With $800,000 Donation Alliance Data Extends Support of National Girls’ Empowerment Organization
Two-year contribution to Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) will fund The Girls’ Index™ 2022, the only large-scale research initiative of its kind focused on key issues impacting girls
Application now open for schools nationwide to participate; schools will receive custom data reports and research-based recommendations aimed at bolstering confidence, independence in girls
Coinciding with International Women’s Day’s 2021 theme #ChooseToChallenge, contribution underscores ROX’ mission to support the educational advancement and empowerment of girls
March 8, 2021 (Columbus, Ohio) – Furthering its commitment to using data for good and advancing gender equality, Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE: ADS), a leading provider of data-driven marketing, loyalty and payment solutions, today announced a two-year $800,000 donation to Columbus-based Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX), a national non-profit leader in evidence-based programming, research and education focused on girls.
Alliance Data’s donation will fund The Girls' Index™ 2022, a large, national research study of more than 20,000 U.S. girls in grades 5 through 12. Building on the findings of The Girls’ Index™ 2017, the country’s largest study of its kind, the goal of the study is to understand the experiences, perceptions, beliefs and behaviors of today’s girls. Findings from the research will be used to identify the social, emotional and academic needs of girls, and will help educators, parents, mentors and coaches make data-informed decisions in schools and communities throughout the country.
With the goal of ensuring a diverse and nationally representative sample, ROX is currently recruiting schools to participate in the project. Participating schools will receive a customized, detailed report outlining findings from their school along with analysis that can be used for administrative decision-making. Comprehensive survey findings will be published in late 2022, and applications are available on the ROX website.
“Alliance Data shares a belief with ROX that by making data actionable from original, robust research we can meaningfully and measurably address issues that are important to our communities and our business,” said Val Greer, EVP and chief commercial officer, Alliance Data Card Services. “As the insights gleaned from The 2017 Girls’ Index™ have shown, data can make a real difference in guiding and supporting girls today so they can meet their full potential as women tomorrow, including their career opportunities and earning potential. We look forward to the results of the Girls’ Index™ 2022 and its role in empowering and enabling girls from all backgrounds.”
Including this latest donation, Alliance Data has contributed $1.2 million to ROX since 2016. Previous funds were used to establish the ROX Institute for Research & Training, the first multidisciplinary institute designed to address the complex needs of today’s girls by connecting research to practice in tangible and actionable ways. Recent research published by the ROX Institute focuses on girls and diversity and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The ROX Institute also offers free resources for parents and educators.
“ROX uses research to inform all aspects of our work, from school-based programming to community outreach and education efforts,” said Dr. Lisa Hinkelman, founder and chief executive officer, ROX. “We are proud to be leading the conversation on the status of girls in the United States. Our research tells us that specific and timely attention to the issues facing girls is warranted. This generous donation from Alliance Data will ensure The Girls’ Index™ 2022 provides comprehensive data to inform society, elevate discourse and influence the way we approach our collective work with girls.”
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