Girls Inc. of the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area is a nonprofit organization and an affiliate of Girls Inc. -- a national organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. We provide opportunities that equip girls to lead healthy and physically active lives, to achieve academically, and to advocate for themselves and others. We recognize that poverty, prejudice, and inequality continue to hold some girls back and we work with girls to overcome obstacles caused by those systemic barriers. The Girls Inc. Experience is based on three key elements. – People: Our trained staff and volunteers build trusted mentoring relationships. – Environment: We work in girls-only spaces, providing physical and emotional safety, high expectations, and mutual respect. – Research-based programming: Our life-changing programs focus on the specific needs of local communities. Our History Girls Inc. of the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area received its 501(c)(3) designation in 2004 and began serving middle school girls in 2006, with an emphasis on Wards 1, 5, 7 and 8. In 2010, through a generous in-kind gift from Howard University, we opened a Girls Inc. center that had a computer lab, multi-purpose space, stage, reading area, kitchen, and self-contained classroom. At this site, DC girls accessed mentoring, academic support, college preparation, enrichment activities, and leadership development through July 2019. In 2021 we continue a new era for the affiliate. Programs have been temporarily paused in order to take time to work with and listen carefully to local stakeholders, and to shape a strategic direction. For more information, please call 202-463-1881 ext. 262.