Alcorn State University News May 2017 P.E.A.R.L.S. Mentoring for Girls, Inc. brings conference to Alcorn's Vicksburg Expansion Center A mentoring group that focuses on the betterment of young ladies is headed to Alcorn State University's Vicksburg Expansion Center. The P.E.A.R.L.S. (Purity, Empathy, Awareness, Respect, Leadership, and Scholarship) Mentoring for Girls, Inc. will host a one-day P.E.AR.L.S. Summer Conference at the Expansion Center Saturday, June 3 at 8 a.m. Panelists will discuss some of the differences between predominantly white colleges and historically black colleges and universities, financial literacy, college and career readiness and maintaining a positive self image. P.E.A.R.L.S. is a mentoring program that offers fun, positive monthly meetings, community service projects and friendship building activities for teenage girls. Its mission is to enlighten, encourage and empower young ladies by providing intellectual awareness and achievement, friendship and personal development, social responsibility, and respect for self and others while enhancing the quality of life and making a positive difference. "Our goal is to bring all groups together so that they can collaborate with young women from diverse demographics, school districts and cultures," said Aisha Erma Lenora Saffold, founder and executive director for P.E.A.R.L.S. "We believe that every girl no matter her circumstances, should be able to fulfill her utmost potential." Dexter Howard, administrative assistant for the Expansion Center and P.E.A.R.L.S. board member, has pride in being able to positively impact the lives of others. "Being able to serve on the board of a life changing organization is very rewarding," said Howard. "I am forever humbled and grateful to assist in making administrative decisions that affect young girls' lives." Howard applauds Saffold for founding such a life changing organization that will benefit everyone involved. "This organization also helps these beautiful rosebuds blossom into outstanding young ladies that will change the world, thanks to the founder, Saffold." SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/