Did you know that Girls Inc. served more than 9,000 central Alabama youth in 2013? We did all of that thanks to the generous support of our corporate, foundation and individual donors! Become a "champion for girls" by making your donation today. Click here to donate. We also invite you to watch this inspirational video. "With you in her corner, she will win!"

The Board of Directors and Junior Board hosted the 4th annual Cajun Cook-off for Girls Inc. on April 12 at Linn Park. More than 900 guests taste-tested 20 Cajun cuisines prepared by 16 competition teams and enjoyed live music from The Swamp Poppas, as well as fun activities for kids. We are pleased to announce that the event raised more than $85,000 in support of our mission! Click here to view pictures. For more information please visit www.bhamcajuncookoff.com.

Girls Inc. is looking for rising 8th grade girls with a sincere interest in science, math, and technology to participate in this year's Eureka! Teen Achievement Program. Daily activities include hands-on lessons led by experienced instructors on a college campus. Projects include the use of a variety of tools, concepts, and technology that enhance girls' knowledge and expose them to new ideas. Participants also enjoy field trips and physical activity through both traditional and non-traditional adventure sports activities such as rock climbing and hiking. All participants are required to submit an application along with academic references. Participant selection is based on enthusiasm and a zest for adventure. The 2014 summer camp runs June 16th - 27th and July 7th - July 18th weekdays from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The annual program fee is $325. For more information, please visit http://www.girlsinccentral-al.org/eureka.php or call 205-599-5548.

Do you have enough activities for your kids and teens this summer? Girls Inc.'s Outreach Department is now scheduling free educational programs with local summer camps, churches, and youth-serving agencies. We have staff available to travel to your location to facilitate fun, interactive programs with girls ages 6-18. Our areas of focus are:  character education, personal safety, bullying prevention, abstinence education, personal hygiene, self-esteem building, substance abuse prevention, nutrition and fitness, and much, much more. These programs are also available in Spanish.

The Teen Leadership Program Closing Ceremony was held Saturday, May 3rd at Social Venture. We were all encouraged and inspired by our keynote speaker, Kimberly Davis of Davis and King Consulting and a Girls Inc. alumna. Seven seniors are graduating with plans to enroll in a college/university with declared academic majors! Three seniors were also awarded scholarships from the Strong, Smart, and Bold Scholarship Fund. The recipients were Kayla Bailey, Desiree McHellon, and Jasmine Powell. 

We will host a FREE (with the exception of class materials and lunch) two week ACT and College Preparation Course for girls in grades 9th-12th at Samford University on June 2-June 13, 2014 @ 8am-5pm. If you are interested in more information about the ACT and College Preparation Session, please contact Quiwintre Frye at qfrye@girlsinccentral-al.org or 205-599-5548.