Submitted by Dr. Ciara L. Bostick
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   BROWARD COUNTY, FL â On June 7th-8th, 2024 thirty Black girls from Broward County had the unique opportunity to attend the Southern Black Girl Dream conference in Atlanta, Georgia. For many of these young scholars, it was their first time flying on an airplane, marking a significant milestone in their lives.
    The students, grades 5th-12th , represented two local organizations: local nonprofit, Godâs Gift, and Rock Island Elementary Schoolâs Ladies in Training mentoring program.
Both groups earned their place at the conference through a competitive process that awarded them a $1,000 travel voucher to cover expenses.
The two-day conference featured a variety of workshops designed to inspire and educate the attendees. Sessions focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Leadership, and Career Development. The interactive and immersive environment aimed to equip these young women with the skills and confidence necessary to pursue their dreams and become leaders in their communities.
âWe are incredibly proud of our students,â said Dr. Ciara L. Bostick, Executive Director of Godâs Gift. âThis experience not only broadened their horizons by allowing them to travel but also provided invaluable learning opportunities that will help shape their futures.â
The Southern Black Girl Dream conference is renowned for its commitment to empowering young Black girls by providing them with the tools and resources needed to succeed in various fields. This yearâs event was no exception, offering a supportive platform for the attendees to learn, grow, and connect with peers and mentors.

