Leading the Future: A Documentary on Lean In Girls

The School of Journalism and Strategic Communication seeks to empower future journalism and strategic communications professionals with communication processes in projects that integrate ideas and action to advance prosocial change. A gift to the Louis E. Ingelhart Journalism Department Fund helps support many great activities and opportunities such as competitions, immersive learning, and other hands on learning opportunities. One of the many projects this fund will help support is Leading The Future: A Documentary On Lean In Girls.

This fall, the Muncie YMCA will be participating in Lean In Girls, a leadership program that helps young women ages 11-15 see themselves as leaders and inspires them to lead boldly. Under the guidance of the School of Journalism, the Ball State University Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) aims to create a documentary that follows the growth of the young women participating in this program. This docuseries will show the impact that Lean In Girls has on its participants and the community, while looking at the process of empowerment from the point of view of both teachers and students. This project will highlight the voices of young women in Muncie and bring awareness to the Lean In Girls program through the storytelling expertise of Ball State NABJ. 

The National Association of Black Journalists is a professional organization founded in 1975 to support, empower, and advocate for Black journalists and media professionals. With thousands of members across the United States and abroad, NABJ provides training, networking, scholarships, and professional development opportunities while also working to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion within newsrooms and media organizations. 

The Ball State University Chapter of NABJ is asking for your support to help bring an important story to life. By contributing, you are helping us capture and share the voices of these young women, amplify their stories of growth and empowerment, and highlight the impact Lean In Girls has on our community. Your support will allow Ball State NABJ to use its storytelling expertise to document this transformation and bring greater awareness to a program that is shaping the next generation of leaders.

*Any additional funds raised will go towards future Journalism projects or expenses*