My Sister is Succeeding (MySiS) develops strong writers, confident speakers, and future-ready leaders through immersive experiences in literacy, mentorship, and personal growth. Rooted in the belief that language is a powerful tool for self-discovery and influence, MySiS equips girls to think critically, express themselves clearly, and lead with purpose.
Participants engage in writing workshops, public speaking activities, book clubs, and service-based learning, all designed to strengthen their voice and sharpen their skills. Through a supportive community and meaningful mentorship, girls explore who they are, what they believe, and how they want to make a difference.
The program is structured around three core pillars:
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My Mind – Developing habits of reflection, curiosity, and focus
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My Voice – Honing written and spoken communication
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My Path – Setting goals and exploring academic, creative, and leadership opportunities
Three Pillars
MY MIND
My Sister is Succeeding develops habits of reflection, curiosity, and focus and increases participants’ understanding of mindfulness 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 hone their written and spoken communication, see themselves and their 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 exploring academic, creative, and leadership opportunities
The History of My Sister is Succeeding
My Sister is Succeeding (MySiS) began in spring 2022 in Bowling Green, KY to address the underperformance of Black/African American teen girls in reading and writing by bringing together those the underperform and excel into a space with a supportive community of mentors and engaging lessons that build on their regular classroom - creating an environment to increase their desire to learn. During the 2023-24 academic year, more than half of the participants who were two grades behind improved by at least one grade level by the end of the year. In 2023-24, the high school cohort began. This program was created to honor Mary Spaulding, a grandmother who cared for her community.
MySiS Participants
MySiS not only challenges participants who demonstrate proficiency in reading and writing but also fosters confidence in those who seek to improve their abilities. MySiS seeks ways to engage underserved female adolescent communities in language arts-related activities that highlight authors and experiences that reflect and affirm their identity. MySiS provides a valuable opportunity for girls in grades 6-12 from all backgrounds, and race/ethnicity is not considered in participation acceptance. Willingness to actively attend meetings and engage in program activities is, however, important to the application.
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 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 info@forarealchange.org 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.
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 for 2024-25 begin in September, but limited openings are available for the spring semester. The enrollment form is due January 10th until all spaces are filled.
The registration fee is $25 and is payable after completing the registration form.
Parent/Guardians are required to view the orientation video before the student participates.
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.
