Courtesy photo.
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria on Friday announced its fifth cohort of Eureka! program participants has graduated high school and is gearing up for college this fall.
The group of 13 extraordinary young women proudly accepted their diplomas this week and will be heading off to colleges across the state – from UC Berkeley, to SBCC, UCLA, and Chapman University – or moving into their careers.
“We are beyond proud to see this group of dedicated young women achieve this significant milestone and prepare for the next big step in their academic and professional careers,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria. “Our girls have pushed past significant obstacles – including the challenges of this unprecedented year – but their determination to creating a path for success never wavered. We know they will continue to carry the Strong, Smart and Bold values with them in this next stage and look forward to seeing their continued growth.”
Eureka! is a five-year program that emphasizes college readiness and breaks gender stereotypes by encouraging girls to explore career paths in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. The program is designed to enable girls to overcome barriers to their achievement by providing a continual support system along with opportunities to develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes they need to thrive.
Girls Inc. launched the Eureka! program in 2012 to provide leadership and education enhancement opportunities for girls beginning in the summer before their eighth-grade year and providing mentorship and college and career preparation throughout the high school years. The multi-year program exposes girls to female role models, diverse career paths and a continual support system as they navigate college and career exploration, begin to establish life goals, and look ahead to their futures.
The program currently serves 83 local girls.
Following are the graduates of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s 2021 Eureka cohort class:
- Isa Alarcon, Chapman University
- Kaitlyn Casas, SBCC
- Emily Carranza Saldana, SBCC
- Stephanie Chavez-Marquez, SBCC
- Laura Flores, California Lutheran
- Janeth Hernandez, SBCC
- Hannia Hernandez, UCLA
- Alondra Lemus, CSU Channel Islands
- Mitzi Marin Alpizar, SBCC
- Diana Marquez, Career Bound
- Joana Romero, SBCC
- Mayra Ramirez, UC Berkeley
- Lupita Villarreal, SBCC
For more information about Girls Inc. of Carpinteria or the Eureka Program, please call (805) 684-6364 or visit www.girlsinc-carp.org.
— Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is a member of Girls Incorporated®, a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Our programming focuses on the development of the whole girl: we deliver life-changing programs and experiences designed to equip girls to overcome serious barriers and grow up healthy, educated, and independent. A combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment and research-based programming prepares girls to lead fulfilling and productive lives and become role models in their community. Girls Inc. of Carpinteria currently serves more than 1100 youth in the Carpinteria Valley and Ventura County, from Pre-K through 12th grade. To learn more, become a volunteer or offer support, please visit www.girlsinc-carp.org/.