Girls Garage

Girls Garage is a nonprofit design and building program and dedicated workspace for girls ages 9-18. Founded in 2013, it is the first-ever design and building workshop for female youth in the United States, providing free and low-cost programs in carpentry, welding, architecture, engineering, and activist art to a diverse community of 200 girls per year. The organization offers after-school and summer pathways, integrating technical skills, college/career guidance, and community leadership to equip girls with the tools to build the world they want to see.

Under the guidance of highly skilled all-female staff, girls are invited to bring their creative voice and put technical skills to work on real-world building projects that live in the community. Beyond power tools, Girls Garage provides a supportive and safe environment for girls to exercise voice and power. The organization also provides 1:1 career and academic advising as well as workshops to develop the confidence and communication skills needed to navigate the intersectional challenges facing young girls today.

To date, Girls Garage participants have built 130 projects ranging from furniture for a domestic abuse shelter to a greenhouse for a community garden and fruit stand for an organization serving refugee families. Notably, all teen participants attend the program at no cost to their families, with 66% being girls of color and 60% attending Girls Garage for 3 or more years. The most recent investment in the organization was a $60,000 grant on March 24, 2020, provided by Craig Newmark Philanthropies.

Overall, Girls Garage is making a significant impact in empowering and equipping girls with valuable skills and opportunities, contributing to their personal and professional development. With its unique approach and tangible outcomes, it has the potential to attract further investment and partnerships to expand its reach and influence in the construction and social impact sectors.