Yolanda Fordham, director of the Liberty Partnerships Program and Tutoring Program, announced today that the Extended Day/School Violence Prevention Program has mounted a new initiative. The program, WEST (Women of Excellence, Strength and Tenacity), is geared toward fourth and fifth grade female students at PS 154. The program was founded by Jay-Sheree Allen at New York University.

The vision for Women of Excellence, Strength and Tenacity (WEST) is to build a network of young females ranging in races, socioeconomic classes and experiences between the ages of 10 and 22 who motivate and inspire each other through mentoring and collaboration. This experience will provide them with the necessary tools to become the best version of themselves and live their lives purposefully. This will also provide a platform to create new relationships and be motivated to become a stronger and a more influential voice in their community and ultimately, the world.

Through open forums, guest speakers, conferences, projects, community service activities we aim to give the young women a better understanding of issues that they will encounter in life such as respect, self-esteem, love, becoming a woman, influences, women of the world, leadership and community service.

All events take place at the school site (PS 154) in the library, on Friday afternoons from 2:20pm-4pm.

To view the WEST website: click here.