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 adapted to meet the specific environmental challenges facing girls and young women, always working in partnership with schools and communities, and guided by our founders’ fundamental belief in the inherent potential of each girl. Woven into those early girls’ clubs are the same core values of Girls Inc. today: the importance of creating a safe gathering place for girls to learn and to share in a sisterhood and a strong premise that each girl can develop her own capacities, self- confidence, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent.
Founded in 1952
Girls Inc. of Columbus
Girls Inc. of Columbus was founded to address the unique challenges that girls face in the community, providing a safe and supportive environment where they can grow and develop essential life skills. Originally established as the Girls Club in 1952, by the Quota Club of Columbus, it became an official Girls Inc. affiliate in 1992. Throughout its history, the organization has remained dedicated to the mission and values of the national Girls Inc. movement, which advocates for equitable opportunities for girls.
With a focus on educational support, empowerment, and advocacy, Girls Inc. of Columbus works to overcome societal barriers to help unleash girls’ potential—pushing past gender stereotypes, providing access to quality education, and fostering positive role models for all girls.
Mission
Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.
Key components of our mission
Through after-school programs, summer camps, and mentorships, Girls Inc. of Columbus aims to build a generation of girls who are confident, skilled, and prepared to lead in their communities today and beyond.
For 160 years, Girls Inc. has been evolving with girls.
We not only support girls, we also equip them and give them the opportunity to envision, and then create, a more equitable future.
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.
Girls’ Bill of Rights
We will always support girls and ensure that their rights are recognized and respected.