The mission of The Cinderella Project is to support young women statewide with resources they may not exist for them otherwise. The goal is to provide educational outreach and community-based projects that are designed to empower young women with increased self confidence and to instill an appreciation for community service and the importance of giving back.
Founded in January 2008, The Cinderella Project is a 100% volunteer-run organization. One of our most successful and effective projects is our Annual Prom Dress Drive and Giveaway during which we collect donated evening gowns and provide them to high school students who cannot otherwise afford them.
Looking to add more dynamic to the organization, founders Sarah and Shelton decide to focus on "the dress that never goes out of style": EDUCATION, thus the Leadership Academy was formed. This is the reason why I'm so devoted to helping this organization and am proud to be a spokesperson!
After a year of planning and fundraising, last weekend, 25 young ladies attended the inaugural class of the The Cinderella Project of Baton Rouge Leadership Academy! The Academy is an intensive college prep-workshop at Louisiana State University October 25 to 27 for 20 underserved female high school students that is co-hosted by The Cinderella Project and the LSU Office of Equity, Diversity and Community Outreach.
The Academy immersed young women in a college setting, exposed them to educational opportunities post-high school and inspire them to pursue their future academic goals. The Academy is also assisting them in making the transition from high school to college by demystifying the college application process, connecting them with resources and discussing the expectations of college students. More than 150 applications from young women statewide were received and 25 Academy scholars were selected. Attendees represent 16 schools in 8 parishes from North Louisiana to the bayou.
During the weekend the ladies attended a college class, learned requirements to get into college, attended workshops and seminars on professional dress, responsible use of social media, and a slew of other topics.
I had the honor of speaking to the ladies about looking your best. We discussed dressing for the job you WANT, not the job you HAVE, and what your appearance says about you...because after all, you send a message in everything you do and how you appear to others. What are you saying by looking like a slob?? I stressed the importance of DRESSING THE WAY YOU WISH TO BE ADDRESSED.
 |
| After speaking to the ladies about the importance of looking your best! |
 |
| Me at the closing academy closing banquet at the LSU Stadium Club |
It is such an honor to be on the Advisory Board of such an awesome nonprofit! At the end of the weekend, Sarah and Shelton made the announcement that in addition to the $80 stipend to cover ACT costs, each academy graduate would be receiving a $500 scholarship to attend the college of their choice!
If you would like to contribute to The Cinderella Project College Scholarship Fund at Fidelity Bank, please contact Shelton Jones, 225-439-9700, sjones@cinderellaprojectla.org or Sarah Dupreesaran1@cox.net
Next up for us: The annual dress giveaway!
Great job, Ashley!
ReplyDelete