Our August Spotlight Nonprofit Girls at Work, Inc. continues to inspire and empower girls from economically diverse communities through their unique programs.
Empowerment Through Building
When girls learn to work with power tools, they gain more than just the ability to create physical projects. They build courage, confidence, and character, learning to overcome challenges, persevere through mistakes, and discover their potential. Girls at Work creates an environment where girls can face new experiences head-on, developing the drive to reach their goals and shape a successful future.
Signature Programs:
After-School Program. This seven-week program is designed for girls ages 8-14, teaching woodworking, safety, and critical thinking. The program also incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, thanks to partnerships with organizations like NHEEP NH, Revision Energy, FIRST Robotics, and NFTE. In 2022, the program served 140 girls in the Manchester area, with even more girls participating this year.
Summer Camp. Over seven one-week sessions, girls focus on woodworking skills in the morning, followed by creative and challenging STEAM initiatives in the afternoon. This summer camp not only teaches practical skills but also encourages friendship-building and teamwork. In 2023, the camp served 94 girls, and this year, 120 girls are expected to participate.
Middle School STEAM Program. Since 2023, Girls at Work has integrated STEAM education into its curriculum, offering girls hands-on learning opportunities in sciences, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. This program fosters a culture of innovation, problem-solving, and creativity, equipping girls with essential skills to tackle real-world challenges and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Girls at Work centers all of their programming on one foundational set of goals:
- Build foundational knowledge of woodworking with power tools.
- Promote a growth mindset focused on risk-taking, perseverance, and problem-solving.
- Develop pre-workforce skills in STEAM-related fields for girls ages 10-14.
- Empower girls to become confident and independent through hands-on projects and exposure to advanced technology.
- Spark interest in underrepresented fields, encouraging girls to explore new career opportunities.
A Story of Impact
Kaylee Richard’s journey with Girls at Work is a testament to the transformative power of the program. Starting as a hesitant eight-year-old in the after-school program, Kaylee has grown into a leader and role model. Today, she serves as both an instructor and the Program Director at Girls at Work, inspiring the next generation of builders. Kaylee’s story doesn’t end there—she also played a pivotal role in creating the “New Future for Females” career day, an event designed to showcase career opportunities for middle and high school girls in the Manchester School District.
Kaylee Richard (center), surrounded by attendees of the third New Futures for Females Career Day
Reflecting on her journey, Kaylee shares, "I never imagined that picking up a hammer for the first time would lead me to where I am today. Girls at Work gave me the confidence to believe in myself and the skills to help others do the same."
To read more about Kaylee’s story and the impact of Girls at Work, visit Girls at Work News & Events.