WINSTON-SALEM, NC (DECEMBER 10, 2021)—The Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem has awarded a $4,850 grant to Salem Academy for its Girl Up Mentor Program. The Women’s Fund, a strategic initiative of The Winston-Salem Foundation, provides financial support to programs that have a focus on economic security and aim to make a positive impact on women and girls in Forsyth County.
A co-curricular program founded in 2019, the Girl Up Mentor Program is for academically gifted students who do not have the financial ability to participate in traditional extracurricular school activities. The program brings local middle school girls to Salem Academy’s campus and connects them with Academy students to encourage participants to set academic and career goals and pursue personal interests. Salem Academy students design activities to match the girls’ interests and create lesson plans for activities. Activities include robotics and debate as well as a chance to work in a science lab and Salem Academy’s drama workshop.
“We appreciate the support of The Women’s Fund and its recognition that Salem Academy’s Girl Up Mentor Program is making a strong impact on a wide range of girls in our community,” Salem Academy and College President Dr. Summer McGee said. “The grant from The Women’s Fund will be a significant help toward overcoming some obstacles that will enable more girls to participate in this wonderful program at Salem Academy.”
Program participants are enrolled in the Girl Up Mentor Program throughout their middle school years. Funds awarded by The Women’s Fund will be used to provide a reliable transportation system for girls to get to the campus of Salem Academy and College. Funds also will help support programming and finance activities specifically designed to encourage middle school girls to attend college.
Salem Academy and College is the oldest continuously operating educational institution for girls and women in the country by its founding date of 1772. The institution is currently celebrating its 250th anniversary and is engaging in transformational change to innovate in women’s education. Salem Academy is a college preparatory school located on a diverse, active college campus focused on preparing young women for careers in STEAM. Salem College is the nation’s only liberal arts college dedicated to developing the next generation of women leaders in health. Salem Academy and College is located in Winston Salem, North Carolina, a vibrant college town known for arts and innovation.
For more information about Salem Academy, please visit salemacademy.com. For more information about Salem College, please visit salem.edu.