Founded in 2001, the L.A.D.Y.S. (Leadership, Advancement and Development of our Young Sisters) Mentorship Program provides workshops, academic opportunities and support to young women of color between the ages of 14-18, with a focus on college and career preparation. The proceeds from this event will enable the members of Sigma Lambda Upsilon to organize college tours and weekend workshops for the women in the program with a focus on personal growth, professionalism and education. Today, the L.A.D.Y.S Mentorship Program has increased the number of young women of color in high school that are admitted into higher education institutions.

Graduates of the program currently attend the following colleges/universities:

• State University of New York Binghamton University
• Buffalo State College
• St. John Fisher College
• State University of New York at Stony Brook
• University at Buffalo
• University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
• State University of New York at Plattsburgh 
• State University of New York at Brockport

Upon successful completion of high school and the program, active participants are awarded the Sigma Lambda L.A.D.Y.S Book Scholarship to assist with the economic demands of institutions of higher learning.

THE NUMBERS

55% of girls agree there are not enough positive female role models
61% of girls believe a strong role model helps them achieve their goals
60% of girls are put off a career in engineering because of a lack of female role models
43% of girls think girls aspire to be hairdressers because “some jobs are more for girls”
Less than 3 in 10 graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are women. 

“Young girls need to see role models in whatever careers they may choose, just so they can picture themselves doing those jobs someday. You can’t be what you can’t see.” - Sally Ride (NASA Astronaut & first US woman in space)

The Programs Impact

The program has helped each participant gain college preparatory skills, develop professionally, learn about her culture and much more. Since its inception, the national Sigma Lambda LADYS program has graduated 50 young women from high schools who are now attending 2 or 4 year colleges/ universities. In addition, some have explored other post-secondary options, such as beginning their professional careers after high school. The relationships created with Hermanas continues beyond their highschool graduation.

To ensure the commitment of the participants, we require an application in order to be selected for the program. Upon successful completion of high school and the program, active participants are awarded with the Sigma Lambda LADYS Book Scholarship, a $200 scholarship to assist with the economic demands of post secondary options.

Other Ways You Can Help

Anyone and everyone can make make an impact.

• Make some noise about our project: like us on 
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