At Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara we work each day to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold.

Our mission drives our dedicated staff, volunteers, and coaches to help unlock the potential of every youth who walks through our doors, encouraging all girls to feel safe to express themselves to trusted adults in hands-on, minds-on programs. This is the Girls Inc. Experience.

But what does it mean to turn inspiration into action? It’s one thing to “talk the talk” and say we inspire all girls, but how do we “walk the walk” and deliver on that promise? To answer that, the Girls Inc. Experience can be summed up with three P’s: the People, the Places, and the Programs. This unique combination creates a nurturing and supportive atmosphere for girls to find their own voices, learn to advocate for themselves and for others, and develop their leadership skills that they can take into their communities, schools, and families.

The People

At the heart of the Girls Inc. experiences are the supportive mentors and facilitators who hold space for all girls to learn to be strong, smart and bold in their own ways. The staff at Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara are  trained professionals who focus on the development of the whole girl, supporting, mentoring, and guiding girls ages 5-18 in an affirming, pro-girl environment Our staff create experiences for girls to follow their curiosity, develop their inherent strengths, and build leadership skills for their futures.

The Places

Our Goleta Valley center provides a safe and inclusive space for girls of all ages to learn, explore, and express themselves without judgement. Whether it be in the gym, at our Teen Center, or in our TK-6 classrooms, our spaces are intentionally designed to be safe and inclusive so that girls feel physically and emotionally comfortable, respected, and supported by their peers and mentors.

The Programs

Our programming – in partnership with schools and at our centers through 79 local affiliate organizations – focuses on the development of the whole girl. A combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and evidence-based programming equips girls to lead fulfilling and productive lives, break the cycle of poverty and become role models in their community.