
To Learn More
Contact: Brandi N. Kilbourne (she/her)
Director of Elementary School Programs
bkilbourne@girlsincvalley.org
Cell: 413-887-9522
For our Elementary School-Aged Students
We offer ways for participants to elevate their learning, build self-esteem and get creative. There are plenty of opportunities to make friends, too—and we make learning fun! And all this happens right here in the Valley and at affiliates across the US and Canada: our nationally and locally developed programs are designed to equip youth to achieve in so many ways. Meaning, they can learn how to:
Succeed academically
Navigate social and mass-media influences
Discover an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math
What Does Our Programming Look Like at Area Schools?
We are partnering with more and more schools in the Valley: our involvement is growing fast! Mary Kay Brown, the director of partnerships at Springfield’s John J. Duggan Academy, says this about the programming we offer there: “From the minute they walk in the door, the girls love it, love it, love it!” We bring our research-based, rigorously tested curricula to schools in the Valley. Our trained professionals work hands-on with the participants to equip them to:
Lead healthy and active lives
Hone practical skills like managing money
Learn about complex emotions and more
Most program sessions run a semester or the full school year, 1-2 times per week, for one-hour, and we tailor our offerings to the needs of our program partners. Girls Inc. can provide programming, both during the school day and/or after school, as an extension of what is taught in the classroom.
Current school partners:
Lt. Clayre P. Sullivan Elementary (Holyoke)
Rebecca M. Johnson School (Springfield)
Stefanik Elementary (Chicopee)