A Box of Hope + Love – Empowering the IGA Class of 2025, Thanks to Our Sponsors
Uniting, Uplifting, Empowering: The IGA Mission
At The International Girls Academy (IGA), our mission is to unite, uplift, and empower young women through the instruction and practice of the Nguzo Saba. We strive to create a positive, open-minded society and help girls realize that they don’t need a seat at the table—they can create their own.
A Box of Hope + Love: Supporting the Class of 2025
As the Class of 2025 prepares to launch their college journeys, IGA’s “A Box of Hope + Love” initiative has provided essential supplies and heartfelt encouragement to dozens of outstanding young women. These care packages—filled with dorm necessities, toiletries, and comfort items—ease the transition to college, reduce financial stress, and remind each recipient that she is seen, supported, and celebrated.
By the Numbers
Average GPA: 3.56
Top Colleges Attending: Kean University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Seton Hall University, Cornell University, Felician University, Rowan University, NYU, and more
Most Popular Majors: Nursing, Psychology, Computer Science, Biology, Business, Sociology, Criminal Justice
Distribution of College Majors
Nursing: 24%
Psychology: 20%
Computer Science: 8%
Biology: 8%
Business: 6%
Sociology: 4%
Criminal Justice: 4%
Other/Undecided: 26%
The Real Impact: Voices from Our Students
The true power of A Box of Hope + Love shines through the words of our recipients:
“Receiving these items will enhance and help me adapt to my college experience. The traditional college experience is not an opportunity that was granted to members of my family due to language and financial barriers. As a first-generation Latin American, I am eager to maximize my college experience through my academics, extracurriculars, and the friends I will make along the way.”
— Bethany Nunez, Stevens Institute of Technology, Pre-Medicine/Biology
“Receiving these items would be a huge help as I prepare for my first year of college! Moving into a new environment comes with a lot of challenges, and having essentials like a portable charger, shower mat, and self-care products would make the transition much smoother. Knowing that an organization like the International Girls Academy is supporting students like me makes me feel empowered and encouraged as I take this next step.”
— Janae, George Washington University, Criminal Justice & Political Science
“It will help me be able to save money on buying stuff for college, which will help me financially as I am paying for college alone.”
— Jaslyn Alvarez, Biology/Animal Science
“These items will help me as an incoming freshman because it will benefit my mom. My mom is a single mother who is trying her hardest, and with the basic needs that I can gain from this giveaway will help her. Additionally, it will take stress off of me to know that I will have my basic needs and won’t have to worry in my upcoming semesters that I don’t have any.”
— Briana Monroe, Morgan State University, Nursing
“Receiving these items will greatly assist me as an incoming freshman by providing the essential supplies I need to navigate the school year. Additionally, this support will be beneficial for my mom, who is a single parent and the sole provider for our household. These items will help her prepare for my college journey away from home. Overall, they will ease the transition for my mom and me as I embark on this new chapter.”
— Saniya Perry, Florida A&M University, Business Administration
“The reception of the required materials like shower materials, toiletries, and other commodities will ease my transition to college greatly because they will give me all the things I require to maintain a healthy and comfortable daily life. This support will make it easy for a financial burden off my back so that I can focus on learning and not worry about spending money on the same things. College is full with hidden expenses, and being able to have these things taken care of will allow me to direct my limited funds toward other essential areas like textbooks, food, and transportation.”
— Zaniyah Hooper, Undecided, Film/Television Production
Why Hope Matters
Research shows that hope is a critical resource for students during the transition to college, boosting their self-efficacy, optimism, and emotional well-being. The support provided by A Box of Hope + Love is more than just practical—it’s a message that each student is valued and that her community believes in her success.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
None of this would be possible without the generosity and partnership of our sponsors. We extend heartfelt thanks to:
Intuity Academy
Amika
Lush
Club Blue Cultural Entertainment Center
Brown Women
Unique Woods
Verizon (for assisting with products and technology for students)
Your support has helped us deliver hope, love, and essential resources to the next generation of leaders. Together, we are empowering young women to pursue their dreams and give back to their communities.
Help Us Empower the Class of 2026
The International Girls Academy is already preparing for next year’s “A Box of Hope + Love” giveaway for the Class of 2026. If your company or organization would like to sponsor a box or donate items, please email: theinternationalgirlsacademy@gmail.com.
We are seeking donations of small dorm essentials, including:
Shower curtains
Detergent
Soap
Deodorant
Toothbrushes
Shampoo
Shower caps
Computers
And more dorm basics
Your contribution will make a direct difference in the lives of college-bound young women, helping them start their journeys with confidence and support.
Looking Ahead
To the Class of 2025: We are so proud of your achievements, your resilience, and your dreams. As you take this next step, know that you carry the love and encouragement of the IGA community with you. May these boxes of hope and love be the start of a journey filled with opportunity, growth, and giving back.
Congratulations, IGA Class of 2025!
For more information about The International Girls Academy and how to support or partner with A Box of Hope + Love, visit our website or email us directly.
