The Mission
The mission of Young Women of Excellence is to cultivate academic excellence and leadership, to nurture a positive self-image and cultural identity, and to foster friendship and sisterhood among the young women of color at Winter Springs High School. 

The Purpose
African American and minority girls hold an abundance talent, skills, wisdom and potential inside of them.   However, sometimes these girls see low expectations in the eyes of the adults who should be lifting them higher.  These girls are born leaders!  Unfortunately, what should be seen as leadership is often interpreted as aggression.  African American and minority girls too often have the highest discipline rates and the lowest graduation rates.  We know that this should not be! Our program is designed to help the girls see their own gifts, develop their own skills and unleash their own inner power.  

The Method
The YWOE program is a course and club at Winter Springs High School. It includes daily lessons, activities and assignments designed to meet the program goals and objectives.  The girls also participate in discussions, plan community service projects, events and fundraisers, hear from guest speakers, and view videos and films.   In addition, the girls attend seminars, workshops and college tours.
 
Program Goals and Objectives: 

• Nurture self-image and build self-esteem 

• Provide cultural empowerment and enrichment opportunities 
• Develop leadership 
• Support academic achievement  
• Provide advocacy 
• Provide social emotional training and address trauma 

• Encourage participation in extracurricular and athletic activities 
• Encourage college and career exploration 
• Provide mentoring 
• Provide exposure to positive female role models 
• Provide opportunities for educational and enrichment beyond school setting