This year, Georgia’s state budget includes a major victory for children and youth: a dedicated investment in afterschool programs that help young people thrive socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.
This policy win didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of years of research, relationship-building, and a united advocacy effort led by partners across the state. HealthMPowers is proud to have played a role in educating lawmakers on the power of afterschool, and we are deeply grateful to Voices for Georgia’s Children for leading the charge.
Why is this important?
Because behind the data are real students who found confidence, community, and leadership through programs like Girls Empowering Movement (GEM). Their work, supported by the BOOST grant, demonstrates something simple but powerful: when girls are given the tools, time, and trust—they lead.
Afterschool Is More Than a Schedule Slot
The BOOST grant was designed to help programs rebound and expand post-pandemic. But for GEM, BOOST didn’t just mean more students. It meant more impact.
GEM reached over 3,300 new students in school-based before- and after-school programs. Each site was led by two trained girl leaders and one adult facilitator—fostering a unique partnership model where adults didn’t take charge but helped girls take charge of themselves.
The results were staggering:
- Over 10,000 additional students were reached through youth-led projects.
- 56% of girls improved their physical activity levels.
- 64% increased or sustained leadership skills.
- Every activity—from Zumba with a local TV anchor to all-school obstacle courses—was designed and led by the girls themselves.
But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. What BOOST unlocked in GEM wasn’t just more programming. It was belonging.
During a recent ripple-effect mapping session, a focus group designed to capture the ripple effects beyond intended program outcomes, girls shared how GEM felt different from anything they’d done before. It wasn’t just about fitness—it was about friendship, support, and being taken seriously.
They described GEM as a place where:
- “You could just be yourself.”
- “The adults listen, not just tell you.”
- “It helps with confidence and stuff we don’t always talk about.”
“If it wasn’t for GEM, I would have no strength and no confidence.”
– GEM Participant
Mental wellness was woven into the experience, not just an add-on. From meditation circles to ziplining, and journaling after workouts, GEM girls explored how movement and emotional health go hand-in-hand.
Youth-Adult Partnerships in Action
A key ingredient in GEM’s success—and a core BOOST goal—was the intentional partnership between youth and adults. Adult facilitators weren’t there to lecture. They were there to listen, guide, and cheer girls on as they set group goals, managed budgets, and developed full-scale event plans for their peers.
“It feels good to know there is an adult encouraging you. Ms. G says from the beginning, ‘This year will be a great year—and helped [me] feel more confident and want to help other girls feel more confident too. ‘Go get ’em girl’ mentality.”
– GEM Participant
That relationship model—rooted in trust and shared power—is a standout strength of GEM and other BOOST-supported programs across Georgia.
The Bigger Picture: From Peer Projects to Policy Wins
For Bethune’s GEM project, girls created a presentation about the importance of daily movement and delivered it directly to their school leadership. They were so persuasive that the school carved out an extra 30 minutes of daily physical activity for every student, approved and staffed by the administration. GEM girls noted that this extra activity time served as a positive behavioral incentive for the entire school—490 students motivated to be on their best behavior so that they could participate in the “”fitness rink” activities led by GEM. Radloff’s GEM group reached out to Home Depot to support their outdoor classroom and garden project which will provide 1,300 students with safe spaces to learn and be active outdoors. These aren’t just afterschool activities—they’re youth-led community change projects.
That’s the ripple effect.
Through data, stories, and partnerships, HealthMPowers and our allies helped make the case: afterschool programs aren’t extras—they’re essentials.
A Win for Youth—and for Georgia
This year’s budget investment is a win for every GEM girl and every afterschool program that dared to believe their work mattered beyond the school day.
With renewed funding and momentum, more youth across Georgia will have access to safe, supportive programs where:
- Mental wellness is prioritized
- Belonging is built
- Adult allies lift up youth voice
- Youth lead the way
As HealthMPowers celebrates 25 years of impact, this moment reminds us of what’s possible when we invest in youth leadership—not just as a strategy, but as a core value.
What’s Next?
Follow along for more GEM stories and ways to get involved.
Join us as we celebrate stories of transformation and collective movement through our 25 Million Minutes campaign. Walk, run, dance—however you move, it counts. And every minute builds toward a healthier Georgia. Sign the pledge and help us continue the momentum.
