For more than 160 years, Girls Inc. has remained steadfast in its mission to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold. The nonprofit’s commitment to helping young people achieve their potential mirrors the Mizuho USA Foundation’s commitment to advancing economic mobility through pathways to competitive-wage careers in technology for youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

“Girls Inc. was such a fun and welcoming part of my high school experience, and it quickly became a place where I felt supported and understood,” said Menorah Hawkins of Girls Inc. of New York City, and one of the 2026 recipients of the Mizuho Americas Scholarship, an annual award given to Girls Inc. members planning to attend college.

Girls Inc. delivers programming designed to equip girls with the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. With 75 local affiliates across the U.S. and Canada, the organization reaches more than 126,000 girls annually through programming and strategic initiatives.  

In 2026, the Mizuho USA Foundation awarded its inaugural three-year $750,000 FutureReady Education Grant to Girls Inc. to support its school and community-based STEM programs, equipping elementary to high school students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed for success in a technology-driven future. The FutureReady Education Grant further builds on Mizuho Americas' longstanding partnership with Girls Inc. Since 2023, Girls Inc. has served as the official charitable partner of the Mizuho Americas Open, a collaboration that includes the annual DrivHER Summit, a day of leadership programming during tournament week where Mizuho Americas Scholarship recipients are recognized.

“Being surrounded by other girls who were navigating many of the same challenges helped me realize I wasn’t alone,” Menorah said. “Through Girls Inc., I gained the confidence to share my thoughts, be myself, and connect with others in a meaningful way.”  

As the signature STEM partner of Girls Inc., the Mizuho USA Foundation's support is helping expand access at an early age to impactful, age-appropriate STEM programming that fosters curiosity, creativity, and technical proficiency. Introducing these opportunities early encourages students to consider a wider range of career pathways and build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to pursue them. This fall, Menorah will begin studying for a degree in behavioral neuroscience at Northeastern University and hopes to pursue a career in speech-language pathology.

“My younger sister had a speech impediment when we were younger, and we didn't have access to a speech therapist,” she said. “That inspired me to think about how I could help others, especially those in underserved communities who may not have access to the support they need.”

Mizuho Americas and the Mizuho USA Foundation are proud to support Girls Inc. and help young women like Menorah develop leadership skills, build confidence, and pursue their goals as the next generation of leaders in the tech sector.

To learn more about the Mizuho USA Foundation, visit: https://www.mizuhogroup.com/americas/foundation