Throwing and Growing Foundation

The Throwing and Growing Foundation serves girls ages 8-18 through free after- and summer-school programming. Girls engaged in the foundation's programs are primarily African American and come from low-income families that would otherwise have no after-school supervision and no access to the types of services and opportunities afforded through participation in these programs. Through a majority-female (and 80% African or Native American) professional staff and the support of guest instructors, we offer programs centered around physical fitness, health and wellness, and music and arts. All programs are rooted in healthy living and healthy choices. Regular exposure to physical fitness teaches goal setting, increases self-esteem and confidence, and improves physical health and mental well-being. Youth are given the opportunity to select the programs of the greatest interest, increasing participation and attendance. Each program gives girls the opportunity to engage in positive social interactions and encourages youth to become assets to the communities in which they live and go to school. The girls are introduced to educational and athletic scholarships, and practice interviewing and public speaking skills to support career and/or college ambitions. Our programs have served more than 500 girls throughout the St. Louis metropolitan and surrounding areas, with nearly 100% of the girls participating in our programs graduating high school, and at least 75% continuing to college. In the last six years, 19 girls have received academic or athletic scholarships. Over the next five years, the foundation seeks to increase its presence in the surrounding community. We hope to expand our hours and availability and provide programming for women of all ages, including senior fitness courses.