Fitness Scholarships for Girls

Project Daraja is passionate about supporting the holistic health and wellbeing of girls and young women in our community. Ensuring equitable access to high-level coaching and training for girls not only enhances their physical fitness but also fosters self-confidence and resilience. By facilitating these opportunities, we aim to empower young female athletes to recognize and harness their inner strength, promoting lifelong health and well-being. We are proud to partner with CrossFit Santa Cruz Central, the Reggie Stephens Foundation, and Jiu Jitsu Therapy to offer fitness scholarship opportunities to girls in Santa Cruz County. LEARN MORE BELOW!

These programs would not be possible without community support.
Donate to sponsor participants!

Helene R. Bouchard Scholarship

Founded in honor of the late Helene R. Bouchard – athlete, mother, and co-owner of CrossFit Santa Cruz Central – Project Daraja’s Helene R. Bouchard Scholarship aims to increase access to physical and emotional health for young female athletes in Santa Cruz County. Offered in partnership with CrossFit Santa Cruz Central owners Annie Sakamoto and Kelly Greco, this program enables high school girls to participate in a specialized CrossFit program focusing on foundational fitness principles, female mentorship, and personal resilience strategies to strengthen the body and the mind.

This program is offered for FREE to eligible participants, made possible through community partnerships and generous donations from community members like you!

We are proud to launch our inaugural 5-week program in March 2025 in collaboration with the Reggie Stephens Foundation, creating an opportunity for young women across Santa Cruz County high schools to access holistic fitness, wellness, and empowerment. This first cohort will include participants from the Reggie Stephens Foundation’s flag football and 7-on-7 teams, marking a first step in expanding access to these opportunities across the county.

Your Donations in Action:

$250: Sponsors one participant for 5-Week Program

$500: Sponsors one participant for 10-Week Program

Other: Every dollar helps make the Helene R. Bouchard Scholarship a reality

Jiu Jitsu Therapy Scholarship

We're excited to announce a partnership between Jiu Jitsu Therapy and Project Daraja to offer fitness scholarships to girls and young women in Santa Cruz County. Jiu Jitsu Therapy is a studio in Watsonville whose mission is to inspire and empower every individual—regardless of age, gender, natural ability, or stage of life—through transformative teachings that foster growth and resilience. They are dedicated to creating a welcoming space where students and patients can embrace active lifestyles and nurture their overall well-being. By seamlessly integrating professional rehabilitative health care services with a supportive environment that includes strength fitness classes, martial arts, and holistic practices, they aim to help every individual find balance, vitality, and the confidence to thrive in their healthiest, fullest life.

Through this collaboration, Project Daraja is providing scholarships for girls and young women in Santa Cruz to participate in one of the following programs at Jiu Jitsu Therapy:

  • One-Month Women's Self-Defense Classes ($100 Sponsorship)

  • Three-Month Youth Kickboxing Classes ($150 Sponsorship)

  • Three-Month Kids Jiu Jitsu Classes ($300 Sponsorship)