Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is thrilled to unveil our plan to bring our proven model for intentional, girl-
centered programming back to Ventura County. We are pleased to welcome a new Director of
Partnerships and Expansion to our administrative team to aid with the growth initiative and
building partnerships throughout the region.

The expansion back into Ventura County marks a momentous leap towards Girls Inc. of
Carpinteria’s three-year goal to significantly expand our reach and double our impact along the
central coast. Our holistic, research-informed programming will bring mentorship, leadership
development, college and career readiness, and STEM-based curriculum to Ventura County,
with programs serving girls and young women ages 4-24.

Responding to the Community

Community leaders, families, educators, and schools in neighboring communities have long
expressed a strong need for accessible programs that support the social, emotional, academic,
and leadership development of girls and young women.

In 2017, Girls Inc. responded to that need by initiating the Bold Futures Mentoring Project in the
Ventura County community of Santa Paula. The program served participants aged 9-14, helping
girls stay engaged in school, build healthy relationships, and reduce risky behaviors through
mentorship and evidence-backed programming. The program ran for three years before its
progress was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, Girls Inc. is looking to reestablish a
presence in the area and bring mentorship and resources to girls in Ventura County
communities once again.

Programs Built to Empower Girls

In addition to direct programming, Girls Inc. creates spaces where girls are encouraged to use
their voices, take healthy risks, and see themselves as leaders in their schools and
communities.

Participants benefit from consistent relationships with caring adult mentors and peers who
reinforce the message that they are capable and valued, build confidence through STEM,
literacy, and athletic enrichment opportunities, and envision bright futures for themselves
through programs that prepare them for college and careers.

We are fortunate to have highly passionate staff who care deeply about the unique needs of
each girl and are dedicated to delivering high-quality programming that offers girls opportunities
to be themselves, make meaningful connections, and thrive academically. When girls form
bonds with their facilitators and receive tailored mentorship and support, they are more likely to
gain confidence, take healthy risks, and feel safe and supported.

Overcoming Barriers and Filling the Gaps

Many families in the region also face barriers to enrichment opportunities, including financial
hardship, limited access to after-school programs, and a lack of gender-responsive services
designed specifically to meet the needs of girls. An independent study conducted by Hana
Consulting found that of Ventura’s 14 elementary schools, half of the schools’ students scored
below average for English and Mathematics. Girls Inc. programming will aim to address these
gaps by creating environments where participants are empowered to reach their full potential
and receive tailored academic support while lowering barriers to affordability through need-
based scholarships.

Through years of direct service, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has demonstrated the transformative
impact that supportive spaces, positive mentorship, and research-informed programming can
have on girls’ confidence, academic achievement, emotional well-being, and future aspirations.
As the needs of girls and young women continue to grow, particularly among underserved
communities, expanding access to these opportunities has become increasingly important.

Forging The Path Ahead

Girls Inc. recently welcomed Erika Cabral as our new Director of Partnerships and Expansion.
Erika brings extensive experience that will aid the organization’s growth initiatives throughout
Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, including a background in community outreach,
engagement, and partnership development, and a strong network of community-based
organizations and leaders throughout Ventura County.

As Girls Inc. expands, Erika will play a vital role in building partnerships that help bring Girls Inc.
programming to schools, community organizations, and youth-serving agencies across the
region.

“We are thrilled to be re-entering Ventura County after a six-year hiatus. We have seen the
positive impact our programs have had on several generations of Carpinteria women and girls,
and we want to offer these same opportunities to youth in Ventura. We are eager to connect
with community partners and mobilizers who share our passion for girls’ empowerment and can
help us envision this new expansion.” -Jamie Collins, Executive Director, Girls Inc. Of
Carpinteria

By expanding into Ventura County, Girls Inc. hopes to build more long-term pathways for girls to
succeed academically, develop leadership skills, and thrive as confident members of their
communities. This expansion represents not only organizational growth but also a meaningful
investment in the future of local girls and young women.