VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 5/29/19)—American Baptist Women’s Ministries (ABWM) launches Building Bridges and Gateways to Girls Future (BBGGF) to engage underserved middle school girls in Christian Learning and STEAM using AB GIRLS Curriculum and a local STEAM provider. Puerto Rico and Cleveland, Ohio were selected as the sites for this inaugural project. Each ABWM group will partner with AB Women’s Ministries national staff and a local STEAM provider to create an experience that includes full day workshops, orientation, education for parents, connection with local teachers, AB GIRLS Curriculum, STEAM learning, spiritual formation, leadership development and team building. STEAM speakers will provide a witness by sharing their work. BBGGF will conclude with the application of STEAM and Christian curriculum learning evidenced in projects shared at a closing ceremony.
BBGGF will enable ABWM to encourage and enhance girl’s understanding of God’s holistic love and vision for their lives. It is our hope that BBGGF will also help to change the way girls view their STEAM abilities and assist in closing the gap where women make up only 15-25% of the current STEAM workforce. Rev. Gina Jacobs-Strain shared, “We began this initiative last October 2019 when the ABWM national staff and the National Leadership Team (NLT) of AB GIRLS hosted, Living your Faith. This NLT weekend long leadership retreat during the Martin Luther King holiday culminated in a workshop about STEAM and denominational careers. Each senior executive shared the many ways their faith informs their work and our keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. La Tonia Middleton Jackson shared how STEAM impacts our daily living and the wonderful work of young innovators. Our panelists included Magda Amargos, Development Consultant, ABF; Valoria Cheek, CEO, ABEC; Laura Miraz, HR Director, ABHMS, Marsha Scipio, Assoc. General Secretary, ABC-USA and keynote speaker Rev. Dr. LaTonia Middleton Jackson. NLT leaders guided the program by sharing Bible Study (Rachel), reflections (Mahsha) and closing comments and benediction, (Grady). It was a day of fellowship, learning, and making new friends. We are excited and deeply grateful for the Palmer Grant provided through ABHMS. This grant enables ABWM to continue our commitment to providing relevant ministries for girls.”
For more information, visit www.abwomensministries.org/BBGGF today!
American Baptist Women’s Ministries (ABWM) is a diverse community of American Baptist women and girls serving in ministry in Christ’s name in the US including Puerto Rico as well as internationally. With local, area, region/state, and national levels of ministry, American Baptist Women’s Ministries creates and sustains communities of passionately faithful, mission-minded women and girls engaged in worship, service, and friendship. Our ministries include domestic violence and sex trafficking prevention and education, building beloved community, and developing leaders. To learn more about American Baptist Women’s Ministries, visit our website at www.abwomensministries.org.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.