programs for young women

TECHgyrls is a national initiative and signature program of the

■

YWCA developed in 1997 in response to the widening gender gap in

exposure to and interest in technology, and is designed to encourage

girls to pursue careers in technology and engineering. The program

raises girls' awareness, confidence, and compe-

TECHgyrls

tence in the crucial areas of technology while

helping them develop critical thinking and

problem solving skills. Through computer

animation programming, engineering projects, video editing, guest

speakers, and field trips, girls learn to use technology in motivating

and compelling ways.

Bright Futures is a nine-month leadership development, recogni-

■

tion, and scholarship program for young women whose leadership

qualities have not previously been recognized. The young women in

Bright Futures participate in leadership seminars, practice their new

leadership skills through volunteer experi-

ences, gain self-awareness and confidence,

and explore career and educational oppor-

tunities with an adult mentor. Three

students from each Bright Futures class are randomly selected to

receive a $1,000 scholarship to further their education.

Though a partnership with Pima Community College Foundation,

the YWCA has established a $20,000 scholarship fund to make it possi-

ble to provide ten Bright Futures Scholarships each year for young

women to attend Pima Community College.

"I

have gained so much confidence today--this has been an

empowering experience." ~from a Bright Futures participant

■ Girls With Tools, created by the Zuni Avenue Peace Center,

became a YWCA program in the summer of 2006. Girls develop new

skills and confidence as they complete wood working projects. Girls

With Tools is offered at the Zuni Avenue Peace Center site and at the

YWCA Frances McClelland Leadership Center.