The Rites of Passage (ROP) program is a 15-week free after-school program and a 6-week free summer program for teenage Black girls aged 14 to 19, with the goal of educating and empowering youth to take control of their reproductive health while also broadening their knowledge on topics such as financial literacy, college and career options, health and diet, mental health, and much more.
The program includes interactive workshops led by women leaders and experts in their fields, as well as engaging field trips.
Sessions Offered
Spring and Fall Sessions (15 Weeks)
The Rites of Passage (ROP) 15-week free after-school program includes exciting field trips and interactive workshops that are led by accomplished Black women professionals and wellness experts who serve as guides and mentors.
Regular sessions occur in the spring and fall, offering a comprehensive 15-week experience that allows for in-depth exploration and growth.
The 15-week sessions meet three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Join us on this empowering journey of self-discovery, growth, and navigation to womanhood.
Summer Session (6 Weeks)
Looking for an enriching and exciting experience to elevate your personal growth this summer? Welcome to the Rites of Passage (ROP) 6 Week Summer Session!
In just six weeks, participants embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment.Our summer program places emphasis on fostering healthy relationships, forging meaningful connections, and educating teens on the pivotal aspects of sexual health and wellness.
Whether delving into career aspirations, sharpening leadership abilities, or participating in various aspects of community development and service, the Rites of Passage Summer Session is all about nurturing individual development.
Guided by a team of dynamic mentors and role models, our summer session guarantees an unforgettable adventure. We invite your teen to join us as we embark on this remarkable journey together, igniting the flame of personal growth within each participant!
Message to Parents
Dear Parents,
Join in alongside your teens in empowering Black women and girls by participating in our various upcoming community events here at Black Women for Wellness! While it’s not mandatory, your involvement is a fantastic way to show your commitment to advancing the health and well-being of women and girls in our community. It’s also an excellent opportunity to build a supportive community of parents. Let’s make a difference together!
Weekly Themes
Rites of Passage Application
We invite you to be a part of the Rites of Passage Program. Please complete the application below. An incomplete application will not be accepted. By submitting this application, you are giving Black Women for Wellness staff permission to verify your contact information and your guardian permission to participate.
Applicants
- Applications will be accepted during the following times:
July -September for Fall; October – January for Spring; April – June for Summer Session; - Priority will be given to those applicants who complete the application in its entirety and submit their application timely.
- 15-20 applicants will be selected for each session
- Space is limited.
About the Rites of Passage (ROP)
By the end of the Rites of Passage program, participants will be able to:
- Define reproductive justice
- Identify health career options
- Explain financial literacy
- Discuss clean beauty and its importance on one’s health
- Explain how to protect and preserve one’s health
- Demonstrate how to build a resume
- Identify how to apply to college and the available financial aid resources
- Explain the importance of a good diet, nutrition and oral health on one’s overall health
Upon successful completion of the Rites Of Passage program, participants will be better equipped to navigate the phases of adolescence as a Black girl.
If you have any questions about the ROP Program process or responsibilities, please contact the Get Smart B4U Get Sexy Program Coordinator at: [email protected].
What BWW Requires for ROP Participation
- Attend ROP sessions
- Be on time
- Participate in activities
“Blaming Black mothers, then, is a way of subjugating the Black race as a whole. At the same time, devaluing motherhood is particularly damaging to Black women … regulating Black women’s reproductive decisions has been a central aspect of racial oppression in America.”
– Dorothy Roberts, Killing the Black Body: Race, Reproduction, and the Meaning of Liberty
