Breaking Barriers: How SI/San Jacinto Hemet Valley is Helping Girls Reach Their College Dreams

SI/San Jacinto Hemet Valley, CA (Golden West Region), made a powerful impact with their I Can Do It program, thanks to a Soroptimist Club Grant for Education and Economic Empowerment. Recognizing that club fees can be a financial burden, the club worked with high school counselors to find senior girls struggling to pay college application fees.

Rather than handing out individual Visa gift cards to cover the application fees submitted online, three members took a hands-on approach. They met students in the counseling office and used their club debit cards to pay application fees directly on student computers. This saved the Visa gift card purchase expense and allowed flexibility as all application fees varied. The savings even allowed them to assist an additional girl!

This simple change to their project plan ensured the club was a great steward of the grant resources while also increasing its impact. It also strengthened connections with high school counselors, deepening a partnership that supports the club’s annual college scholarship awards each May. I Can Do It was a great success, reaching 21 girls. As a Big Goal Accelerator Project, it shows how small changes can lead to a greater impact.

Apply for a Soroptimist Club Grant

Interested in making a difference through a Soroptimist Club Grant for Education and Economic Empowerment? Applications are due March 1 for projects to be completed in the 2025–2026 club year. Please review our resources before applying and email program@soroptimist.org with any questions.

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