Girls Inc. at YWCA Nashville↘

Inspiring girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

THE GIRLS INC. EXPERIENCE

The thoughtful combination of PEOPLE, ENVIRONMENT, and PROGRAMMING provides an immersive and highly supportive experience. Through the Girls Inc. Experience, we cultivate an environment that is pro-girl, where she is encouraged to be her authentic self and develop the skills to reach her full potential.

YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee proudly offers Girls Inc. programming at 33 Metro Nashville Public Schools. Since becoming a Girls Inc. affiliate in Middle Tennessee in 2008, we have reached more than 8,000 girls, providing life-changing experiences and mentorship.

Essential Elements of the Girls Inc. Experience

Girls Inc. at YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee puts our mission into practice through six essential elements that create a structured and enriching experience:

Pro-Girl Environment – A welcoming, supportive, and nurturing environment where girls can be themselves and develop the skills to succeed.
Mentoring Relationships – Trusting, mentoring relationships with trained staff and volunteers who stand beside girls and encourage their growth.
Intentional Programming – Structured and goal-oriented programs that provide exposure to a variety of opportunities and experiences.
Research-Based Curricula – Field-tested and evidence-backed programming that builds the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary for success.
Interactive Activities – Engaging, hands-on activities that develop problem-solving, teamwork, and self-expression.
Sustained Support – Long-term engagement that ensures lasting positive outcomes and fosters ongoing personal growth.

A Welcoming and Encouraging Approach

We provide services and resources to all girls, ensuring that every participant has access to support, mentorship, and opportunities that help them succeed. Girls Inc. believes in:

Welcoming all girls
Standing beside and standing up for all girls
Providing access to opportunities that help girls reach their full potential

ABOUT GIRLS INC.

Using hands-on, research-based programming, Girls Inc. empowers girls to succeed. Trained staff and volunteers build lasting, mentoring relationships that are physically and emotionally supportive—where girls find a welcoming and encouraging community.

The skills and knowledge students gain in Girls Inc. equip them to set goals, navigate challenges, and improve academic performance. Girls explore a variety of topics that directly impact their lives and futures, including:

Leading healthy and physically active lives
Developing financial literacy and money management skills
Understanding media messages and self-image
Exploring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields
Preparing for college, careers, and future success

By equipping girls with the tools to succeed and fostering confidence and leadership, Girls Inc. at YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee is shaping a future where all girls can thrive and reach their full potential.

Our Commitment to Excellence

We value candor, open minds, and kind hearts. Our team—staff, volunteers, and mentors—reflects the girls and young women who participate in our programs, ensuring a positive and engaging environment for all.

At Girls Inc., we help girls develop essential life skills by:

Practicing clear communication, teamwork, and adaptability
Building self-awareness, self-management, and responsible decision-making
Fostering confidence, leadership, and resilience
Encouraging problem-solving and goal setting

Our Schools & Sites:

Antioch Community Center
Aventura Community School
BE Academy
Cane Ridge High
Chadwell Elementary
Cockrill Elementary
DuPont Elementary
Fall Hamilton Elementary
Gower Elementary
HG Hill Middle
Hillsboro High
John Overton High
Jones Paideia Elementary
LEAD Academy High
LEAD Cameron Middle
Margaret Allen Middle
McMurray Middle
MLK High
Napier Elementary
Paradise Ridge Community Center
Paragon Mills Elementary
Preston Taylor Ministries
Republic High
Robert Churchwell Elementary
Shelby Park Community Center
Shwab Elementary
Thurgood Marshall Middle
Two Rivers Middle
Una Elementary
Valor Collegiate
Whitsitt Elementary
Wright Middle
Youth Encouragement Services

‍Girls Inc. Alum Collective

The Girls Inc. Alum Collective connects young women ages 18 to 24 through community, mentorship, and personal and professional growth opportunities. Open to both Girls Inc. Nashville alum and young women looking to build meaningful connections, the Alum Collective provides a supportive space rooted in sisterhood and empowerment. Through virtual and in-person quarterly meetings, participants engage in experiences focused on career readiness, financial empowerment, leadership development, and mentorship. No matter where life takes them, young women in the Alum Collective have a place to stay connected, grow their network, and continue becoming strong, smart, and bold leaders.

‍Young women interested in joining the Girls Inc. Alum Collective can complete this short form: Girls Inc. Alum Collective Interest Form

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Questions? Contact Shay Turner at shay.turner@ywcanashville.com

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Teen Advocacy Council

The Girls Inc. Teen Advocacy Council at John Overton High School empowers girls in our Girls Inc. program to step into leadership, raise their voices, and advocate for issues that matter most to girls and women in their community. Through the council, participants build confidence, strengthen their leadership skills, and learn how to create meaningful change. Members also play an active role in planning the annual YWCA Youth Advocacy Summit while engaging in advocacy efforts centered around causes they are passionate about.