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 who were experiencing upheaval in the aftermath of the Civil War.
Across the decades, we have evolved to meet the changing needs of girls and young women—always partnering with schools and communities and guided by the belief in every girl’s potential. Woven into the fabric of those early girls’ clubs are the same core values that shape Girls Inc. today: the importance of creating a supportive space where girls can learn, grow, and build lasting connections in sisterhood. We believe that every girl can develop her strengths, build confidence, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent.
For 160 years, Girls Inc. has been evolving with girls.
We support girls by helping them build the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to imagine and shape strong futures for themselves and their communities.
Girls Inc. is the leading expert on girls.
Working with and on behalf of girls for 160 years has given us unparalleled knowledge and 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.
Local Affiliate History
Girls Inc. of Central Alabama has provided gender-specific programs for school-age girls of diverse racial and economic backgrounds in the Birmingham area since 1938. We are an affiliate of National Girls Inc. and have been a United Way partner agency since 1954. The Girls Inc. Experience consists of people, an environment and programming that, together, empower girls to succeed. Trained staff and volunteers build lasting, mentoring relationships in pro-girl, girls-only spaces. Whether a girl participates in our in-school, after-school or summer programs, she will receive academic support, learn about health and wellness and develop her life skills. Our goal is to help girls achieve at their highest level.