In 2003, two Yale College seniors set out to create an atypical post-college experience for themselves while creating growth opportunities for underprivileged girls. Their focus moved overseas, as they sought to combine their passion for athletics with their interest in Latin America and a belief in the need for girls' empowerment.
Rebecca and Sarah understood the gender inequalities inherent in Latin American culture and sought to create a sports program to challenge this discrepancy at a grass roots level. They valued the role sports played in their own lives and began researching the impact athletics had on female development and exploring existing programs with similar goals. Rebecca and Sarah identified leadership skills, body awareness, confidence, and personal relationships as the key benefits of athletic activity and created the program's curriculum with these in mind.
Although many Latin American cities could have benefited from their mission, Cusco, Peru, emerged as the ideal location to launch their new program. The relatively under-developed economic climate of the Andes combined with the strong cultural heritage of Cusco was a fitting environment for their mission.
Once the program and host city were established, Rebecca and Sarah turned to the question of funding. When no existing grant opportunities or organizations aligned with their goals, they decided to create their own non-profit: GirlSportWorks (GSW). With their 501c-3 status secured, Rebecca and Sarah were better equipped to reach out to foundations for funding. GSW was extremely fortunate to receive support from a small family foundation eager to provide the women with a start-up grant.
In October 2003, the twenty-two year olds boarded a plane to Cusco, Peru, and the GSW program was born!
Rebecca and Sarah managed the GSW program in Cusco the first year, and subsequently passed the torch to new Project Managers who have carried on the GSW mission. Each year, two women are selected to lead the program in Cusco. These Project Mangers infuse the curriculum with both fresh ideas and GSW's signature influence: an enthusiasm for personal growth and a love for sports.
Over the years, GSW has benefited from the incredible generosity of supporters who believe in the mission of the organization. Without the support of these friends, GSW would not be possible.
Since 2003, GSW has successfully promoted its mission to the benefit of hundreds of girls in Cusco and the surrounding areas.