CLASS Activities
Sisterhood Meeting
Sisterhood meetings are the foundation of the CLASS program. Students meet once a week at their base schools during their seminar period. During these times there are conversations of personal life challenges and ways of how to deal with them are discussed. We recognize improved grades, positive behavior, and good attendance. Most importantly trust and life long friendship are built. The purpose of these meetings are to engage the young ladies to create a support network and a sense of community and belonging. |
Sisterhood of Queens Event
In the spring CLASS celebrates the young ladies who have participated in the program with an event called Sisterhood of Queens. This event also serves as a fundraiser for the program. Graduating seniors are recognized and honored, students provide personal testimonies of how the program has changed their lives, educational scholarships are awarded to deserving graduating seniors, and The CLASS ACT award recognizes the exceptional contributions of an individual, group, or organization for their continued and unwavering advocacy towards the empowerment of women, girls and children in our community. The 8th Annual Sisterhood of Queens event will be held on Saturday, April 16. See the event page for more information. |
Monthly Workshops
Once a month, all students are invited to a monthly workshop conducted by a positive role model from our community. Topics have included Domestic Violence Awareness (I Can Love Myself); Self Appearance and Self Image (First Impressions Count); HIV/STD Prevention and Awareness (I Can Protect Myself); My Future Matters (I Am Worth I); Real Love (I Am Enough); and Drinking and Driving Awareness (I Can Wait). Each workshop includes time for sharing and fellowship, continuing to create a sense of community and providing support for these young women.
Finally, Ms. Gilkey brings in professional woman who have overcome extreme obstacles to reach their goals. These inspiring testimonials give the girls hope and direction.
Once a month, all students are invited to a monthly workshop conducted by a positive role model from our community. Topics have included Domestic Violence Awareness (I Can Love Myself); Self Appearance and Self Image (First Impressions Count); HIV/STD Prevention and Awareness (I Can Protect Myself); My Future Matters (I Am Worth I); Real Love (I Am Enough); and Drinking and Driving Awareness (I Can Wait). Each workshop includes time for sharing and fellowship, continuing to create a sense of community and providing support for these young women.
Finally, Ms. Gilkey brings in professional woman who have overcome extreme obstacles to reach their goals. These inspiring testimonials give the girls hope and direction.
College Visits
Nearly all the young women in the Sisterhood program are the first person in their family to consider attending college. Ms. Gilkey encourages and facilitates the girls' dream to go to college. Since she began conducting organized college tours, more and more girls have matriculated to college and other training programs. Visiting colleges and university has helped make their dreams become a reality. Local college visits have included Wichita State University, Newman University, Cowley Community College, Hutchinson Community College, Kansas State University, University of Kansas. Out of state includes colleges include Langston University, Xavier University, Oklahoma State University, the University of Texas, Chicago State University, DePaul University, Spelman University, The University of North Carolina, and Georgia State University. |
Community Service
Ms. Gilkey requires the girls to participate in community service projects to develop both a sense of civic pride in their community and to develop understanding of service leadership. Annual projects have included volunteering at the DUI Victims' fundraiser, the Kansas African-American Museum, Habitat for Humanity, Junior League of Wichita Holiday Galleria, Salvation Army Operation Holiday, Rainbows United, and Inter-Faith Ministries Holiday Operations. This year, Sisterhood girls spent a selfless spring break making aprons as part of the United Way Youth Day of Caring. See our gallery to see the young women in action. |