Cultivating Upward Mobility for Women and Girls in Poverty

CHATTANOOGA, TN, September 1, 2023 – Empowered Connections and Women of Color Collaborative are fundraising to provide a six-month high school equivalency test prep program for women living in Public Housing who are seeking educational opportunities and economic advancement. Women in these communities are likely to be minorities , single mothers who work, but make very little compared to their counterparts of other races in other Chattanooga neighborhoods. Many are faced with benefit cliffs, deterring them from pursuing opportunities that may put their housing security in jeopardy. Our program empowers women to be authors of their own future and cultivates scalable pathways for upward mobility for women and girls in poverty by offering economic resourcing, safe and affirming learning spaces, and a supportive community along the journey.

Women in the program will prepare for the HiSET while building confidence, collective impact, and self sufficiency. The program will provide:

• test preparation

• mentorship matching

• career exposure and exploration

• civic engagement and advocacy

• policy analysis

• identity exploration and systems interruption

• financial literacy

• economic resourcing

• digital literacy and support

Your donation allows us to offer the program at no cost for participants and helps address emerging needs, like transportation and childcare, eliminating barriers and promoting financial security.

Committed to community building, inclusion, and participatory program design, Empowered Connections, led by native Chattanoogan, Zennia Nesmith, has assembled a body of peers inclusive of women who are part of the target population. Nashville-based Women of Color Collaborative is working toward a healthier, more equitable future for women by teaching & modeling culturally responsive emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and vulnerability.

Learn more and donate here.

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