Our Approach
Our courses follow a Leadership Progression Model, enabling girls to build on skills learned in each program beginning in 6th grade and continuing throughout high school. Our programs are designed to teach girls how to:
LIVE Healthy
Girls learn to make smart choices for healthy living.
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Girls are able to identify & express their needs (using creative expression as one tool)
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Girls know how to independently practice self-care to meet those needs (rest, food, exercise, etc.)
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Girls trust themselves to make good decisions based on their sound judgment
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Girls try new physical activities, including those activities that are not “norms” for girls
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Girls become more physically able/capable
RELATE Wisely
Girls are able to relate to themselves, others and the environment with wisdom and compassion.
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Girls are willing to “speak their truth” within their peer group (even when it feels “risky”)
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Girls build pride in their cultural identity
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Girls learn skills to effectively resolve conflicts & set appropriate boundaries for themselves and with others
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Girls learn to honor and embrace each other’s identities and become Allies with one another
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Girls learn to become stewards for the natural environment
LEAD Confidently
Girls emerge as effective and confident leaders.
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Girls broaden their understanding of leadership concepts
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Girls believe that they have the ability to inspire a group to action
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Girls learn to see the big picture and their role within it
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Girls will develop their personal ethical & moral values
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Girls believe that they can overcome self- or societal-imposed gender-based constraints
Evaluation
GirlVentures uses ongoing program evaluation to assess how well we are meeting these outcomes. Our evaluation process was initially designed by Kara Sammet, doctoral candidate from the Social and Cultural Studies in Education Department at U.C. Berkeley and it is continually updated by Kara and Nina Roberts, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at San Francisco State University in the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism, as well as GirlVentures’ staff and instructors on our evaluation committee. GirlVentures staff and our Risk Management Committee members carefully review this feedback and use it when designing and implementing subsequent programs.