The Decade That Was….

In a world where progress knows no limits, one of the most extraordinary revolutions lies in the changing lives of girls. Over the past decade, investing in girls’ education has emerged as a dominant force, starting a ripple effect that has changed numerous lives. It is an evidence to the steadfast belief that every girl, irrespective of her history or situations, deserves access to quality education and the opportunity to shape her own life and aspire to fly high. 

We at Educate Girls USA, are strong believers of the fact that the world will be a better place, and our future will be brighter, if everyone living here is empowered and educated. As we reflect upon this extraordinary expedition of empowerment, let us explore the different ways in which the lives of girls have changed, going beyond barriers and illuminating paths of faith and boundless possibilities.

Over the past decade, the United States has seen noteworthy progress in promoting the rights and opportunities of girls, especially of the underprivileged ones. This positive change has been powered by investment in girls’ education, with organizations like Educate Girls USA playing a crucial role. 

Let’s explore five ways in which the lives of girls in the US have thrived during the past decade, accentuating the positive impacts of investing in their education:

1. Improved High School Graduation Rates

In the United States, there has been a significant increase in the high school graduation rates for girls over the past decade. According to a data by Statista, the percentage of girls completing high school was 88% in 2011, which increased to nearly 92% in the year 2021. This rise in graduation rates can be accredited to various factors, including efforts made by governmental and non-governmental organizations that provide support, scholarships, and resources to underprivileged girls, ensuring they have equal opportunities to complete their education. More often, girls who complete their high school are more likely to pursue higher education, and go for better paying jobs and secure their future, and that of their families.

2. Progress in STEM Fields

Over the past ten years, there has been prominent progress in the representation of girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields in the US. Data from the National Science Foundation (NSF) reveals that the U.S. STEM workforce progressively increased and diversified between 2011 and 2021. There was a higher representation of women and undersold sections of the country, including Hispanics, African Americans, and the others. This steady increase in the number of women pursuing degrees in computer science and engineering has resulted in an increase of women earning bachelor’s degrees in computer science. This positive shift can be attributed to initiatives that promote girls’ interest and participation in STEM education through mentorship programs, extracurricular activities, and access to resources and role models.

3. Higher Rates of College Enrollment and Completion

Access to higher education has improved significantly for girls in the United States over the past decade. According to the recent statistics, the percentage of girls completing 4 or more years of college in the US has gone up from 31% in 2011 to 39% in 2021. Furthermore, the gender gap in college completion rates has also been closing over the past few years. This gap can be closed only with investment for girl child’s education, and through concerted efforts to provide scholarships, financial aid, and mentorship programs that support girls in pursuing higher education.

4. Leadership and Political Representation

The US has seen a notable increase in the presence of girls in leadership and political roles over the past decade. According to a report, 127 seats were held in Congress by women in 2019, which has gone up to be 142 in 2021. The Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), with its unique NEW Leadership (National Education for Women’s Leadership) has been training women to take up the leadership programs, and so far they have trained nearly 5000 students across 24 states – making way for more and more women to take up leadership roles. This positive trend reflects the impact of investments in girls’ education, which have nurtured their confidence, leadership skills, and political engagement. This is one of the classic benefits of investing in girls’ education. Many organizations like Educate Girls USA have been instrumental in fostering a generation of girls who aspire to leadership roles and contribute to decision-making processes.

Closing the Gender Wage Gap

Investments in girls’ education have also played a crucial role in narrowing the gender wage gap in the US. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the earnings ratio between women and men has shown improvement over the past decade. In 2011, women earned approximately 81 cents for every dollar earned by men, and by 2020, that ratio had increased to around 83 cents. This progress highlights how education equips girls with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in the workforce, leading to increased economic opportunities and a reduction in gender-based income disparities.

Disparity in the lives of women when compared to those of men has always been there, and probably will be there for years to come. But a few examples, like the ones we have cited above, are proof that there is hope! When you donate through us, your investment in girls’ education can create a cascading effect, thereby creating a wave of change in the entire world. 

Remember, together, we can continue to empower girls and create a more inclusive and equitable future.  Still looking for reasons to invest in girls’ education? Don’t! 

Click here to donate for girl education now and make the world a better place for everyone!