Indianapolis-Area Girls Preparing for College, Careers, With Help From USA Funds

Lawyer. Doctor. CSI agent.

These are the types of careers young girls may consider after watching many of today’s hottest television shows. What they might not realize is that, in addition to the worthwhile careers they already may know about, there also is a world of other careers out there — engineer, chemist or even accountant. Girls Incorporated of Indianapolis is working to change the way local girls view careers and the options available to them.

Since 2003 USA Funds^® has provided $30,000 in annual support of Girls Inc. and its programming, which is geared toward “inspiring girls to be smart, strong and bold.”

“Through this USA Funds grant, we can fully support 400 girls throughout the Indianapolis area,” says Alison Schumacher, Girls Inc. development director.

In 2006 Girls Inc. made a significant shift in the way it serves girls, transitioning from club-based facilities to a community-outreach model. The organization partners with schools, community centers, libraries, churches and youth organizations to deliver programs at partners’ facilities. Last year this change in strategy allowed Girls Inc. to increase the number of girls it reached to more than 1,400 from just a few hundred.

“By switching to a completely outreach service model we are able to better utilize our resources,” says Schumacher. “Girls Inc. provides the programming and curriculum, while the groups we partner with will provide the relationships, building and facility. Both organizations benefit, but ultimately, it’s the girls we reach who truly benefit.”

Girls Inc. programs feature hands-on, age-appropriate and gender-equitable activities for all girls age 6-18 throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding communities. The organization delivers its programs during the school day, after school and through occasional weekend workshops. Girls are active participants in their own learning, and Girls Inc. encourages them to voice their opinions and assume leadership roles.

‘SMART’ planning for future
The SMART College and Career Planning program helps girls prepare for college and rewarding careers, and to think critically and plan appropriately for their futures. 

Components of SMART College and Career Planning include:

• Operation SMART — Focused on science, math and relevant technology, programming develops girls’ skills and interests in these areas and related careers. Hands-on activities give girls the opportunity to explore, ask questions and solve problems in a girl-focused setting. 
• Lunch Bunch — During a one-hour lunch session with girls, community leaders serve as career mentors. Mentors discuss how they overcame their own obstacles to be successful in their careers.
• Economic Literacy — This component focuses on the correlation between education, careers and income. Girls participate in activities that teach them to be economically savvy, and prepare them to achieve financial independence and take charge of their lives.

USA Funds’ grant also supports components of the Strong, Healthy Relationships and Bold, Empowered Girls programs — both essential to Girls Inc.’s message to girls. In these programs, girls build tools for communicating with their peers, responding to peer pressure, and keeping their bodies healthy and safe. These programs also teach girls to critically assess the messages they receive from media sources and challenge them to craft their own positive messages.

Schumacher says, “We are bringing a message to these girls that their dreams can come true, and we are giving them the tools to fulfill those dreams.”