Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has announced plans to bring its proven model for intentional, girl-centered programming back to Ventura County, and has named Erika Cabral as its new director of Partnerships and Expansion to help with the growth initiative and building partnerships throughout the region.
“The expansion back into Ventura County marks a momentous leap toward Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s three-year goal to significantly expand its reach and double its impact along the Central Coast,” Girls Inc. officials said.
“Their holistic, researched-informed programming will bring mentorship, leadership development, college and career readiness, and STEM-based curriculum to Ventura County, with programs serving girls and young women ages 4-24,” they said.
Community leaders, families, educators, and schools in neighboring communities have long expressed a strong need for accessible programs that support the social, emotional, academic, and leadership development of girls and young women., Girls Inc. reports.
Girls Inc. responded to that need in 2017 by initiating the Bold Futures Mentoring Project in the Ventura County community of Santa Paula.
The program served participants ages 9-14, helping them stay engaged in school, build healthy relationships, and reduce risky behaviors through mentorship and evidence-backed programming.
The program ran for three years before its progress was halted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, Girls Inc. is looking to reestablish a presence in the area and bring mentorship and resources back to girls in Ventura County communities.
In addition to direct programming, Girls Inc. creates spaces where girls are encouraged to use their voices, take healthy risks, and see themselves as leaders in their schools and communities, organizers said.
“Participants benefit from consistent relationships with caring adult mentors and peers who reinforce the message that they are capable and valued, build confidence through STEM, literacy, and athletic enrichment opportunities, and envision bright futures for themselves through programs that prepare them for college and careers,” Girls Inc. officials said.
Numerous families in the region also face barriers to enrichment opportunities, including financial hardship, limited access to after-school programs, and a lack of gender-responsive services designed specifically to meet the needs of girls, Girls Inc. reports.
An independent study conducted by Hana Consulting found that of Ventura’s 14 elementary schools, half of the schools’ students scored below average for English and mathematics.
Girls Inc. said its programming will aim to address these gaps by creating environments where participants are empowered to reach their full potential and receive tailored academic support while lowering barriers to affordability through need-based scholarships.
“Through years of direct service, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has demonstrated the transformative impact that supportive spaces, positive mentorship, and research-informed programming can have on girls’ confidence, academic achievement, emotional well-being, and future aspirations,” officials said.
“As the needs of girls and young women continue to grow, particularly among underserved communities, expanding access to these opportunities has become increasingly important,” they said.
Cabral, the new director of Partnerships and Expansion, brings experience that will aid the organization’s growth initiatives throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, including a background in community outreach, engagement, and partnership development, and a network of community-based organizations and leaders throughout Ventura County.
“We are thrilled to be re-entering Ventura County after a six-year hiatus,” said Jamie Collins, executive director, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria.
“We have seen the positive impact our programs have had on several generations of Carpinteria women and girls, and we want to offer these same opportunities to youth in Ventura.
“We are eager to connect with community partners and mobilizers who share our passion for girls’ empowerment and can help us envision this new expansion.”
By expanding into Ventura County, Girls Inc. said it hopes to build more long-term pathways for girls to succeed academically, develop leadership skills, and thrive as confident members of their communities.