Girls Inc. PNW serves youth ages 6-18 across Portland, Seattle and SW Washington. Our research-based programming is delivered by trained professionals who focus on holistic youth development, supporting, mentoring, and guiding participants in an affirming, pro-girl environment. Here, youth learn to value their whole selves, discover and develop their inherent strengths, and receive the support they need to navigate the challenges they face.

As shown in a recent assessment by the American Institutes for Research (AIR), the Girls Inc. Experience makes a measurable and marked difference in the lives of youth, regardless of demographic, academic, and social characteristics.

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Youth increase their understanding of health issues affecting them, their families, and their communities. They develop the motivation and practical skills to take charge of their health today and throughout their lives. They increase their level of physical activity and learn to view their bodies more positively.
Positive Outcomes

Girls Inc. youth exercise more frequently, play on more sports team(s), and are happier with their bodies than their peers.

Youth participate in program activities and experiences that expand upon and support their school-based learning and engagement, and provide the assistance and guidance that may not be present at home.
Positive Outcomes

Girls Inc. youth have greater confidence in STEM subjects, are more likely to be interested in a STEM career, believe they can handle harder math, are more likely to regularly attend and be engaged in school, and are feel more prepared for life after high school than their peers.

Youth participate in program activities and experiences that build the learning, skills, and behaviors that increase confidence and resilience, enabling them to set and achieve their goals and lead productive, independent and fulfilling lives.
Positive Outcomes

Girls Inc. youth have less involvement with the juvenile justice system, are more likely to see themselves as leaders, stand up for fairness and their beliefs more frequently, and are more likely to have positive relationships with adults than their peers.

THE GIRLS INC. EXPERIENCE IS COMPOSED OF Three CRITICAL elements:

 

PEOPLE

Our professionally trained staff and volunteers build lasting, mentoring relationships. They take the time to engage with families, encourage youth to pursue leadership positions, and serve as positive role models.

 

PROGRAMMING

We deliver hands-on, minds-on, age-appropriate, research-based programs for every area of a young person’s development, including their physical and mental health, academic success, healthy relationships, career exploration, life and workplace skills, and leadership and civic engagement. Our trained staff develop locally-focused programs that ensure participants are continuously exposed to new experiences.

 

ENVIRONMENT

As a pro-girl youth organization, we cultivate physically, socially, and emotionally safe environments where youth are encouraged to take risks, learn from mistakes, and grow. This helps them realize that they can succeed and deserve to be taken seriously for who they are now and for the adults they will become.

THE #GIRLSINCDIFFERENCE

The Girls Inc. Experience (people + programming + environment) is unique in organizations serving girls and non-binary youth, and therefore creates the #GirlsIncDifference. Learn more about each of the three components from Girls Inc. PNW CEO, Cyreena Boston Ashby, and youth in our programming.