DSEF Program
G.I.R.L.S. NOLA
Girls Initiative for Reproducing Leaders in Society
A free mentorship and empowerment program using integrative arts and gamification to educate young women and girls about Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights — while building sisterhood, confidence, and leadership.
About The Program
Built for Girls. Led by Girls.
Girls Initiative for Reproducing Leaders in Society (GIRLS NOLA) is a program of the Dinerral Shavers Educational Fund. Created in 2014, GIRLS NOLA is a free, multi-track initiative designed to address pressing issues facing young women in urban communities — including rising HIV and STD rates, teen pregnancy, violence, mental health challenges, and reproductive health disparities.
Using integrative arts and gamification, GIRLS NOLA creates engaging, interactive learning experiences that not only educate but also foster meaningful friendships and a strong sense of sisterhood. Every girl who enters our program leaves feeling equipped, uplifted, and supported.
Donate to Girls NOLA
Track 1
Sexual Health Education
GIRLS NOLA's Track 1 Sexual Health Program consists of an 11-module sexual and mental health curriculum implemented virtually and in-person. In 2025, GIRLS NOLA will implement 8–10 sexual health cohorts at partner sites and on Zoom — serving girls ages 7 through 18 with age-appropriate, culturally responsive content.
Puberty · Mental Health · Social Emotional Learning · Art · Games
Puberty · Mental Health · Social Emotional Learning · Art · Games
Puberty · Contraception · STIs/HIV · Mental Health · SEL · Art · Games
- 11-module sexual and mental health curriculum
- Available virtually and in-person
- 8–10 cohorts planned for 2025
- Offered at partner sites and on Zoom
Track 2
Mentorship Program
GIRLS NOLA's Track 2 Mentorship Program consists of a cohort of 20 girls. The only requirement is completing Track 1. As a GIRLS NOLA Mentee, each girl experiences monthly teambuilding and therapeutic group activities, youth advocacy services, mental health support, career and college readiness, and mentorship.
- Monthly teambuilding & therapeutic group activities
- Youth advocacy services
- Mental health support
- Career and college readiness
- Mentorship from community leaders
- Annual Awards Brunch & Day Retreat
- Yoga, meditation, etiquette classes & more
Voices From Our Community
What Our Girls Say
Real words from the young women, parents, and mentors who make GIRLS NOLA what it is.
I love GIRLS NOLA because it's a girls group that teaches you about your health, important things about your body and how to maintain yourself as a young lady. We also get to make new friends, and experience new places.
What I admire most about GIRLS NOLA is their unique blend of creativity, strength, and empathy. GIRLS NOLA cultivates self-confidence, offers support, and celebrates diversity. By coming together, we can share priceless memories and empower each other to reach our full potential.
OMG! We're not natives of the New Orleans area. I love the fact that my daughter doesn't feel like an outsider and she's making potential lifelong friends and contacts.
Program Impact
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Survey results from GIRLS NOLA participants and parents.
Of participants believe knowledge gained from GIRLS NOLA has been helpful in their everyday lives
Of participants would recommend GIRLS NOLA's Sexual Health Program to their peers
Of parents are satisfied with GIRLS NOLA's Sexual Health & Mentorship Program
Of parents believe GIRLS NOLA has helped build their daughter's confidence
Camp Girls NOLA
Camp Girls NOLA will be a free week-long summer camping experience geared towards GIRLS NOLA's Mentorship Participants. This camp will consist of educational enrichment, healing and self-care, as well as nature and recreational activities — a transformative experience centered on sisterhood and personal growth.
Make an Impact
Support Girls NOLA Today
Your donation keeps Girls NOLA free for every young woman who needs it. Help us expand our reach, launch Camp Girls NOLA, and serve 150+ youth in 2025.