EPIC for Girls’ Girls Ref the World Program Honored as Project Play Champion by the Aspen Institute

In a significant acknowledgment of its dedication to youth sports and community empowerment, EPIC for Girls is proud to announce its recognition as a Project Play Champion by the prestigious Aspen Institute.

This accolade comes in light of the organization's innovative "Girls Ref the World" program, launched in September 2023 in collaboration with J’s Braintrust, aimed at empowering girls and women of color in Omaha through sports officiating training.

Being named a Project Play Champion highlights organizations that take bold and meaningful steps in aligning with Project Play's strategies for making youth sports more accessible and impactful. Project Play Champion recipients are celebrated for their innovative approach to ensuring that sports serve the health and well-being of all children.

The "Girls Ref the World" program exemplifies what it means to be a Project Play Champion. By offering a comprehensive four-week academy for young women aged 14-24, the program not only teaches the basics of sports officiating but also imparts essential life skills. This initiative underscores the commitment of EPIC for Girls to not just open doors for girls and women of color into the world of sports officiating but also to pave the way for their empowerment and success both on and off the field.

Upon completion, participants are provided with everything they need to begin their journey as sports officials, including registration with the Nebraska State Activities Association and a stipend, ensuring they are ready to secure employment and certification as officials in Nebraska.

The recognition by the Aspen Institute as a Project Play Champion underlines the significant impact and the transformative potential of the "Girls Ref the World" program, said Kimberly Thomas, executive director for EPIC for Girls. 

“As we celebrate this milestone, we remain dedicated to expanding our initiatives and continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of young girls and women through sports,” said Thomas added., executive director for EPIC for Girls. “We’d like to express our profound gratitude to the Aspen Institute for this distinguished honor, J’s Braintrust for their invaluable partnership, and all the participants who have embraced the ‘Girls Ref the World’ program with enthusiasm and commitment.”