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 2026-27
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 dates below from 3:00-5:00pm.
September 30, 2026
October 14, 2026
October 21, 2026
October 28, 2026
October 31, 2026 (Tentative Leadership Retreat)
November 4, 2026
November 11, 2026
November 18, 2026
December 2, 2026 (optional focus group day)
February 3, 2027
February 10, 2027
February 17, 2027
February 24, 2027
March 3, 2027
March 10, 2027
March 24, 2027 (tentative)
March 31, 2027 (Showcase and Pinning Ceremony)
Registration
MySiS registration for the fall 2026-27 academic year will open soon.
MySiS Family Virtual Orientation will take place on Monday, September 14th (for parents/guardians of grades 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
MySiS High School provides a creative and supportive space where young leaders can build relationships, engage in meaningful dialogue, expand their knowledge, and continue developing their leadership skills while exploring college and career possibilities.
Open to students in grades 9–12 throughout Bowling Green/Warren County and surrounding communities, MySiS High School welcomes both returning MySiS Scholars and students who are new to the program. Previous participation in MySiS Junior High is not required.
During program sessions, MySiS High School Scholars spend time connecting with mentors, participating in college and career awareness activities, and exploring opportunities that encourage them to think about their goals and possibilities for the future. Scholars also engage in activities designed to develop and highlight their ability to express themselves through various forms of writing.
Through these experiences, MySiS High School creates space for Scholars to discover and strengthen their voices, build meaningful connections, explore their interests, and continue growing as leaders in their schools and communities.
Meeting Dates
Grades 9-12 meet on the dates below from 1:00pm - 3:00pm with several meetings beginning at 11:00am for Career Pursuit activities.
September 19, 2026 (Leadership Retreat)
October 24, 2026
November 7, 2026
November 21, 2026
December 5, 2026
February 6, 2027
February 20, 2027
March 6, 2027
March 20, 2027
March 31, 2027 (Showcase and Pinning Ceremony)
May 16, 2027 (Tentative Graduation Recognition and Celebration)
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 2026-27 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 Monday, September 14th 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.
