May E-newsletter

Alternatives For Girls News

May 2013

Greetings!

Spring has officially arrived at AFG! Our after-school programs recently wrapped up for the year (and our summer camp is quickly approaching), our flowers are in bloom, and our high school seniors are preparing for graduation. Read on to hear more about our after-school program finale and how some of our girls are becoming better prepared for making decisions about college.

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Earlier this month, volunteers from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services painted this beautiful mural in our Shelter designed by Center for Creative Studies student Jeremy Lassila.

After-school Program Finale

As summer creeps closer and the school year comes to an end, AFG

One of the ASP youth displays a poem that she wrote about how to avoid bullies and bullying.

celebrated the conclusion of its 2013 After School Programming (ASP) with a spectacular finale performance.

During the finale, the elementary school group presented projects on what they had learned this year, including why bullying, smoking and drugs are dangerous. The middle school group produced a documentary-style video (featured below!). The graduating seniors of the high school group (and soon-to-be college freshman) shared what AFG has meant to them.

Reflecting on the year

Those who took to the stage included...

Juliana, a member of the elementary group, gave a sterling rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and shared that, "Bullying is bad because it can hurt someone's feelings. If you are being bullied, look to a teacher for help and tell [the bully] to stop!"
Middle-schooler Najai reflected on her year as President of AFG, sharing that "This has been a very exciting year...we've had our ups and downs (but mostly ups), and we've all grown close to each other!"
Graduating senior Shameeka thanked AFG for being a positive force in her life. "I've become a better speaker and a better leader...AFG has helped me so much in my life!" Shameeka will be attending college this fall.

Celebrating success

At the conclusion of the performances, each girl received a certificate of participation. Graduating seniors also received a special care package featuring dorm room essentials.

With after school programming ending, many girls are already looking forward to summer. As one participant lamented, "I can't believe it's already over!", another pointed out, "But that means it's almost time for camp!" AFG's Rise 'N Shine program, a free, seven-week summer camp, begins on June 17th.

Middle School Memories: A video written, directed, and edited by, and starring the young women of the middle school ASP

Preparing for College and Careers

Young women in AFG's Prevention program review displays about different career options.

This month, AFG held a series of college workshops, which provided high school students with important information on a wide-range of topics related to higher education. These workshops were held in partnership with Zonta II Detroit, a longtime supporter of AFG. Zonta is an international service organization that works to advance the status of women worldwide.

Exploring Options

The first workshop focused on what kinds of things can be pursued at college. "In addition to looking at different majors, the girls also took a personality test to see what careers might be a good fit for them," shared AFG high school coordinator Tiffany Edwards.

The second workshop focused on financial aid, and featured information on how to ask about financial aid and how to fill out the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA). During the final session of the series, to be held in the coming weeks, the young women will have the opportunity to work on actual scholarship applications and essays.

Speaking from Experience

The workshops also featured multiple guest speakers. One such speaker was Christina Heximer, architect and Associate Director at the Detroit Collaborative Design Center. Christina talked about being a woman in the very male-centric field of architecture. "If you want to do something, but you're the only girl in the room," she shared, "Do it anyway. Do it MORE."

Several young women currently enrolled in college also offered their wisdom, including Amber, who is a member of AFG's Young Women Changing Communities.

Thank you to Zonta II Detroit for helping to produce such a wonderful series!