Every confident step forward, every acceptance letter, every diploma begins with someone who believes in her. Your support gives her that belief — and the foundation for success that lasts a lifetime.
Every confident step begins with belief—but belief must be strengthened by action. Detroit girls possess immense potential, yet many face systemic barriers that make their journey more challenging. Without consistent support, the space to grow and the opportunities to build confidence may fade, narrowing her path before it truly begins.
Rise Up for Girls is built to transform lives one girl at a time. Every dollar you give is tied to her growth—her mentor connection, academic preparation, personal and leadership development, and future success.
Each year, program participants experience more than 1,500 hours of mentorship, engage in over 300 hours of academic and career readiness, and are guided by mentors who remain meaningfully connected—85% engage in monthly touchpoints that build trust and accountability.
RWF introduces pathways in AI, robotics, and sustainable mobility—spaces where learning sparks ambition. And you’re walking beside a teen as she builds the confidence, skills, and vision to achieve her goals. With your belief and support, she doesn’t just dream of success—she achieves it.
Each of us carries memories of those who shaped our path—the teacher who saw more in us than we saw in ourselves, the mentor who pushed us to grow, the friend or family member who reminded us of our strength. Their belief helped us overcome obstacles and gave us the courage to imagine more for our lives.
Belief has the same power for the teens nurtured by the Rhonda Walker Foundation (RWF). When someone invests in her, she gains the confidence to set bigger goals, the determination to meet challenges head-on, and the vision to see herself as a leader in every space she enters.
Since 2003, RWF has empowered teen girls to rise—an achievement made possible through the dedication of donors, volunteers, staff, and community partners. Together, this circle of belief and support has opened doors, expanded opportunities, and helped transform what’s possible for young women in Detroit.
Two decades of belief and support have led to extraordinary moments when a girl discovers her own strength, believes in her future, and takes bold steps forward because someone stood behind her.
Just as others once shaped our paths, your belief today helps her imagine more for her life—and achieve it.
Our foundation’s story is best told by those who have experienced it firsthand. Participants, alumnae, and parents share how belief—nurtured through RWF’s mentoring, guidance, and opportunities—has shaped their immediate success and transformed their lives.
Their voices carry the proof of what happens when a girl is given the support to rise: confidence grows, dreams take shape, and futures are redefined for a lifetime.
Every confident step, every achievement, every dream realized begins with someone who believes. At RWF, that belief takes many forms—through the generosity of donors who invest in her success and the dedication of volunteers who give their time, wisdom, and encouragement. Both are essential, and both ensure that each girl has the foundation she needs to rise.
Your support—whether financial or personal—makes her journey possible. Here is how you can invest directly in her success:
Your gift does more than open doors—it walks beside her as she discovers her strength, builds resilience, and defines her own future. Each gift supports a Detroit teen girl for one program year, and multi-year commitments are welcomed to sustain her journey from high school through college.
Funds a teen girl’s participation in Girls Into Women, a five-year program, for one year.
Recognition: Honored as a lead supporter with a named connection to a teen, special invitation to an exclusive reception, and acknowledgement across RUFG events and publications.
Provides mentoring, tuition assistance, and leadership development that equip her to rise with purpose.
Recognition: Celebrated as a leadership partner with invitations to exclusive receptions and acknowledgement at RUFG events and in publications.
Delivers tutoring, test prep, and enrichment programs that keep her on track for college success.
Recognition: Recognized for opening academic pathways with your name featured on event signage, in the program, and in donor highlights.
Strengthens her resilience through wellness programs and mental health supports.
Recognition: Acknowledged as a supporter of her well-being with your name listed in the RUFG program and on the website, plus an invitation to a donor appreciation event.
Opens doors to career exploration, field trips, and college readiness experiences.
Recognition: Recognized for inspiring her future with an acknowledgement in the RUFG program and a personal thank-you letter from a program teen.
Equips her with essentials—supplies, uniforms, and enrichment materials that support her growth.
Recognition: Appreciated as a builder of her foundation, with your name listed in the RUFG program and a thank-you card signed by teens.
Keeps her progress moving by covering meals and transportation so she never misses an opportunity.
Recognition: Acknowledged as a source of her momentum, with your name featured on the RUFG website and a thank-you note from staff.
Begins her journey with program materials and activities that spark confidence and possibility.
Recognition: Celebrated as the start of her journey, with your name included on the donor recognition list and a digital thank-you badge to share your support.
Your gift does more than open doors—it walks beside her as she discovers her strength, builds resilience, and defines her own future. Each gift supports a Detroit teen girl for one program year, and multi-year commitments are welcomed to sustain her journey from high school through college.
Guide a teen through her high school journey, offering consistent encouragement and insight.
Assist with tutoring, enrichment sessions, and group learning activities.
Delivers tutoring, test prep, and enrichment programs that keep her on track for college success.
Recognition: Recognized for opening academic pathways with your name featured on event signage, in the program, and in donor highlights.
Accompany girls on enrichment outings that expand their view of the world.
Support events focused on resilience, balance, and well-being.
Contribute your energy to RUFG events, from registration to guest experience.
Help with program mailings, outreach, and logistics that keep the work moving forward.
Hope becomes action when someone chooses to believe. The Rhonda Walker Foundation was built on that truth—and today, your belief can carry it further. When you give, when you volunteer, when you stand beside her, you do more than support a moment. You empower her to turn belief into lasting success.
© 2025 Rhonda Walker Foundation. All rights reserved.
