Our number one priority is the health and safety of our girls and staff. As we continue to monitor the recommendations from provincial and federal health agencies, we will update this page with any changes to our programs and camps.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue hosting our afterschool programming with the option to attend in person or virtual learning experiences this year. We will be limiting the in-person numbers to 12 participants as per recommendations from the Health Department. For more information please contact our Director of Programming, Tracey McCannell tmccannell@durham.girls-inc.org
Girls Inc. Virtual programs is a pro-girl learning experience for girls designed to encourage each girl to be Strong, Smart and Bold leaders through creative and innovative activities focusing on healthy living, academic enrichment, leadership, and life skills initiatives.
We are so grateful for all of the continued support that we have been getting during these unprecedented times! We truly couldn’t do the work we do without you all! If you or anyone you know would like to share the impact that Girls Inc has had in your life or a girl in your life please email Heather at hbuckner@durham.girls-inc.org
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Combat Bullying, Harassment, & Sexual Violence
Sexual harassment and violence can lead to ongoing physical, mental, and economic consequences and can adversely affect the ability of girls to stay in school and hold down jobs, further limiting their opportunities. Girls Inc. takes a holistic approach to combating sexual violence, harassment and bullying by raising awareness about girls’ rights and schools’ obligations and advocating for policies that promote safe learning environments and address the root causes of sexual violence.
Promote Educational Opportunities & Economic Independence
Too many girls are not receiving the educational opportunities and support they need to achieve their dreams. Women earn only 31% of all post-secondary STEM degrees awarded in the United States despite the fact that girls who are exposed to STEM programming at a young age express interest in these subjects. In addition, punitive and exclusionary school discipline practices often push girls out of the classroom instead of providing them with the support they need to be successful in school. Girls Inc. fights to improve access to quality educational experiences for underserved girls, for whom such opportunities are critical in overcoming income inequality and other challenges to reaching their potential.
Supporting Girls’ Mental Health
No one should be made to feel ashamed about taking steps to improve their mental health. While 1 in 5 teens report suffering from a mental illness, many do not feel comfortable asking for help because of societal stigma and those who do may not have access to quality, affordable care. Almost 8 in 10 high school girls report being unhappy with their bodies, LGBTQ students experience high rates of bullying and harassment, and girls who survive trauma often get punished for coping behaviors instead of getting the help they need to heal.
The Girls Inc. Experience empowers girls to succeed. Girls Inc. provides girls with trusting, mentoring relationships; a girls-only environment, and research-based, hands-on programming. Three critical goals drive our programming – that girls lead healthy lives, succeed academically, and have life skills needed that prepare them for adulthood. To meet our goal of girls leading healthy lives, we work to ensure that girls have the skills, knowledge, and support to take charge of their health and increase healthy behaviors throughout their lives.