The rapidly growing nonprofit organization, She’s the First, is dedicated to helping girls worldwide receive a higher education. The organization offers scholarships to girls who live in low-income countries with limited access to secondary education. The organization has 216 campus chapters and has helped over 800 girls.
NC State is now one of these 216 campus chapters. She’s the First also provides housing, supplies, mentorship and opportunities to scholars. The mission statement of NC State’s chapter is “to help provide scholarships to girls in low income countries, fostering first-generation graduates and cultivating the next generation of global leaders.”
Charlotte Rogus, a junior studying animal science, is the secretary of She’s the First’s NC State’s campus chapter. She was one of the three students who submitted an interest form to create a campus chapter at NC State. This semester marks the debut of the campus chapter.
“I’m hoping we can make a huge impact,” Rogus said. “The level of scholarship we can give out depends on the level of funding. In the future, I hope to raise enough money to reach the highest level of scholarship. Once more people join it will be easier to fundraise.”
Rogus first got involved with She’s the First in high school, when she helped fund a scholarship for a girl living in Nepal. According to Rogus, the most rewarding part about the experience was getting the girl’s information and being able to send her letters.
“Getting that information makes it a lot more personable,” Rogus said. “We found out the girl was 8 years old, living in Nepal, and wanted to be a doctor. It’s nice seeing your hard work paying off.”
She’s the First has helped shape scholars in a variety of countries, including Nepal, Ethiopia, India, Peru, Tanzania and The Gambia.
Girls in these countries face problems the typical American college student doesn’t have to worry about, such as getting to school safely and pressure to marry early and fulfill old-fashioned roles. An education helps these girls have a full life of their own filled with the opportunity and freedom to follow their passions and make a difference themselves.
“It’s a really great organization,” Rogus said. “All proceeds go toward a cause I believe in and support a lot. It’s something really important to me.”
Rogus also notes that an education is key for girls in these countries as it gives them a sense of empowerment, purpose and importance. The chapter held a bake sale fundraiser titled Bake a Change at the end of October, and the club is hoping to fundraise more in the spring.
Club member Ashley Samuelson, a sophomore studying animal science, is one of the original members who helped form the chapter at NC State with Rogus. Samuelson acts as the head of the social committee to bring awareness to the organization through social media.
“The most rewarding part for me, I think, is using my education to give an education to others,” Samuelson said. “We are all blessed to even have an education, and sometimes we can take it for granted. It’s rewarding to be able to give that opportunity to other girls who want to learn and make a difference in society.”
The organization is hoping to raise $400 through their fundraising efforts, as that is the requirement a chapter must meet in order to be matched with a scholar. The focus of the organization this semester has been mainly getting the word out about the new campus chapter and what they are advocating for.
“My goal for us is to grow, have more members and fundraise so we can really make a name for ourselves with the STF campuses,” Samuelson said.
The chapter encourages both male and female membership. She’s the First often meets to discuss the importance of female education, watch documentaries and brainstorm fundraising ideas in order to provide funding for scholarships.
The chapter has its own Facebook page, Instagram account and place on the getinvolved.ncsu.edu website. Potential members may email any of the officers listed on the website for more information.
