Our MySiS program focuses on advancing the writing and reading skills of Black / African American female teens in the Bowling Green / Warren County area, challenging those who excel in this area, and building the confidence in those that desire to grow. Youth from all backgrounds and in the surrounding areas are welcome to register.
My Sister is Succeeding uses three primary pillars, My Mind, My Voice, My Path, to connect girls who desire to excel or continue excelling academically in leadership through language arts.
MySiS is grateful for the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for a grant that sponsored the literacy components during the 2023-24 school year. Thank you to the Kentucky Social Work Foundation for the grant to help support aspects of the program in 2024.
Three Pillars
MY MIND
My Sister is Succeeding increases participants’ understanding of good mental health practices and the value of centering oneself, which affects their communication and approach to learning.
MY VOICE
My Sister is Succeeding creates a space for youth to see their racialized-gendered experiences in literary works, explore issues that challenge them to think critically, and practice articulating their thoughts.
MY PATH
My Sister is Succeeding creates a space for youth to engage in identity-affirming mentoring experiences while encouraging one another in accomplishing their goals.
Details for Grades 6-8
Meeting Dates
Grades 6-8 meet on the below dates from 3:00-5:00pm. Programming begins at 3:30pm.
September 21-22 (overnight retreat; required early registration)
September 25, 2024
October 2, 2024
October 16, 2024
October 23, 2024
November 6, 2024
November 13, 2024
February 5, 2025
February 12, 2025
February 19, 2025
February 26, 2025
March 5, 2025
March 12, 2025
March 19, 2025 (tentative)
Registration & Orientation
MySiS registration for the fall 2024-25 academic year is open until September 8.
The registration fee is $25, payable online or at the September 18th orientation. Check with your school to confirm if they sponsor teen registrations.
Join us on September 18th at 5:00pm for MySiS Scholar and Family Orientation. Parent/Guardian attendance is required for participation in the September 21st retreat. The virtual orientation will take place later that night.
Transportation
Complimentary transportation for participants may be available from Bowling Green Junior High School and from Moss Middle School to WKU for a select number of participants. This is available for the first 30 registrants.
Please contact [email protected] to inquire about the space available. This will be confirmed by us after communicating with the school contacts.
Details for Grades 9-12
The first group of MySiS participants will enter 11th grade this year, and we are excited to create an opportunity to engage those teens as well as others through this academically engaging mentoring program. MySiS High School provides a creative space for dialogue, knowledge building, and leadership development tied with college and career exploration.
Meeting Dates
Grades 9-12 meet on the below dates from 1:00pm - 3:00pm.
September 21-22, (Overnight retreat; Required early registration)
October 12, 2024
October 26, 2024
November 9, 2024
November 23, 2024
December 7, 2024
February 8, 2025
February 22, 2025
March 8, 2025
March 22, 2025
April 5, 2025 (tentative)
HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPANTS
MySiS High School is currently limited to 15-20 teens who accept the opportunity to advance their education and leadership skills and can commit to actively participating in the Saturday meetings. Teens are asked to carry out the program standards inside and outside of the program.
Registration & Orientation
MySiS High School registration for the fall 2024-25 academic year will remain open until September 8th, or until all spaces are filled.
The registration fee is $25 and is payable after completing the registration form.
Join us on September 18th at 5:00pm for MySiS Scholar and Family Orientation. Parent/Guardian attendance is required for participation in the September 21st retreat. A virtual orientation will be offered later than night.
Advisory Team
Dr. Tanja Bibbs, WKU Assistant Professor; For a Real Change, Inc.
Daletha Butts, Teacher and Mentor, Lost River Elementary,
Ms. Kierra Chandler, Teacher, Natcher Elementary
Mr. Tyreon Clark, Bowling Green Learning Center
Mr. Ryan Dearbone, Assistant Professor, WKU School of Media and Communications
Dr. Lacretia Dye, WKU Associate Professor; Assistant Director, Kelly M Burch Institute for Transformative Practices in Higher Education
Dr. Joda Johnson, Director of The SKYCTC Skills U Program, For a Real Change, Inc.
Ms. Jessica Rogers, Therapist, Bellwood
Mrs. Tina Smajlagic, Targeted Case Manager, Alliance Counseling Services
Aurelia Spaulding, For a Real Change, Inc.
Ms. Cierra Waller, Associate Director, WKU Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning
Support Our Programs
We greatly appreciate all monetary gifts and use them to create life-changing programs.
