Our History

Girls Inc. is the longest-running girls’ leadership organization.

Our Mission

Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

Our Vision

Powerful girls in an equitable society.

Our Values

Respect the dignity of each human being.

Recognize and support the strength in every girl.

Appreciate, embrace, and advance diversity.

Drive for results anchored in accountability.

Operate collaboratively.

Girls Inc. was founded in 1864 to serve girls and young women experiencing upheaval in the aftermath of the Civil War.

Across the decades, we have continuously adapted to meet the evolving societal and environmental challenges facing girls and young women, always working in partnership with schools and communities, and always guided by our founders’ belief in the inherent potential of each and every girl. Woven into the early girls’ clubs are the same core values of Girls Inc. today: the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive gathering place for girls to learn and share in a sisterhood, and a deeply held belief that every girl can develop strong character, build self-confidence, and grow up to be healthy, educated, and independent.

For 160 years, Girls Inc. has been evolving with girls.

We support and equip girls, and give them the opportunity to envision and create a more inclusive future.

Girls Inc. is the leading expert on girls.

Working with and on behalf of girls for 160 years has given us in-depth knowledge and unparalleled expertise. The Girls Inc. Experience changes the trajectory of girls’ lives and prepares them for lifelong success.

Girls Inc. has served millions of girls across the United States and Canada.

Our participants are equipped with the skills to lead and create positive change in their communities.

Girls’ Bill of Rights

We will always support girls and ensure that their rights are recognized and respected.