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 The Black Women’s Policy Center is dedicated to Black women of all ages, and we feel that it is necessary to make sure our younger generations are as involved in breaking down barriers as any other group. We aim to create a truly safe space for our youth to feel empowered and informed about civic engagement in their prospective communities, all while building tribes among each other to foster relationships that can be used in coalition building. We will be coming together to not only identify systemic issues but to build an action plan to bring about systems change. Through policy and advocacy, we will Step Up and provide the tools necessary for our young women to confidently be centered at the tables we know they should have always been at.

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BLACK GIRLS ARE THE FUTURE

Empowering the Next Generation

Supporting Middle School Girls in Duquesne

The Black Women’s Policy Center is expanding our impact by launching a new initiative dedicated to supporting middle school girls in the Duquesne School District. This program is designed to provide mentorship, advocacy, and resources that empower young girls to navigate their educational and personal journeys with confidence.

Our work in this space is rooted in our commitment to equity and opportunity, ensuring that Black girls have access to the tools and support they need to thrive. As we step into this vital work, we are actively seeking funding partners who share our vision for investing in the next generation of leaders.

If you or your organization are interested in supporting this initiative, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate. Together, we can create lasting change and open doors for young girls in our community.

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Our dedicated council of 12 young Black women is ready to expand! If you or a young lady you know are interested, please sign up below. 

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Step Up Leadership Interest Form

How will you join?
In-person
Virtually
Other
Are you willing to make the commitment to group sessions, trainings, and meetings?
Yes
No

  I'm ready to step up !  

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2026
Policy Agenda

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Greater Pittsburgh & Mon Valley Region

​Created with Black girls from the Gwen’s Girls BGALA leadership program.

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Our Vision

Black girls deserve care, dignity, opportunity, and voice — not punishment, silence, or exclusion. This agenda reflects priorities identified in partnership with youth leaders involved in the Gwen’s Girls BGALA program, centering their lived experiences and advocacy goals.

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Mental Health Support & Access

Why This Matters (Data):

 

 

Black girls nationwide report high levels of psychological distress but receive less supportive intervention and more punitive responses in schools.

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Implementation & Enforcement of the CROWN Act

Why This Matters (Data):

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Hair-based discrimination has been one of the most common subjective reasons Black girls are disciplined or excluded from school activities historically.

Girls in Kitchen

Ending Adultification
of Black Girls

Why This Matters (Data):

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Research shows Black girls are disproportionately perceived as older and less innocent than peers, contributing to harsher discipline and reduced support.

Classroom

Eliminating Excessive Suspensions

Why This Matters (Data):

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Black girls are suspended at higher rates than white girls, often for subjective offenses like “defiance” or dress code violations.

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Dress Code Equity & Comprehensive Sex Education

Why This Matters (Data):

  • Inconsistent enforcement of dress codes leads to disproportionate removal and discipline for Black girls even when dressed similarly to peers.

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  • Districts with comprehensive sex ed demonstrate better health outcomes and lower rates of teen pregnancy.

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