Joan Karff’s Women on the Way Up (JKWOWU) is a non-profit dedicated to helping promising girls from underserved backgrounds navigate wise career choices and develop an interest in culture and arts activities that enrich a life. JKWOWU was founded in 2001 in Houston by the late Joan Karff.
Each year, a cadre of ten carefully-chosen 12th-grade girls meet weekly for an hour to explore the worlds of art, dance, theatre and classical music. Students are urged to keep up with current events and to follow political and social issues by reading local newspapers, listening to news reports on TV, and researching journalistic sources to enrich their awareness of world affairs. Subjects of practical knowledge are also discussed, such as self-esteem, money management, parenting, and relationships.
Since 2002, Joan Karff’s Women on the Way Up has provided over $200,000 to support its graduates as they start college. Whether they matriculate at a local community college or an elite Ivy, these girls have learned how to navigate themselves and focus on educational goals as they embark on their next stage of life.
Upon completion of the JKWOWU program, as of 2023, each graduate receives a $1,500 scholarship to the college she will be attending and a refurbished computer for college.
“Joan Karff’s Women on the Way Up taught me to always do my best. And that my desire for success should be stronger than my fear of failure.”
“I have learned that earning money is important. My career has allowed me to support myself and take care of others, including my two little girls. Thank you, Mrs. Karff, for believing in us.”
“JKWOWU provided fabulous exposure to the arts and instilled in me the determination to not give up, but to keep on, finish my degree and fulfill my dreams.”
