About Black Girl Social Club Jr
Who we are, why we exist, and how we are building a better future for young Black girls in Atlanta, Georgia.
Born from a Community's Need
Black Girl Social Club Jr was founded with a clear and urgent purpose: to address the profound educational inequities facing young Black girls in Atlanta's underserved neighborhoods. Our founder, Carmen Jones, witnessed firsthand the talent and brilliance of girls in her community being dimmed by a lack of resources, mentorship, and opportunity.
What began as a small after-school tutoring circle has grown into a fully registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, providing comprehensive educational support, tuition assistance, and life-enriching experiences to hundreds of young girls and their families.
We are based at 2221 Capella Cir SW, Atlanta, GA 30331, and serve the broader Atlanta metropolitan area. Our work is guided by the conviction that every girl — regardless of her zip code or family income — deserves a world-class education and the confidence to pursue her dreams.
Mission, Vision & Strategy
Transparent answers to the most important questions about who we are and how we operate.
What social problem does this project address?
Young Black girls in low-income Atlanta communities face a critical shortage of educational resources, qualified mentors, and financial support. National data shows that students in underserved minority communities are significantly less likely to graduate high school or attend college. This gap is not a reflection of ability — it is a reflection of unequal access. We exist to close that gap.
What is the core mission of Black Girl Social Club Jr?
Our core mission is to empower and uplift young Black girls by providing comprehensive educational support, mentorship, and resources — ensuring they have the tools and confidence to succeed academically, personally, and professionally. We exist because every girl deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated.
What is the long-term vision (5–10 years)?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, we envision a Georgia where the educational outcomes for young Black girls are equal to — and exceed — national averages. We aim to expand our programs statewide, establish a scholarship endowment fund, and create a network of empowered alumnae who become mentors themselves, creating a self-sustaining cycle of uplift.
What are the SMART goals for years 1–3?
Year 1: Enroll 150 girls in active programs and distribute $15,000 in educational grants. Year 2: Reach 350 enrolled participants, secure 5 corporate sponsors, and complete 8 educational journeys. Year 3: Achieve 500+ enrolled girls, $50,000 in total tuition assistance distributed, and establish 10 school partnerships across Atlanta.
Who are the primary beneficiaries?
Our primary beneficiaries are African-American girls aged 8–14 living in underserved neighborhoods in Atlanta, GA, selected based on demonstrated financial need and academic potential. Secondary beneficiaries include their families, who receive parenting workshops and community resources, and the broader community, which benefits from the long-term social and economic contributions of educated, empowered young women.
What are the key programs and their priority order?
Priority 1: After-School Tutoring & Mentorship (core academic support). Priority 2: Tuition & Educational Grants (removing financial barriers). Priority 3: The Journey Program (experiential learning & field trips). Priority 4: Community Workshops (STEM, arts, leadership). Each program builds upon the last to create a holistic support ecosystem.
What is the Theory of Change?
Inputs: Funding, volunteers, school partnerships, and materials. → Activities: Tutoring, mentorship, field trips, financial aid. → Short-term Outcomes: Improved grades, increased self-confidence, greater school engagement. → Long-term Impact: Higher graduation rates, college enrollment, career success, and community leaders who give back.
What are the KPIs for measuring impact?
We track: (1) Number of girls enrolled and attending regularly (target: 500+). (2) Average GPA improvement among participants (target: +0.5 points). (3) Total financial assistance distributed (target: $50K in 3 years). (4) Number of educational journeys completed per year (target: 6+). (5) Parent and student satisfaction scores (target: 90%+ positive).
How We Run & Sustain Our Work
Transparency and accountability are at the heart of everything we do.
How is Monitoring & Evaluation designed?
We conduct quarterly program reviews using digital surveys, academic progress reports from partner schools, and in-person feedback sessions with students and parents. An annual independent impact assessment is conducted each December to evaluate overall program effectiveness and guide strategic planning for the following year.
What is the operational team structure?
Our team includes: Carmen Jones (Principal/Executive Director), 2 Program Coordinators managing daily activities, 1 Volunteer Manager, 1 Financial Officer, and a network of 20+ active volunteer mentors. Each role has clearly defined responsibilities to ensure accountability and program quality at every level.
