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OUR CAUSE
Teenage years can be
a period of great growth and discovery. They can also be a treacherous,
uncertain time. This is particularly true for girls, who are
particularly vulnerable to negative media images, low self esteem, and
bear the brunt of the consequences of unplanned teenage pregnancies.
Consider the following statistics:
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The birthrate among teenagers is
declining, but it is still too high. Around a quarter of all first
births in this country are to teen mothers.
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Only one-third of teen mothers
receive a high school diploma, and only 1.5% earn a college degree
by age 30.
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Nearly
a quarter of girls exhibit depressive symptoms, and ten percent show
severe depressive symptoms. Girls score notably worse in this area
than boys.
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29% of adolescent girls reported
having thoughts of suicide.
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As
early as second grade girls start receiving strong messages that
they are not suited to a math/science/engineering curriculum. This
starts a pattern of attrition that persists through the teen years
and into the workforce.
Now
more than ever America needs strong, confident girls who are encouraged
to reach their full potential. However, the playing field is not
level. Data shows that the gap between rich and poor continues to
accelerate, while at the same time the American workforce is being
challenged by overseas competitors.
In an increasingly
competitive world, girls without access to mentoring and resources risk
being left behind.
The
Foundation
will design and execute programs to encourage and help participants to
(1) develop a mind-set for achievement and success; (2) learn strategies
and receive tutoring in subjects that improve academic achievement; (3)
learn about college preparation and admissions procedures; (4) become
more aware of financial responsibilities and learn financial management
strategies; (5) understand importance of community through community
projects; (6) enhance social and business etiquette skills; and (7)
obtain college scholarship and grant monies.
Statistics on this page provided by: National Campaign to prevent Teen
Pregnancy;
www.sheknows.com
“A Crisis of Confidence: Teenage Girls and the Risky Years”; National
Science Foundation's (NSF) Research on Gender in Science and Engineering
(GSE) program:, U.S. Census Bureau Data
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