Contribute to the success of our flagship fundraiser in NYC that was on April 17, at the Poets House in lower Manhattan, featuring special performances by Azure Antoinette, Brooklyn's first female poet laureate Tina Chang, STF Board Chairwoman Karen Karpowich, Opening Remarks by actress/philanthropist Monique Coleman, introductions of The Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria students by teen philanthropists Bosilika An and Jade Iovine, and an acoustic performance by Diane Birch.

100% of money raised from the anthologies and events sponsor girls' education within our directory of eight partner countries!

One year ago, She’s the First launched a campaign to globalize National Poetry Month, with the goal of supporting girls' sponsorships and aspirations worldwide. That simple idea sparked what is now known as VOICE YOUR VERSE!

Here's how it all started with one tweet, to which poet @AzureAntoinette, creator of Studio:Alchemy. We sparked a partnership with the Young Women's Leadership Schools of NYC and sponsored one girl in Sudan, Annah.

Over the last year, Annah withstood terrible flooding in her village and even the formation of South Sudan as a new country. Incredibly grateful for her sponsorship, she let nothing stand in her way and was able to complete primary school, at age 16.

In 2012, we decided to dream bigger for the campaign, to continue supporting Annah and dozens more students. Azure & She's the First published a poetry anthology, If the World Were My Classroom, to which nearly 8,000 students worldwide submitted, answering our classic question: "What would you teach a girl?"

Did you know:

• Within the countries where She's the First sponsors girls' primary and secondary education, only one in five girls has the chance to graduate from high school? Yet research consistently shows that educating girls is the best investment. Help us make a global impact.

• 64% of leaders in the U.S. are still men. Giving young women a voice in the workplace, government, and community starts now--when they are still in high school. Help us make a local impact with the Young Women's Leadership Schools.

• More than half of teens (55%) say social media sites like Facebook and Twitter have made them more aware of the needs of others. We guide them to take action! Help us use social media to make a social change.

Making a difference starts with one (that's you!) Together, as we voice our verses, we will truly change the life trajectories of girls living in developing world countries by funding their education. We will also shape young women in our surrounding community and nation as the next generation of global leaders.

Donate here or purchase an anthology (a $15 direct donation to girls' sponsorships) to help us reach this $10,000 goal by May 1st!