At Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, we believe every girl deserves more than just a summer break. She deserves a summer that transforms her. That’s why our Eureka! program stands as a cornerstone of our mission, empowering girls to become strong, smart, and bold through five years of growth, connection, and opportunity.

Last Friday marked the end of another incredible summer camp experience, where our girls spent four weeks learning, exploring, and stepping into their leadership potential. Now, our focus turns to the next exciting milestone: the Advocates’ upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., where they’ll use their voices to speak up for the issues that matter to them.

What Makes Eureka! So Special

Eureka! isn’t just a summer camp. It’s a long-term investment in every girl’s future.

Over five years, participants progress through stages designed to build confidence, academic skills, and leadership potential. From immersive STEM learning and real-world job experience to college courses and learning to become effective advocates, every summer brings new opportunities for growth.

This summer included:

• Rookies and Vets (Rising 8th & 9th Graders): Four weeks of hands-on STEM learning at UCSB, where curiosity led the way. Girls engaged in creative projects and discovery-based learning that sparked both imagination and confidence.
• Externs (Rising 10th Graders): A first step into the professional world through externships at local businesses. Working alongside mentors, girls gained real-world job experience and learned professional skills that will serve them for years to come.
• Pilots (Rising 11th Graders): A bold step forward as girls enrolled in their very first college-level course, challenging themselves academically and getting a taste of college life.
• Advocates (Rising 12th Graders): Next up is their powerful trip to Washington, D.C., where they’ll practice their skills as advocates, using their voices to speak with leaders and decision-makers about the issues they care most about.

Preparing Every Girl for Success

Throughout the program, our team has focused on preparing each girl not just for summer success, but for lifelong growth. From resume-building and public speaking workshops to STEM exploration and college-readiness sessions, every moment is designed to help girls step into their potential with confidence and pride.

A Memorable Highlight: Breaking Boards and Facing Fears

One of the most empowering moments of this summer came during the girls’ self-defense workshops. Throughout camp, they learned practical skills to protect themselves, along with building confidence in their own strength and abilities. On the final day, the experience culminated in something unforgettable: each girl was invited to write a personal fear or limiting belief on a wooden board, and then break through it with her own hands. Watching the girls literally shatter their fears was a powerful reminder of what Eureka! is all about: helping them realize just how strong, capable, and unstoppable they truly are.

More Than a Program, A Community

What truly sets Eureka! apart is the community it builds.

This summer, girls formed lasting friendships, connected with mentors, and discovered their own strength in an environment where they’re encouraged to grow and express themselves fully. Whether in the classroom, the workplace, or on Capitol Hill, every Eureka! participant carries the tools and confidence to lead.

Looking Ahead

Now, as the summer wraps up, our Advocates are preparing for their biggest adventure yet: their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. There, they’ll have the opportunity to meet with leaders and share their perspectives on the issues that matter most to them, building confidence and gaining valuable experience as they step into their roles as changemakers.
Eureka! creates space for girls to dream big, take risks, and grow into strong, smart and bold young women ready to lead in whatever path they choose.

Written by our very own Eureka! and Teen Coordinator, Kaylee Maddux.

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