about us

• Philosophy & Mission
• History
• Vision
• Board Members
• Awards & Recognition
• Girls Bill of Rights
• Facts
• FAQs
• Executive Director

In 1973, Girls Clubs of Sarasota County was formed through the initiative of community leaders in order to provide a safe place for girls to receive afterschool enrichment programs. Community support allowed us to create a multi-use facility on Tuttle Avenue complete with a swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis courts, classrooms, library and computer lab. During the 1980s, Girls Incorporated established a foundation to manage endowment funds and backed the creation of Coquille, an auxiliary, volunteer-based fundraising branch that attracted significant attention and participation from the community. During this time the agency began to implement the new research-based programs that were coming from the Girls Incorporated National Resource Center. In 1989, following the lead of our national organization, Girls Club of Sarasota County became Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County.

During the 1990s, Girls Incorporated undertook several outreach initiatives made possible by grant-making organizations, private donors and community support. In 1991, the Newtown Project was implemented to provide the girls and parents of the Newtown community access to the agency's programs. In 1996, Educational Talent Search (ETS) was initiated to assist high school girls in career counseling, educational counseling and financial aid awareness. In 1997, Girls Incorporated launched services into south Sarasota County. Girls Inc. delivers prevention-based programs in collaboration with school officials, community leaders and local families.

In September 2007, with funding from an anonymous donor, Girls Incorporated became the only afterschool program in Sarasota County to implement a unique curriculum model called MicroSociety® AfterSchool. MicroSociety is an innovative program design in which students build and run a miniature society within their afterschool program. It incorporates real world experiences into basic curriculum and helps students apply what they learn in the classroom to real life. Young entrepreneurs produce goods and services, elected officials establish laws, PeaceKeepers maintain order in the halls and reporters track down stories. All citizens earn wages, invest in products, deposit and borrow money from “Micro” banks, and pay taxes, tuition and rent. Teachers take the role of facilitators enabling their students to effectively run their own businesses and government agencies. A premise of the program is that if decision making and authority is placed in the hands of the students, there will be greater student motivation to succeed, to learn, and a climate conducive to educational, social and emotional development will prevail. Each child has a role in running that world with student achievement as the ultimate goal. Partnerships with local businesses and agencies will show the girls the connection to the real world and create learning opportunities.

For over thirty years, Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County has provided vital educational programs to thousands of girls, particularly those in high-risk, under-served areas. Girls Incorporated's innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent and healthy lives.

Where are they now?