Girls Inc. in Washington, D.C. Courtesy photo.
CARPINTERIA — Ten local girls from Girls Inc. of Carpinteria recently returned from an inspiring trip to Washington D.C. as part of the organization’s Eureka! program, a five-year, college-bound program that aims to break gender stereotypes and encourages girls to step outside their comfort zones, and discover different career paths and fields. The teens met and lobbied with our local representatives on issues important to them, providing the young women with the opportunity to take ownership of their voices and opinions.
The girls walked away empowered and inspired to create action in their community, to bring awareness to issues they feel passionate about, and to strive to be engaged citizens.
“I felt inspired because I’ve never felt so strongly about an issue and have had the confidence to say it,” said 16-year-old Ana, one of the participants. “I also learned to open myself up to new adventures and get exposed to new places because that makes you a more informed person.”
During the five-day trip, the teens – along with Girls Inc. of Carpinteria staff – also explored museums, including the Smithsonian and the Holocaust Museum, toured the campus at George Washington University, and visited local sites and monuments. For many of the participants, the experience was their first time flying on an airplane, leaving the state, and staying in a hotel.
For more information about Girls Inc. of Carpinteria or the Eureka! program, or to make a donation, please visit www.girlsinc-carp.org or call (805) 684-6364.
About Girls Inc. of Carpinteria: Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is a member of Girls Incorporated®, a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. With local roots dating to 1864 and national status since 1945, Girls Inc. has responded to the changing needs of girls through research-based programs and public education efforts that empower girls to understand, value, and assert their rights. We provide programs for girls 6 to 18 years old that focus on science, math, and technology; health and sexuality; economic and financial literacy; sports skills; leadership and advocacy; and media literacy. To learn more, become a volunteer or offer support, please visit www.girlsinc-carp.org/.