Pinellas Park, FL (December 6, 2021) Girls Inc of Pinellas has received an $85,000 transformational grant from the Schoen Foundation to support our 2022 programming, including our Launching into Tech spring break camp focused on aviation and aerospace and a summer program exploring artificial intelligence and robotics for girls 5 – 18 years of age.

At Girls Inc., we work to ensure girls have the skills, knowledge, and support to help them make decisions to lead fulfilling, safe, and healthy lives. We believe in the power of creating a world that breaks down the barriers that tell girls who or what they can become. We push back against stigmas and stereotypes and inspire girls to be strong, smart & bold. Girls Inc. knows the power of strong and healthy relationships for young girls. We also know our organization continues to thrive because of our connections with supporters like the Schoen Foundation. This transformational gift will not only support our traditional programs that inspire girls to lead in male-dominated fields, it will also ensure that we can continue our Ready, Set, Kindergarten! program that welcomes 5 year old girls entering kindergarten to spend an entire summer expanding their literacy, numeracy, and social and emotional skills in preparation for a successful launch into their first year of formal academics. Studies have shown that this first year is crucial to a child’s academic career.

“We are humbled to receive this gift from the Schoen Foundation,” shared Darla Otey, Executive Director of Girls Inc of Pinellas, “Contributions like this area truly transformational and will change the trajectory of the lives of countless girls.”