Who We Are
1MillionGirls is a nonprofit dedicated to breaking down financial barriers and empowering young women to pursue higher education, beginning in the United States and expanding globally.
Mission
At 1MillionGirls, our mission is to empower and uplift young women by providing the financial support they need to achieve their dreams of higher education. We are dedicated to assisting girls with their college tuition through grants and scholarships. Starting in the United States and expanding globally, our goal is to send one million girls to college tuition-free, opening doors to opportunities and shaping a brighter future for young women around the globe.
Vision
At 1MillionGirls, our vision is to transform the lives of one million young women by breaking down financial barriers and creating access to higher education for all. We envision a future where girls—empowered through education—rise as confident leaders, bold innovators, and compassionate change-makers who uplift their communities and inspire generations. By breaking financial barriers and creating opportunity, support, and sisterhood, we aim to build a world where every girl can achieve her dreams and shape a brighter, more equitable future.
Core Values
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Honesty
Being truthful and transparent in all our actions and communications.
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Integrity
Upholding strong moral principles and ensuring fairness in all our dealings.
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Determination
Fostering a relentless drive to achieve and support our mission.
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Wisdom
Valuing knowledge and insight to guide our decisions and actions.
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Focus
Maintaining a clear and unwavering dedication to our goals.
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Courage
Encouraging bravery and boldness in overcoming challenges.
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Dedication
Committing fully to our mission and the girls we support.
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Openness to Receive and Give
Promoting a culture of generosity and receptivity.
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Teachability
Embracing a mindset of continuous learning and growth.
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Respect
Valuing each individual's worth and treating everyone with dignity.
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Responsibility
Being accountable for our actions and the impact we create.
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Teamwork
Collaborating effectively to achieve our collective goals.
Statistics Highlighting the Need
41% of female undergraduates take on student debt, compared to 35% of male undergraduates.
On average, women graduate owing almost $22,000 in student debt, while men owe $18,880.
63% of single mothers in college live at or below 100% of the federal poverty line.
The majority (53%) of students at risk of dropping out have trouble paying tuition.
Women take about 2 years longer than men to repay student loans and are more likely to struggle economically.
53% of students at risk of dropping out have trouble paying tuition, and 50% face challenges with other costs like living expenses, food, and books.
Women who receive financial aid are more likely to persist and graduate from their institutions, with a higher likelihood of graduating on time.
Need-based grants substantially decrease the probability of dropping out for low-income students, including women. Studies show that without grants, dropout rates would increase from 4.3% to 5.5% for students from academic high school.
Students with a higher percentage of their financial needs met by need-based aid are more likely to complete college and do so earlier. This pattern is consistent across different cohorts, including women who began at a 4-year institution.
Grants have a more substantial positive effect on reducing dropout rates for female students than loans.
For female students, receiving a grant reduces the probability of dropping out from 9.7% to 2.6%, a decrease of 7 percentage points.
The timing of grant aid is crucial for female students. Grant aid is most effective in reducing dropout rates during the first year of college, with its impact decreasing in subsequent years.
In the first year, an additional $1000 grant reduces the dropout probability for low-income students (including women) by 23%, compared to only 8% in the second year.
Delayed wealth-building: Financial pressures from student debt can postpone wealth-building activities like homeownership, investing, or starting a business, perpetuating economic disparities.
