School Programs
What's included in a
School-Based Program
Girls Inc. of Long Island’s school programs provide the full Girls Inc. Experience, a comprehensive research-based initiative that bridges learning and skills gaps between academics and life, while reinforcing the academic process. We provide a distinct experience to combine the right people, with the right programs in the right environment, which directly addresses the unique needs of girls, offers interactive-hands on experiences and provides them with essential tools and life skills to empower them to be strong, smart & bold.
Our multi-programming model includes 8 to 10-week research-based core curricula, which addresses specific issues related to education (STEM, economic and media literacy, and career development), health and safety (substance abuse, violence and pregnancy prevention, as well as creating healthy lifestyles), and community action (leadership and community engagement).
Through our school-based programs, girls participate in 30 weekly sessions between October and May for ongoing engagement and continuity of exposure with our trained facilitators.
Girls Inc. Girls Break Barriers
Our Programs
GIRLS INC. OPERATION SMART®: Girls develop enthusiasm for and skills in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). Through hands-on activities, girls explore, ask questions, and solve problems. By interacting with women and men pursuing STE(a)M careers, girls come to view these careers as exciting and realistic options for themselves.
GIRLS INC. MEDIA LITERACY®: Girls increase their awareness of the scope and power of the media and the effects of media messages on girls and women. They learn to analyze what they see and hear in the media and advocate for change in entertainment, news, and advertising. As girls create media that are more realistic and reflective of their lives, they learn about careers and the positive use of media.
GIRLS INC. ECONOMIC (FINANCIAL) LITERACY®: Girls learn about money and the economy, including how to manage, invest, save money and help others through philanthropy. As girls explore how the economy affects everyone, they develop skills critical to being financially savvy and economically independent adults. This program guides girls to learn to manage money, invest, and begin to develop an appreciation for global economics.
GIRLS INC. LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY ACTION®: Girls build leadership skills and create lasting social change through community action projects. With support from women in their community, girls celebrate the heritage of girls and women as leaders and social change agents and realize their own power.
GIRLS INC. FRIENDLY PEERSUASION®: Girls develop skills to resist pressure to use harmful substances, such as drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and household chemicals.
GIRLS INC. HEALTHY SEXUALITY®: Girls acquire the knowledge and skills for taking charge of and making informed decisions about their health. action project to advocate for a safer world for all women and girls.
Outcomes
for program participants to empower each girls so that she:
Strong & Healthy
- Makes healthy choices
- Manages reproductive health
Smart & Educated
- Is motivated to achieve
- Graduates from high school and transitions to post-secondary education
- Sets & achieves personal, educational, and career goals
Bold & Independent
- Has healthy relationships
- Has sound body image (which is related to self-confidence)
- Uses her own voice & advocates for others
- Is resilient
Bring Girls Inc. to Your School
To bring our programs to your school, please contact Program Manager, Susan Dunbar at sdunbar@girlsinclongisland.org
Hear What Our Girls Have to Say!
Workforce Development
“What stuck with me the most was being taught by intelligent women. Being exposed to a female work environment at a young age helped to give me the confidence I need as a young woman in the world we live in to be able to put myself out there and not second guess myself. Working in the female summer program environments inspired me to explore different fields of sciences as well as other typically male dominated careers while trying to figure out what career best suits me and what I might want to pursue. It gave me courage that I don’t think I would have had if I wasn’t blessed with the opportunity to be encouraged and taught by empowering women.”
– Ava
Confidence & Self-Esteem
“I joined Girls Inc. which inspired me to be the truest form of myself and be unapologetic about it. One of our closing activities was mirror affirmations which forced us to look at ourselves in the mirror and compliment ourselves. Saying affirmations to yourself helps ingrain the concept into your mind to the point where you start believing it. Girls Inc. inspires me every day to keep loving myself and be confident in my own skin.”
– Linda
Empowerment & Leadership
“The motto of Girls Inc. is girls being strong, smart and bold. I didn’t consider myself to have any of these traits. If I’m being honest, it took me a while to even realize the true value of myself. Being in Bold Future Leaders helped me find myself as a person. Participating in the group activities gave me the courage to engage more in school; both socially and academically. Joining Bold Future Leaders has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It has been a great experience for me and continues to change my life everyday.”
– Uchechi, Bold Future Leaders program, Valedictorian Class of 2023
Girls in STEM
“Girls Inc. has been the launchpad for many great achievements in my life. Last October, I was a moderator at the International Day of the Girl at the United Nations. I owe this opportunity to Girls Inc. Six months ago, I presented my research on climate change at an intergenerational climate forum at the Commission on the Status of Women. I became interested in this research, because of my time learning about sustainable energy and solar power during Energy Week with Girls Inc.”
– Demetra