Girl Boss Participant Ms.Preethi Selected for US Community College Initiative Program

One of the Girl Boss participants has made an exemplary achievement by bagging an opportunity to participate in the Community College Initiative Program in the United States. 

Ms. Preethi Chinnapaga, a 2nd-year student at the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Degree for Women (Mahendrahills), India,  was selected by the US Consulate General, Hyderabad, to participate in the CCI Program 2021-2022.

The Community College Initiative (CCI) Program is a U.S. Department of State-sponsored program that provides participants from underserved areas and underrepresented groups with a one-year, non-degree academic program at a U.S. community college. 

The program is designed to build participants’ technical skills in applied fields, enhance their leadership capabilities and strengthen their English language proficiency. The program also provides opportunities for professional internships, service learning, and cultural exchange through community engagement activities. 

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Ms. Preethi will be flying to the US in August 2021 to join participants from all over the world for the Program. During the program, Ms. Preethi will pursue an internship in Agriculture. “My country India is known for agriculture. Agriculture is the biggest industry in India and plays a key role in the country’s socio-economic growth. So I want to help, especially farmers in my community, to learn new farming techniques.” Says Ms.Preethi

“I had a dream to one day travel outside my country India, but I did not think I would get an opportunity to travel to the United States, be part of the CCIP and experience the culture in the US. I’m so happy about this opportunity.” Continues Ms. Preethi

The office of RS Praveen Kumar Sir, the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society secretary, shared the opportunity and encouraged Ms. Preethi to apply for the program. She gave it her best shot and cleared all the stages of the selection process, and was the only girl selected for the program from her college.

Last year, Ms. Preethi Participated in the Girl Boss Program, and she said, “The confidence that I  gained from the Girl Boss Program helped me to believe in myself and my ability to participate in the program.” “The confidence especially helped me during the final interview for the program.

 “After completing the program, I plan to return home and finish my degree. I will use everything I learned during the CCI program to develop myself and my community. I will teach farmers in my community different types and new techniques of how to cultivate crops with limited resources and land.” Says Ms. Preethi

Girl Boss was a pilot program by Launch gURLs that introduced girls to entrepreneurship from ideation to developing a business plan. Through the 10-week program, girls formulated their business plans with the help of a digital community and Girl Boss Advisors. Girl Bosses emerged from the program with an entrepreneurial mindset, digital proficiency, and confidence to solve complex problems.

Congratulations from the Launch gURLs team and Girl Boss community. We are so proud of you and wish you all the best in the program. You got this!