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 youth 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 the representation of different cultures and similar shared 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
MySiS Participants 2025-26
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 provides a valuable opportunity for youth in grades 6-12 from all backgrounds, and race/ethnicity is not considered in participation acceptance.
Demographic information is self-reported and optional on enrollment forms. The majority of MySiS Scholars self-report as eligible for free or reduced lunch and/or have parents who did not graduate from college. We celebrate all of our students as MySiS Scholars, youth who accept opportunities to advance inside and outside the classroom, who may also be uniquely gifted and/or talented, athletic, and musically inclined.
Details for Grades 6-8
Meeting Dates
Grades 6-8 meet on the below dates from 3:00-5:00pm.
September 24, 2025
October 1, 2025
October 15, 2025
October 22, 2025
November 5, 2025
November 12, 2025
November 19, 2025
February 4, 2026
February 11, 2026
February 18, 2026
February 25, 2026
March 4, 2026
March 11, 2026
March 18, 2026 (tentative)
April 1, 2026 (tentative Showcase and Pinning Ceremony)
Registration
MySiS registration for the fall 2025-26 academic year has closed.
MySiS Family Virtual Orientation took place on September 17th (for parents/guardians of grade 6-8).
Transportation
Complimentary transportation for participants may be available from Bowling Green Junior High School and from Moss Middle School to MySiS for a select number of participants. 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 12th grade this fall 2025, 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 dates below from 1:00pm - 3:00pm with several meetings beginning at 11:00am.
September 20, 2025 (High School Leadership Retreat)
October 25, 2025
November 8, 2025
November 22, 2025
December 6, 2025
February 7, 2026
February 21, 2026
March 7, 2026
March 21, 2026
April 1, 2026 (tentative Showcase and Pinning Ceremony)
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 2025-26 begins in September. Limited openings are available. The enrollment form will be available in August until all spaces are filled.
The registration fee is $25 and is payable after completing the registration form.
Join us for MySiS Family Virtual Orientation on September 17th at 8:00pm (for parents/guardians of grade 9-12).
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.
