By Veronica Vela,  vvela@girlsinc.org

Girls Inc. is expanding its reach with the launch of Girls Inc. of Greater Miami. The youth-serving organization works with schools and in communities in 350 cities across the US and Canada providing more than 134,000 girls each year with mentoring relationships, safe spaces, and evidence-based programming proven to help them succeed.

This expansion comes at a time when more than half of girls enrolled in Miami-Dade Public Schools are economically disadvantaged, and 72% of the young women in Miami who are not enrolled in school and do not have a high school degree are also unemployed. A pro-girl, safe, and affirming environment is also critical as the number of girls in Florida who express feeling unsafe at school or going to or leaving school has nearly doubled over the last 10 years.

“Far too many girls in Miami face significant social barriers that, without the right tools and support, threaten their ability to achieve success in school, life, and work,” said Virginia Akar, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Greater Miami. “We are ecstatic to join the Girls Inc. network, which will allow us to strengthen our capacity and deepen our impact in the Miami community.”

Akar, an attorney and human rights advocate, founded Strong Girls Inc. (SGI) in 2017 to help girls in the Miami area improve their academic, career, and life outcomes. Now affiliated with Girls Inc., the organization will continue partnerships with Title 1 schools in Miami-Dade county providing evidence-based programming to help girls gain the skills, knowledge, and attitudes they need to thrive now and as adults.

“Girls are innately powerful. When provided the right opportunities and supports, girls become change agents for themselves and others,” said Stephanie J. Hull, Ph.D., President and CEO of Girls Inc. “We look forward to partnering locally to develop the talent and potential of girls in Miami and help strengthen this diverse and vibrant community.”

Girls Inc. makes a positive and lasting difference in the lives of girls. Recent data from the American Institutes for Research found that girls who participated in Girls Inc. programming were more likely to engage in activities and express beliefs that lead to physical and mental well-being, academic achievement, and the development of leadership skills. Girls were more likely to be engaged in and attend school, less likely to be suspended, and be prepared for life after high school.

About Girls Inc. of Greater Miami

Girls Inc. of Greater Miami delivers life-changing programs and experiences that inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold. It was previously known as Strong Girls Inc. (SGI), a local nonprofit founded in 2017 by attorney and human rights advocate Virginia Akar to help girls improve their academic, career, and life outcomes. Girls Inc. of Greater Miami provides after school programming to 180 girls in six Title 1 schools in Miami-Dade, and is on a mission to reach girls in all 317 Title 1 schools.