Courtesy photo.
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria A group of eleven young girls from Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s Eureka! Program recently returned after a five-day excursion to Washington D.C. The trip included a visit with Congressman Salud Carbajal and Senator Padilla plus a tour of the white house!
The focal points of this year’s excursion were centered around three main topics: 1) The challenge of healthcare accessibility because of financial obstacles or inadequate insurance coverage, 2) Reversing the decision of Roe vs. Wade and safeguarding women’s reproductive rights, and 3) Inequalities around the pink tax and the financial burdens associated with menstrual products.
“This trip showed me that women and people like me from a small town can truly achieve any dream or goal we may have. It was also impactful because having our voices truly heard by people in congress will help better change/develop our future”, Eureka! cohort member Camila E Hernandez-Sanchez.
The girls, who are beginning their senior year of high school, had the opportunity to tour the Museum of African American History and Culture and the United States Holocaust Memorial. They also took part in visits to Georgetown and George Washington University, where the young women networked with students and faculty. A standout moment for them was their participation in an interactive session at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, where they engaged with and analyzed artifacts of their choice within the realm of natural science, presenting their findings and raising scientific inquiries.
Eureka! – a Girls Inc. of Carpinteria initiative – is an expanded learning five-year program that emphasizes college readiness. The program is particularly dedicated to introducing young girls to the realms of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, thus nurturing their potential as future leaders in these domains.
For more information about Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Eureka! Program please call (805) 684-6364 or visit www.girlsinc-carp.org.
— Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is a member of Girls Inc., 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 1000 youth in the Carpinteria Valley, from Pre-K through 12th grade. To learn more, become a volunteer or offer support, please visit www.girlsinc-carp.org/.