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.
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.
LeadHERship Academy for Girls is a leadership development program designed to affirm, equip, and empower Black girls to recognize their voice, build confidence, and step fully into their power. Grounded in cultural pride, healing, and leadership skill-building, the Academy supports girls as they explore who they are, what they care about, and how they can lead in their schools, families, and communities.
Through interactive workshops, mentorship, reflection, and real-world leadership practice, participants develop critical skills such as communication, self-advocacy, decision-making, teamwork, and goal-setting. The program also addresses the unique challenges Black girls face — including adultification, bias, and inequitable discipline — while creating space for joy, creativity, and sisterhood.
LeadHERship Academy prepares Black girls not just to lead someday, but to lead now — grounded in confidence, clarity, and community.
OUR INITIATIVES
Civics Reimagined is a transformative civic education and advocacy program that helps Black girls understand how power, policy, and systems shape their everyday lives — and how they can influence change. Designed specifically for Black girls, the program reimagines traditional civics education by centering lived experience, cultural identity, and youth voice.
Participants learn how local, state, and federal government works; how laws and policies impact issues such as education, mental health, dress codes, juvenile justice, and voting rights; and how young people can organize, advocate, and lead meaningful change. Through interactive lessons, power mapping, storytelling, and hands-on advocacy projects, girls move from awareness to action.
Civics Reimagined affirms that Black girls are not future leaders — they are current stakeholders in democracy. The program equips them with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to speak up, engage decision-makers, and build power for themselves and their communities.
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ready to step up ?
2026
Policy Agenda
Greater Pittsburgh & Mon Valley Region
Created with Black girls from the Gwen’s Girls BGALA leadership program.
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.
Mental Health Support & Access
Implementation & Enforcement of the CROWN Act
Ending Adultification
of Black Girls
Eliminating Excessive Suspensions
