Expanding Lives supports the education of West African young women who are the first in their families to continue past primary school. Strong, intelligent girls who are proving themselves against daunting odds are offered short-term, highly structured conferences in the United States. The conferences focus on bringing broader solutions to local problems. The academic opportunities and travel experiences provided by Expanding Lives build on participants' existing interests and knowledge to better ensure success in school and in the community. We help young women to develop the voice, the self-confidence, and the problem solving skills necessary for empowerment. Expanding Lives encourages participants to become active role models, leaders, and agents of change in their home communities.