Author: Roxanna Placensia, 2026 Ideas Inspire Fellow

The InspiHER Program

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, as of August 2026 over 2 million young women and girls have been excluded from secondary education since the Taliban takeover in 2021 (UNESCO, 2026).

As educational opportunities for women and girls living in Afghanistan have become increasingly restrictive, IRC in Sacramento recognized the importance of creating space for newly arrived Afghan women and girls to step into leadership positions and embrace the strengths they already possess, while exploring their curiosity and expressing themselves freely. That mission drives InspiHER, an annual, two-week, IRC-coordinated summer enrichment program dedicated to serving Afghan high school girls through leadership development and college/career exploration. Run by IRC's Youth & Education department with support from local Sacramento high schools, InspiHER recently wrapped another successful summer: 36 students took part this year, including nine returning Peer Mentors who further built their own leadership skills while guiding and supporting new participants. 

Learning Beyond the Classroom 

A day at InspiHER includes team-building activities, thematic lessons, and guest speakers. Over the course of the program, the girls learned about high school and college planning, explored potential career pathways, and developed financial literacy skills. They also gained knowledge about their rights and immigration resources while participating in leadership, youth advocacy, wellness, STEM, and confidence-building activities. The program also connected students with community resources and encouraged them to reflect on their goals and envision their futures. 

InspiHER brings together IRC staff, students, parents, and community members. One InspiHER volunteer shared how their experience differed from volunteering with other summer programs: "The best part is they actually want to engage. They come with questions, more than us going with answers." 

One presentation, "Strong & Safe: Knowing Your Power," focused on self-care, confidence, and safety. During the discussion, girls talked about where they felt safest. One participant replied, "Here." 

Empowering Families Together

In addition to empowering the students, InspiHER fosters the relationship between mother and daughter through a dedicated day where students bring their mothers on a field trip to the park. IRC program staff prepare team-building activities, scavenger hunts, and relay races, and set aside time for students to spend quality time with their mothers. 

This community-building provides a safe space for Afghan girls. Since joining InspiHER, Soraya has formed meaningful relationships with IRC program staff and other students who have shared the same experiences: "When we first came to the program, I really enjoyed it, because the teachers are amazing. They are always there to help, and the people who are my age help me a lot. I learned a lot from them... When I came to America, I felt so disconnected with my people, people from my country, and my culture," says Soraya. 

Soraya's mother shared, "This kind of program makes the girls feel valued and seen, because not everyone can go and participate in programs like this. So this kind of program helps them to spend their summer in a meaningful way." 

Interested in mentoring a student like Soraya?

IRC in Sacramento is always looking for passionate volunteers and interns to serve in a variety of roles. To apply, follow this link.