Girls Inc. is Changing Lives, One Girl at a Time

Everyday, girls of all ages across America take part in routine, daily activities, whether they are at home or in school. Many girls are confident in themselves and also in what they do; others, however, are not. Sometimes, girls may need extra help or motivation in order to succeed. This is where Girls Inc. comes in.

Girls Incorporated is, according to the official website located at http://www.girlsinc.org, a national association dedicated to inspiring girls to be "strong, smart, and bold", as their motto declares. The program was initiated in New England of 1864 as a response to the needs of a new working class: young women. Since then, it has been rapidly growing all across the nation, reaching millions of girls and the adults who care about them.

"[Girls Inc.] addresses issues in the areas of math, science, technology, media literacy, health, and sports," said former Miss Indiana Susan Guilkey in a press conference for students at Noblesville High School.

Guilkey, the first and original spokesperson for the Girls Inc. program, also said the program stresses the deterrence of underage pregnancy and drug abuse, among other topics as well.

"[Girls Inc.] is planning to expand into Hamilton County [in Indiana]," said Guilkey.

"I think Girls Inc. should expand into Hamilton Country," said Katie Wright, freshman at Noblesville High School. Wright, familiar with the Girls Inc. program, also said that expansion would give girls in Noblesville and surrounding areas a chance to better improve their lives for the future.

Hamilton Country already houses a similar building in Noblesville, Indiana, known as the Boys and Girls Club. This program, similar to Girls Inc., has served more than 4.4 million boys and girls nationwide.

"Boys and Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow - all while having fun. They are truly the Positive Place for Kids," says the official Boys and Girls Club website, http://www.bgca.org.