How SMART Girls is Building the Next Generation of Mississippi Delta Leaders
At the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta, we believe in building Great Futures from the ground up. For the girls in our communities, this mission comes to life through our SMART Girls program—a dynamic small-group initiative designed to help girls grow into confident, healthy, and empowered young women.
But what does that transformation actually look like?
A Foundation of Confidence, Health, and Community
SMART Girls is thoughtfully structured around three core pillars that guide our girls’ development:
Your Mind: Building self-esteem, personal identity, and sound mental health.
Your Body: Encouraging physical wellness, hygiene, and nutrition.
Your Community: Fostering healthy relationships with friends, family, and the world at large.
Through dynamic sessions, girls listen to each other and they participate. They engage in hands-on activities, collaborative games, and honest discussions about the pressures and opportunities they face. They earn badges for their achievements, building a tangible record of their growth in their personal Badge Books & Journals.
Learning in Action: Our SMART Girls in the World
The true power of SMART Girls is seen when our members take their lessons beyond the Club walls. Our SMART Girls Ambassadors from the Lexington Unit are a perfect example:
Building Community Spirit: They laced up their sneakers to participate in the City of Pickens' Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, learning about empathy, health advocacy, and supporting vital causes.
Exploring and Having Fun: They spent a perfect fall day at Red Bird Farms Pumpkin Patch, enjoying hayrides and miniature golf. These moments of joy and friendship are essential for building a well-rounded and happy life.
Expanding Their Horizons: From a trip to the Mississippi Aquarium, where they touched stingrays and asked questions about marine biology, to a celebratory day at a waterpark, these experiences ignite curiosity and create lifelong memories.
Kawanna S. Horton speaks at A Night at the Oscars in Holmes County 2024
These outings, led by dedicated mentors like Unit Director Kawanna S. Horton, reinforce the program's lessons in real-time, showing girls that their world is full of possibilities.
Your Support Fuels This Transformation
The life-changing experiences of our SMART Girls are made possible by the generous support of our community. The program provides a vital safe space where girls can:
Develop a positive self-image and the confidence to lead.
Form healthy relationships with peers and supportive adult mentors.
Understand the importance of their physical and emotional well-being.
Engage with their community as active, compassionate citizens.
When you donate to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta, you are investing directly in this powerful program. You are helping to fund the mentorship, materials, and transformative experiences that allow girls to discover their strength, their voice, and their path to a Great Future.
Ready to help empower the next generation of leaders? Your support can provide a girl with a safe space to learn, grow, and lead.
Together, we can ensure every girl in the Mississippi Delta has the opportunity to become a SMART Girl.