How do you attract and retain volunteers?
We recruit volunteers through local universities (Spelman, Morehouse, Georgia State), community organizations, and corporate partners. All volunteers complete a structured onboarding that includes child safety training, mentoring best practices, and cultural competency. We retain volunteers through recognition awards, regular appreciation events, and a strong community culture that makes volunteering deeply rewarding.
What resources and technology are required?
Physical resources include community center space (donated or rented), transportation for field trips, and educational supplies. Technology needs include laptops and tablets for tutoring sessions, a program management platform for tracking attendance and progress, and this website for donor communication and community engagement. We optimize costs through in-kind donations and corporate partnerships.
What is the fundraising model?
Our initial funding strategy includes: (1) Federal and state education grants, (2) Community crowdfunding campaigns, (3) Corporate sponsorships from Atlanta-based businesses, (4) Individual major donors, and (5) An annual fundraising gala. We are actively diversifying our revenue streams to reduce dependency on any single source and ensure program continuity.
How will financial sustainability be ensured (3–5 years)?
Long-term sustainability will be built through: a monthly recurring donor program, a growing endowment fund, multi-year corporate partnership agreements, earned revenue from workshops and events, and an alumni network that gives back. By Year 5, we project that no single funding source will represent more than 30% of our total revenue, ensuring organizational resilience.
What are the key risks and mitigation strategies?
Financial Risk: Mitigated by diversified funding and a 3-month operating reserve. Operational Risk: Addressed through rigorous volunteer training and clear safety protocols. Volunteer Turnover: Countered by strong retention culture and a pipeline of new recruits. External Risks (policy, economic): Managed by maintaining flexible program models and strong community relationships that transcend political shifts.
The People Behind the Mission
Dedicated professionals and passionate volunteers united by a single purpose: empowering the next generation.
Carmen Jones
With over 15 years of community advocacy and education experience, Carmen founded Black Girl Social Club Jr to create the support system she wished had existed for girls like her growing up in Atlanta.
Denise Williams
A former educator with a passion for after-school enrichment, Denise oversees our tutoring and mentorship programs, ensuring every girl receives personalized attention and support.
Tanya Robinson
Tanya brings her background in nonprofit management to recruit, train, and inspire our growing network of 20+ volunteer mentors who are the backbone of our daily programs.
Marcus Green
Marcus ensures every donated dollar is used with maximum impact, managing our budget, grant applications, and financial reporting with full transparency and accountability.
A Message from Carmen Jones
Why I Started Black Girl Social Club Jr
Growing up in Atlanta, I was surrounded by brilliance. Girls who could solve complex problems, who wrote poetry that moved you to tears, who had the kind of natural intelligence that no standardized test could ever fully capture. But I also watched many of those same girls fall through the cracks — not because they weren't capable, but because the system was not designed to catch them.
"When I started Black Girl Social Club Jr, I saw too many brilliant young minds in our community being left behind simply because they lacked the right resources and guidance."
I remember meeting a young girl named Maya during our first year of programs. She was 10 years old, struggling with mathematics, and slowly losing her confidence. Her teachers were overwhelmed. Her mother was working two jobs. Maya was beginning to believe the lie that she just wasn't smart enough.
Through our after-school tutoring program, Maya was paired with a mentor who worked with her three times a week. Within six months, her grades had improved dramatically. But more importantly, she had found her voice. She started asking questions in class. She started believing in herself. Today, Maya wants to be an engineer.
That is why we do this work. Not for the statistics — though the numbers matter — but for the Mayas. For every girl who just needs someone to say: I see you. I believe in you. You belong here.
Black Girl Social Club Jr is more than a charity. It is a declaration that the futures of our girls are worth fighting for, worth investing in, and worth celebrating. I am honored to lead this mission, and I am grateful to every donor, volunteer, and partner who makes it possible.
— Carmen Jones
Principal & Founder, Black Girl Social Club Jr
Together, We Can Empower Every Girl
Whether you donate, volunteer, or spread the word — every act of support helps us reach more girls and change more lives.