Girls Initiatives
Girls Initiatives at the YW-NYC reflect our core belief that empowered girls become empowered women. Designed to inform, engage, and inspire young people to become self-advocates, our goal is to ensure that every girl gains the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue the education, career, and life options of their choice.
Girls Initiatives programs are open to all high-school-aged, self-identified, and gender non-conforming youth in New York City. There is NO academic requirement to enroll and no enrollment costs.
Girls Initiatives: 2024 Summer Semester Programs
The heart of our mission at YW-NYC lies in the profound belief that empowered girls evolve into empowered women.
Our organization provides a transformative platform for leadership, activism, and personal growth, cultivating change agents ready to challenge and dismantle racism and inequity in society. Our programs are designed to furnish young girls and gender non-conforming youths with the essential tools needed to spark the positive changes New York City yearns for.
All these empowering initiatives occur at our YW-NYC Resource Center (RC), 500 W 56 Street, NY, NY 10019.
Our Summer Programs:
SHEroes: A Pioneering Job Shadowing Experience for Aspiring Young Women
July 8 – Aug 26
Mon 4:30-6pm @ RC
Dive into the world of professional growth with SHEroes, a pioneering job shadowing and direct mentorship program designed specifically for young women and girls. Our mission is to fuel ambitious career goals by connecting you with industry leaders and experts from various fields, with a special focus on STEM, leadership, and trades that seek greater female participation.
Ambassadors: Girls-Led Initiatives
July 11 – Aug 29
Thu 4:30-6pm @ RC
In this program, students will design, evaluate, and lead initiatives in their community as official representatives of the YW-NYC. Ambassadors work together to make a positive impact in the community while developing STEAAM and leadership skills. Ambassadors will learn to use their voice to raise awareness about social issues and become agents of positive change using research, data analysis, collaboration, and empathy.
College and Career Readiness
July 10 – Aug 28
Wed 4:30-6pm @ RC
This program will provide resources, guidance, inspiration, and support to successfully navigate the college exploration and application process, while also promoting self-care and personal well-being. Students will learn about college selection criteria, college application essay writing, financial aid, scholarship opportunities, and mental health awareness. Participants will engage directly with college admissions officers from CUNY, SUNY, and local private institutions to help develop their network and better understand the college and university landscape.
FinLit: Youth Economic Empowerment Program
July 9 – Aug 27
Tue 4:30-6pm @ RC
This program will equip young women with the financial acumen and confidence required for economic self-sufficiency. This program offers financial literacy workshops, entrepreneurial skill development, mentorship and networking opportunities, and practical financial projects.
Girls In The City
Dates, times, and locations vary.
This initiative is designed to create a sisterhood that explores, learns, and grows together, embarking on an unforgettable journey through the rich tapestry of NYC’s artistic and cultural landscapes. Through monthly curated experiences and trips, participants will dive deep into what makes NYC a global beacon for arts and culture.
Internships
Sullivan & Cromwell Legal Internship
July 8 – 11
M-Th 8am-3pm ONLINE ONLY
This 4-day program exposes students to work at a corporate law firm, judicial clerkships, mergers and acquisitions, how to be successful in college and law school, a resume workshop, electronic discovery and litigation support and pro bono opportunities at the Firm. Additionally, students work in teams on mock pitches, which they deliver to “potential clients” at the end of the program.
New York School of Interior Design (NYSID)
July 15 – Aug 1
M-Th 10am-4pm @ 170 E 70th & RC
On a topic close On a topic close to everyone’s heart – home and through hands-on projects focused on apartment/home design, students will gain insights into furniture dynamics, spatial flow, and the psychology of interior spaces while learning design fundamentals such as drafting, color theory, and materials. Seize the chance to earn one college credit applicable towards an undergraduate degree at NYSID or for inclusion in your future college applications. Classes will be at the New York School of Interior Design.