We’re so much more than just after-school!

All-day programming is available at Girls Inc. during school vacation weeks.

During April vacation, girls took part in several interactive, hands-on activities including making “Swedish fish” gummy candy, and creating an “ocean in a bottle” and sand volcanoes. Through science experiments they studied ocean and sea life. There were also arts and crafts projects, and swimming and rollerskating field trips.

“STEMpalooza” was the theme for February vacation and by week’s end, girls created their own science museum in Schenectady’s dance area using their favorite experiments as “exhibits” that were tested by our after-school members. In the “Fabulous Fashion for Everybody” session, girls designed clothing using recycled paper materials. Fire safety and self-defense discussions showed girls how to stay safe.

 

0e2ebecb-902b-4813-9d24-fa16b1718730Girls are busy with all sorts of activities during vacation weeks. This is just one of the projects girls completed in Schenectady during winter break this year.


Celebration of an important historic chapter

In 1985, a fire and explosion at what was then Schenectady Girls Club completely destroyed the facility. Dorothy Thompson, President of the local organization and strong Girls Inc. supporter today, chose Betty Apkarian to lead what became known as the “Project Rebuild” campaign. With the support of many individuals, groups, and businesses, a new and even larger facility was opened a year later and has been serving girls now for 30 years. Thank you for supporting our mission by making our 26th Annual Dinner and Auction fundraiser a success! You enable us to serve more of the local girls who can benefit most from our holistic, educational, FREE after-school programming.

thank you


Celebrated 30 Years! at the 26th Annual Dinner & Auction

As an organization that empowers local girls to become educated and independent women, we are so fortunate that so many believe in our work and support what we do in the Capital Region. One of our very strong supporters was honored this year for her part in a very important chapter in our agency’s history. Betty Apkarian was named Honorary Chair for our 26th Annual Dinner and Auction fundraising gala on Thursday, April 23 at Glen Sanders Mansion.

In 1984, an explosion and fire completely destroyed our Schenectady center, which stood at 962 Albany Street. Betty was there that evening and witnessed the tragedy. She also led the charge to rebuild the center, which opened just one year later. This year marks 30 years that we have been serving girls from the rebuilt center and today, Girls Inc. is stronger than ever! After-school participation continues to increase every year. That means more girls are learning how to say no to peer pressure, are discovering career interests and strengths, and are becoming better informed to make smart choices for their future.

As part of the evening’s festivities, we honored Betty and all those who stood with her as members of what became known as the Project Rebuild Committee. There were fantastic items and experience packages up for bid in our silent auction. And we all enjoyed our live auction with auctioneer LeGrande Serras!

The attendees showed the community that they continue to believe in the Girls Inc. mission and the promise it holds for girls in the Capital Region. Because of your support, you all enable the organization to continue offering the quality programs that parents say are the #1 reason more of them are bringing their daughters to Girls Inc.