Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara has won the Independent’s Best After-school Program award as part of the publication’s 2021 Best of Santa Barbara Readers’ Poll. This is the first win for Girls Inc. and it is the first year Girls Inc. has been nominated in this category. This year’s readers’ poll drew more than 14,000 people and over 450,000 votes.
Readers submitted nominations between June 10-July 7. Readers then voted online August 5-September 1 for their favorite nominees in more than 200 categories that included dining, entertainment, youth services, health & wellness, outdoor life, recreation, and more. Winners were announced in the Independent’s October 21st issue.
The recognition comes after a period of uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and its impact on Girls Inc.’s after-school, summer enrichment, teen, and gymnastics programming. Resilient staff have continued to find creative ways to offer a safe space to support girls and their academic, social, and emotional wellness needs while adhering to Covid-19 safety protocols and requirements.
Girls Inc. thanks all of its supporters and families who voted for our strong, smart, and bold after-school program for girls!