In fifth grade, Samari Wilson enrolled in a club that Girls Inc. of Alameda County was offering to girls that wished to explore the ecosystem. Over that summer, she had many experiences through field trips to help her learn about the ecosystem. She continued to participate in the organization’s programming as she grew up, and in the years that followed she was able to experience and learn about a wide variety of topics that interested her.
By the time Wilson had graduated from high school she had learned to swim, spoken in front of Oakland City Council, attended workshops to prepare for college, tried glassblowing, swung from a trapeze, and many more incredible life experiences. Now 29 years old, Wilson said of the experience, “It gave me an opportunity to see my life beyond Oakland,”
Which is exactly what Girls Inc of America is about and aims to do for its participants. Chief development officer Jeri Boomgaarden stated, “The purpose of Girls Inc. is to fill those gaps, to provide girls (with the enrichment) you definitely don’t get in a poorer school district,”
With an estimated 1,200 students from 75 schools around Alameda County and beyond receiving assistance from Girls Inc. of Alameda County, there are many gaps to fill, and all of the help provided by the organization is free for participants. The majority of those that take part come from low income families within the Oakland Unified School District. A total of 14 elementary and middle schools host Girls Inc of Alameda County’s programs.
Participants in the organization’s programs learn math, music, the relationship between electronics and Wi-Fi networks, how to read and write HTML, use their own coding skills to build websites and many many more exciting activities like designing video games!
The organization also assists girls with physical activity, college preparation, and beyond. Teaching the girls skills such as critical thinking and empowerment. If you are interested in helping support girl power and a future where girls are more prepared for the lives ahead of them, look into Girls Inc of Alameda County’s programs, and how you can donate your time or money to the cause.
—
Olga1818 / Shutterstock.com