle School, East Ridge Elementary, Woodmore Elementary and Clifton Hills Elementary as well as at the afterschool program sites at Brainerd and Harrions United Methodist Churches, working with the schools on service projects chosen by the schools and the Girls Inc. staff. They will also work with Girls Inc. staff and participate in the programming during their visit.
On Tuesday, they will be at Brainerd High School and the YFD where they will present to girls about college life, lessons learned, tips for scholarships, the importance of a 4-year degree and strategies for building a resume. They will also return to the elementary and middle schools for additional time with the programming.
"The annual visit promotes community service, both for the Spelman women and for our girls. It also gives our girls motivation and inspiration to pursue college and show them that a commitment to the service of others often has its own reward," officials said.