History

Celebrating Girls Since 1958

In March 1958, twenty girls gathered after school in a small house on 147th Street in San Leandro to learn what were considered essential skills for the time: cooking, sewing, and typing.

From this traditional beginning to today’s cutting-edge programs, Girls Incorporated of Alameda County, formerly San Leandro Girls Club, is
celebrating 50 years of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold.

Impacted by the women’s movement in the 1970s, our traditional programs evolved into a comprehensive model that adapts with girls’ changing needs. This innovative model offered career development, recreation, education, and clinical counseling.

Girls Inc. of Alameda County continued to lead the girls’ movement in the '80s by starting a program for victims of sexual abuse and opening a school for pregnant teens and teen parents. Our award-winning Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy program focused on sexual education and health advocacy.

During the '90s the national organization changed from “Girls Club” to “Girls Inc.” and our mission, which had been “Growing up is serious business,” became “Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold”—which is still our mission today. During this time, we affirmed Girls Inc. of Alameda County as a leader among our national Girls Inc. affiliates by piloting our successful Operation SMART (Science, Math and Relevant Technology) program for middle school girls and our college preparatory program for junior high and high school girls.

Today, Girls Inc. of Alameda County provides more than 20 programs to 7,000 girls ages 5-18. In 50 years, countless Alameda County girls have been empowered to claim their rights: to express themselves with originality and enthusiasm, to resist gender stereotypes, to appreciate their bodies, and to prepare for interesting work. They have gone to college, work, opposite corners of the country and had daughters of their own. Our alumnae are truly creating social change felt by our nation.

Te’Aira, 1993 Girls Inc. alumna, says her Girls Inc. experience has guided her through adulthood, motherhood, and across the country to Virginia, where she now lives.

“At 13 I was leading a very unhealthy life—I had never even learned what self-esteem was. At 32, I still think about how Girls Inc. inspired me to claim my rights for the first time, and how that has led me to this life of which I am so proud,” said Te’Aira.

Te’Aira finds satisfaction in helping other young women, including her own daughter, claim their rights too. When asked what Girls Inc. gives to girls, Te’Aira said:

“Girls Inc. gives girls the opportunity, support, and space to become themselves. Whatever fashion she may take, she learns to feel good about it. From that confidence stems a generation of strong women of which I am proud to be a part.” Te’Aira’s story is a reflection of our rich history of impacting the lives of girls, and a testament to our strong foundation that we build upon as we embark on our next 50 years.