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History
Girls Inc. is a national nonprofit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold!
With roots dating back to 1864, Girls Inc. has provided vital educational programs to millions of girls, particularly those in high-risk, underserved communities. Today, innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential and prepare them to lead successful, independent and fulfilling lives.
On October 30, 2003, over 50 people gathered at the headquarters of Black Entertainment Television (BET) to discuss establishing a Girls Inc. affiliate in the Washington, DC area. As a result of this first-time event, a Steering Committee was formed to explore the feasibility of developing an affiliate and the process necessary to achieve this goal.
The first meeting of a Steering Committee occurred on November 24, 2003, hosted at the headquarters of the American Hotel Association. Subsequent meetings resulted in the election of an official Steering Committee (January 2004) and the following organizational milestones in the same year:
| February | Articles of Incorporation initiated |
| March | Girls Inc. of the Washington DC Metropolitan Area (GIWDCMA) Provisional membership initiated with Girls Inc. national |
| August | 501(c) 3 status approved |
The year 2005 was marked by continued fundraising through individual contributions and corporate sponsorships and continued outreach and partnership discussions with the District of Columbia Public Schools. Successful campaigns and commitments enabled the hire of an Executive Director and the opportunity to begin programming.
Programming began at Garnet-Patterson Middle School on April 17, 2006. Twenty five girls participated in this first program, with a waiting list quickly established.
Since that time and with the continued generosity of individual donors and the philanthropic community, we have expanded the delivery of our research-based programs to over 200 girls in DC Public and Public Charter Schools and DC Parks and Recreation Centers in Wards 1, 7 and 8.
Girls Inc WDCMA is focusing its initial efforts on addressing issues of health (especially teen pregnancy), violence, self-advocacy, and economic literacy among girls. Services are primarily focused in Wards 1, 7, and 8 where girls are under-resourced. The Girls Inc. programs we offer include:
- Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy -Will Power/Won’t Power
- Economic Literacy - Equal Earners, Savvy Spenders
- Project BOLD- Living Safe and Strong (anti-violence and self-defense)
In addition to these ongoing programs, Girls Inc.WDCMA offers Single Event programs and special Workshops. These one-time events include programming in the following areas:
- Fitness and Nutrition
- Dialogue on Sexuality for girls and a significant adult
- "Money Talks", a workshop on money management for girls and a significant adult
Plans for expansion of services include:
- Delivery of all eight Girls Inc National Identity programs
(See the Programs section!) - Service to girls in other wards of the District of Columbia
- The establishment of a Girls Inc Center on the campus of Howard University
- Service to girls in metropolitan Maryland and Virginia counties
- Service to girls of elementary and high school ages