Girl Power Alliance (GPA) is a self-sustaining nonprofit dedicated to connecting girls in grades K-12 with the resources they need in order to be successful in school on varying emotional, physical, and mental levels. GPA consists of a network of academic resource centers which offer services such as tutoring, counseling, standardized test prep, health clinics, healthy lifestyle classes, and community-engagement projects that reinforce learning. We believe in the pay-it-forward model, such that if we positively impact the life of one girl, she can go on to help another. All of this will be funded in part by a line of designer school supplies.

Problem

In a changing world where the job market has become increasingly selective, and a GED just isn't enough, K-12 education has become more and more focused on university preparation. Students are expected to not only show academic excellence, but also be “well-rounded” in physical activity, leadership, culture, etc, and do it all in spite of the steady reduction in funding that has become the trend in most districts. More and more studies are showing how drastically children are affected by their home lives and social lives, proving that there is no standard student, and yet they are consistently evaluated via standardized test. Girls are especially non-standardized, and yet feel the most pressure to be standard. Statistics show that between the ages of 14 and 17, 20.8% of females have experienced a Major Depressive Episode in their lives, compared to only 10.2 percent of males. Girls need a little extra support, especially when they are self-limited by their understanding of gender roles that develop sometime in middle school. It has been reported by teachers that students don't seem to have the work ethic of yore, that their attention spans are diminishing, and that they don't seem to recognize the consequences of their academic engagement... or lack there-of. So isn't it clear that the current model is no longer applicable? It is up to outside organizations like Girl Power Alliance to provide the extra supportive measures that girls crave.

Solution

In view of the problems faced by educators in the 21st century, we propose the organization of a network of academic resource centers known as Girl Power Alliance (GPA). The working philosophy of GPA is to provide girls with a safe space equipped with the physical, academic, and emotional resources required for success in school. In this single-sex environment, girls are free to venture into academic areas traditionally dominated by males and escape pressures to fit gender stereotypes that have developed over years of interactions between boys and girls in classroom settings. Also, a single-sex environment may prove to foster stronger friendships and bonds that girls can leverage as a source of emotional support in times of need. Through providing an ideal environment for studying and making connections, we seek to ensure that girls have such a rewarding experience with GPA that they will be keen to come back to share their stories, showing other girls what it takes to succeed in school and beyond. Specific features of the academic resource center: 1. Library 2. Tutoring Services and Standardized Test Preparation 3. Computers with educational software and games 4. School break programs 5. Counseling services 6. Health Services 7. Part Time Employment

Exemple

GPA has big dreams for what it can do for girls, especially in more disadvantaged communities, but big dreams sometimes require big money to come true. The founders have decided that they do not wish to rely entirely on charity, government grants, or volunteer labor, and have thus implemented two essential concepts into their business model: school supplies and a pay-it-forward spirit. GPA will sell a designer line of notebooks and other school supplies, all proceeds from which will benefit its resource centers and related programs, in order to keep costs as low as possible for the girls themselves. On the cover of each notebook will be an inspirational quote by a high-powered woman, with various GPA success stories featured on the front page. But despite common misconceptions, a consistent flow of funds is not enough to sustain an organization. There also needs to be a consistent flow of labor and consumers. In the Girl Power Alliance, these two things are one in the same. We accept girls into the program from the time they enter kindergarten to the time they graduate high school, and even then they are invited to come back as volunteers, speakers, and role models. But as they progress through their schooling, students who show leadership can be hired as paid hands to help educate their peers and run the center. This also shows girls that academic excellence and social leadership are profitable qualities, overturning the attitude that they'll never use what they learn in class.

Marché

U.S. Office supply and paper wholesale is a $40 billion industry. It is concentrated, with the 50 largest companies accounting for 60% of revenue. Some of the most popular brands are sold in giant establishments like Staples or OfficeMax. In that context, GPA notebooks would be competing with traditional names like 5 Star, and also with fancier, girly brands like Martha Stewart; however, the probability of finding GPA notebooks is much higher in school stores, college bookstores, and independent stationery boutiques. Here the designs will be much more unique, but we still keep the same advantage: support for a good cause. When a mother buys a notebook for her daughter, she may well be financing an organization that could help the same girl someday. In addition, GPA is taking some burden off of schools, gaining their support and potentially a feature on school supply lists. We don't have to compete for people to help. Potential peers in this social venture that we have identified so far include Girls On The Run and YMCAs.