How We Do It
Girls Inc. of Santa Fe empowers young girls through comprehensive programs that address their unique challenges and help them succeed academically, emotionally, and socially. Our Girls Inc. Experience, built on six essential elements, ensures our programs are transformative and effective. Through dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partnerships, we create a supportive network that uplifts each girl and helps her envision a future full of possibilities.
The Experiential Learning Cycle
The Girls Inc. Experience is essential to a thriving affiliate, encompassing three key areas: People (mentoring relationships with trained staff and volunteers), Environment (girls-only safe spaces), and Programming (intentional, research-based, interactive, and sustained activities). These areas collectively support our mission to empower and uplift girls.
Six Essential Elements
Our People: Mentoring Relationships
- Trusting Relationships: Low staff-to-child ratio (1:15), staff and volunteers engaged with youth, long-term service.
- Mentor Training: Staff trained in effective mentoring, group management, and positive youth development.
- Supportive Climate: Staff and volunteers create a positive and supportive environment, actively listening and establishing appropriate boundaries.
- Professional Development: Ongoing training on human’ rights, growth, and development.
Pro-Girl Environment
- Safe Space: Pro-girl environment that is physically, socially, and emotionally safe.
- Girls in Leadership: Girls in leadership roles within the organization, such as peer leaders and advisory council members.
- Recognition: Girls’ achievements and work prominently displayed.
- Inclusive Atmosphere: Respect and inclusion of diverse girls and women in various roles and careers.
Intentional Programming
- Holistic Approach: Programs aligned with the Girls Inc. mission, designed to meet girls’ needs and provide varied experiences.
- Feedback & Needs Assessment: Regular feedback from girls and community needs assessments to fill programming gaps.
- Diverse Activities: Exposure to non-traditional careers, college visits, and cultural experiences.
Research-Based Curricula
- Field-Tested Programs: Curricula that address serious needs of girls while building knowledge, skills, and confidence.
- Evidence-Based: Programs based on documented research and assessments.
- Ongoing Updates: Staff trained and updated on program content to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
Interactive Activities
- Girl-Centered: Activities planned with girls’ input, focusing on hands-on, challenging, and developmentally appropriate tasks.
- Engagement: Girls actively engaged in doing rather than passively observing.
- Leadership Opportunities: Meaningful opportunities for girls to contribute to programming.
Sustained Exposure (Dosage)
- Long-Term Impact: Programs designed for sustained engagement over time to maximize positive outcomes.
- Consistent Contact: Long-term outreach and partnerships to maintain contact with girls.
- Varied Programs: Participation in diverse activities and programs over multiple years.
Our Curricula
At Girls Inc. of Santa Fe, our research-based, holistic, and interactive programs empower girls to be strong, smart, and bold. We provide a supportive, inclusive, girls-only environment where every girl feels valued and safe. Our long-term, engaging curricula ensure continuous opportunities for girls to build skills, confidence, and resilience.