Back in February, we were SO stoked to hear about the newest campaign from CoverGirl: the #GirlsCan movement. If you haven't watched the video that explains the movement yet, make sure you take the time to do so as soon as you can. Here at Her Campus, we're all about female empowerment and equality, and when active, hands-on initiatives to promote human rights are put forth, there's nothing better.
The movement's mission, "to help young women overcome barriers to break boundaries, empowering them to be the next generation to rock the world," is full of hope and potential. Since launching the campaign, some exciting new initiatives have been added, and we wanted to make sure you knew about them.
According to a recent press release, CoverGirl has announced that they will be donating at least $5 million dollars over the next five years "to support the work of individuals and non-profit organizations that are helping women break barriers and blaze trails." This donation was announced during the S.H.E. Summit in New York City, an event that celebrates the potential and possibility that all women have to change the world.
In addition, CoverGirl has announced the first two beneficiaries that will receive financial support based on CoverGirl's commitment to supporting non-profit organizations that empower women through this campaign.
The first is a non-profit called Girls Who Code, which aims to close the gender gap between women who strive to be in technology-based careers. CoverGirl will be donating $500,000 to the organization, and this monetary gift will allow the launch of 100 new Girls Who Code clubs in schools and local community programs. The finances will also provide 100 tech-industry professionals with the training that they need to prepare girls to succeed in these careers in the future, as well as allowing Girls Who Code to continue their program in upcoming years.
The second beneficiary is Soledad O’Brien + Brad Raymond Starfish Foundation, an organization that strives to assist girls of color from low-income families achieve their dreams. The $200,000 donation that CoverGirl will be giving this program will allow for generous scholarship funds for approxiamately 13 scholars, provide career preparation programs and materials for girls, fund a web portal designed to connect girls to upcoming programs and initiatives, and will allow for the foundation's PowHERful Summit to expand to other areas of the country beyond New York City.
If all of this exciting news hasn't left you feeling more empowered and strong, then get hyped for what's ahead even further down the road for the #GirlsCan movement. Launched less than a year ago, the #GirlsCan movement has already started much-needed, exciting conversations.
What's your #GirlsCan story? Join the movement and share your story. YOU can!