In March 2022, VfL Wolfsburg launched StrongHER in Chattanooga, an initiative that aims to use soccer as a vehicle for community, belonging and growth as well as seeking to acquire economic resources to develop access for young girls from disadvantaged communities and backgrounds. This lighthouse project exposes the still far-reaching discrimination against girls and women in the sports and education sector and makes an active contribution to change.
Together with corporate partner Aptiv and the Chattanooga State Community College, a public community college that offers a multitude of programs and services to meet the diverse needs of individuals seeking higher education in Chattanooga (Tennessee), VfL Wolfsburg has now developed and established a scholarship program especially for undocumented and therefore underserved girls of the StrongHER program.
"Making our girls dream bigger"
"StrongHER is about more than soccer. It's about empowerment, education and opportunities as well as instilling the self-confidence in the girls to seize them. We appreciate the milestone that we have accomplished together with our local partners here by establishing the StrongHER scholarship at ChattState and continue to strive for being empathetic, considerate and making our girls dream bigger" – Rebeca Del Valle, Project Lead StrongHER at VfL Wolfsburg.
Besides having the opportunity to receive free weekly training sessions, joining the StrongHER community and events as well as having regular exchanges with mentors, the StrongHER participants are now offered the opportunity to prolong their path and get accepted for the scholarship program, which has been created especially for the participants of the initiative.
"Help everyone in our community"
"We are immensely grateful and honored to join forces with the CFC Foundation and StrongHER to invest in bright futures through the newly established StrongHER Scholarship through the Chattanooga State Foundation. This collaborative initiative exemplifies Chattanooga State's purpose to help everyone in our community to learn without limits.” - Nancy Patterson, Vice President, College Advancement and Public Relations, Chattanooga State Community College.
The financial support of this educational program and scholarship is secured by VfL partner Aptiv, a global technology company focused on making mobility safer, greener, and more connected as well as a long-term partner and believer in StrongHER.
"Investing in the future"
"At Aptiv, we recognize the importance of investing in the future of our communities, especially in creating opportunities for marginalized individuals. The StrongHER scholarship program perfectly aligns with our values and mission, and we are proud to partner with VfL Wolfsburg in breaking down barriers and promoting education and sports for all." – Quan Van, Global Account Director VW Group.
The StrongHER scholarship program is already established and open for applications with the first two scholars starting their academic journey already in the fall semester of 2023.
