Our History

Since its inception in 2011, The Sophia Project Inc. (TSP) has been dedicated to the transformative journey of young women. Originating with 47 eighth-grade students from Brittany Woods Middle School and Confluence Old North Academy, TSP set out to provide essential support for those facing trauma, academic struggles, attendance issues, and behavioral challenges. The organization's enduring promise was to stand by these students throughout their educational trajectory.

TSP's impact became evident through its multifaceted approach. In-school mentoring sessions, led by accomplished women from the St. Louis area, instill motivation, career development, and life skills over two semesters. The Friday Night Keep It Safe & Sacred (K.I.S.S) after-school program, engaging girls from multiple districts, fosters holistic growth with group mentoring and activities focused on academic excellence, social refinement, and self-care. Individual mentors further reinforce life skills and confidence, nurturing well-rounded development.

Furthermore, The Sophia Project proudly extends its commitment to empower young women through the Urban Girl Institute, a transformative summer camp experience. This initiative offers a unique platform for girls to further explore personal growth, leadership skills, and community engagement. Together with the Urban Girl Institute, TSP continues to cultivate a new generation of resilient leaders, embodying the organization's vision of empowerment and success.

The culmination of each young woman's journey is the Annual Pearling Ceremony. This celebratory event highlights their achievements and dedication, granting them a little black dress and a pearl necklace as symbols of their resilience. The Sophia Project Inc. envisions a world where mentorship and unwavering support reshape destinies, empowering these young women to become tomorrow's leaders.

Our Mission

The Sophia Project Inc.'s mission is to engage, educate, and empower young women to make sound decisions, embrace personal awareness, and build healthy relationships.

The Sophia Project’s theory of change for each young woman is to invest in their development with human capital, trusting relationships, and weekly exposure, with the hope that these opportunities will change their trajectories and ultimately transform their lives.

Our Theory Of Change

Our Vision

The Sophia Project, Inc. envisions young women who are individually secure and socially engaged, globally conscious, and community-focused. Participants of The Sophia Project, Inc. are BOLD, CREATIVE, DARING, and CONFIDENT. These young women are effective leaders among their peers and are ready to dispatch their gifts in the community. Graduates of The Sophia Project, Inc. are aware of how a relationship with self and others will impact their decisions and their ability to be a valuable member of the community.