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Agenda Item No. 4(A) Girls Inc. of WCCC 260 Broadway, Richmond, CA 94804 [PHONE REDACTED] [EMAIL REDACTED] www.girlsinc-wcc.org A place where the mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold is what Girls Incorporated of West Contra Costa County offers. Over the last 38 years, Girls Inc. has provided effective programs to over 6,000 underserved youth in the County. Girls have learned about math, science, economic literacy, technology, pregnancy prevention, drug awareness, leadership, and received academic encouragement. With local roots dating back to 1864 and national status in the U.S. since 1945, Girls Inc. responds to the changing needs of girls and their communities through research-based programs and advocacy that empower girls to reach their full potential and to understand, value, and assert their rights. At Girls Inc. of WCCC we exemplify the focus of the National organization and extend ourselves to reach girls between the ages of 6 and 17 to provide opportunities, that otherwise might not be made known. The majority of Girls Inc. centers are located in low–income areas and provide a weekly average of 30 hours of after-school, weekend and summer activities. Girls Inc. informs policymakers about girls' needs locally and nationally. The organization educates the media about critical issues facing girls. In addition, the organization teaches girls how to advocate for themselves and their communities, using their voices to promote positive change. Thanks to the support of our corporate, private, local businesses and individual funders, our agency has been able to build its brand, sustain and serve in the community. Girls Inc. is more than just a safe place for friends to gather, but is training ground for our future leaders. ---PAGE BREAK--- Girls Incorporated of West Contra Costa County GIRLS INC. HISTORY Girls Inc. of West Contra Costa County (Girls Inc. of WCCC) has served over 6,000 girls of West County for over 37 years. Many of the girls are second and third generation members. Originally the agency was called the Richmond Girls Club. However, in 1985 the agency changed its name to Girls Incorporated of West Contra Costa County. With the help of corporations, foundations, community and private donors, many programs flourished and capital improvements were made to the physical plant; PG&E and Chevron were responsible for installing a computer laboratory and developing the playground; The Ed and Susan Lowe foundation were responsible for the remodeling of the main office and classrooms to accommodate the growing needs of the agency. Most recently, Home Depot installed new flooring in all classrooms and offices, painting throughout the building and new landscaping of the agency grounds. Working in conjunction with local high schools, Girls Inc. of WCCC has made an extensive effort to reach girls ages 14-18 to inform them about college readiness and the Girls Inc. National Scholars Program. As a result of the outreach efforts of Girls Inc. of WCCC, nine participants have been recognized as national scholars and have received scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $15,000. During 2006, Girls Inc. of WCCC had three $10,000 scholarship recipients, more than any other Girls Inc. affiliate in the nation. The history of Girls Inc. of West Contra Costa County is one of pride, purpose and promise. We look forward to continued growth in the future, keeping alive the infinite possibility of girls becoming "Strong, Smart and Bold.” 5/2/2011 ---PAGE BREAK--- By Mieasha Harris, Executive Director Girls Inc. of West Contra Costa County (Girls Inc. WCCC) acknowledges the statistics showing the numbers for female graduating seniors of African American and Latino descent are completing high school at lower rates than other students.) is guiding students to seek higher education. On Saturday, May 11th, the organization graduated its first College Bound Girls (CBG) participants whom have all been accepted to college! “We Are On Our Way,” was the chosen theme for Girls Inc. WCCC’s 3rd Annual End of the Year Celebration. Jocelyn Perez, one of the CBGs who also completed her senior year of high school, shared that, “Girls Inc. has taught me that girls have the ability of being ‘strong, smart, and bold.’” “Strong in the sense of being able to overcome any challenge that you encounter; Smart because we as girls are intelligent and Girls Inc. has provided me with the assistance of making smart decisions; and Bold in the form of being brave and learning to become an actual leader.” Added the future Pediatrician who will be attending San Francisco State University in the fall. The event was held at the Richmond Recreation Complex, where a host of families, friends, elected officials, students and staff were in attendance to show support of the College Bound Girl graduates. Jocelyn, like many of CBGs future graduates, is the first in her family to “graduate high school and go to college.” Featured speaker Xavier Abrams, Vice President of Mechanics Bank in Richmond, spoke about her childhood years at Girls Inc. which was then called the Girls Club. “I remember we learned about etiquette.” She joked about how those skills came in handy when she would go out to eat and confidently knew which was the salad fork and the dinner fork. Alia Edington, CBG graduate, will be attending University of California Santa Cruz and plans to become a doctor. She stated, “after joining Girls Inc. and Cal Maritime's Summer Academic Enrichment Program, I've become more active in school, changed my group of friends, and have raised my grades from a 2.8 to a 4.2 GPA.” CBG grad Annelise Williams, who plans to become a Forensics DNA Analyst, expressed her gratitude for Girls Inc. “Growing up, … there was no one to tell me to go to college. So when I joined this organization… I felt like I could do something with my life.” This year, Girls Inc. WCCC marked this event with Zumba entertainment, a slide show highlighting the past year’s progress, a silent auction and opportunity raffle. Food was provided by Portomex Restaurant and Corn Cravings. All graduates received plaques, certificates from Congressman George Miller’s office, and Assembly Member Nancy Skinner; scholarship money, a selected book from the Executive Director, and a t-shirt which featured a logo designed by CBG graduate Malaya Harris who will attend Expressions college to become an animator. Other presenters were Richmond’s Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, and Supervisor John Gioia - both congratulated the girls and offered encouraging words for completing the program and high school. For information on our summer programs and fall after-school activities, please contact [PHONE REDACTED] or email [EMAIL REDACTED].