Our History
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria was founded in in 1971 as a summer camp for 33 girls. The club incorporated in 1974, began year-round programming in 1975, purchased a two-bedroom house in 1978, and affiliated with Girls Clubs of America in 1982. In 1990, Girls Club changed its name to Girls Incorporated and our affiliate followed suit.
In 1994, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria began a $2.4 million capital campaign resulting in the building of a 16,000 square foot facility, which tripled its programming capacity.
Girls Inc. was founded in 1864 to serve girls and young women who were experiencing upheaval in the aftermath of the Civil War.
Across the decades, we adapted to meet the specific environmental challenges facing girls and young women, always working in partnership with schools and communities, and guided by our founders’ fundamental belief in the inherent potential of each girl. Woven into those early girls’ clubs are the same core values of Girls Inc. today: the importance of creating a safe gathering place for girls to learn and to share in a sisterhood and a strong premise that each girl can develop her own capacities, self- confidence, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent.
For 160 years, Girls Inc. has been evolving with girls.
We not only support girls, we also equip them and give them the opportunity to envision, and then create, a more equitable future.
Girls Inc. is the leading expert on girls.
Working with and on behalf of girls for 160 years has given us unparalleled knowledge and expertise. The Girls Inc. Experience changes the trajectory of girls’ lives and prepares them for lifelong success.
Girls Inc. has served millions of girls across the United States and Canada.
Our participants are equipped with the skills to lead and create positive change in their communities.
Girls’ Bill of Rights
We will always support girls and ensure that their rights are recognized and respected.