Programs

After-School Programs

Girlstart began offering its programs to girls and families nearly nine years ago. In that short time the agency has quickly become nationally recognized as a best-case practices leader in math, science and technology! In 2001 Girlstart was named by Child magazine as one of the top five programs for girls across the country. Girlstart’s after school programs launched in Central Texas schools in 1998. In 2002 these programs were selected for funding by the National Science Foundation as a project called Aiming for Algebra.

Girlstart’s after school programs, called Club Girlstart, are an integrated series of weekly after-school lessons and community-based technology experiences created especially for girls in the 5th through 8th grades and offered at targeted Austin area schools serving high minority, low income populations. Minority populations at these schools range from 70-98% and approximately 45-95% of students qualify for the free lunch program.

The Club Girlstart activities, based on grade-appropriate Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements, are designed to increase girls’ confidence in math, science, engineering and technology and encourage them to pursue higher education and careers in these subjects.

Topics explored include rocket science, environmental engineering, statistics, pre-algebra, fractions, algorithms, cryptography, binary numbers, how computer viruses spread exponentially, using digital microscopes, and creating web pages using HTML. Club Girlstart graduates are encouraged to join the Alumnae Club at the end of the program.

Club Girlstart programs boast resounding success! In 2004, survey responses showed that Club Girlstart participants were more positive and enthusiastic about their own futures in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Girls' interest in STEM careers increased from 70% to 78% and their confidence in "being good" at a STEM career increased from 76% to 84%.