The Global Action Week for Education is an annual worldwide campaign held in April to raise awareness about the importance of education for all, especially for girls and marginalized communities. It supports the right to quality, safe, and inclusive education, and calls on governments to invest in and prioritize education. At Girls Inc., we see every day how education builds girls’ confidence, critical-thinking abilities, and allows them to pursue their goals. To celebrate Global Action Week for Education, our Brand Ambassadors reflect on the importance of education for them and how Girls Inc. has helped them pursue their goals.  

“I believe obtaining an education provides individuals with the opportunity to accomplish tasks they once felt were out of reach. This is valuable because knowledge can inspire people to change the world for the better and create a path for others to follow,” says Lauren, a Brand Ambassador from Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix Russell. “Being part of Girls Inc., where academic excellence was encouraged, helped me understand the importance of education and instilled in me the self-belief to strive for academic success. Additionally, teaching girls that they can achieve anything they put their minds to is one of the most important aspects of education, as this newfound confidence can impact all areas of their lives. To ensure all girls have access to quality education, we must build more schools equipped with passionate teachers, promote the benefits of learning, and create safe, empowering spaces for studying so girls can make the most of this invaluable opportunity.” 

Berklee, a Brand Ambassador from Girls Inc. of Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey reflects: “What I value most about my education is the opportunity it gives me to grow, think critically, and create a future for myself. Education means a lot to me because it’s something no one can take away from you. It’s a foundation that stays with you no matter where life takes you. Girls Inc. has supported me in pursuing my goals by providing mentorship, leadership opportunities, and a space where I feel encouraged to succeed. It has helped me build confidence in my voice and given me the skills to step into leadership roles and take initiative in my community. I believe the most important aspect of education for young girls is access to a safe, supportive, and uplifting environment where they feel seen and heard. When girls feel confident and supported, they are more likely to succeed and reach their full potential. To ensure all girls have access to quality education, we need to invest in resources, mentorship programs, and safe learning spaces, especially in underserved communities. It’s important that we not only provide education, but also create environments where every girl feels valued, supported, and capable of achieving her goals.” 

“What I value most about my education is the opportunity it gives me to learn about and improve the world around me,” states Leila, a Brand Ambassador from Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis. “As a freshman in college studying Biological Engineering, my education prepares me to think critically and develop solutions that can directly improve people’s health and quality of life. Moreover, it is an opportunity I do not take for granted, as access to quality education is a gift not afforded to everyone. My ability to pursue this career has been shaped by the support of family, mentors, and community who have invested in my growth. Girls Inc. has been instrumental in helping me pursue educational goals. Participating in their Young Women in Leadership program allowed me to gain crucial career insights and experiences that not many others have the privilege of experiencing at such a young age. From mock interviews, professional development workshops, internships, and so much more, I not only gained practical skills but a belief in myself. Girls Inc. became a place that strengthened and prepared me to step into rigorous academic and professional endeavors with confidence rather than hesitation. This is what I believe to be one of the most important aspects of education for young girls: not only providing access to learning, but inspiring them to see themselves as capable, intelligent, and prepared to enter and succeed in underrepresented spaces. Ensuring quality education for all girls requires intentional investment in community programs, supplemental resources that strengthen and fill the gaps of traditional classrooms. Beyond all else, it requires leaders who are willing to consistently pour into the next generation, for investing in young women today builds the foundation for a stronger tomorrow.” 

Naiyya, a Brand Ambassador from Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta says, “What I value most about my education is the opportunities it creates—education gives me the power to think critically, advocate for myself and others, and build a future where I can make meaningful change. My Girls Inc. Experience has given me confidence, leadership skills, and a supportive community that encourages me to aim higher and pursue my goals in healthcare and beyond. The most important aspect of education for young girls is empowerment—education should help girls find their voice, build confidence, and realize their full potential. We can ensure access by investing in schools, removing financial and social barriers, and creating safe, inclusive environments where every girl feels supported and valued.” 

Belen, a Brand Ambassador from Girls Inc. of San Diego, reflects on the meaning of education for her: “What I value most about my education is its potential to use it as a tool to support the well-being of others. As someone interested most in learning about science, I recognize ways that I can use my education to contribute to research that can help others in the long run. I also recognize the privilege that I have to be able to obtain an education from a prestigious university, which is why I am grateful to represent women in rigorous fields both now and in my future career. Girls Inc. has helped pursue my goals in education and the STEM field by helping me build confidence to take space in challenging environments as well as giving me STEM mentorship opportunities. Being able to meet women who were also in the STEM field through Girls Inc. made me realize my own potential to make a difference and motivated me to continue working towards my goals. For all young girls, I believe the most important aspect of education is pursuing something that you genuinely want to do and enjoy. I think this breaks the stereotypes of learning or education being a burden and instead being something that we can look forward to. Mentorship and awareness are some of the most important things we can do to ensure that all girls have access to education. As a first-generation woman myself, I found that mentorship made me more aware of the opportunities I had and encouraged me to apply to top universities. Therefore, I believe that paying back these experiences through mentorship can help girls also realize their potential and opportunities to pursue education and rigorous fields.” 

Shreya, a Brand Ambassador from Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region, reflects, “What I value most about my education comes directly from my parents. They saw education not just as an opportunity, but as something that could completely shape the course of their lives. They worked incredibly hard to give me access to opportunities they didn’t always have, and because of that, I’ve grown up seeing education as something to truly value, not take for granted. My experience with Girls Inc. has played a huge role in helping me pursue my goals. Through Eureka!, I’ve been able to take college-level classes and explore subjects beyond what’s offered in my school. I’ve also had the opportunity to participate in internships, which has given me real-world experience and helped me better understand my interests and future career path. Girls Inc. has created an environment where I feel supported and encouraged to challenge myself. I believe the most important aspect of education for young girls is empowerment. Education isn’t just about academics, it’s about building confidence and learning how to think critically. When girls are given access to a strong education, they are more likely to advocate for themselves, pursue leadership roles, and create change in their communities. To ensure that all girls, regardless of their background, have access to quality education, we need to address both access and support. This means investing in schools, providing resources like technology and mentorship, and creating programs—like Girls Inc.—that uplift and guide young girls. When we actively work to make education inclusive and accessible, we create opportunities not just for individual girls, but for entire communities to grow and succeed.” 

Our Brand Ambassadors remind us that education is a powerful tool for confidence, independence, and change. Through their stories, we see how access to learning, mentorship, and opportunity equips girls with the skills to discover their strengths and lead with purpose.