Girls Incorporated is a national nonprofit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. With roots dating to 1864, Girls Inc has provided vital educational programs to millions of American girls, particularly those in high-risk, underserved areas. Today, innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives.
GIRLS INCORPORATED® OF GREATER COLUMBIA
Organization’s Mission Statement
The mission of Girls Inc. ® of Greater Columbia (GIGC) is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold sm. Our primary emphasis is reaching underserved girls in the metro Columbia area between the ages 6 -18 with research-based programs and experiences that help them envision a brighter future and realize their potential. We advocate for gender equity on behalf of all girls. Our program is unique in that while we welcome and encourage parental participation, we understand that many (if not most) of these girls come from family situations which make it difficult for full parental involvement.
GIGC is a provisional affiliate of Girls Incorporated, an organization with roots dating to 1864. Girls Inc. currently serves over 800,000 girls and young women, ages 6-18 in the U.S. and Canada through research-based programs and advocacy that empower girls to reach their full potential and to understand value and assert their rights. The Girls Inc. research-based evaluated programs include: Operation SMART® (science, math and relevant technologies); Economic Literacy®; Project BOLD® (violence awareness and prevention against girls and young women); Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy®; Friendly PEERsuasion® (substance abuse prevention); Media Literacy®; Leadership and Community Action sm; and Sporting Chance®.
GIGC began with community meetings in January 2006. We registered with the State of South Carolina as a charity in July 2006, and received 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS in December 2006. GIGC has a viable, working board of Columbia residents. Currently, we are an all-volunteer group which has mounting single-day programs in the Columbia area. There are no other Girls Inc. programs or affiliates in South Carolina.
Through direct service programs and advocacy, Girls Inc. uses education as a means to elevate girls’ self esteem. In everything we do, girls are given the message that they are important and valued, that people care about them and what they have to say, and that they are expected to succeed. Our initial programming will include media literacy, operation smart, public health awareness, and economic literacy.