Girls Incorporated is an organization of community clubs in the United States for girls age 6 through 18. The organization helps girls reach their potential through programs that promote self-reliance, responsibility, leadership, and teamwork. It also encourages them to set realistic, positive life goals. More than half the girls served by Girls Incorporated are from minority groups, and about half come from families headed by a single parent. Most Girls Incorporated clubs are in low-income areas.
The clubs provide activities after school, on weekends, and during the summer. They offer programs and services in health care; family life; sports and physical fitness; youth leadership; and the prevention of teen-age pregnancy, drug abuse, and the disease AIDS. The clubs also offer programs in job training and career development. Many of these programs focus on math, science, and modern technology.
Each club has at least one professional administrator who serves as its executive director, plus other paid and volunteer workers. Local clubs are managed by a board of directors who represent many segments of the community. Girls Incorporated is supported by United Way campaigns in many communities and by funds from corporations, foundations, and individuals.
Girls Incorporated was formed in 1945 as Girls Clubs of America, Inc. The group changed its name to Girls Incorporated in 1990. Headquarters are in New York City.
