The Junior League of Austin created the “Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program” designed to educate and empower Hispanic girls to stay in school, graduate, and pursue a college or equivalent higher education. Originally enrolling only 6th graders, the Program soon expanded to a college preparatory program serving 6th through 12th grade girls through high school graduation.
The Program uniquely ensures a strong network of support by having girls enroll with their mothers. Together they receive support through Mother-Daughter conferences, campus meetings, college field trips, community service activities and mentoring and tutoring throughout the year. Since the project’s launch 15 years ago, many new or enhanced leadership and service programs are offered to participating students. These opportunities include ESL classes for parents, summer parent series, HMDP Girl Scout Troop, family/individual therapy, and an annual summer leadership conference to prepare students to be leaders in their schools and their communities.
The “Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program” won the 1997 AJLI/BMW Community Impact Award for Merit and it was also recognized by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce for Excellence in Education. Today the project continues to produce inspiring results. Requesting the help of up to 24 League members, the program serves more than 750 mother-daughter teams in at least 17 schools in the Austin Independent School District (AISD). As of May 31, 2007, 100% of program participants remained in school, 87% enrolled in college preparatory course work, 77% achieved a 2.5 GPA or better and 75% were admitted to two or four-year colleges or universities.
With contributions from respected local donors such as the United Wayof the Capital Area, the RGK Foundation and the Dell Foundation, The Junior League of Austin has built widespread support in the community. Volunteers: 15
Funds Budgeted: $254,000.00
Project Chair: Lisa Alverson
To learn more about the Hispanic Mother-Daughter program, please click here.
