From Idea to Impact: How GTA Students Built Their School's Hygiene Closet
In a community often overshadowed by discussions of teenage carjackings, perceived Gen Z delinquency, and concerns about youth apathy, The Power of People Leadership Institute (POPLI) offers a transformative narrative. Through its Girls Taking Action (GTA) and Boys of Hope (BOH) programs, POPLI mentors youth throughout the school year, instilling in them a sense of inherent value and personal power to positively shape their own lives and their community. Putting this knowledge into action, youth complete a service learning project to end the year. Here are some of the youth-lead projects from 2023-24:
St. Cloud Tech Presenting their Service Learning Project
GTA challenged the girls at St. Cloud Tech to choose a service learning project, and a hygiene closet came to life as a result. This student-led initiative aims to provide discreet access to essential hygiene products, including underwear, menstrual supplies, hair care items, blankets, and other necessities that might not be readily available through the school nurse.
St. Cloud Tech Presenting their Service Learning Project
“We heard that all the other schools around us had a hygiene closet except our high school,” said Iyannah, a member of Girls Taking Action.
The GTA chapter at St. Cloud Tech took charge and reached out to a local bank for funding. They secured $1000 and ordered supplies. When items started arriving in the mail it took three days to unpack and organize the closet.
St. Cloud Tech's Hygiene Closet
“It’s just for everybody to feel better and not have to ask the teacher or nurse,” said Maiya, GTA member.
This year, the same students are advancing their project. With the help of school admin, the hygiene closet is moving to a more accessible space. The girls are designing flyers to raise awareness, and the school admin are going to make a public announcement acknowledging the girls and raising awareness to this student-lead student resource.
“We’re trying to build a sisterhood and build a community with girls,” said Iyannah, who’s been in GTA for two years. “It is a safe place for a lot of us because we can just talk and learn new things.”
Service Learning Project from other GTA & BOH Chapters in 2023-24:
Apollo BOH with Donations They Collected for Anna Marie's Alliance (DV shelter)
Apollo GTA Teaching Kindness to 1st Graders Through Reading, Writing, and Coloring Activities.
South Jr. High GTA Putting Together a Donation Box for Hygiene Products for the School
