Girls Group began because one woman chose not to sit idly by and watch young women’s futures be decided for them. She believed that with the right support, even the most disadvantaged young women could graduate high school, get to and through college, and become economically and emotionally self-sufficient. She believed that if she cared, others would care too. She was right.
Timeline
The Beginning!
2003
The founding of Girls Group began with a single handwritten question pulled from a box and the difficult and honest discussion it prompted between a group of new mentors and…
Creating a College & Career Mindset
2005
The first group of girls entered high school and to the mentors it became apparent that so many of these girls had so much more potential than they or their…
Girls Group Incorporates
2006
In a year of many firsts, Girls Group became an incorporated 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, brought on the first paid staff member, and hosted the first annual fundraiser. The fundraiser was…
The First High School Graduations
2009
The first cohort of girls graduated from high school and went on to pursue their college and career aspirations. The mentors made a point to celebrate in style for this…
In-School Programming
2012
Thanks to long-time community supporters, Girls Group began developing partnerships with Washtenaw County Schools to provide mentoring to even more young women. The first in-school programs launched at Pioneer High…
The Girls Group Office
2013
Girls Group began leasing space at the NEW Center for the growing staff to store programming materials and have access to conference rooms. In years since, the staff offices have…
Women of Purpose
2015
Girls Group had been supporting young women on their college and career journeys and beyond for many years. These services became formalized as the Women of Purpose program where participants…
Middle School Expansion
2017-2019
The expansion of middle school programs took place to include services for 7th grade participants. For many Girls Group participants, social and academic identities are solidified by the time they…
Girls Group Goes Virtual
2020
Girls Group responded to the global pandemic by pivoting to virtual services. The crisis and subsequent school changes guided a shift in programming focus to academic support, social-emotional wellness, and…
The New Normal
2021-2022
After implementing new health and safety policies and procedures, Girls Group transitioned back to in-person programming in June of 2021. In October, Girls Group returned to regular in-school programming to…
Celebrating 20 Years!
2023
Girls Group celebrates 20 years of growth, joy, and changing lives. Girls Group continues to center the needs and voices of participants and families while planning for the organization’s future.…