Can you imagine just less than 50 years ago, young women were not admitted into many colleges and universities, athletic scholarships were rare, and the math and science was a realm reserved for boys? Instead of playing sports in PE class, girls were cheerleaders or learning how to square dance. The educational opportunities for girls were narrow, steering their career paths on the track to becoming nurses and teachers, rather than doctors and college presidents.

Title IX became law on June 23, 1972 requiring gender equity for men and women in every educational program that receives federal funding, providing women with solid legal protection from discrimination in education. Notable advancements have been made since then and the growth in the number of women who participate in sports, receive scholarships, and benefit from increased budgets is remarkable.

Almost 40 years later, female participation in high school sports has increased by over 900 percent. In celebration, we recognize organizations whose initiatives have stemmed from this historical achievement.

Founded by tennis legend Billie Jean King just two years after the passing of Title IX, the Women’s Sports Foundation is a nonprofit organization that advances the lives of women and girls through sports and physical activity. Their community-based program, Go Girl Go! designed for 3^rd – 8^th graders combine a body image curriculum with getting active, ensuring girls across the nation learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Title IX also has its strengths in the individual stories, like that of Olympic gold medalist Kristine Lilly.

“Soccer – and sports in general – helped me become the person I am today. That quiet, insecure, shy girl is now a confident, outspoken, and powerful woman. I couldn’t imagine my life without sports. Playing sports isn’t the answer to all of life’s problems, but I firmly believe that the people who play sports are better equipped to face them.

Stories of women, like this, drive continued advocating for the support of Title IX as it stands as a beacon of hope for a future of equality for all.

The Points of Light blog celebrates the anniversary of Title IX today, too, with a look at differences in volunteering between men and women.