GIRLS INC.®
By Samantha Larrick
Girls Inc. supports girls from kindergarten through 12th
grade, teaching them to be “strong, smart, and bold,”
and allowing them to explore subjects that interest
them. Operation Smart is one program that allows
girls to express themselves. Operation Smart allows
the girls in the program to explore interests in science,
technology, and math, three fields where women are
underrepresented, and teaches girls they can go on to
whatever profession they desire.
Girls Inc. is a network of non-profit organizations that
serves girls ages 6 to 18 across the United States. The
nationally affiliate program was founded in 1864 to
help girls through the aftermath of the Civil War. Since
then, programs have changed to accommodate the
changing needs of girls and the needs of girls in specific
communities. In 1975, three women saw a need for Girls
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Inc. in Contra Costa County. Stefana Huran donated
her beauty salon as a center, which is still in use today as
the Girls Inc. headquarters. National provides the Girls
Inc. name, training opportunities, and eight programs for
each affiliated chapter to use. Besides the eight programs
provided by National, Girls Inc. also creates programs
based on the needs of their community.
College Bound Girls is one program the Contra Costa
chapter created because they saw a need. The program
shows girls in grades 8th through 12th the college
options available to them. Representatives from Girls
Inc. take the girls on college tours, give them volunteer
opportunities in the community, mentor them through
the college application process, and help them find
scholarship opportunities. Girls Inc., with Richmond
Young Scholars, takes up to 20 kids on college tours