CHARLOTTE – KIPP Charlotte, a tuition-free, open enrollment, college preparatory middle school that serves traditionally underserved students, has launched a new Girls Leadership Program to promote leadership and character development in more than 50 seventh- and eighth-grade girls. The yearlong program is a collaboration with the Sigma Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority at Davidson College and the Junior League of Charlottte.

The Girls Leadership Program grew out of KIPP Charlotte’s desire to provide additional support for girls during the difficult middle school years and inspire them to be leaders in their community. KIPP Charlotte received a competitive $8,000 grant and a committee of 12 volunteers from the Junior League to launch the program. The Junior League also has helped select the curriculum, design the workshops and recruit speakers to present for the 10-month academic school year. The Sigma Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha has given $2,000 to the program and signed on to mentor the girls.

“We are thrilled that so many girls are participating in this important program, which is a critical part of our efforts to give students a well-rounded education, said Tiffany Flowers-Washington, co-founder and school leader of KIPP Charlotte. “Our ultimate goal is to motivate and inspire our girls to fulfill their academic and personal potential in college and as leaders in the community.”