Ms President US in Ridgefield recently received a $4,000 grant from Fairfield County’s Community Foundation to support its scholarships offered to any participants demonstrating need.
Ms President US, which focuses on civic engagement and leadership skills, motivates and prepares girls through an 8-session program to run for the highest civic leadership positions.
The 4th thru 8th graders participate in monthly sessions held by Ridgefield-based nonprofit Ms President US. These sessions focus on civic engagement and education, and leadership and empowerment skills. Grants and donations allow Ms President US to expand its reach and increase its accessibility to all those interested.
“The continued partnership with FCCF allows Ms President US to take its civic leadership training and engagement opportunities to students who otherwise would not have access,” said Liz Osterhus Fleuette, Founder and Executive Director. “Grants like demonstrate the importance of our mission and the work we do.”
Ms President US, founded in 2016, has shown over 200 girls the importance of female involvement in public service, the responsibility it entails, and the opportunity it provides.
We aim to impart exemplary values in future leaders -- values that unite, uplift and inspire regardless of gender, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability.
Through this program, girls explore their own potential to lead, enhance skills, & expand knowledge of what it takes to be a leader; learn about local, state, and federal leadership opportunities; hear from local and state leaders; give (or contribute to) a campaign speech, complemented by their choice of creative expression.
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation promotes philanthropy as a means to create change in Fairfield County, focusing on innovative and collaborative solutions to critical issues impacting the community. Individuals, families, corporations, and organizations can establish charitable funds or contribute to existing funds. The Community Foundation is in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards and has awarded $180 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. For more information, visit www.fcfoundation.org.
Ms President US motivates and prepares girls in 4th thru 8th grades to reach for the highest civic office, and in winning Ms President US, has a platform to move their campaign forward. For instance, Ms President Danbury met with her state representative and took action to create a ‘safe space’ for bullied kids in Danbury public schools; Ms President Ridgefield held an event the Boys and Girls Club of Ridgefield to create awareness for hazards of social media and focused on time off technology; Ms President Hamden, Ms President Wilton, Ms President Weston, Ms President Danbury, Ms President Ridgefield all traveled to the state capitol to receive official citations from their respective representatives. To become involved, please visit www.mspresidentus.org.