Girl Power! Classes
Inter-City Upbeat, Inc., is a nonprofit organization that provides substance abuse prevention programs for economically disadvantaged individuals and families in Palm Beach County, Florida. Developed by the Pentecostal Church of God in Christ, Inter-City Upbeat, Inc., is committed to strengthening the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of children and youth. In an effort to meet the needs of girls at risk in the community, the organization started a series of Girl Power! classes. The classes provide girls with alternative activities, new opportunities, life skills, and training that help them make positive decisions for their future.
Program Format
Inter-City Upbeat, Inc.'s Girl Power! classes are offered on a variety of topics, including building self-esteem and setting career goals. The classes meet twice a week after school and involve hands-on interactive projects, question-and-answer sessions, handouts, and assignments. Some of the classes include off-site experiences such as trips to a museum or a local service organization. All of the classes culminate in a final project or exhibition of the girls' work.
One of the most popular Girl Power! classes introduced girls to the field of photography. Girls learned the principles of photography and had the opportunity to visit a photographer's studio. Another popular Girl Power! class is "Let Your Talent Shine," a 4-week drama workshop developed in partnership with the Florida Stage Theater. Girls who participated in the program learned theater production and stage work. At the conclusion of the program, a theater professional helped the girls put on their own Girl Power! production. Awards of excellence are given to all girls who participate.
In addition to the Girl Power! classes, Inter-City Upbeat, Inc., involves girls in community service activities. To launch the Girl Power! program, Inter-City Upbeat, Inc., organized a community-wide, 5-kilometer walk-a-thon. Young people and adults from across the region were encouraged to join the walk or make a pledge. The event raised funds for the classes and spread the word about Girl Power!
Media Outreach
Inter-City Upbeat Inc.'s Girl Power! classes have been featured in the West Palm Beach Post and on local television and radio programs. The organization also conducts outreach to raise awareness among other local community groups. Inter-City Upbeat, Inc., hosted a "Girl Power! Oneness Luncheon" for 35 local service organizations and encouraged the attendees to work together to develop additional Girl Power! programs in the community.
Funding
Inter-City Upbeat, Inc., received a grant of $10,000 from the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties to support the Girl Power! classes and other programs for youth. The organization also receives monetary and in-kind contributions from individuals and local businesses. The girls participate in all of the organization's fundraising activities, which helps them learn public speaking and problem-solving skills.
Use of Girl Power! Products
Inter-City Upbeat, Inc., uses Girl Power! diaries and bookmarks to encourage creative writing and journal keeping. Girl Power! posters hang in the Inter-City Upbeat, Inc., office, and the girls wear pins and stickers to identify themselves as Girl Power! program participants. Baseball caps and T-shirts are used as gifts for girls upon completion of classes.
