The I Rise Confidence & Leadership Program began in 2016 as a self-hosted initiative created and facilitated by Tracy Thorpe Scott to provide safe, affirming spaces for girls to build confidence, emotional awareness, and leadership skills.
Since then, I Rise has expanded through partnerships with Higher Achievement Pittsburgh, Hosanna House Afterschool Program, and the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, reaching girls across multiple communities.
In 2018, I Rise established a long-standing partnership with the Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship, where the program continues to serve girls in grades 3–8 through weekly sessions focused on emotional healing, self-expression, and personal leadership.
To date, I Rise has supported more than 1,000 girls across the Pittsburgh region—standing as a model for culturally grounded, trauma-informed youth development.
Key Areas of Impact
Each year, I Rise measures growth through both data and student reflections. The six areas below represent where girls showed the most powerful change. During the 25-25 Program year, I Rise served 84 girls at Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship. 61% completed pre/post surveys. Girls showed measurable gains in self-esteem, confidence, and communication, with the largest increase reflecting a 4 to 5 percent improvement in how they rated feeling good about themselves.
Emotional Safety & Self-Expression
Emotional Safety & Self-Expression
Girls consistently describe I Rise as a safe space where they can speak freely, release emotional burdens, and feel seen.
“It helped me express my feelings.” — 5th Grade
“Girls’ group makes me feel safe and helps me gain more confidence.” — 6th Grade
Confidence & Identity Development
Confidence & Identity Development
Through affirmations, dialogue, and reflection, participants learn to see themselves as capable, worthy, and powerful.
“I learned to believe in myself.” — 5th Grade
“Not to dim my light but to let it shine.” — 8th Grade
“I learned to love myself for who I am.” — 7th Grade
Social Skills & Peer Relationships
Social Skills & Peer Relationships
Participants learn to navigate conflict, build healthy friendships, and make safe choices online.
“Group taught how to deal with difficult family situations.” — 8th Grade
“Learned not to peer pressure and to not be stressed.” — 4th Grade
“Learned how not to be peer pressured.” — 3rd Grade
Leadership & Decision-Making
Leadership & Decision-Making
By year-end, girls could articulate the difference between being a leader and a follower—and how to lead with integrity.
“I learned to be a leader, not a follower.” — 5th Grade
“Learned to lead by example.” — 5th Grade
“Learned not to always say yes.” — 3rd Grade
Emotional Regulation & Well-Being
Emotional Regulation & Well-Being
Girls shared that I Rise helped them manage stress, express feelings in healthy ways, and find joy again after difficult moments.
“Helps me be more happy and not think about bad thoughts.” — 4th Grade
“It helps me to get my feelings out.” — 6th Grade
“It helped me be happy again.” — 5th Grade
Cultural Awareness & Pride
Cultural Awareness & Pride
I Rise integrates Black and women’s history into every session. Many girls shared they learned stories they had never heard before.
“I learned about Black and Women’s History.” — 5th Grade
“Group is fun and I learned history.” — 4th Grade
The movie screening of Harriet became a memorable, affirming experience for 5th graders.
Why It Matters
When girls are seen, supported, and reminded of their worth, they rise.
The I Rise Confidence & Leadership Program continues to help girls uncover their voices, strengthen their sense of self, and lead with empathy and pride. Together—with schools, community partners, and supporters who believe in their potential—we are building confident, compassionate young leaders across the Pittsburgh region.
You can help more girls to rise with the confidence to lead.
Whether you like to become a partner site or support the mission, we would love for you to get involved!
Maximizing the Possibilities
Since 2016, I Rise has grown through community, collaboration, and the shared belief that girls deserve to lead.
With your partnership and support, this legacy continues through every confident, phenomenal girl who rises.
For press, sponsorship, general or partnership inquiries, email hello@ttstransforms.com.
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