“Girls Inc. is a place where I feel challenged and safe.  It is a place where I am encouraged to be myself in, all my weirdness, to grow outside myself , and to encourage my friends as well.” – Angelica, age 15

What is Girls Inc.’s mission?

To inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold.

Why just girls?

The purpose of Girls Inc. programming is to enable girls to achieve their full potential. To do this, girls must conquer social, legal and cultural barriers that are different than those of boys. By providing space and programming that is targeted specifically to girls, their needs and their challenges, Girls Inc. is able to put them on the same playing field as boys as they grow in life and develop into professional and responsible citizens.

According to a study commissioned in 1999 by Girls Incorporated and conducted by Harris Interactive, more than half of high school girls are very dissatisfied with the role gender stereotypes play in their lives.

  • 56% of girls and 78% of high school girls said that, in schools, boys think they have a right to discuss girls’ bodies in public.
  • 65% of all girls said girls are expected to spend a lot of their time on homework and caring for younger children.
  • 75% of girls and 81% of high school girls said girls are under a lot of pressure to dress the right way.
  • Nearly twice as many girls as boys (47% compared to 29%) believe that girls and boys are more the same than different.
  • Girls with the highest scores on quality of life were more likely than girls with low scores to feel that girls have the same abilities as boys (50% versus 42%).

Does Girls Inc. support single-sex education?

Girls Incorporated is a nonprofit youth organization that has served girls for over 143 years. Through research-based, informal educational programming, we foster girls-only communities that encourage girls to take risks, challenge the barriers created by gender stereotypes, reward their achievements, and explore possibilities for their futures.

We know first-hand the value of single-sex programming designed to redress gender discrimination and stereotyping. High-quality single-sex education must have this aim as its guiding principle. Without this commitment, there is real danger that single-sex classrooms and programs will reinforce gender stereotypes.

Who does Girls Inc. of Santa Fe employ?

Girls Inc. of Santa Fe does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national original, sex, age, spousal affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical handicap or serious medical conditions.

Girls Inc. of Santa Fe serves a diverse population of Santa Fe girls and it is important that our staff represents this diversity. 50% of our girls come from a single-parent household. The majority of these are single-mothers. We are very proud to be able to offer an environment where girls have access to positive role models, both male and female.

What is Girls Inc.’s view on sexuality and sex education?

New Mexico has always been in the top three states with regards to teen birth rates, and Santa Fe County has the third highest rate of teen pregnancy in New Mexico. Girls Incorporated encourages all girls to develop positive sexual identities and to function comfortably as responsible sexual beings. We recognize that the family is the primary source of information about sex, and we help girls and young women communicate with their families about sexuality.

To make responsible decisions about sexuality, pregnancy and parenthood, girls need and have a right to sensitive, truthful sexuality education; convenient access to safe, effective methods of contraception and protection from disease; and referral to comprehensive information, counseling, clinical and other services that support their responsible decisions. We recognize that any sizable group of girls includes those who face issues related to their sexual orientation or that of a family member and who face discrimination based on this sexual orientation. Girls have a right to positive, supportive environments and linkages to community resources for dealing with issues of sexual orientation.

What is Girls Inc.’s view on reproductive freedom?

Girls Incorporated affirms that girls and young women should make responsible decisions about sexuality, pregnancy and parenthood.

We recognize the right of all women to choose whether, when, and under what circumstances to bear children. Reproductive freedom and responsibility are essential to other rights and opportunities, including pursuit of education, employment, financial security and a stable and fulfilling family life. Restrictions of reproductive choice are especially burdensome for young women and poor women. Girls Incorporated supports a woman’s freedom of choice, a constitutional right established by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1973 in Roe vs. Wade.

Where are Girls Inc. programs and services offered?

Girls Inc. of Santa Fe offers After School, Spring Break Camp, and Summer Camp at our Hillside Center, 301 Hillside Avenue in Historic Downtown Santa Fe. We also facilitate groups in the Santa Fe Public Schools, Santa Fe Indian School and sites throughout Santa Fe County and Rio Arriba County.

What are your current financials?

You can find our financial information on our Annual Reports & Financials page.