ROX expands reach, empowers girls with "Fast to 50" initiative and support from Bread Financial®
Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX), the nonprofit authority on girls, is quickly approaching its goal to expand the evidence-based ROX Program for Girls to schools in all 50 states by 2026 through the ‘Fast to 50’ initiative, supported in part through its relationships with organizations like Bread Financial®.
In 2023, Bread Financial contributed $1.8 million to launch Fast to 50 and expand programming that supports and empowers girls as they face the challenges of adolescence. At the time of the announcement, ROX was present in 21 states and has since expanded its footprint to 49, with only South Dakota remaining to reach all 50 states.
The rapid expansion of the program is attributable to ROX’s findings in The Girls' Index™, of which Bread Financial was a leading sponsor. Results from the Index research showed declining confidence amongst girls, with over half believing they’re not smart enough for their dream career. In addition, 79% of girls reported feeling immense pressure and stress. ROX emphasizes the need to quickly extend the program's reach to create generations of confident, capable girls.
“The future of our girls – and by extension, the future of our world – depends on our willingness to listen, understand and act,” said Dr. Lisa Hinkelman, founder and CEO of ROX. “It depends on our shared commitment to invest in girls, to provide them with the support and resources they need to flourish. Fast to 50 is meeting this demand and powering our work to impact girls nationwide.”
The future of our girls – and by extension, the future of our world – depends on our willingness to listen, understand and act."
Dr. Lisa Hinkelman - Founder and CEO, Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX)
Since Bread Financial’s contribution, more than 16,000 girls have completed the program, with a 17% increase in participation year over year. Additionally, ROX trained and certified more than 120 new facilitators to deliver the curriculum to small groups of girls at their schools.
“The data shows girls’ self-confidence continues to decline, and the work ROX is doing to prepare girls by teaching important life skills and cultivating trust in their own abilities is critical to current and future generations of girls,” said Val Greer, ROX board member and executive vice president/chief commercial officer at Bread Financial. “It is such a transformative program, and Bread Financial is excited to be a key partner in helping ROX reach its goals to support thousands of girls across the country.”
As a result of Fast to 50, the majority of ROX girls said they felt a sense of belonging at school with 83% reporting higher levels of self-esteem and 88% saying they felt safer. The girls also noted learning healthy ways to manage stress and conflict.
Bread Financial has supported ROX since 2015, contributing nearly $3.2 million to key programs like Fast to 50, The Girls’ Index™, and the Girls Without Limits fundraiser
“We are grateful to partner with organizations like Bread Financial who believe in our collective power to make the world better for girls,” said Dr. Hinkelman. “Bread Financial’s support enables us to continue to innovate and accelerate our impact nationwide.”
About Ruling Our eXperiences, Inc. (ROX)
ROX is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in Columbus, Ohio and is the national authority on research, education and programming centered on girls. ROX puts data into action to create generations of confident girls who control their own relationships, experiences, decisions, and futures. ROX delivers school-based programs in 500+ schools across 30 states and operates the ROX Institute for Research and Training.
About Bread Financial®
Bread Financial® (NYSE: BFH) is a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending and saving solutions to millions of U.S. consumers. Our payment solutions, including Bread Financial general purpose credit cards and savings products, empower our customers and their passions for a better life. Additionally, we deliver growth for some of the most recognized brands in travel & entertainment, health & beauty, jewelry and specialty apparel through our private label and co-brand credit cards and pay-over-time products providing choice and value to our shared customers.
To learn more about Bread Financial, our global associates and our sustainability commitments, visit breadfinancial.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
