Girls Inc. Project Accelerate is a groundbreaking venture that partners with Equality Can’t Wait to ensure that workplace equality is achieved not over centuries, but now.

The Equality Can’t Wait Challenge – hosted by Pivotal Ventures, MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett, and Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies – called for bold ideas that would expand women’s power and influence in the U.S. by 2030.

Building on Girls Inc.’s evidence-based programming, Project Accelerate addresses inequality in the workplace, particularly the absence of women of color in positions of influence and leadership. The program will accelerate young women’s trajectories through college and career entry, leveraging partnerships with corporations and social impact organizations to ensure both their preparation and their access to positions of influence. Project Accelerate is a direct response to girls asking for support from a trusted source, Girls Inc., as they faced transitions and situations that challenged even the best prepared.

Hear from Katie, Girls Inc. of Indianapolis alumna.

Project Accelerate will scale throughout the Girls Inc. network of nearly 80 local organizations. The project will prepare thousands of young women leaders not merely to succeed in workplace environments, but also to affect cultural change from within.

The Girls Inc. proposal was selected from 550 applications as one of ten finalists that stood out as an innovative solution that enables more women, particularly Black, Indigenous, and women of color, to be in positions to make decisions, control resources, and shape policies and perspectives in their homes, workplaces, and communities. Proposals were evaluated during a three-month process that included peer reviews, as well as a review by an expert panel of 130 leaders from sectors including philanthropy, media, entrepreneurship, finance, and academia. Girls Inc. was one of four finalists awarded $10M to pursue the proposed project.

Hear from Simone, Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey alumna.

With this funding, Girls Inc. has the opportunity to advance real, equitable change for women and gender equality across the U.S. by breaking down barriers, expanding opportunities, and changing systems.

Expected outcomes include an increased number of young women graduating college; an increased network of influence for girls from historically marginalized groups; and job placement in high-paying, positions of leadership.

Equality Can’t Wait is a visionary response to some of the most persistent and damaging issues preventing the emergence of a fair and equitable society. Girls Inc. is grateful to all involved in this unique opportunity, especially the challenge funders, for the structure, thought partnership, and support that have shaped this vision for Project Accelerate. Together, we can make a bold leap to an equitable future.